Melo Dropped 18 in Second Game With Blazers

Carmelo Anthony scored 18 points on Thursday night in a 137-129 loss to Milwaukee, giving him back-to-back games with double figures to start his Blazers’ tenure. The loss gave Portland a 2-9 record in their last 11 games and a 5-11 record overall.

Melo started again for the Blazers, doing so alongside Rodney Hood, CJ McCollum, Anthony Tolliver, and Gary Trent Jr. Superstar Damian Lillard sat out his second consecutive game and is yet to play with Melo. Their big offseason acquisition, center Hassan Whiteside, also sat out on Thursday for Portland.

Lillard is expected to return this weekend, per reports.

Compared to his first game, the 29-minute performance for Melo on Thursday was a step in the right direction. His plus-minus (minus-1) was much better than his debut (minus-20) and he chipped in seven boards and four assists. Melo shot just 6-for-15 from the floor but his 3-for-5 three-point shooting is definitely a good sign.

Game 1: 24 minutes, 10 points, 4 rebounds, 0 assists
Game 2: 29 minutes, 18 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists

Melo also got to the line for the first time since making his return, making three of his four attempts.

Portland will play a very winnable game at Cleveland on Saturday.