The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Toronto Raptors 105-102, in a poor game that delivered some first-class excitement in the fourth quarter. The extra day of rest didn’t do the Blazers any good at all as they floundered badly out of the gate. Toronto looked more energetic, sharper and smarter as the got the Blazers flustered on defense and dazed and confused on the offensive end.
Full credit to the Blazers for not folding. They changed up their defensive sets to stop the bleeding, and just kept plugging away on the offensive end until some shots started to drop. When they somehow tied the game at the half, an event that seemed highly unlikely just minutes earlier, it seemed like the game was the Blazers to take. Bad habits, sloppy play and good energy from the Raptors saw the Blazers fall behind once again in the third quarter. But a high energy fourth quarter from the Blazers won the day as the Blazers hit some big shots and got defensive holds to take and the lead late in the fourth which they held to break their five game losing streak.
Here are some of the key details that defined the action.
Player of the Game
On an ordinary day the player of the game would go to Deni Advija, Toumani Camara, or Anfernee Simons, all of whom had baskets that were vital in coming away victorious. However, this was Matisse Thybulle’s first game back, and while he didn’t light up the scoreboard his defense was instrumental in securing the win. The Blazers were down 15 when Thybulle came in the game for the first time with 2:51 left in the third, but by the time the quarter was over the lead had been whittled to 5. Thybulle’s two steals and relentless energy was perhaps the most important reason they kept the game in reach. Fast forward to the last play of the game when Thybulle put in for his defensive ability to defend Toronto’s last shot. The Raptors needed a three to tie. Inexplicably Toronto’s Robinson was left wide open beyond the arc. Miraculously Thybulle covered the immense space between him and shooter for the clean block. Game over, and welcome back Matisse!
Lazy Start
A team at home with an extra day of rest shouldn’t get clowned out of the gate, but that’s exactly what happened. Toronto’s switch-even-if-there-is-no-pick defense had the Blazers bamboozled, while the Raptors took advantage of the Blazers flat feet and didn’t miss a shot for the first three minutes. On top of that, the Blazers started out 0 for 5 from deep, not cashing their first three pointer until eight minutes into the game. The net result was falling behind by as many as 16 points with plenty of time left in the first quarter. Full credit for digging themselves out of the hole, but the team they want to become wouldn’t fall flat on their face to start a game like that.
Boxing Out
I hope the Blazers watch game film on their defensive rebounding from this game. The Blazers lost way too many defensive rebounds when they were in prime position to come down with the ball. Being in position is half of the battle, but if you don’t put your body on an opponent you give them the green light to sneak in underneath or jump over your shoulder. Avdija and Clingan were two Blazers in particular who gave up multiple rebounds that never should have happened, but pretty much every Blazer had a least one case of rebounding malpractice in this game. This is fixable of course but it shouldn’t be that noticeable of a problem in March.
Turnovers
The Blazers are 2nd worst in turnovers in the NBA. This game was a good reminder that they still have a lot of improvement to do in this department. Henderson and Sharpe were prime offenders with six and four respectively. The Blazers finished with 20 turnovers, and the sloppy play for the much of the game made it feel even worse than that.
Scoot’s Game to Forget
Henderson has had a pretty good March until today, including 30 points in his previous game against the New York Knicks. Well, today was not a game he’ll remember fondly. 16.7% shooting on 12 attempts, 20% from deep, six turnovers and five points describes his day as well as anything. There are always going to be days like this in a young player’s career, but it was rough to see.
Up Next
Box score
The Blazers will have a rest deficit as they host the suddenly surprising Washington Wizards on Monday at 7:00 pm. The Wizards have won four of their last six, including wins in their last two games on the road against the Detroit Pistons on Thursday and the Denver Nuggets on Saturday.