Three Takeaways From Trail Blazers' Blowout Loss To Grizzlies
Three Takeaways From Trail Blazers' Blowout Loss To Grizzlies
The Portland Trail Blazers suffered a humiliating 133-100 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night, extending their losing streak to four games. The defeat was the Blazers' worst of the season and came just days after they blew a 20-point lead in a home loss to the Indiana Pacers.
1. The Blazers' Defense Is In Shambles
The Blazers' defense has been a major problem all season, and it was on full display against the Grizzlies. Memphis shot 52.2% from the field and 40.0% from three-point range, while the Blazers shot just 40.6% from the field and 31.3% from three-point range. The Grizzlies also outrebounded the Blazers 50-35 and had 10 more assists.
The Blazers' defense has been particularly bad in the paint, where they have allowed opponents to shoot 61.9% from the field this season. The Grizzlies took advantage of this weakness, scoring 54 points in the paint on Monday night.
2. The Blazers' Offense Is Struggling
The Blazers' offense has also been struggling this season, and it was no different against the Grizzlies. The Blazers shot just 40.6% from the field and 31.3% from three-point range. They also had 16 turnovers.
The Blazers' offense has been particularly bad in the half-court, where they have struggled to create good looks. The Grizzlies held the Blazers to just 0.88 points per possession in the half-court on Monday night.
3. The Blazers Need To Make Some Changes
The Blazers are now 13-23 on the season and are in danger of missing the playoffs. They need to make some changes if they want to turn things around.
One change the Blazers could make is to trade for a defensive-minded big man. The Blazers have been linked to several players in trade rumors, including DeAndre Jordan and Andre Drummond. Adding a defensive-minded big man would help to shore up the Blazers' defense in the paint.
Another change the Blazers could make is to fire head coach Terry Stotts. Stotts has been with the Blazers since 2012, but the team has not made it past the second round of the playoffs under his leadership. The Blazers could consider firing Stotts and hiring a new coach who can bring a fresh perspective to the team.
Conclusion
The Blazers are in a tough spot right now. They have lost four straight games and are in danger of missing the playoffs. The team needs to make some changes if they want to turn things around.
One change the Blazers could make is to trade for a defensive-minded big man. Another change the Blazers could make is to fire head coach Terry Stotts.
The Blazers need to make some changes soon, or they will be in danger of missing the playoffs for the first time since 2013.