For the first time in post-Damian Lillard era of the Portland Trail Blazers the vision for the future of the franchise moved out of the theoretical and into the literal.
It was right there in front of us in Wednesday’s 106-98 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. Shaedon Sharpe had a career-high 33 points and scored nine consecutive points for the Blazers in the final 2:22 to hold off a late Minnesota charge. Rookie big man Donovan Clingan finished with 17 points, 12 rebounds, and eight blocks, including five swats in the fourth quarter.
Playing without Anfernee Simons, Deandre Ayton and Robert Williams, the Trail Blazers leaned on their youth and the youngsters delivered.
Through last season and the early stages of this one, the Blazers had a fairly clear plan. Build through the draft, exercise some patience and let the youthful roster develop. It was a simple and noble plan in theory but the issue is that it had been largely theoretical. The vision was finally clear on Wednesday. Sharpe taking over down the stretch, getting his number called again and again to attack and score in crunch time. And Clingan ancorhing the defense, playing a career-best 31 minutes, staying out of foul trouble and dominating the interior in a matchup against four-time defensive player of the year Rudy Gobert.
There are certain to be ups and downs to follow. Every night won’t be a career night for Sharpe, Clingan or their coworkers. But Wednesday was a glimpse of the Portland’s vision for the future. For the first time, it was crystal clear.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Blazers’ exciting win and what it means for the team’s future, tune into the Locked On Blazers podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Blazers Podcast:
- Chauncey Billups’ rotation choices
- Shaedon Sharpe dunking your face off
- Kris Murray’s quiet and valuable contributions
- A “Nobody’s Doing It With Blocks” Tribute
