New 12 months, usual Portland Path Blazers.
The Golden State Warriors spoiled the Blazers’ dwelling opener with a tricky loss, beating them 139-104 in a recreation during which they led by as many as 37 factors.
That’s why Chauncey Billups wasn’t more than happy with what he noticed from his staff.
Following the loss, the previous NBA champion claimed that he didn’t suppose any of his gamers truly performed nicely within the season opener (Through Sean Highkin).
Chauncey Billups: “I didn’t think one guy on our team played well tonight.”
— Sean Highkin (@highkin) October 24, 2024
The Blazers had been with out key contributors, comparable to Matisse Thybulle, Robert Williams III, and Shaedon Sharpe, who’re nonetheless nursing accidents.
Even so, that wasn’t a lot of an excuse for the dearth of effort on the defensive finish.
Scoot Henderson got here off the bench and put up a team-high 22 factors, however the former No. 3 choose continued to battle with effectivity, capturing simply 7 of 18 from the ground.
On the brilliant aspect, the Blazers had six guys — all their starters, plus Henderson — rating in double digits, however they didn’t get a lot offensive manufacturing from anyone else within the second unit.
They shot 39% from the ground and 23% from past the arc, they usually had been out-rebounded by 15.
Additionally, they solely scored 5 fast-break factors in the whole recreation, all whereas handing out simply 21 assists.
It wasn’t a superb exhibiting for the Blazers total.
They’re not anticipated to be a playoff staff, however Billups could be on the new seat anyway, as they haven’t proven many indicators of progress or growth beneath his tutelage, and that was speculated to be a degree of emphasis there.
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Chauncey Billups Names Path Blazers’ Finest Participant
