No KAT, No Problem: Wolves Maul Blazers, 116-102

If you got home late, you missed nothing. The Blazers kept things close for one quarter, then the Minnesota Timberwolves (minus Karl-Anthony Towns) slowly, steadily pulled away for an easy 116-102 win. Don’t let the score fool you; it wasn’t that close. It was an unpleasant game that almost surely led to TV’s and tablets being turned off all around the Portland Metropolitan Area.

Box Score

Let’s ask some questions tonight.

What’s the opposite of the flu game? Hassan Whiteside was questionable due to flu-like symptoms, five days after CJ McCollum was in the same state. He somehow tried to play anyway, but was actively coughing on the court, and looked like he had no legs. A strong case could be made that he never should have played.

Is Damian looking frustrated to anyone else? Lillard did his best on offense, which unfortunately consisted of sub-.500 shooting, but he had minimal support. With Whiteside and McCollum sick, there was minimal support from the rest of the team.

Should I apologize to Carmelo? He dominated with a— oh, he had 8 points on 3-10 shooting and looked tired and a little frustrated most of the night.

Was there a bright side? Hoard, Little, and Trent Jr got a bit of run tonight thanks to the personnel troubles and lopsided score. They did alright! They looked like they cared. Hoard even got a chance at a three-point play (don’t ask about the free throw).

Portland heads home from their long five-game road trip, to play league-best Milwaukee Saturday night.

Now go raid the grocery store before the snow arrives.