New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony departed the team's 103-98 victory over the Orlando Magic Monday night with a sprained left ankle in the third quarter and didn't return, and the Knicks superstar is hoping for the best going forward.
Raymond Felton (groin) also departed the contest in the fourth quarter of what was his first game back since Dec. 11 as he's been dealing with a hamstring injury he sustained in training camp.
Anthony seemed hopeful for a quick return to action after the game.
"Hey, I'm walking," Anthony said via ESPN while adding that he was able to keep his ankle "from rolling all the way, but I still rolled it pretty bad."
ESPN reports that Anthony also said it was no comparison to when he sprained his ankle last season but he was walking gingerly following the game.
The Knicks host the Oklahoma City Thunder on Christmas Day and both players appeared hopeful to play but nothing is guaranteed.
"We can't catch a break, man," Felton told ESPN following the game. "Just can't catch a break."
Anthony, who played just under 25 minutes, scored a team-high 19 points while adding three rebounds and two assists. He departed with a 72-52 Knicks lead, but Orlando was able to chop the deficit down to just one point before the Knicks hung on for the win.
"After Melo went down, I don't know if we hung our heads or what, but they made a hell of a run," Knicks coach Mike Woodson said per ESPN.. "We just kept fighting and grinding and withstood the run and really made some defensive stops down the stretch to help us secure the game."
Felton left with three minutes remaining in the fourth after he said he heard his groin "pop."
"It's very disappointing," Felton told ESPN. "I'll get it evaluated by the docs in the morning. I'm hoping for the best."
ESPN reports that Anthony had received ice compressions after the game.
"We're being cautious," Woodson told ESPN. "We'll evaluate it tomorrow and see where he is. Melo is a tough kid. He doesn't sit down very often. We've just got to wait and see how it feels tomorrow, see where he is, and we'll go from there."
Anthony said he is determined to make it back into the lineup for Wednesday's Christmas Day clash with the Thunder.
"I don't want to miss that game," he said. "It's Christmas Day at the Garden. I'll be there. Hopefully, I'll be there."
© Copyright 2024 Sports World News, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
