The Portland Trail Blazers kicked off their three-game road trip with a bang, stomping the Miami Heat 116-107. It was a game where nearly all of the Blazers’ regulars showed up and played well, contributing to a balanced and impressive win.
From the get-go, the Blazers’ offense was humming. They put together a high-scoring first half, taking a 61-55 lead into the break. What’s most impressive is that they didn’t commit a single turnover in the first half - a feat not accomplished by any NBA team this season.
Anfernee Simons was on fire early, draining five threes in the first half alone. But what really stood out was his maturity in the third quarter. Instead of forcing shots to keep his hot streak going, Simons let the game come to him, allowing his teammates to cook while the Blazers extended their lead to a whopping 27 points.
Deandre Ayton had a monster game, finishing with 22 points and 15 rebounds on an efficient 11-of-14 shooting. His ability to finish plays and use his right-handed hook effectively was on full display. When Ayton gets to his spots, he can be a dominant force on offense.
Scoot Henderson showed growth in his game management, playing like a true point guard. He found the hot hand in Simons early and consistently got Ayton the ball in advantageous positions. Henderson’s ability to make simple reads and play the right way is becoming more evident with each game.
The Blazers’ balanced attack was evident in the box score, with seven players scoring in double figures. Jerami Grant had one of his better games, shooting well from three and playing solid defense, especially against Jimmy Butler. Deni Avdija, despite struggling with his shot, still managed to impact the game with his relentless energy and versatility.
The win showcased a level of balanced production rarely seen from the Blazers this season.
Is a night where Grant, Simons and Ayton lead the team in shot attempts and a road victory an unequivocally good thing? That, dear reader, if for you to decide.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Blazers’ victory over the Heat, tune into the Locked On Blazers podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Blazers Podcast:
• Deandre Ayton’s potential injury concern late in the game
• The impact of Tyler Herro’s absence on the Heat
• Scoot Henderson’s development as a facilitator
