National Basketball Association

Three Things We Learned: Blazers Vs. Clippers

Updated Mar. 5, 2020 1:27 a.m. ET

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December 12, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) shoots a three point basket against the Los Angeles Clippers during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

The Blazers limped into the Staples Center needing a win. A nice rivalry game posed some motivation for us, as we needed some motivation after the last few games. Unfortunately, the Clippers we’re able to cling to a paper-thin lead in the fourth quarter. Here are three things we learned in the loss.

Our Defense Showed Promise

If you dive deep into the second quarter, it’s obvious that our defense was clicking. Not only were the Clippers held to 18 points, but we legitimately disrupted a high-powered offense. Mason Plumlee was all over the boards and the interior defense. The big man had a nice quarter, on his way to a team high five blocks for the game. Despite the outcome, our defense held the Clippers to 35% shooting in the fourth quarter as well.

Although the game turned out to be another shootout at the end, our defense showed some real improvement. It was obvious the team was focusing on defense first and let the offense flow from it. It’s cliche, but defense wins championships. Hopefully the Blazers could look at the film and bring some of that energy to tomorrow’s matchup against Oklahoma City.

December 12, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Evan Turner (1) moves the ball against the Los Angeles Clippers during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Blazers Bench Came To Play

For all the flak that they receive constantly, our bench core of Evan Turner and Allen Crabbe played some solid minutes offensively. Whether it was some good drives or solid mid range shooting, both players contributed some nice offense that kept the Blazers in the game.

The bench is key to our success, we need them in order to survive these shootouts that we find ourselves in game after game. Can’t help but appreciate the heart Turner showed at the end of the game with Deandre Jordan. The two got into a little jawing match that ended in an ejection. It’s nice to know our new addition is willing to put it all on the line like that.

December 12, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard C.J. McCollum (3) moves to the basket against the defense of Los Angeles Clippers guard Raymond Felton (2) during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Keeping it Close

C’mon, let’s be real about this game, we all thought we’d lose. We just weren’t playing that good of basketball the last few games and this was the best team we play on our road trip. To their credit, the Blazers gave it everything they got. They even roughed up the Clippers a bit in the loss, showing that even in loss, the Blazers won’t give up without a fight.

The heart is there, this team is hungry and wants to prove to the world that they belong. I want this team to work so bad. Plumlee’s overall stats make him, on paper, a great center in this league. Plus, our role players are starting to come into their own. Remember, the Blazers didn’t turn it on last season until January, maybe there is something brewing in Rip City that we all just can’t see.