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Quick Start and Evan Turner’s Return Spark Huge Victory Over Hawks

By Spencer Gordon

Mar 18, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) brings the ball up the court in the fourth quarter of their game against the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena. The Trail Blazers won 113-97. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 18, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) brings the ball up the court in the fourth quarter of their game against the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena. The Trail Blazers won 113-97. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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A Huge First Quarter by the Blazers Propels the Blazers to a Promising Wire to Wire Win against the Hawks 113-97

You know it’s a good night for the Blazers when they hit 11 of the their first 12 shots. The Blazers offense had never looked better this season, as they jumped to a 40-18 lead at the end of the first. All signs look promising after the catastrophic loss to the Pelicans earlier this week, as Portland hasn’t looked better this season since the last two games.

More importantly (and it’s a tough phrase to say), the Houston Rockets squeaked by Denver 109-105. The Nuggets’ loss puts Portland just 1.5 games back of the final playoff spot. Remember, Portland owns the tie-breaker with the Nuggets if it comes down to it.

Damian Lillard led the way with another dominant performance. Our leader scored 27 points, then drew enough attention away to let the rest of Blazers contribute. The other two heads of the Blazers’ big three wound up sealing the victory with their great play. C.J. McCollum added 22, while Jusuf Nurkic outplayed Dwight Howard for a 12 point, 9 board, 6 assist, 2 steal and 5 block night!

As mentioned before, this game was all about the playoff positioning. Stealing that game from the Spurs was huge this week, while getting another win on the road puts Portland as close as they’ve been to catching the Nuggets in over a month. The team is peaking at the right time, and despite all of the comparisons to last season, this team is beginning to show true potential towards a brighter future.

Mar 18, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Evan Turner (1) brings the ball up the court in the third quarter of their game against the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena. The Trail Blazers won 113-97. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 18, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Evan Turner (1) brings the ball up the court in the third quarter of their game against the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena. The Trail Blazers won 113-97. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

ET is Back!

In another note, tonight was the return of Evan Turner to the lineup. Although he looked sloppy in the scoring department, Turner’s return brought back the importance of having a swiss army knife player like himself. He’s we’re still a few games away from our ideal starting five, Turner should return to form in a few games and find his shot again soon.

A healthy Turner could boost Portland into a dangerous eighth seed if it comes down to it. San Antonio doesn’t want us in the first round, while Golden State is counting down the the distraction clock of Kevin Durant‘s return.

It feels like Portland is playing with nothing to lose at this point. Who knows how dangerous they can be as we hit the home stretch to the season.

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