In light of the tragic passing of sports icon, Muhammad Ali, who died late Friday night in a Phoenix-area hospital due to respiratory complications, we look back at one of the NBA's greatest scoring displays which was ultimately sparked by a video clip of “The Greatest” himself.
On January 24th, 2014, Carmelo Anthony broke the New York Knicks' single-game scoring record at Madison Square Garden by tallying a total of 62 points in just one contest. The previous record that had been held by a Knick was by New York legend and hall-0f-famer, Bernard King, who scored 60 points vs. the New Jersey Nets on Dec. 25, 1984. Kobe Bryant held the overall record for most points at MSG in a single game with 61 in 2009 before Melo's 62.
In his post-game walk-off interview, Anthony told MSG Networks' Tina Cervasio that one of the reasons he was in “the zone” was thanks to a video that the coaching staff had shared in the locker room before that night's game which contained inspiring clips of Muhammad Ali:
They played a video in the locker room for us. It was a Muhammad Ali speech and…from that point on everybody just picked their whole intensity level up.”
It is no doubt that Ali not only inspired with his work ethic and in-ring performances, but with his powerful statements as well.
For Anthony, it is apparent that Ali had been a significant inspiration in his life.
From the 62 he scored to break the MSG single-game scoring record, to purchasing a $27,000 black and grey portrait of the legendary boxer two years ago and even getting a tattoo of Ali on his body as a permanent mark of motivation, Melo will be wearing a heavy heart with the devastating news.
Nonetheless, Muhammad Ali was able to impact the lives of several generations through his hard working actions and his intellectual thoughts, and for that, he will forever be honored with passion and respect.
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