Thunder journal: Rested Melo in a 3-point groove

Oklahoma City's Carmelo Anthony, left, has been hot from 3-point territory since sitting out a game for rest. [PHOTO BY NATE BILLINGS, THE OKLAHOMAN]Two weeks ago, Carmelo Anthony received a day of rest on the second night of a back-to-back. It appears to be the break he needed.

Anthony wanted to play in the Thunder's road loss to Portland, but the Thunder's medical staff, Billy Donovan and Anthony teamed up to make a decision regarding his long-term freshness. Leading into Portland, Anthony had been struggling from the field — shooting a respectable 35.5 percent on 3-pointers, but just 35.8 overall since the All-Star break.

Since the rest day against Portland, Anthony is leading the Thunder…