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When last we saw Carmelo Anthony, he was heading to the locker room with knee pain, and we all died inside just a little bit. That's why it was so heartening to see this photo from Monday's practice:
Inside the practice gym at MSG Training Center. #Knicks pic.twitter.com/han23WguuN
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) January 25, 2016
Not only did Melo engage in some practice activities, he intends to play Tuesday against the Thunder:
Carmelo Anthony (knee soreness) says he's currently planning to play tomorrow against OKC.
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) January 25, 2016
Carmelo Anthony reiterates that his knee soreness is not related to any structural injury. He believes it's just a result of fatigue.
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) January 25, 2016
I'd like to believe that Melo understands his own body, but I also feel the terror of a Knicks fan who has seen countless knee injuries. I guess we'll see.
Other Notes:
- Now this is a thing of beauty:
Here's a look at Cleanthony Early shooting free throws after Knicks practice. pic.twitter.com/gUuhbJbUMi
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) January 25, 2016
It's great to see Cleanthony Early walking, let alone doing basketball stuff, so soon after the shooting.
- More adorableness from the Knicks Kid Reporters (not from this practice, judging by Amundson's still-present man bun, but whatever):
.@carmeloanthony & the crew play Face Mashup w/ the Knicks Kid Reporters pres. by @HiChew! https://t.co/FlIQhOY2ig
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) January 25, 2016
My favorite line comes from Sasha Vujacic: "Kristaps ... *pauses 60 seconds* ... Porzingis."
- Speaking of Kristaps Porzingis, Thunder superstar Kevin Durant sounded downright wistful talking about Three 6 Latvia:
"I think we've gotten away from enjoying the skilled players in this league,'' Durant said, referring to the 7-foot-3 Porzingis. "We've got so many guys that are athletic and big and strong, but he's a skilled player. He can shoot, make the right plays, he can defend, he's a 7-footer that can shoot all the way out to the 3-point line. That's rare. And blocks shots. That's like a unicorn in this league. You've got to respect what he's doing. This being New York City, everything is under a microscope, but he's progressing at a high rate pretty fast and he's gonna be a force.''
What does this mean for Durant's impending free agency????????? Absolutely nothing. Dude ain't coming to New York. Instead, let us take a moment and savor the fact that one of the best players in the game speaks so highly of our boy.
Hopefully Durant isn't quite so happy and willing to gush over Kristaps Tuesday night; here's hoping he's mad as hell because healthy Melo and the Latvian Unicorn have powered the Knicks to victory.