The Blazers arrived in Memphis determined to finish well before the All-Star Break. Problem: the Grizzlies, who recovered Ja Morant, had exactly the same ambition, which gave rise to a high-flying duel between the two teams, at the end of which Portland managed to confirm its current good form.
The Blazers have indeed succeeded in everything, or almost, since they first took the lead by relying once again on three consecutive 3-point baskets from Anfernee Simmons (13-21). Ben McLemore and Jusuf Nurkic then brought their stone to the building. It took at least that to resist an already unleashed Ja Morant, with 20 points in 12 minutes (32-36). Relays from Ben McLemore, Josh Hart and Jusuf Nurkic then allowed Portland to stay the course until the break (57-68).
Another game started next as the Grizzlies then activated hunter mode in an attempt to catch up. The Blazers’ “all-terrain press” sequences only delayed the deadline since the locals, pushed by their public with each basket, ended the third quarter at -4 following yet another improbable basket scored by Ja Morant (90-94).
Everything suggested that Memphis was going to succeed, especially when Desmond Bane in turn warmed up (10 of his 30 points in the last act), aligning a 3-point then a lay-up for the first time since the first minute of the match (110-108).
Except that Portland did not crack. Heroic, Jusuf Nurkic found a way to chain three baskets and three free throws to keep his team in the game. It was then Anfernee Simons, with a sublime step-away, who killed the suspense 45 seconds from the end, allowing the Blazers to win in stride, 122 to 117.
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– The successful new test of the Blazers. Even though Portland had won two of its previous three meetings against Memphis, beating the Grizzlies this season is anything but trivial. The storyline of the game proved, if proof needed to be proven, that these Blazers 2.0 have the means to do great things in this league. Aggressive and skilful from the start, they were able to turn their backs where a lot of teams would have cracked down to end up emerging victorious from an end to the match that was all a trap, with this magnificent step back as the final bouquet. which calmed down the FedEx Forum for good.
– An emerging trio. Without minimizing the performance of Ben McLemore or the contribution of the rest of the team, there is a trio that stands out as the main weapon of the “new look” team of Chauncey Billups. With a handyman in the person of Josh Hart (22 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists), a warrior with Jusuf Nurkic (32 points, 8 rebounds) and a little prodigy with Anfernee Simons (31 points, 6 assists ), from which light can arise at any time.
TOPS/FLOPS
✅ Anfernee Simons. His second game in a row to 31 points after the successful one in Milwaukee. What can we say about his performance except that he was close to perfect again, that he was the one who lit the spark in the first quarter with his three 3-point baskets and that it is again he who was there to kill the match by hypnotizing Tyus Jones with his 3-point step-away, even allowing himself a stare at his victim before returning to defense. It took guts to get CJ McCollum out to make room for the 22-year-old kid. But the turn of events is in the process of proving the “front office” of the Oregon franchise right.
✅ Jusuf Nurkic. Did the pivot once carry his team on his shoulders at the height of the storm? Absolutely. Has he sometimes been on the edge of manly but correct whether in attack or defense? Without a doubt. But on arrival, the finding is clear and the numbers are there to confirm it: the Bosnian had the best game of his season with 32 points at 12/17 in shooting, 8 rebounds and 4 assists.
✅ Ja Morant. What to say about Morant? He comes back with a stewed ankle, and he comes out with one of his best career matches! He is a monster of leadership and a formidable striker. The day he becomes a “two-way player”, he will be the best point guard in the NBA, and perhaps even the best player in the NBA!
⛔ Jaren Jackson Jr. Would Memphis have won if their strong winger had been a bit more skilful? We’ll never know. Still, the performance of “JJJ” was insufficient compared to those of Ja Morant and Desmond Bane, authors of 74 points between them. Annoyed by fouls, position 4 never managed to enter his game, finishing with a pitiful 2/10 shooting for 7 points, 3 rebounds and 3 blocks in 26 minutes.
THE FOLLOWING
Memphis (41-19): the Grizzlies will hit the road again after the All Star break, heading to Minneapolis to face the Wolves next Thursday.
Portland (25-34): the Blazers will resume with heavy next Thursday by hosting the Warriors.
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