Mike Richman here, the host of the daily Locked On Blazers podcast, with your daily Locked On Blazers newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Blazers and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
The Trail Blazers Have a 3rd Quarter Problem
Nov 2, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncy Billups works with his team during a time out in the second half during a game against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center. |Allan Henry/Allan Henry-Imagn Images
If the Trail Blazers could skip that pesky third quarter they would have only lost to the Oklahoma City by two on Friday night. And they would have rolled over the Phoenix Suns by 20.
But, well, the current NBA rules demand that the Blazers participate in third quarters. And that meant a back-to-back losses over the weekend on the back of 12 horrendous minutes coming out of halftime.
Against the Thunder, they started strong, rallying back from a 17-point deficit in the first quarter to tie the game by halftime. However, the third quarter saw them unravel completely. The Thunder’s small lineup, spearheaded by Lou Dort’s aggressive defense, left the Blazers floundering. They turned the ball over 12 times, and the Thunder capitalized, outscoring them 36-13. By the end of the third, the game was effectively over.
The pattern repeated itself against the Suns. Despite a lackluster first half from both teams, the Blazers managed to take a lead into halftime. But once again, the third quarter proved disastrous. The Suns found their shooting touch, with Bradley Beal, Devin Booker Kevin Durant leading a 44-18 third quarter surge. The Blazers’ defense couldn’t keep up, and despite a spirited fourth-quarter effort, the damage was done. Portland had a chance in the final seconds to take the lead, but Dalano Banton just missed a three-pointer and the furious rally came up short.
The rally was great. The necessity of the rally is the problem?
So, what’s going wrong in the third quarter? A combination of factors is at play. First, there’s the issue of adjustments—or the lack thereof. Against the Thunder the Blazers didn’t match the OKC small ball attack and tried to force feed Deandre Ayton with no actual advantage inside. The Suns loss was more about talent. The Blazers don’t have the firepower to out score the top offenses in the league. Staying in striking distance in the third quarter would’ve allowed their impressive fourth quarter to have a much larger window to pull out a win.
The third quarter was a problem over the weekend, but it’s been an issue all year. A stat courtesy of Trail Blazers broadcasting illustrates their season long challenge. Portland has outscored opponents by 20 points across first, second and fourth quarters this season.
In third quarters? They’re a minus-77. In seven third quarters to begin the season, they’ve been outscored by 77 points.
Yikes.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Trail Blazers’ weekend games, tune into the Locked On Blazers podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Blazers Podcast:
- Detailed analysis of the Blazers’ third-quarter struggles
- Delano Banton’s impact and potential role in the team
- The Blame Game vs The Snuggie of Nuance
Catch all this and more on the Locked On Blazers podcast!
Reflections from Vince Carter’s jersey retirement night
The Toronto Raptors retired Vince Carter’s jersey on Saturday night. The ceremony came during half time of the Raptors-Kings game, where an emotional Carter and his family watched a banner with his number and the iconic photo of him mid-between-the-legs-dunk rise up to the rafters in the arena it all started in for him. That moment marked a culmination. Of a career, of a person’s trepidatious relationship with a city and its fan base, of a distinct era of NBA basketball and identity of a franchise, but also of a month’s worth of moments for Carter.
The Raptors made the announcement at a community basketball court dedication to Carter in late September, where franchise president Masai Ujiri thanked Carter for all he did to inspire the game in Canada and put the Raptors franchise on the map. “Time heals things,” Ujiri told the crowd before he confirmed Carter would be the first player in team history to have their number retired. Carter was overcome and fought back tears as he thanked the crowd, Ujiri and the city.
The tributes continued. Carter had an airplane dedicated to him by one of the country’s major airlines, Air Canada, in a nod to his nickname of the same. A mural was unveiled in downtown Toronto, and it was announced Carter would join as a broadcaster to provide coverage for select games this season — also the Raptors 30th anniversary season.
Given the host of accolades and recognition, I found it telling when Carter sat down in front of assembled media prior to Saturday night’s game for a pre-ceremony presser, and said he wasn’t sure what to expect of the night but encouraged everyone to “live in the moment”. I asked him, in light of every tribute and celebration thus far, how he was doing that or if his perception of the moment changed. He laughed. “I’m fighting,” he admitted.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Analysis Key insights from the Blazers’ loss to the Suns reveal areas for improvement, focusing on defense and offensive execution. (Sports Illustrated)
Biz The NBA intentionally scheduled no games on U.S. Election Day (E! News)
Analysis What happens to Damian Lillard if Giannis Antetokounmpo leaves the Bucks? (CBS)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Paul George’s Return Is A Huge Fantasy Basketball Boost
Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George (8) dribbles against the Atlanta Hawks in the second quarter at State Farm Arena.|Photo by Brett Davis-Imagn Images
As we wrap up another thrilling week in the NBA, it’s time to delve into the latest injury updates and player performances that could impact your fantasy basketball strategy. With only three games on Sunday, the anticipation builds for an action-packed 15-game day. Let’s explore the key developments and what they mean for your fantasy lineup.
Injury Updates: Key Players to Watch
Zach LaVine’s shoulder issues continue to be a concern, leaving his status questionable. This ongoing problem could affect his availability, so keep an eye on updates. Meanwhile, Rudy Gobert’s ankle sprain opens opportunities for Naz Reid and Luka Garza, especially in deeper leagues. With Aaron Nesmith out and Andrew Nembhard questionable, Ben Mathurin and Jarace Walker are set to see increased roles, potentially stepping into starting positions or gaining extra minutes.
Lauri Markkanen’s return from back spasms is imminent, which is great news for fantasy managers. In Philadelphia, Joel Embiid’s absence isn’t surprising, but Paul George’s expected return is a significant development. Despite being listed as questionable, reports suggest George is ready to play, albeit with a possible minutes restriction. This isn’t a long-term injury, so expect him to be back in full swing soon.
Player Performances: Who’s Stepping Up?
The Detroit Pistons secured a road win against the Brooklyn Nets, showcasing improved play compared to last season. Jalen Duren stood out with a solid performance, contributing 13 points, 17 rebounds, four assists, and three blocks. His increased minutes were partly due to Isaiah Stewart fouling out, but it’s a positive sign for Duren’s fantasy value.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Blazers podcasts.
5 Game Road Trip Will Test the Trail Blazers + Rip City Remix Season Preview The road swing stats in OKC on Wednesday. Plus, a look at the Blazers G League affiliate.
Shaedon Sharpe Leads the Trail Blazers to a CLUTCH win over the Atlanta Hawks Sheadon Sharpe’s good. The Trail Blazers have real depth. A winning streak hath risen.
Portland’s Rebuild: Are the Trail Blazers Too Good to Tank? (or Did They Just Win 2 Games?) Justin Verrier of The Ringer joins the program to talk about the Trail Blazers present and future, discuss the necessity of trading veterans, and consider whether the Blazers are too good to tank.
