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Report Card: Trail Blazers Fall to the Spurs

By Perry Waggoner

Mar 17, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; Portland Trail Blazers point guard Damian Lillard (0) shoots the ball over San Antonio Spurs point guard Tony Parker (9, left) during the second half at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 17, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; Portland Trail Blazers point guard Damian Lillard (0) shoots the ball over San Antonio Spurs point guard Tony Parker (9, left) during the second half at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /
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Players grades from the Trail Blazers 110-118 loss to LaMarcus Aldridge and the stifling defense of the San Antonio Spurs

Starters

Damian Lillard: 23 points/6 assists/3 rebounds

I think it’s officially time to welcome Lillard back to earth. After a scorching start to the second half of the season, the star point guard has hit a wall in the last four games. Since March 11th, Lillard has averaged just 20 PPG while shooting a mere .402% from the field – numbers that are a colossal dip from earlier in the month. There is no reason to be concerned though, as the Spurs are without a doubt the best defensive team in the NBA (allowing just 92.2 PPG). Grade: B+

CJ McCollum: 26 points/2 assists/7 rebounds

Despite the Spurs pressure, McCollum had a surprisingly outstanding night for the Trail Blazers. He led the team in points and blocks while chipping in seven rebounds, good for third on the team. It was good to see McCollum find success (10-20 from the field), because beyond him it was a rough one to watch.  You can always count on CJ to produce consistently, even when the players around him are struggling. Grade: A

Related Story: Open Letter to LaMarcus

Al-Farouq Aminu: 8 points/4 assists/6 rebounds

Aminu had a very typical game for a player who has the ability to contribute in all facets of the game. He snagged down six rebounds while also drilling two shots from downtown, making it three out of the last four games in which he has made at least two 3PT baskets. Perhaps his biggest contribution in last night’s loss was his first half defense on Kawhi Leonard. At the end of the second quarter Leonard has attempted just three shots. Count that as a win for the Aminu, who has become the Trail Blazers go to defender. Grade: B

Noah Vonleh: 8 points/4 rebounds

Vonleh made the most of 11 minutes of play, going 4-7 from the field while gathering two offensive rebounds. Believe it or not, this was Vonleh’s best offensive performance since mid-February against the Warriors, when he went for nine points. Credit needs to be given to Vonleh, who continues to find ways to make an impact on the game even with limited action. Grade: C

Mason Plumlee: 12 points/5 assists/8 rebounds

One of the bright spots in a otherwise abysmal loss, Plumlee had one his most well-rounded performances of the year. In fact, he was the only player in last night’s contest to have 10+ points, 5+ assists, and 5+ rebounds. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to take the spotlight from his younger brother Marshall, who starred in Duke’s NCAA Tournament win over UNC-Wilmington earlier in the day. Grade: A

Sixth Man of the Game

Chris Kaman: 12 points/1 assist/5 rebounds

Trust me, I am as surprised as you were that Kaman had as big of an impact as he did. But it’s true: he was a difference maker in Portland’s second unit. Kaman is the only big man on this roster that can make his own shot, and it wouldn’t be shocking to me if Terry Stotts decides to stick with him down the stretch. It’s nice to see a post player not have to rely on the guards to make all the opportunities. Shake off the rust, Chris! You’re back! Grade: A