In a disheartening display at the Moda Center, the Portland Trail Blazers endured a crushing 132-87 defeat at the hands of the Memphis Grizzlies. Missing key players Ja Morant and Desmond Bane due to injuries, the Grizzlies nonetheless outpaced a Blazers team that struggled to find its footing from start to finish. Portland fell behind by a staggering 19 points within the first quarter, a deficit that ballooned to as much as 25 points in the second quarter. By the third, the Grizzlies were leading by 35 points, leaving the Blazers with little room for a comeback.
The Trail Blazers’ shooting woes were a significant factor in their downfall, making only 9.5% of their three-point attempts with a dismal 4 of 42 conversion rate from beyond the arc. Their offensive efficiency plummeted to an NBA season-low of 80.9 points per 100 possessions. This performance marks Portland's third consecutive loss, lowering their season record to 3-8.
The defeat was difficult to stomach for Chauncey Billups, Portland's head coach, who didn't hold back in his postgame criticism. "It was just f---ing embarrassing, to be honest with you," Billups lamented. His frustration was palpable as he continued, "We were soft as hell the whole game. Nobody really fought. It was just embarrassing." According to Billups, the game was a stark departure from the competitive spirit he expects from his team. “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.”
As the Grizzlies dominated both sides of the court, the Trail Blazers seemed outmatched, unable to form a coherent response. Billups faced the media with a tone of accountability, acknowledging the responsibility of leadership. "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.” He further reflected on the nature of the loss, emphasizing the importance of effort and attitude. “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.”
In a stark departure from the norm, Billups expressed a candid assessment of his team's performance. "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 didn’t mince words as he challenged his players' commitment, imploring them to reflect on their performance overnight. "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."
Looking ahead, Portland faces a quick turnaround with a matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the NBA Cup on Tuesday, followed by another game against the Timberwolves on Wednesday. These games provide an opportunity for redemption, a chance for the Blazers to regroup and recalibrate their efforts.
While the current stretch has been challenging for Portland, the stakes remain high as they strive to reverse the momentum. With Billups at the helm, expect the Blazers to respond with the tenacity and fight that their coach demands. As they prepare to face the Timberwolves, the Trail Blazers must reflect on their recent performance, learn from their shortcomings, and, ultimately, embrace the resilience that has long been a hallmark of successful teams in the league.