Faced with his sister's death, Denver Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony left the basketball team to spend time with his family until after Christmas.
Anthony's sister, Michelle, died in Baltimore Wednesday night of a pre-existing medical condition, leaving behind four children, according to CBS News.
The Denver Nuggets granted Anthony a leave of absence for Wednesday night's game against the San Antonio Spurs, according to a Nuggets release. He will likely also miss the Nuggets's Christmas Day game against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
“Our entire organization supports Carmelo during this difficult time for him and his family,” said Masai Ujiri, Nuggets executive vice president of basketball operations, in the press release. "It is heartbreaking news, particularly during the holiday season."
Anthony, 26, rejected Denver's efforts to sign him to a contract extension. He is set to become a free agent at the end of the season.
