Oklahoma City Thunder forward Carmelo Anthony missed Sunday’s 112-99 victory over the Mavericks with a sore back.

He was joined by fellow starter Steven Adams, as the center sat for the second straight game with a right calf contusion.

Thunder coach Billy Donovan said after the game that he was notified of Anthony’s scratch about an hour before tipoff, and is not sure when he will return. Brett Dawson of The Oklahoman has more from Donovan on Anthony’s injury:

“The one thing I really admire about Melo is, he loves to play,” Donovan said after the game. “Even for a guy that’s been in the league in his 15th year, he loves to play. He went through the walk-through. He tried to do everything he could to get himself to play.”

Ultimately, Anthony and the medical staff made a decision that playing wasn’t in his best interest. He “couldn’t do the things that were probably necessary for him to do,” Donovan said.

Jerami Grant started in Anthony’s place and finished with 10 points and eight rebounds in a season-high 34 minutes. Grant stepped in on short notice.

“I trust Jerami,” Donovan said. “I’ve been around Jerami a long time. I know him well. I thought he would respond and come out and play well.”