The Portland Trail Blazers won again on Monday night because that’s what they do. They win every night. Yep. That’s where we are. Monday it was a 121-119 overtime win over the Phoenix Suns.
Deandre Ayton was the standout player of the night, delivering a monster performance with 25 points and 20 rebounds. What made this game particularly special for Ayton was not just his impressive stat line, but his ability to persevere through early shooting struggles. Starting 6-of-17 from the floor, Ayton’s determination and physicality in the latter stages of the game proved crucial for the Blazers’ success.
Coach Chauncey Billups praised Ayton’s performance, calling it possibly his best game in a Blazers uniform. This high praise stems from Ayton’s ability to stay engaged on both ends on a night where his shot was not falling early.
It wasn’t just Ayton. Toumani Camara and Deni Avdija were really good. Anfernee Simons and Jerami Grant had huge buckets late in regulation and the Blazers did enough to win in the final minutes of the extra period.
While the victory is cause for celebration, it also raises questions about the Blazers’ rotation. Notable was the limited playing time for young talents like Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe. As the team continues to find success with their current lineup, balancing development and immediate success remains a challenge for the coaching staff.
The Trail Blazers are winning, playing their best basketball of the season, and doing so with a process that demands a question: Is the future already here or is it sitting on the bench and watching?
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Blazers Podcast:
• Analysis of the Blazers’ recent success and improved team chemistry
• Discussion on the limited minutes for young players despite the team’s success
• Speculation on potential trade deadline moves and their impact on the team’s future
