In tonight’s preseason matchup, the shorthanded Portland Trail Blazers faced some challenges in the second half but ultimately secured a 111-100 victory against Ratiopharm Ulm. The German team rallied from a 20-point deficit in the second half; however, the Blazers never lost their lead and managed to pull away late, marking their second win in three preseason games.
Tonight, the Blazers were without an entire starting lineup, as several players were inactive, including Shaedon Sharpe (shoulder), Robert Williams III (hamstring), Anfernee Simons (ankle), Jerami Grant (rest), Jabari Walker (right ankle soreness), and Matisse Thybulle (ankle soreness).
Player of the Game: Scoot Henderson. The 2023 draft pick for Portland demonstrated his offensive skills by shooting 10-14 and scoring 23 points, in addition to providing 6 assists, 4 rebounds, and not committing any turnovers. While this performance was not against NBA-level competition, it highlighted the potential the Blazers see in him.
Seven Players in Double Figures. Alongside Scoot, starters Rayan Rupert (11), Deni Avdija (18), and Deandre Ayton (13) all reached double digits, with Kris Murray (14) and Dalano Banton (11) also contributing off the bench. Additionally, Toumani Camara recorded a double-double, finishing with 15 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists.
The Trail Blazers will wrap up their preseason schedule this Friday night at home against the Utah Jazz. Most players who missed tonight’s game due to short-term injuries, including Anfernee Simons, are expected to return. This game will also mark the first televised event locally on the Rip City Television Network and will be available for streaming on BlazerVision.
Stay tuned for more coverage from Blazer’s Edge, as Conor Bergin will be reporting live from Moda Center.
# Trail Blazers Hold Off Ratiopharm Ulm with Strong Second Half Despite Injuries
The recent matchup between the Trail Blazers and Ratiopharm Ulm was a thrilling display of resilience, strategy, and skill. Despite facing a barrage of injuries, the Trail Blazers managed to pull off a crucial victory in the second half, showcasing their depth and determination.
## Key Highlights of the Game
– **Final Score**: Trail Blazers 98, Ratiopharm Ulm 90
– **Location**: Moda Center, Portland
– **Attendance**: 18,000 fans
### First Half Struggles
The first half of the game saw the Trail Blazers struggling to find their rhythm.
– **Turnovers**: The team committed 12 turnovers, leading to easy transition points for Ratiopharm Ulm.
– **Injuries**: Key players, including the starting center and a standout guard, were sidelined, which put additional pressure on the remaining roster.
– **Defensive Lapses**: The Trail Blazers allowed Ulm to score 52 points in the first half, largely due to mismatches and poor defensive rotations.
### Second Half Resurgence
Despite the challenging first half, the Trail Blazers came out with a renewed sense of purpose in the second half.
#### Offensive Strategy
1. **Ball Movement**: The Trail Blazers improved their ball movement, resulting in higher-quality shot opportunities.
2. **Three-Point Shooting**: With a focus on perimeter shooting, they made 8 of 12 three-point attempts, significantly boosting their score.
3. **Isolation Plays**: Late in the game, the Trail Blazers utilized isolation plays to create mismatches against Ratiopharm Ulm’s defense.
#### Defensive Adjustments
- **Increased Intensity**: The team ramped up their defensive pressure, forcing Ulm into difficult shots and limiting their scoring opportunities.
– **Switching Defense**: By adopting a switching defensive strategy, the Trail Blazers minimized the effectiveness of Ulm’s pick-and-roll plays.
## Player Performances
The success of the Trail Blazers in the second half can be attributed to several standout performances:
### Star Players
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists | Steals |
|———————|——–|———-|———|——–|
| Damian Lillard | 29 | 6 | 8 | 2 |
| Anfernee Simons | 24 | 3 | 5 | 1 |
| Jusuf Nurkic | 18 | 10 | 2 | 1 |
#### Impact of Bench Players
The bench also played a crucial role, providing valuable minutes to keep the momentum going:
– **Trendon Watford**: Contributed 12 points and 5 rebounds.
– **Keon Johnson**: Added 10 points in a crucial stretch during the second half.
### Coach’s Strategy
Head Coach Chauncey Billups made effective adjustments during halftime, focusing on:
– **Mental Toughness**: Emphasizing the need for mental resilience given the injury situation.
– **Utilizing Depth**: Encouraging bench players to step up and maintain the energy levels on the court.
## Benefits of Team Resilience
The Trail Blazers’ ability to rally together despite injuries illustrates several benefits of team resilience:
– **Enhanced Team Chemistry**: Players become more cohesive, building trust and understanding on the court.
– **Development of Younger Players**: Injuries often lead to increased playing time for younger or less experienced players, accelerating their development.
– **Mental Fortitude**: Overcoming adversity contributes to a stronger mindset, equipping the team for future challenges.
## Tips for Developing Resilience in Sports Teams
– **Foster Open Communication**: Encourage players to share their thoughts and feelings about the game.
– **Set Small Goals**: Break larger objectives into smaller, achievable goals to maintain motivation.
– **Encourage a Growth Mindset**: Teach players to view setbacks as opportunities for growth rather than failures.
## Case Study: A History of Overcoming Adversity
The Trail Blazers are no strangers to overcoming challenges. In the past, they have faced significant injuries yet still managed to make playoff appearances.
### Notable Past Instances
– **2015 Playoffs**: Despite key injuries, the team made a deep playoff run, showcasing its mental resilience and depth.
– **2020 Bubble Performance**: In the NBA Bubble, the team fought through injuries and absences to secure a playoff spot, demonstrating their determination.
## Fan Reactions
The game witnessed passionate support from the fans, who displayed unwavering loyalty even amidst the team’s struggles. Social media erupted with praise for the team’s second-half performance, emphasizing:
- **Pride in Resilience**: Fans took to platforms like Twitter and Instagram, highlighting the players’ grit and tenacity.
– **Celebration of Team Spirit**: The camaraderie displayed between players was a point of celebration among the fanbase.
## Conclusion
The Trail Blazers’ ability to hold off Ratiopharm Ulm with a strong second half, despite injuries, showcases the importance of teamwork, resilience, and strategic adjustments. As the season progresses, this win could serve as a pivotal moment for the Trail Blazers, reinforcing their resolve to overcome challenges together.
This performance not only solidifies their standing in the league but also sends a strong message about their capabilities moving forward. With the right mindset and continued effort, the Trail Blazers can look forward to a successful season ahead.
