Stotts on Blazers’ Poor Defense Against OKC, ‘no excuse for it’

The Trail Blazers surrendered 69 points to the Thunder in the first half of Monday’s loss. After the game, coach Terry Stotts voiced his concerns over Portland’s less-than-ideal defensive performance.

The Oregonian’s Aaron Fentress highlighted Stotts’ pointed comments in the aftermath of the loss. Stotts, who refused to use the Blazers’ injuries as an excuse, detailed how the wheels fell off of Portland’s defense.

“It was primarily that they moved the ball really well,” Stotts said. “We didn’t contain their penetration. Our attention to detail was very poor. Our first-half defense was pathetic. And there’s no excuse for it.”

Through 16 games, the Trail Blazers have posted a defensive rating of 114.7—the third-worst rating in the NBA. Portland will look to get its defense on track when they begin a six-game road trip against the Rockets on Thursday.