In a game they would rather forget, the Portland Trail Blazers endured a crushing 132-87 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies at the Moda Center, underscoring the challenges they face this NBA season. Despite the absence of key Grizzlies players such as Ja Morant and Desmond Bane, Portland struggled mightily, faltering in nearly every aspect of their play.
A Disastrous Night for the Blazers
The Blazers’ performance was fraught with difficulties from the outset, as they quickly found themselves trailing by 19 points in the first quarter. The situation only worsened as the deficit ballooned to 25 in the second quarter and an insurmountable 35 by the end of the third. Portland's shooting woes were especially glaring; the team converted a mere 9.5% of their attempts from beyond the arc, sinking just 4 out of their 42 three-point shots.
This offensive inefficiency translated into an output of just 80.9 points per 100 possessions, marking the worst performance of the NBA season thus far. As a result, the Blazers’ season record dipped to 3-8, with this game representing their third straight defeat.
Coach Billups’ Candid Reflections
Head coach Chauncey Billups did not mince words when assessing his team’s lackluster effort. "It was just f---ing embarrassing, to be honest with you," he stated, highlighting the depth of his disappointment. "We were soft as hell the whole game. Nobody really fought. It was just embarrassing."
Billups’ critical assessment extended to both the team's collective effort and individual performances. "I'm not just going to pinpoint one or two guys; they all were terrible. But for the most part, everybody, they all sucked," he remarked candidly, acknowledging the widespread issues that plagued the team that night.
The coach did not shy away from personal responsibility, acknowledging his role in the team's struggles. "At the end of the day, that's on me. I'm the leader of this. This is our team, but I'm the head of this. So, to me, I take that very personally.”
A Point of Concern
The manner of the defeat seemed to strike Billups as particularly concerning. "We've lost by more points than this, but it's how. It's how. It's just you're laying down and just kind of caving in and giving in," he observed, highlighting a worrying lack of competitiveness.
He continued, expressing his disbelief at the team's uncharacteristic performance. “I really don't know where that came from, to be honest with you. We scrap. That's what we do. We don't win all our games -- not even close -- but we fight. We don't lay down. And today they laid down.”
Looking Towards the Timberwolves Game
Despite the bleak outcome, the Blazers must regroup quickly, with back-to-back games against the Minnesota Timberwolves looming. The first encounter, part of the NBA Cup, is set for Tuesday, followed by another matchup on Wednesday.
These upcoming games present an opportunity for Portland to recalibrate and address the shortcomings revealed against the Grizzlies. With Billups setting a high bar for effort and accountability, the team will need to muster resilience and determination to return to winning ways.
As the Blazers prepare for these critical fixtures, Billups' words will likely resonate in their minds: "I told 'em that anybody that sleeps well tonight, you're a loser. It’s just that simple. You sleep well after this one, you’re a loser." The imperative is clear — wake up, fight back, and compete with the spirit that their coach demands.