The Trail Blazers have suffered two losses in their latest three-game stretch that followed the All-Star break. That rough restart to the season triggered a slight regression in the latest round of power rankings.
ESPN’s rankings moved the Blazers back one spot to No. 9. Contributor Royce Young focused on Carmelo Anthony’s superb play off the bench.
Carmelo Anthony’s re-resurgence has been delightful, with him averaging 21.2 points on stellar percentages this month. He’s hitting big shots and adding the kind of offensive punch the Blazers need off the bench. He should get some votes for Sixth Man of the Year.