In a night filled with NBA nostalgia, Madison Square Garden witnessed a moment of camaraderie and rivalry. While the New York Knicks delivered a decisive 116-94 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks, the game’s true highlight was the reunion of former teammates Carmelo Anthony and Damian Lillard. Years back, Carmelo Anthony’s blunt words had shocked fans as he urged Lillard to “get the f*ck out of Portland.” This unfiltered advice, given out of genuine concern for Lillard’s career, echoed through time and ultimately led Dame to the Bucks. Melo, watching Dame finally take that leap, couldn’t hide his pride—or his nostalgia.
Carmelo Anthony’s Blunt Words Haunt Damian Lillard as Bucks Struggle
Friday’s showdown saw the Knicks break their losing streak in style, never trailing once during the game. With six Knicks players scoring in double digits, they climbed to an even 4-4 for the season. Meanwhile, the Bucks struggled, stumbling to their seventh loss in eight games, now standing at a troubling 2-7. But even with the spotlight on the Knicks’ victory, it was the heartfelt embrace between Melo and Dame that truly captivated the crowd. These two players, who had navigated the highs and lows of their careers, shared a moment that spoke volumes.
Melo’s Brutal Yet Honest Advice
The journey leading up to this reunion was far from smooth. Last year, on his 7PM in Brooklyn podcast, Melo shared his unfiltered advice to Lillard. “I told Dame, ‘Man, get the f*ck out of here [Portland],’” he revealed, mirroring his own experience when he left Denver after seven seasons. Like Melo once was in Denver, Lillard was the heart and soul of Portland, setting franchise records and cementing his loyalty. But, as Melo warned, “Our loyalty gonna kill us.” For Lillard, that loyalty led to playoff disappointments and missed opportunities, and after 11 long years, he finally chose a fresh start.
The Bucks’ Struggles and Dame’s Portland Ties
Despite joining a powerhouse roster with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Lillard, the Bucks have faced unexpected setbacks. Giannis contributed 24 points and 12 rebounds, while Lillard added 19 points, yet they struggled without key player Khris Middleton. The Bucks’ current 1-5 road record has left fans questioning if Melo’s advice really served Lillard’s career as anticipated. But Dame’s heart remains tied to Portland; he addressed fans in a heartfelt message, showing his love for the Trail Blazers community. His journey, though marred with challenges, continues to inspire fans both in Milwaukee and Portland.
Knicks’ Standout Performance Stuns
The Knicks’ performance was a showcase of grit and teamwork. Karl-Anthony Towns led with 32 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists, while Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart followed with remarkable efforts. This dominant win—by over 20 points for the third time this season—has fans wondering if the Knicks might just have the spark to surprise in the Eastern Conference this year.
As for Melo, his chapter with Portland and bond with Dame endures, proving that sometimes, the connections made on the court transcend the game itself. For now, though, Bucks fans are left questioning if leaving Portland was the right move for Dame or if Melo’s advice may have led him into a stormy season.
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