Carmelo Anthony admitted that he envisioned the New York Knicks retiring his No. 7 jersey following the Portland Trail Blazers' 117-93 loss at Madison Square Garden.

Anthony, who said last month that the Nuggets should retire his No. 15 jersey, scored a season-high 26 points.

"I did glance up at the rafters today during the national anthem. You know, they say in life you've got to envision, so I was envisioning seeing Anthony hanging up there," said Anthony after the loss.

Anthony added that he appreciated the cheers from the New York crowd throughout the game.

"The love was definitely felt tonight. From the fans that were here, just the city as a whole, just being back. ... for me to kind of get that ovation, I think I've always had the love from the city like that. But to be back in this building where I spent so many years, that love felt extremely good tonight."