Trail Blazers Vs. Thunder Game Thread
Portland started four of their five rookies against the Lakers and saw promising results. Damian Lillard went toe-to-toe with future Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant, posting a career-high 38 points, 9 assists, and 3 steals. Victor Claver added in 9 points of his own to go along with 4 assists, and 2 rebounds. Claver only shot 3-11 from the floor, so watch his shooting as the season comes to a close. He's got great form and arc on his shot, but it just isn't falling at a consistent clip right now. After a stat-stuffing line against the Mavericks, Will Barton had 9 points and the usual 2 steals, but like Victor, he couldn't find the range on his shot, shooting just 4-12. As expected, Meyers Leonard had his hands full with Dwight Howard and could only muster up 5 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists as he dealt with foul trouble much of the game. Meyers didn't look for his shot, especially from mid-range, which I thought could have been used to lure Howard out of the key. Look for Meyers to be more aggressive against Kendrick Perkins and take him on the perimeter and knock down a few more jumpers Friday. Overall, you have to be pleased with how our crop of rooks has grown this season and are performing currently. Let's hope these final four games show even more progress heading into their Sophomore campaigns.
So Rip City, what are your keys to victory?
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