From Portland Trail Blazers On SI · · 2m
Portland Trail Blazers Preseason Struggles
Portland Trail Blazers face rebounding issues and defensive gaps against Golden State Warriors in final preseason game.
In brief
Portland Trail Blazers face rebounding issues and defensive gaps against Golden State Warriors in final preseason game. Portland Trail Blazers struggled defensively and rebounding against Golden State Warriors in their final preseason game, with key player Toumani Camara showing defensive potential. Originally…
Preseason Context
Portland Trail Blazers faced underwhelming opposition during most of the NBA preseason.
Warriors' Strong Showing
Golden State Warriors left most of their rotation at home in Portland's preseason opener.
Blazers' Performance
Portland struggled to rebound, hit timely shots from beyond the arc, and match Warriors' bench production.
Key Deficiencies
Blazers trailed by 25 points, allowed a 17-2 run in first quarter, and entered penalty less than three minutes into fourth quarter.
Toumani Camara
Toumani Camara earned NBA All-Defensive Second Team honors with career 36.7 percent 3-point shooting.
Defensive Impact
Camara set NBA record with 105 offensive fouls drawn and led league in total forced turnovers at 164.
Screening Skills
Camara effectively drew moving screen fouls against Warriors despite lenient officiating.
Relentless Effort
Camara showed relentless defense by contesting shots despite missing open corner 3-pointers.
Rebounding Woes
Portland allowed offensive rebounds and struggled with rebounding mechanics in preseason games.
Coach's Concern
Robert Williams III stated they need to f****** rebound to improve team defense.
Coaching Insight
Head coach Micah Nori emphasized helping each other rebound against modern defensive schemes.
Size Issues
Blazers' size was exposed against larger opponents during preseason games.
Yang Hansen
Yang Hansen appears to be a lock as third center off bench ahead of Micah Potter and Branden Carlson.
Defensive Gaps
Hansen is slow and lacks situational awareness for drop coverage against screens.
Offensive Fun
Portland ran effective half-court offense with Lillard and Sidy Cissoko creating slam opportunities.
Next Steps
Portland must improve rebounding and defensive execution to prepare for regular season.
The big picture
Portland Trail Blazers struggled defensively and rebounding against Golden State Warriors in their final preseason game, with key player Toumani Camara showing defensive potential.
