In a disheartening night at the Moda Center, the Portland Trail Blazers faced a crushing 132-87 defeat against the Memphis Grizzlies. Despite the absence of pivotal players Ja Morant and Desmond Bane from the Grizzlies lineup due to injuries, the Blazers fell short, marking their third consecutive loss and dropping their season record to 3-8.
A Night to Forget for Portland
From the outset, the game unfolded disastrously for the Trail Blazers. By the end of the first quarter, they trailed by 19 points, a deficit which ballooned to 25 points by halftime. As the third quarter unfolded, the Grizzlies extended their lead to a staggering 35 points, leaving the Blazers' home crowd in disbelief.
Portland's offensive struggles were palpable, as they managed to shoot a dismal 9.5% from beyond the arc, converting only 4 of their 42 attempts. This inability to connect from long range contributed to an offensive output of just 80.9 points per 100 possessions, marking the worst performance of the NBA season to date.
Chauncey Billups Speaks Out
In the aftermath of the loss, Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups did not mince words. "It was just f---ing embarrassing, to be honest with you," he stated candidly. His frustration was evident as he criticized the team’s collective performance. "We were soft as hell the whole game. Nobody really fought. It was just embarrassing." This scathing assessment was a clear reflection of how Billups viewed his team's lack of competitiveness throughout the game.
Billups' disappointment went further, highlighting a deeper issue beyond the final score. "We've lost by more points than this, but it's how," he said, emphasizing the team's passive demeanor. "It's just you're laying down and just kind of caving in and giving in." For Billups, the manner of the defeat seemed to hit harder than the margin itself.
A Challenge to Players
The coach did not shy away from addressing the players directly. "I told 'em that anybody that sleeps well tonight, you're a loser. It’s just that simple. You sleep well after this one, you’re a loser," Billups recounted. This stark message underscored the urgency for a renewed mindset and a call for accountability within the squad.
Billups accepted his role in the debacle, acknowledging his leadership responsibilities. "At the end of the day, that's on me. I'm the leader of this. This is our team, but I'm the head of this. So, to me, I take that very personally," he admitted, signaling his commitment to steering the team back on track.
Looking Ahead
As the Blazers regroup, they face a formidable challenge ahead. They are scheduled to meet the Minnesota Timberwolves in the NBA Cup on Tuesday, followed by another clash against the Timberwolves on Wednesday. These upcoming fixtures present both an opportunity and a test for Portland to prove their resilience amid trying times.
Billups remains puzzled by the uncharacteristic performance, stating, "I really don't know where that came from, to be honest with you. We scrap. That's what we do. We don't win all our games -- not even close -- but we fight. We don't lay down. And today they laid down."
The days leading to their showdown with the Timberwolves will be critical for the Trail Blazers to rediscover their fighting spirit. With Billups' forthright criticisms echoing in their ears, the team has a pressing need to respond, both for their coach and their season's prospects.