Blazers Endure Humiliating Loss to Grizzlies, Face Criticism from Coach
At the Moda Center, the Portland Trail Blazers faced a startling 132-87 defeat at the hands of the Memphis Grizzlies, a game that left fans and the team reeling. Despite missing key players Ja Morant and Desmond Bane, the Grizzlies controlled the game from start to finish against a Blazers team that seemed unprepared and overwhelmed.
From the outset, Portland struggled to find rhythm and energy. The Blazers, trailing by 19 points in the first quarter, found themselves further behind as the game progressed. By the second quarter, Memphis had extended their lead to 25 points, and by the third, a 35-point gulf underscored Portland's struggles. Ultimately, the Grizzlies delivered a decisive blow, showcasing cohesion even without their star players.
One of the most conspicuous indicators of Portland's difficulties came from their three-point shooting, where they managed to convert only 4 out of 42 attempts, an abysmal 9.5% from beyond the arc. This shortfall contributed to an offensive performance that saw them score just 80.9 points per 100 possessions, marking the lowest point of any team in the NBA this season.
As the final buzzer sounded, the Blazers were handed their third consecutive loss, dropping their season record to 3-8. The disappointment was palpable, especially from head coach Chauncey Billups, who didn't shy away from expressing his frustration and dismay with the team’s performance.
Billups' post-game remarks were as candid as they were blistering: "It was just f---ing embarrassing, to be honest with you," he stated. "We were soft as hell the whole game. Nobody really fought. It was just embarrassing." His comments reflected a deep dissatisfaction not just with the loss, but with the manner in which his team competed.
The coach did not spare any part of the team from critique, stating, "I'm not just going to pinpoint one or two guys; they all were terrible. But for the most part, everybody, they all sucked." In a critical evaluation of the team's effort, Billups continued, “We've lost by more points than this, but it's how. It's how. It's just you're laying down and just kind of caving in and giving in.”
Despite the harsh words, Billups also turned the spotlight on himself: "At the end of the day, that's on me. I'm the leader of this. This is our team, but I'm the head of this. So, to me, I take that very personally.” His candid acknowledgment of his role as the team’s leader suggests there may be internal changes afoot as the team struggles to find its identity and cohesion on the court.
Recent performances have painted a troubling picture for Portland, a team known for its resilience and fighting spirit. Billups articulated this sentiment, puzzled by the team’s uncharacteristic collapse: “I really don't know where that came from, to be honest with you. We scrap. That's what we do. We don't win all our games -- not even close -- but we fight. We don't lay down. And today they laid down.”
As the Blazers look ahead, they will not have much time to dwell on this loss. They are scheduled to face the Minnesota Timberwolves in the NBA Cup on Tuesday, followed by another encounter with the Timberwolves on Wednesday. These back-to-back games will test the team’s resilience and ability to respond to adversity. Billups’ remarks will surely echo in their minds as they strive to shake off the disappointment and return to the battling team their coach and fans expect them to be.