The Portland Trail Blazers have introduced a new postgame ritual known as “The Box.” According to Trail Blazers head coach Tiago Splitter, the box works as follows: The best Blazers defender of the night
is granted the opportunity to write down the name of one individual whom they placed in The Box (i.e., shut down defensively).
Sidy Cissoko earned the inaugural honor following a dogged defensive effort against the Golden State Warriors on Sunday night during Portland’s 136-131 win. Splitter notes that at the end of the season, the individual with the most submissions will receive a surprise. Daring minds speculate that it may be a trophy in the shape of a box. Coach Splitter did not clarify if The Box would receive submissions following a Trail Blazers defeat.
The Box draws inspiration from forward Toumani Camara’s signature defensive celebration, where he mimes an imaginary box with his hands upon completing a defensive action. Camara borrowed the move from football cornerbacks, who perform the same action to signify the imprisonment of their opposing receiver.
If the new tradition correlates with increased defensive output, the Blazers may need to continue conjuring motivational awards. Through 26 contests, the Blazers boast the league’s eighth-worst defensive rating, per NBA.com, although injuries haven’t helped their cause.
The next name in The Box could be decided on Thursday when the Blazers host the Sacramento Kings at 7:00 p.m. PST.
