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A superb road trip ended in a thud, as the Blazers’ tired legs seemed to give out in the fourth quarter, culminating in a loss to the lowly Grizzlies (Box score). Portland finished their much-dreaded 7-game trip with a stellar 5-2 record, catching up to OKC in a dogfight for third place in the West.
No more gas. The Grizzlies scored on 14 straight possessions in the fourth quarter, as the Blazers’ legs looked increasingly like jello. Mike Conley scored 40 and made his living at the free-throw line. Damian Lillard attempted some late heroics, but could only muster a few highlight-reel layups, while CJ McCollum hit some nice floaters. It just wasn’t enough.
Not much to write. This was the kind of game that is quickly forgotten upon completion, as both team slogged through a late-season battle. This game could almost be shortened to, “the usual stuff happened”: The Blazers blew an early lead. The dynamic duo carried the load. Jusuf Nurkic was close to a triple double. The only difference from recent games? Portland couldn’t find a way to win late.
Moementus. Moe Harkless continued his stellar late-season play, with 20 points and 6 rebounds. Jake Layman added 8 points and 6 rebounds in relief.
What’s Next
A home date with the quickly-cratering OKC at the Moda Center.