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Blazers Comeback Stopped Along With Team’s Momentum

By Dayton Brown

Feb 3, 2017; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard C.J. McCollum (3) receives a pass as Dallas Mavericks guard Seth Curry (30) defends during the first quarter of the game at the Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 3, 2017; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard C.J. McCollum (3) receives a pass as Dallas Mavericks guard Seth Curry (30) defends during the first quarter of the game at the Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports /
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Bad Star Plagues Blazer Game; Represents This Season as Well

Another disappointing loss against a lowly team occurred in Portland on Friday as the Dallas Mavericks defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 108-104. It was a game that shot down confidence for a Blazer team that had a chance to step into the 8th seed. A home loss is never a good, but especially against a team that has struggled all season.

Yogi Farrell, the 5’11” un-drafted point guard out of Indiana, posted 32 points at 5 assists for Dallas. He made it look easy as he hit 9 (NINE) 3-pointers against a defensively-struggling Portland backcourt. Former Blazer Wesley Matthews also dropped a season-high 27, again highlighting the poor defense of this Blazer team.

This loss comes on the heels of a stretch where Portland won 4 of their last 5. Losses like this are absolute momentum killers. Teams can get on rolls and win games, but it only takes one game to set everything back. This is the second time this calendar year where Portland has had their confidence shot because of a bad loss. The other occurred against Orlando after blowing out the Cleveland Cavaliers the night before. That loss started a 4-game losing streak. Unfortunately, the Mavericks loss feels a lot like that.

Even though it was only a 4-point loss, Portland trailed by as many as 24 points. Dallas started out perfect with 7-7 shooting and a 17-4 lead just minutes into the game. A bad offensive start along with bad perimeter defense just started the Blazers too far behind. This could foreshadow the remainder of the season, as Portland sits at 22-29 and a game back from Denver for the 8th seed. They’re not alone in the battle for the final spot, either. Dallas jumped over Sacramento for 10th place in the West, while the Kings, Timberwolves and Suns are all racing with the Blazers as well.

Future Could Be Bleak but Hopeful

Feb 3, 2017; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Ed Davis (17) dunks the ball over Dallas Mavericks forward Dwight Powell (7) during the fourth quarter of the game at the Moda Center. Dallas won the game 108-104. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 3, 2017; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Ed Davis (17) dunks the ball over Dallas Mavericks forward Dwight Powell (7) during the fourth quarter of the game at the Moda Center. Dallas won the game 108-104. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports /

With the All-Star break looming, Portland is going to have to win at least 3 of their next 5 games to just keep pace with the 8th seed. Even stronger for a 7th or 6th seed. This may be a pessimistic take on the current situation for the team, but it’s also the most realistic. The disappointing start has a weird stigma to it, after the same thing happened last year and then Portland pushed to the 5th seed. However, this season doesn’t seem as positive, as this Blazer team just can’t seem to find the consistent groove they need in order finish out the season strong.

The good news: this team is built for the future. This season doesn’t have to be a win-it-all year. Neil Olshey has long contracts with young players and most of them still have some developing to go. Don’t look towards next season or even the one after, we’re rebuilding, and that’s okay.

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