Lillard, Anthony spark Trail Blazers win over Sixers
Portland Trail Blazers power forward Carmelo Anthony (00) celebrates with forward Harry Giles III (4) after a score against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second half at Moda Center on February 11, 2021. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Damian Lillard drained a pair of crucial late free throws and Robert Covington made a clutch defensive play with three seconds left as the Portland Trail Blazers beat the Eastern Conference leading Philadelphia 76ers 118-114 on Thursday.
With three seconds to go Portland was ahead by two points, 116-114 when Covington stole the Sixers inbound pass. A foul by Philadelphia sent Portland to the free throw line.
Lillard sank both baskets to put the game out of reach as the Blazers defeated Philadelphia for the second time this month.
Lillard finished with 30 points and seven assists and veteran Carmelo Anthony had another throwback game for Portland, coming off the bench to score 17 of his season-high 24 points in the fourth quarter.
🔥 17 in the 4th for Melo powers POR. 🔥@carmeloanthony x @trailblazers pic.twitter.com/8HwnX5NVTW
— NBA (@NBA) February 12, 2021
“I didn’t play much in the third quarter. I was cheering my teammates on. I just waited until my number was called,” said Anthony.
The 36-year-old shot nine-of-15 from the floor and made four of five threes. His two late free throws broke a 114-114 tie and set the stage for Covington and Lillard to finish it off.
Philadelphia 76ers power forward Tobias Harris (12) looks at the reply board after being called for a foul during the second half against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on February 11, 2021. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
“I started feeling good and the basket got big,” Anthony said. “I try to play the right way and take advantage of my opportunities.”
Joel Embiid had 35 points and nine rebounds as the 76ers lost for just the second time in their past eight games, with both those defeats coming at the hands of the Trail Blazers.
