Carmelo Anthony had a proud moment in the Portland Trail Blazers’ 106-97 win over the Orlando Magic. He passed NBA great Oscar Robertson on the all-time scoring list. So, his banana boat crew member LeBron James was on hand to send his congratulations.

Both the players came into the league via the 2003 NBA draft and have been going strong for the last 18 seasons. And LeBron urged Carmelo to ‘keep going’ in his Instagram story, assisted by a flurry of emojis –

Coming into the game against Magic, Carmelo needed just 12 points to go past the Big O in this esteemed list. However, he took off and scored a season-high 23 points to propel the Blazers to a much-needed victory.

Though it does not just stop here. He could enter the top-10 of the scoring list by the end of the season. He needs around 600 points to dethrone the 10th-placed Elvin Hayes (27,3130.). With over 50 games of the regular season still to play, he is on course.

A humble Carmelo Anthony reflects on his career

After the game, the future Hall-of-Famer reflected on his fabulous achievement and what still keeps him going.

“I try to take it one day at a time, honestly. I approach each day the same way, trying to get better. And the game is hard; guys are younger, faster, more athletic, jump high. At this age, you got to use your maturity… I approach the game the same every. I make shots and I miss shots. And I have missed a lot, and I have made a lot in my career,” said Anthony.

In his own words, he is ‘still a student of the game’. It is inspiring that he still has the drive to compete when he could easily be sipping on a cocktail at the Cancun beach. He’s accepted the role of a bench player and is proving an invaluable asset to his team.

While his glory days of leading a team in Denver or New York may be over, he is showing that there’s more to him.

Read More – Who are the best teammates of LeBron James’ Career?