After a first hung duel two days ago, the second clash between the Blazers and the Wolves in Portland was much less tight. Damian Lillard thus equaled his franchise record, with 11 successful 3-point shots, and he was even able to rest during the fourth quarter because the gap was so big.
In a very long “garbage time”, the substitutes of Portland thus quietly managed the advance. What to go up in the Top 6 of the Western conference, while Minnesota is out of the Top 10.
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– Damian Lillard makes it rain. 11/17 from 3-pointers in 29 minutes. The Portland point guard blasted the poor Wolves from afar for the first three quarters, so we didn’t see him in the final round. Chauncey Billups did not wish to relaunch his player in order to go and beat his franchise record.
– The Wolves defense at bay. But if Damian Lillard was able to do so much damage in such a short time, it’s because Chris Finch’s men’s defense was terrible all game. The defensive withdrawal was completely inconsistent, the rotations systematically late and the Blazers were therefore able to attack the defenders who were trying to plug the gaps, creating giant openings in the process, especially from afar…
TOPS/FLOPS
✅Jerami Grant. If the Blazers had a quiet evening, it is obviously thanks to Damian Lillard, but Jerami Grant also helped well. With his 24 points and the diversity he brings in attack.
✅ Justise Winslow. Coming off the bench, the winger oiled the wheels, notably shifting Damian Lillard behind the 3-point line whenever he had the chance, and Wolves’ failing withdrawal allowed it. . 9 points, 10 assists and 6 rebounds for him.
✅ D’Angelo Russell. Certainly, he defended as badly as his comrades, but he at least brought danger in attack, both as a shooter and as a creator. And that was already it.
⛔ Anthony Edwards. The winger finishes well with 17 points, but at 6/16 in shooting. Overall, it’s the wrong version of Anthony Edwards who was on the floor of the Blazers last night, the one who tries to make differences by himself, does not come back in defense and generally plays apart from his teammates.
THE FOLLOWING
Minnesota (13-14) : the Wolves will challenge the Clippers, Wednesday evening (04:00)
Portland (15-12) : the Blazers go to the Spurs, Wednesday evening too (02:00)
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