The Portland Trail Blazers fell in a close game to the Phoenix Suns in NBA action tonight, the final score of 130-125 extending their losing streak to six consecutive games. Collin Gillespie brought the most heat for the Suns with 30 points, Jerami Grant led the Blazers with 23.
Player of the Game
Donovan Clingan has apparently had his fill of slow starts. He hit three three-pointers in the first three minutes of the game and threw in two blocks for good measure, getting the Blazers off to a much better start than has been
the norm of late. He finished with 14 points and 15 rebounds and gets the nod for this distinction even though most of his numbers came early.
Stat of the Night
This game featured a three-point shooting contest that the Blazers won early and lost late. The Suns finished 20 of 41 (49%) with Collin Gillespie (8 of 14) and Grayson Allen (6 of 11) leading the way. The Blazers hit 18 of 52 (35%) with Jerami Grant, Toumani Camara and Clingan accounting for 3 each.
What We Noticed
The Blazers were up 41-30 after the first quarter, with Camara and Jerami Grant joining Clingan in double figures. It wasn’t perfect, though. The Suns finished the frame on a roll to escape from a 19-point hole, and clawed their way to a 79-78 lead at the 8:19 mark of the third. It was a slugfest from there.
Deni Avdija is extremely notable while playing, but it turns out you notice him just about as much if he’s not out there. Could be the losing streak is related in some way to Deni’s back injury? Just saying.
When asked before the game what he wanted to see from newcomer Vit Krejcik, Blazers broadcaster Michael Holton said he wanted him to “make your first one and don’t look back!” It didn’t happen like that. He missed his first two attempts and finished 2 of 7 for 5 points with 1 assist and 2 steals in 14 minutes.
Up Next
The Blazers host the first of two games versus the Memphis Grizzlies Friday, game time at 7:00 p.m., PST. Those same teams will also play on Saturday.
