In a performance that left fans and analysts alike stunned, the Portland Trail Blazers fell to the Memphis Grizzlies with a lopsided 132-87 loss at the Moda Center. This matchup, further marred by the absence of Grizzlies stars Ja Morant and Desmond Bane, highlighted significant issues within the Blazers' squad.
Early Struggles
The nightmare began in the first quarter when the Blazers found themselves trailing by 19 points. That initial deficit only widened as the game progressed, growing to a daunting 25 points by the second quarter. By the third, Portland faced a 35-point deficit, an insurmountable gap that sealed their fate long before the final buzzer.
One of the most glaring issues for the Blazers was their dismal shooting performance from beyond the arc. They hit just 9.5% of their three-point attempts, making only 4 out of 42 tries. This shooting drought culminated in an offensive efficiency of just 80.9 points per 100 possessions, the worst in the NBA this season.
Chauncey Billups' Frustration
Following the game, head coach Chauncey Billups didn't mince words when expressing his frustration. "It was just f---ing embarrassing, to be honest with you," Billups remarked candidly. His criticism extended to the team's overall lack of effort, asserting, "We were soft as hell the whole game. Nobody really fought. It was just embarrassing."
Billups took a hard-line stance on accountability, telling his players, "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." His harsh critique underscored the gravity of the situation, emphasizing the need for introspection and change.
"I'm not just going to pinpoint one or two guys; they all were terrible. But for the most part, everybody, they all sucked," Billups continued, highlighting a pervasive issue within the ranks that went beyond individual performances. The sentiment was clear: this was a collective failure.
Season's Challenges
With this loss, the Blazers extended their losing streak to three games, bringing their season record down to 3-8. This performance not only reflects on the players but also puts the spotlight on Billups himself. "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,” Billups admitted, assuming responsibility for the team's downward trajectory.
Billups, reflecting on his team's usual attitude, expressed bewilderment at the lack of fight against Memphis. “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,” he noted, signaling that this performance was not characteristic of what he has come to expect from his players.
Upcoming Challenges
The Blazers now face a daunting schedule, as they prepare to take on the Minnesota Timberwolves in the NBA Cup on Tuesday, followed by another game against the same team on Wednesday. With the season already slipping into a precarious position, these upcoming games could prove pivotal for Portland in their efforts to halt the slide and regain their competitive edge.
As the Blazers regroup, the message from their head coach is clear: the current level of performance is unacceptable, and changes must be made to avoid further embarrassment. The road ahead will undoubtedly test their resilience and commitment as they strive to reclaim their season and provide a better showing for their fans.