In their preseason opener, the Portland Trail Blazers showcased promising potential despite a narrow loss to the Golden State Warriors. The game took place on Wednesday night at the Chase Center, where Portland fell 129-123.
Strong Offensive Display from the Trail Blazers
The Blazers erupted for an impressive 73 points in the first half, establishing a significant 19-point lead as they entered the fourth quarter. This performance highlighted their offensive capabilities, effectively outshining the Warriors during the initial stages of the game with both teams’ key players on the court.
Top Performers
- Shaedon Sharpe: Scored 22 points, showcasing his scoring versatility with 9 of 15 shooting, including 4 of 8 from three-point range.
- Toumani Camara: Contributed 14 points, four rebounds, and three assists, finding his rhythm early with four three-pointers in the first quarter.
- Deni Avdija: Added 14 points along with eight rebounds and three assists.
- Buddy Hield: Contributed 13 points, demonstrating solid play off the bench.
- Quinten Post: Led the Warriors with 20 points, with a significant 15 during their fourth-quarter comeback.
First Half Highlights
The Blazers’ new offense displayed speed and precision, achieving 17 assists on 25 field goals during the first half. They also highlighted their ability to finish strong with:
- Eight fast-break points.
- A paint scoring advantage of 24-16 over the Warriors.
- 12 successful three-pointers out of 28 attempts.
During one striking stretch, Portland executed a 16-2 run, leading to a halftime advantage of 73-57.
Starting Lineup Shift
Head coach Chauncey Billups introduced a new starting lineup, leaving emerging star Deni Avdija on the bench. The chosen five included:
- Jrue Holiday
- Shaedon Sharpe
- Jerami Grant
- Toumani Camara
- Donovan Clingan
Billups plans to experiment with different rotations throughout the preseason, indicating further changes by the next exhibition game against the Sacramento Kings.
Hansen’s Preseason Debut
Rookie Yang Hansen made his debut in the game, entering in the first quarter. Although his start was rocky, he managed to contribute four points, four rebounds, and one assist across 21 minutes, experiencing mixed results.
Injury Report
Matisse Thybulle was notably absent due to soreness in his right knee, a setback reminiscent of previous injuries that hindered his performance last season. His health will be monitored as the preseason progresses.
Upcoming Match
The Trail Blazers will face off against the Sacramento Kings on Friday at 7 p.m. at the Moda Center, marking their first home game of the exhibition season.
