Despite the absences of their three best scorers (LaMelo Ball, Miles Bridges and Brandon Miller), who weigh around 70 points combined, the Hornets gave the Blazers a hard time, before finally losing 102-97. This is the 4th victory in a row for the Blazers, who perfectly negotiated this “road trip” in the southeast of the United States with two successes in Florida, and the latter in Charlotte.
Despite the activity of Nick Smith Jr. and Josh Okogie, Charles Lee's players broke down at the start of the 4th quarter, and it was Anfernee Simons who knocked them out.
While Charlotte led by one point (81-80), the guard scored six points in a row, including a 3-pointer from 9 meters after an offensive rebound snatched by Jerami Grant. Behind, Deni Advija offers himself a coast-to-coast slalom between the Hornets. It's an 8-0 for Portland, which takes a seven-point lead (88-81).
Charles Lee's timeout will not change anything, and the end of the match, interrupted by free throws, allows the Blazers to keep an opponent for the second time in a row below the 100 point mark. It was Jerami Grant, back line, who scored the basket which ended the Hornets' hopes of a comeback, for a final success 102-97.
WHAT TO REMEMBER
– Clingon imposes. No Deandre Ayton at the heart of the Blazers racket, but the rookie of Donovan Clingan. In attack, he stood out for his activity on the offensive rebound with four catches, for as many possibilities for second chances. On defense, he's a real intimidator and beyond his four blocks in just 18 minutes, he clearly made the Hornets think twice before penetrating.
-– The Blazers defense. With the Camara-Clingan-Grant trio, the Blazers have a frontcourt capable of defending very well, and perhaps most interesting is that their ability to make stops offers opportunities for fast play for their team. backs clearly less interested in defense. Last night, the Blazers scored 21 points on the counterattack, compared to 8 for the Hornets.
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
