Carmelo Anthony moved into 11th place on the NBA’s all-time scoring list, passing Hall of Famer Hakeem Olajuwon by hitting a pull-up jumper with 9 minutes, 46 seconds left in the fourth quarter of the Portland Trail Blazers’ 125-121 win at the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday night.
Olajuwon, a two-time NBA champion and 12-time All-Star with the Houston Rockets, ended his career with 26,946 points.
“We all know what Hakeem did for the game,” Anthony said during an on-court interview. “The mark he left on this game is well beyond precedent.”
Anthony finished with 26 points for Portland as he took over the game down the stretch. He hit a key baseline jumper and a pair of 3-pointers, and Anfernee Simons also hit two 3s to give Portland a 109-103 lead.
With the game winding down, Anthony then hit a step-back jumper to put the Blazers up 118-115, and with the Wolves still trailing by three, the 17-year veteran found Derrick Jones Jr. alone under the hoop for a dunk that sunk Minnesota’s comeback hopes.
“I’m just happy to be here,” Anthony said. “I’m still here is all that matters. I’m able to continue to play. I’m still here and I’m still climbing.”
Anthony’s performance Saturday put him at 26,955 points for his career. Next up on the NBA’s scoring list is Elvin Hayes in 10th with 27,313 points.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.