The Portland Trail Blazers delivered a commanding 130-99 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks, showcasing a no-nonsense approach at the Moda Center. This win, following a similar blowout against the Brooklyn Nets, marks a significant shift for the Blazers as they gear up for the NBA Play-In Tournament.
Acting head coach Tiago Splitter attributes this change to a renewed mentality and focused messaging from the coaching staff. "We have a very special thing going on to finish the season here," Splitter emphasized. The Blazers are treating every game with playoff intensity, and it’s paying off.
Currently sitting in ninth place in the Western Conference with a 37-37 record, the Blazers have secured a play-in berth but are eyeing the coveted eighth seed. They’re in a tight race with the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Clippers, sitting 1.5 games ahead of the Warriors and just a half-game behind the Clippers. With crucial matchups against the Clippers on the horizon, the Blazers know the importance of every game.
Splitter stressed the need to "take care of the job" at home before facing the Clippers. The Blazers’ performance against the Bucks was a testament to this mindset.
They dominated the boards 54-34, dished out 30 assists, shot over 50% from the field, and sank 19 three-pointers. Despite 20 turnovers, the Blazers built an insurmountable lead and rested their starters early in the fourth quarter.
Scoot Henderson led the charge with 23 points, four assists, and zero turnovers, while seven Blazers scored in double figures. Forward Toumani Camara, contributing 10 points and two steals, highlighted the team’s unity and effort. "The way we’re playing, no matter who we’re playing, we’re playing together," Camara noted.
While the Blazers are focused on the present, Henderson admitted the team frequently discusses the play-in race. "In our film sessions or whatever. It’s Tiago preaching like ‘Come on, this many games left, they’re all gold.’"
The Blazers’ post-All-Star break momentum faced setbacks due to injuries, notably All-Star Deni Avdija’s back issues. However, with Avdija back in action and contributing to a 7-3 run over the last ten games, the team is finally hitting its stride.
Splitter highlighted the importance of the team’s health in their playoff push. With most of their core players available, the Blazers are playing with a newfound freedom and determination.
"Right now, I think we’re just playing free," Splitter said. "And the guys know that now it’s time to win."
As the regular season winds down, the Blazers are focused and ready to make their mark in the postseason.