Blazers’ Season Opener: A Sobering Reality Check
The Portland Trail Blazers kicked off their season with a historic low, suffering their worst opening loss in franchise history against the Golden State Warriors. The final score, 139-104, was a stark reminder of the challenges that lie ahead for this team.
Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups didn’t mince words postgame, questioning the team’s effort and focus.
“I didn’t think one guy on our team played well tonight,” Billups said.
The Warriors consistently beat the Blazers in transition, a problem that plagued Portland throughout the preseason. Billups emphasized the importance of winning the first three steps in transition defense, a fundamental aspect that the Blazers failed to execute.
Woof. That’s quite a way to start the season. And it’s an indictment of everyone from coaches to players. The Blazers aren’t talented enough to get out worked or play without proper focus. That’s the recipe for an embarrassing home loss to begin the season.
“That’s the first time in a month that I can tell you we had a lack of focus or the other team played harder than us,” Billups said. “You always worry about the first game with the jitters. It’s not the end of the world, but it does suck.”
Billups is right. It sucked.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Blazers Podcast:
- Analysis of the Blazers’ defensive strategies and adjustments needed
- Chauncey Billups’ post-game comments and their implications
- The tough truth about the Blazers’ three-point shooting
