Portland Trail Blazers: C.J. McCollum Reminds Everyone How Good He Is
The Portland Trail Blazers weren’t going to go 82-0. However, C.J. McCollum reminded everyone how talented he is.
Well, game one didn’t go the way many fans of the Portland Trail Blazers expected. However, C.J. McCollum can’t be blamed too much for the team’s loss. Maybe the Blazers’ transition defense needs some more attention. Sacramento outscored Rip City 20-2 in transition.
As previously mentioned, McCollum had himself a great home opener. His stat line reading: 34 points (58 percent shooting and 55 percent on three-pointers), six rebounds, five assists, three steals, and one block. He more than made up for Damian Lillard’s rare poor shooting night.
With the offseason he’s had filled with speculation and rumors, Wednesday night was a great game to remind everyone just how great a player he can be. Consequently, some will see this good game as just building up his trade value.
However, the fans who believe McCollum should remain with the Portland Trail Blazers are thrilled with this performance. Last season McCollum was well on his way to an All-Star appearance until a foot injury sidelined him for much of the year. However, it appears McCollum is going to make the All-Star game this year. Finally, putting an end to the narrative that Damian Lillard has never played with an All-Star talent.
A few negatives from McCollum’s opening night performance are the five turnovers and the lack of any free throw attempts. The turnover output will go back to his normal numbers, as should his free throw attempts. To help his scoring stay high and not rely solely on his jump shot, McCollum needs to get to the free-throw line at least three times a game. Preferably four or more times.
Looking ahead
For the Portland Trail Blazers, the final results from their first game of 2021-22 are disappointing. On the bright side, they performed much better than they did in any preseason game.
It’s unlikely McCollum can keep up this level of production throughout an entire season. Subsequently, the chances of him having a better year than last year is definitely a good possibility.
CJ McCollum ( @CJMcCollum ) out there dancing footwork 🔥 34 points 6 threes 6 rebounds 5 assists 3 steals.. tough shots @NBA pic.twitter.com/oBJbpakBq8
— Swish Cultures (@swishcultures_) October 21, 2021
What do you think about C.J. McCollum’s opening night? Let us know in the comments section below or on social media.