In a performance described by head coach Chauncey Billups as "embarrassing," the Portland Trail Blazers fell to the Memphis Grizzlies in a devastating 132-87 loss at the Moda Center. Despite the absence of Memphis stars Ja Morant and Desmond Bane due to injuries, the Grizzlies dominated from the outset, leaving the Blazers grappling with their third consecutive defeat.
Grizzlies Dominate Early
From the start, it was clear the Grizzlies were in control. They surged ahead by 19 points by the end of the first quarter, a lead that extended to as many as 25 points in the second. The Blazers were unable to mount any significant challenge, as Memphis continued to pile on the points, extending their advantage to an overwhelming 35 points by the third quarter.
Portland's struggles were palpable on both ends of the court. Offensively, they were dismal, managing to shoot a mere 9.5% from beyond the arc, converting only 4 of 42 attempts. This performance contributed to their offensive output being the worst in the NBA season, recording an anemic 80.9 points per 100 possessions. With this defeat, Portland’s season record fell to 3-8, underscoring the challenges they currently face.
Billups Criticizes Team's Performance
In a candid post-game assessment, Chauncey Billups did not mince words. "It was just f---ing embarrassing, to be honest with you," he stated, highlighting his disappointment with the team's effort. The head coach was particularly critical of the lack of fight his players showed. "We were soft as hell the whole game. Nobody really fought. It was just embarrassing," Billups lamented.
His critique didn't stop there. In questioning the mentality and competitiveness of his squad, he bluntly expressed, "I told 'em that anybody that sleeps well tonight, you're a loser. It’s just that simple. You sleep well after this one, you’re a loser."
A Search for Answers
In searching for a cause behind such a listless performance, Billups did not single out any individual players but rather took collective—and personal—responsibility. "I'm not just going to pinpoint one or two guys; they all were terrible. But for the most part, everybody, they all sucked," he opined. Billups went on to emphasize the importance of accountability, stating, "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 bewilderment over the team's lethargy was evident. "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," Billups remarked, hoping to provoke a response that ignites a turnaround.
Upcoming Challenges
The road ahead doesn't get any easier for Portland. They are slated to face the Minnesota Timberwolves in the NBA Cup on Tuesday, followed by a back-to-back game against the same opponent on Wednesday. These matchups present an opportunity for Portland to recalibrate and return to their scrappy identity that Billups champions.
As the Blazers prepare for this two-game series, they must address the chasm between their potential and their current performances. Billups's impassioned critique underscores a team at a crossroads, where responses to such adversity may well define their season. As they strive to dig themselves out of this challenging start, embracing cohesion and tenacity appears paramount. Whether or not they rise to the occasion remains to be seen.