Blazers Assistant Coach Inspires Pride in Defense

The Portland Trail Blazers were on their way to a loss against the Miami Heat when Assistant Coach David Vanterpool stepped in with a key halftime speech. According to Joe Freeman of The Oregonian, Vanterpool’s sermon was neither loud nor complex, simply effective in reminding the Blazers what they are supposed to be about this year.

Vanterpool didn't yell. He didn't berate. In fact, Damian Lillard said, his halftime talk was quieter and less animated than normal.

"He just said we put too much time and effort and energy and film into being the defensive team that we've been all year," Lillard said. "And since we started making a few shots over the last couple games, we've kind of gone into the back-and-forth thing. We're giving up baskets a little bit easier. We aren't as sharp as we have been. And he just challenged us to get back to that. That's what's going to give us our best chance and we did that in the second half."

Vanterpool has been with the Blazers since the 2012-13 season.