Stotts Labels Blazers’ Early Defensive Effort as “Embarrassing”

The Portland Trail Blazers’ lack of defense in the first quarter of Tuesday’s loss paved the way for the Clippers to notch 47 points on 72 percent shooting from the field. Facing a considerable uphill climb after that opening frame, the Blazers eventually suffered a 133-116 loss to the Clippers—their second defeat in three outings.

After the game, The Oregonian’s Aaron Fentress highlighted coach Terry Stotts’ critique of the Blazers’ early effort.

“I thought the first 16 minutes of the game were, frankly, a little embarrassing,” Stotts said.

Stotts went on to explain that the Blazers’ defense improved after a less-than-ideal start to the game.

“We put up a good fight the last eight minutes of the second quarter and competed well at both ends, got back into it,” Portland coach Terry Stotts said.

Through 50 games this season, the Blazers possess the second-worst defensive rating in the NBA at 116.2—a figure slightly ahead of the Kings’ last-place rating of 117.8.

The Blazers will look to get back on track against the Jazz on Thursday.