Blazers’ Tuesday: Looking back at preseason game one vs Warriors
The Portland Trail Blazers’ preseason has started, and they went against the Golden State Warriors for game number one. Not a win, but not an ugly loss either.
This Blazers’ Tuesday, we’re looking back at Monday night’s first preseason game. It was the Portland Trail Blazers vs. the Golden State Warriors. Two teams who had a less than stellar 2020-21 season. Although the Blazers made the playoffs and the Warriors were sent home in the play-in, the Blazers were right behind them, ending their season again with a first-round exit.
Team observations
I was happy to see that this was not the same Blazers team. But, I was unhappy to see that once again, Neil Olshey came up short. The Blazers need better players around Damian Lillard. I know it seems that every article about the Blazers says the same thing. But, there’s a reason for it!
It was good to see some of the guys hustling on the floor. Norman Powell, Jusuf Nurkic, Anthony Simons, and of course, Dame were on fire. It was good to see Ben McLemore giving 110%. Anthony Simons could be more than a bench player on several teams in this league. Even Dennis Smith, Jr. was working!
For the rest of the team, I hope it is what the coach says, that they “are getting to know each other” out there.
I noticed that there could have been more bodies under the offensive boards, and you have to be faster getting up and down the court.
Preseason game #1
Of course, Lillard looked great Monday night. He scored 19 points, and the man shot 71.4% from three. Jusuf Nurkic was close behind with 15 points and led the team with ten rebounds. Unfortunately, he looked tired early in the game and ended it with a -12.
Great to be back out there 🙏🏻 #ripcity pic.twitter.com/wFzUnFfhcs
— Jusuf Nurkić 🇧🇦 (@bosnianbeast27) October 5, 2021
Norman Powell had 13 points and was 40% from the three-point range. Anthony Simons and Dennis Smith, Jr. both had 10 points.
The Warriors
Jordan Poole had 30 points, 15 in the third quarter. Otto Porter, Jr. had 19, Stephen Curry and Andrew Wiggins each had 13 points.
Unfortunately, Andre Iguodala‘s knee connected with Cody Zellers‘ nose and broke it.
What’s next?
The Blazers’ next preseason game is Monday, October 11, vs. the Sacramento Kings.
It could be what Coach Billups says, “First game jitters.” We’ll see.