Let's talk about these Portland Trail Blazers
Let's take a look at two contributing factors behind Portland's early-season success, starting with a new arrival who's been just what the doctor ordered. With Lillard on the floor, the Blazers have scored 118.2 points per 100 non-garbage-time possessions, according to Cleaning the Glass , equivalent to the NBA's no. And, more importantly, there's finally a wing capable of easing the burden on the Blazers' bombastic backcourt. New Orleans scored just 38 points after intermission, and the Blazers stormed back for a big road win. We've gone small, we've played zone, we've picked up full court, we've been in full-court zone, we've trapped … we've mixed it up so much that it's been unpredictable."
wftv.comSimons, Lillard lead unbeaten Blazers past Nuggets 135-110
PORTLAND, Ore. — (AP) — Anfernee Simons had 29 points, including seven 3-pointers, and the Portland Trail Blazers won their fourth straight game to start the season with a 135-110 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Monday night. Simons had 22 points and six 3s in the third quarter alone as Portland became the only 4-0 team in the NBA. Damian Lillard finished with 31 points and eight assists for the Blazers, who took over in the second half after a sluggish start. Simons tied it at 64 early in the second half and his 3-pointer put the Blazers up 79-70. TIP-INSNuggets: Denver won last season's series against the Blazers 3-1.
wftv.comPelicans acquire McCollum in 7-player trade with Blazers
Trail Blazers Thunder Basketball Portland Trail Blazers guard CJ McCollum, right, drives against Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kenrich Williams in the first half of an NBA basketball game Monday, Jan. 31, 2022, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Nate Billings) (Nate Billings)NEW ORLEANS — (AP) — The New Orleans Pelicans acquired guard CJ McCollum from the Portland Trail Blazers as part of a seven-player trade on Tuesday that comes as the Pelicans make a push to qualify for the NBA postseason. The trade marks the end of an era in Portland, where McCollum has been paired with Damian Lillard in the backcourt since 2013. This marks the second multiple-player trade the Blazers have made in advance of Thursday’s deadline. Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups said Tuesday night that he could not comment on the specifics of the trade because it had not been formally approved.
wftv.comVirus, injuries, standings all factor in NBA trade deadline
Lakers Nuggets Basketball Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James gestures to teammates in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Denver Nuggets Saturday Jan. 15, 2022, in Denver. Really, though, the mantra for any team this season should be just get in — any way possible. That’s a major reason why the impending trade deadline on Feb. 10 could be quite a dilemma for general managers. So while occasionally glancing at the NBA standings — like Nuggets coach Michael Malone will do — don’t overthink it. Guard Russell Westbrook was asked about Johnson's assessment in what's been a Lakers season littered with injuries, including Davis being sidelined since mid-December due to a sprained ligament in his left knee.
wftv.comBlazers look to a more steady future after stormy start
Celtics Trail Blazers Basketball Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups, right, talks to guard Dennis Smith Jr., left, during the first half of the team's NBA basketball game against the Boston Celtics in Portland, Ore., Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021. (AP Photo/Steve Dipaola) (Steve Dipaola)With a spate of injuries, a series of disheartening losses, trade rumors galore and front office upheaval, the Portland Trail Blazers are having a stormy start to the season. But rookie coach Chauncey Billups is nonetheless optimistic about the future and fostering a hard-working — and winning — culture. While Lillard has watched from the bench in street clothes, rumors have swirled about his future with the team. Cronin replaced former Blazers president and general manager Neil Olshey, who was dismissed last week for violating the team's code of conduct.
wftv.comStephen Curry closes in on 3s record as Warriors top Blazers
Trail Blazers Warriors Basketball Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry gestures after shooting a 3-point basket against the Portland Trail Blazers during the first half of an NBA basketball game in San Francisco, Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2021. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu) (Jeff Chiu)SAN FRANCISCO — (AP) — Stephen Curry scored 22 points and moved within nine 3-pointers of tying Ray Allen's career record, and the Golden State Warriors held off the injury-depleted Portland Trail Blazers 104-94 Wednesday night. Curry went 4 of 12 in the first half as Golden State held a 47-45 edge at the break. Norman Powell scored 26 points but went 1 of 7 from deep, and the Blazers were just 8 for 30 from long range. ... Golden State has held opponents to below 50% shooting in 27 straight games dating to last season.
wftv.comBlazers executive Neil Olshey dismissed after probe
PORTLAND, Ore. — (AP) — The Portland Trail Blazers fired Neil Olshey, the team's president of basketball operations and general manager, on Friday after an investigation into workplace conduct. The Blazers had hired an outside firm last month to investigate workplace environment concerns stemming from allegations of misconduct involving Olshey. Olshey came to the Blazers after nine years with the Los Angeles Clippers, which included stints as director of player development, assistant coach, director of player personnel and assistant GM. Trail Blazers president and CEO Chris McGowan stepped down last month after nine years in the position. Under Olshey, the Trail Blazers have made the NBA playoffs for the past eight seasons, the longest active streak in the league.
wftv.comBlazers introduce Billups, 'stand by' hire amid criticism
Trail Blazers Billups Basketball Chauncey Billups talks to media after being announced as the head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers at the team's practice facility in Tualatin, Ore., Tuesday, June 29, 2021. He addressed that chapter Tuesday, though when he was asked to elaborate on some of those comments the Trail Blazers refused to let him answer. Billups, a five-time NBA All-Star over a 17-year playing career, has never been a head coach. Olshey, who as former GM of the Clippers claimed Billups off waivers in 2011, addressed Billups’ lack of coaching credentials. He believes Billups has potential, plus thinks he will mesh well with Blazers guards Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum.
wftv.comBillups gets first chance as head coach with Trail Blazers
PORTLAND, Ore. — (AP) — The Portland Trail Blazers have hired Chauncey Billups as their new coach. Billups, a five-time NBA All-Star over a 17-year playing career, has never been a head coach. “Portland is a special place and a unique franchise," Billups said in a statement Sunday night. The Blazers fired Terry Stotts shortly after the team was eliminated by the Denver Nuggets in the opening round of the playoffs. Stotts coached the Blazers for nine seasons, taking them to the playoffs in the last eight.
wftv.comAP Source: Billups offered job as coach of the Trail Blazers
The Athletic reported that Billups had accepted the job but contract negotiations were ongoing. Billups, the 2004 NBA Finals MVP and a five-time NBA All-Star over a 17-year playing career, has never been a head coach. The Blazers were also interested in Brooklyn Nets assistant Mike D’Antoni, as well as San Antonio Spurs assistant Becky Hammon. Los Angeles Lakers assistant Jason Kidd withdrew his name from consideration after it was reported that Blazers guard Damian Lillard had endorsed him for the job. Billups, 44, was hired as an assistant under Clippers coach Tyronn Lue last November.
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