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Eight and Ow(en)
Eight and Ow(en)
Portland have completed what is roughly 10 percent of the regular season. Through eight games, the loss column is still yet to receive its first hit, which is great news for the franchise and exciting for the fans to see their team back it up from their title win in 2021-22.
What has worked well for Portland? Luckily, and thankfully, they have been able to navigate injuries; Andre Drummond missed the first week and James Harden missed the second week of action and will continue to miss significant time.
However, despite that, the collective chemistry and complementary nature of the roster endured. Nerlens Noel filled in admirably for Andre Drummond, with Luke Kornet and Keita Bates-Diop filling important bench roles. With James Harden out, Kevin Durant increased his scoring output and general responsibility for the team, allowing his gravity and immense skill trickle down to his teammates. Torrey Craig entered the lineup and played his role to perfection, playing defense, initiating some offense and moving the ball.
Josh Richardson, all but discarded as a genuinely impactful player, has enjoyed a resurgence (at least, thus far) as a starting guard (not a point guard, though) for the Blazers. His ability to be effective without the ball, on both sides of the ball, should ensure he maintains a significant and important role for the team.
Jakob Poeltl�s output appears unspectacular on paper, with the big man just rebounding and blocking. However, it belies his impact on the game, with countless shots being altered, missed because of his length and defensive tenacity. Speaking of defensive tenacity, Patrick Beverley and Cam Reddish�s high-motor defense is a key component of Portland�s ability to slow teams down for sustained periods.
For Week 3, Portland fortunately will be able to operate a very similar lineup. To the coach�s joy, all the Portland players have bought in to the team philosophy.
�Just keep doing what we are doing.�
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