Player Grades from the Trail Blazers 109-98 loss to the Clippers
Starters
Damian Lillard (PG) – 20 PTS / 9 AST / 7 REB
A pregame mix up with paperwork led to C.J. McCollum being held out of tonight’s contest, the result was Lillard playing a game high 43 minutes. This certainly wasn’t what the Trail Blazers had in mind when they scheduled his return to action. After shaking off some early rust, Lillard managed to put up a balanced stat line. He led all Portland players with 20 points, and nearly pulled off a double double (one assist shy). His 4-9 three point shooting was the lone bright spot in his efficiency, as he went a meager 3-16 on all other shots from the floor. Overall, not a bad performance for the recovering star point guard. Grade: B
Allen Crabbe (SG) – 11 PTS / 2 AST / 3 REB
Crabbe was thrown in the starting line up at the last minute. His rush to hit the court could have led to his on court struggles, as he posted the worst +/- of all Trail Blazers starters (-15). He was also assigned the tough task of trying to keep J.J. Redick in check. Unfortunately Crabbe’s defense was not enough, as Redick went 8-13 from the field (20 points). Fairly forgettable night for the former Cal guard. Grade: C
Al-Farouq Aminu – 9 PTS / 1 AST / 6 REB
Aminu was able to find some success from deep, going 2-6 from distance tonight. His offense can look so good at times, but mental lapses lead to turnovers in a hurry (3 total turnovers). Aminu’s work on the defensive glass played a key role in the Trail Blazers finding quick baskets on the break in the second half. While Aminu largely remains an enigma, he is starting to adapt to his starting role in Portland. Grade: B
Noah Vonleh – 7 PTS / 0 AST / 1 REB
Vonleh opened the night with one of the strangest plays for the Trail Blazers this season. His failed lob attempt to Plumlee was so bad it went in on its own. The young post player is gaining confidence with each game in Portland. He also isn’t afraid to exploit a mismatch, as he didn’t hesitate to take an open three while matched up against DeAndre Jordan. Despite missing, it is a good sign for the 20 year old. His lack of rebounds are bit concerning, but it is more likely a result of his limited minutes (16). Grade: C
Mason Plumlee – 19 PTS / 5 AST / 9 REB
Plumlee helped the Trail Blazers crawl back into the game in the third quarter. The former Duke standout put up 15 points after the halftime break, helping Portland cut into the massive LA lead. He also was a key factor in helping the Blazers win the rebounding battle tonight (49-42). Stat lines like this should continue to rack up with Portland healthy, as he has a clear connection with Lillard. Grade: A
Sixth Man of the Game
Ed Davis – 12 PTS / 2 AST / 12 REB
Davis extend his double double streak against the Clippers to three after tonight’s performance. His relentless motor continues to catch LA off guard. His six offensive rebounds are only further proof that he is one of the premier rebounders in the league. The second chance points he creates are key to the Trail Blazers finding offense when the outside shots aren’t falling. If only Davis could play LA every night. Grade: B+