Philippines, 22 Oct 2025
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


NBA -- Blazers thriving under "new normal"


PhilBoxing.com



Moda Center in Portland, Oregon.

PORTLAND -- With a seating capacity of 19,393, the Moda Center in downtown Portland is usually a beehive of activity every time the Trail Blazers host an NBA game at their home floor.

But when the Houston Rockets visited last December 26, an eerie silence engulfed the massive $440 million arena that opened for business 25 years ago this past October.

The long lines that normally form at the multiple arena entrances and the sea of humanity that flood the main concourse before tip-off were noticeably absent.

But after having taken part in the NBA bubble a few months ago when the Los Angeles Lakers were eventually crowned 2020 champions, the Blazers already have a sense of this pandemic-driven setting where no one but essential personnel are allowed in the playing venues.


The Moda Center is teeming with silence during the Blazers-Rockets game on Dec. 26, 2020.

Under strict protocols, which include social distancing and responsibly wearing a mask, the Blazers have allowed media coverage in their building and PhilBoxing.com was fortunate enough to among the outlets who has been credentialed covered the Blazers on-site.

After dropping their home opener against the Utah Jazz on December 23, the Blazers bounced back with a nail-biting 128-126 overtime victory over the Rockets on December 26 when they survived a 44-point outburst from a disgruntled James Harden who continues to demand for a trade out of Houston.

Following a 1-1 homestand to begin their 72-game schedule, the Blazers then embarked on a two-game road trip to the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

Powered by a combined 59-point effort by Damian Lillard and Gary Trent Jr, the Blazers stunned the Lakers 115-107 on December 28 before falling to the Clippers, 128-105, two nights later yesterday.


Houston's James Harden (L) dribbles against Portland's Damian Lillard during their game on Dec. 26, 2020 won by the Blazers 128-126.

At 2-2, Portland currently occupies the eighth place in the power-laden Western Conference.

Although it's too early in the race to talk about the playoffs, the signs are promising for this veteran squad that has been tried and tested in the crucible of the post-season.

Their two leaders --- Damian Lillard and CJ MCollum --- are playing in All-Star form, averaging 28 and 23 points per game respectively. And with an average of 14.8 three-point makes an outing, Portland has shown the capacity to out-shoot any team on any given night.

Team depth is also a plus.

The support cast of Carmelo Anthony, Enes Kanter and Gary Trent Jr. pool together a decent 36.2 points a contest while center Jusuf Nurkic has been more than able to handle the business in the middle.

There is, however, more work needed. Especially on the defensive side of the ball.

The Blazers surrender 120.2 points per game, 24th among 30 teams. And their defensive rating is ranked 28th at 117.2.

It's a correctible flaw that head coach Terry Stotts and his staff will no doubt work hard to smoothen out as the season drags on. It's not easy but doable.

With their tough schedule right out of the starting gate, the Blazers were expected to be 1-3. So being 2-2 is a modest feat that will hopefully lead to bigger things. (RG)


Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ryan Gallardo.


Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: The Finalists for the WBC Grand Prix are Set
    By Mauricio Sulaimán, , Wed, 22 Oct 2025
  • Traya to fight again in Thailand on Oct. 25
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 22 Oct 2025
  • Texas super middleweight Darius Fulghum Preparing to get back in the title hunt
    , Wed, 22 Oct 2025
  • Aaron Pryor honored on his 70th birthday anniversary
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 22 Oct 2025
  • DUONG SUFFERS SHOCK EXIT AS GORST OPENS STRONG IN MANILA
    , Tue, 21 Oct 2025
  • Marlon "Marvelous Captain" Manalo makes a comeback in the Philippine Open
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 21 Oct 2025
  • THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 20 OCTOBER 2025: Danny Garcia KOs Daniel Gonzalez; Juarez Defeats Nery; Bormann Unifies Belt vs Kuroki
    By Eric Armit, , Tue, 21 Oct 2025
  • "Round of the Year" Candidate Unfolds in Explosive Clash Between Undefeated Prospect Sebastian Juarez and Veteran Demarcus Layton
    , Tue, 21 Oct 2025
  • IIEE PSME Quezon City Simba's Tribe wins 4 straight in PCAP Tourney
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 21 Oct 2025
  • GREEN TAM, RINGO LAM, HARPREET SINGH SCORE CRUSHING TKO WINS MONDAY IN THAILAND
    By Carlos Costa, , Tue, 21 Oct 2025
  • Irish middleweight Jim Donovan Registers sensational KO in his Pro debut at home in Ireland
    , Tue, 21 Oct 2025
  • Kell Brook to return in February
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Mon, 20 Oct 2025
  • EFREN REYES AND FRANCISCO BUSTAMANTE HEADLINE HISTORIC FIELD AS PHILIPPINES OPEN DRAW REVEALED
    , Mon, 20 Oct 2025
  • North Cotabato karatekas ready in BP 2025
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Mon, 20 Oct 2025
  • Fundora vs. Thurman Expected to Land on Manny Pacquiao's January Undercard
    By Dong Secuya, , Mon, 20 Oct 2025
  • Hong Kong’s “Tyson” Ng and Harpreet Singh of India Ready to Rock for WBC Asia Strap
    By Carlos Costa, , Mon, 20 Oct 2025
  • TEAM ASIA CONQUER THE WORLD TO COMPLETE HISTORIC REYES CUP TITLE DEFENCE
    , Mon, 20 Oct 2025
  • Jodiel Chloe Banawa: A 5-Year-Old Chess Prodigy Making Her Mark at the Provincial Meet
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 20 Oct 2025
  • GM Joey is aiming for a world title shot
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sun, 19 Oct 2025
  • Patrick Bonifacio rules Directors Chess Cup
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sun, 19 Oct 2025
  • World Boxing Announces Elite Division World Rankings
    , Sun, 19 Oct 2025
  • BEN WHITTAKER PRESS CONFERENCE: EVERYTHING THAT WAS SAID AS NEW MATCHROOM SIGNING MEETS GAVAZI – PLUS: VUONG vs GWYNNE II
    , Sun, 19 Oct 2025
  • BIADO, YAPP, AND DUONG POWER TEAM ASIA TO THE BRINK OF GLORY
    , Sat, 18 Oct 2025
  • Prado, Catubig dominate DTI Run
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Sat, 18 Oct 2025
  • YORK HALL FIGHT NIGHT RESULTS: GEORGE LIDDARD MAKES HISTORY TO BECOME THE YOUNGEST EVER BRITISH MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPION
    , Sat, 18 Oct 2025




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2025 philboxing.com.