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Report Card: Hail to the Chief! Blazers Beat Celtics

By Perry Waggoner

Mar 31, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Al-Farouq Aminu (8) celebrates after scoring during the fourth quarter against the Boston Celtics at the Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. The Trail Blazers won 116-109. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 31, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Al-Farouq Aminu (8) celebrates after scoring during the fourth quarter against the Boston Celtics at the Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. The Trail Blazers won 116-109. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports /
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Player grades and analysis from the Trail Blazers 116-109 come-from-behind win over Isaiah Thomas and the stingy Boston Celtics

Starters

Damian Lillard: 14 points/4 assists/1 block

It was one to forget for Lillard, who shot an abysmal 3-16 (19%) from the field. While it’s safe to say that this was his worst game of the season, it could not have come at a better time. Almost every other player on the team was firing on all cylinders – excluding his back court mate, CJ McCollum. It’s now been four games since Lillard has gotten over 20 points in a game and the signs of fatigue are growing with each and every dribble. His shots are hitting the front of the rim all too often, and unless Terry Stotts wants to see more performances like that in the playoffs, he should seriously consider resting him. Games against Sacramento, Minnesota, and Denver should give Lillard plenty of opportunities to recharge before the real season starts. Grade: B-

CJ McCollum: 17 points/8 assists/5 rebounds

Much like Lillard, McCollum stuggled to get any sort of rhythm in last night’s contest. Most of this can be attributed to Boston’s stifling defense, they are fifth in the league for opponents field goal percentage (44%). What made McCollum’s performance forgivable was his ability to supply high volume numbers in other major categories. In fact, his eight assists against the Celtics is tied for his highest mark in over three months. If you would’ve told me that the back court would combine for 31 points on 30% shooting, I would’ve chalked up a loss. It just goes to show you how deep the Trail Blazers’ bench really is. Grade: B

Al-Farouq Aminu: 28 points/9 rebounds/3 rebounds

Boy was it a treat to watch Aminu explode the way he did. Following games in which he scored 20 points and 14 points, I didn’t think he’d be topping those marks anytime soon. Truly, I felt like a mini slump was in store for the forward who’s struggled with consistency all season. What conspired in front of thousands of cheering fans was magical to be apart of. After watching the stars of the team miss (and miss often), suddenly, an unsuspecting stud took over the game. It was something no one had ever seen. Not just this year, but over Aminu’s entire career. If he can supply Portland with even half the effort he put forth last night, this team could be headed to the second round of the playoffs. Grade: A+

Maurice Harkless: 9 points/10 rebounds/1 steal

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Harkless seems to be sticking with a pattern: score big in the first quarter, then fade away in the second half. Now, this isn’t all his fault – Stotts plays him considerably less late in the game – but it’s worth noting. It’s like a sugar high that eventually wears off, leading to a sugar low. Let’s be frank: The sugar high is sure fun to experience. The young forward flew around the court in the first part of the game and narrowly missed a double-double, ending with nine points and ten rebounds (four of which were offensive). Last night was just another reminder of why Stotts has elected to put Harkless in the starting lineup. Grade: B+

Mason Plumlee: 11 points/6 rebounds/4 assists

Plumlee was quiet for most of last night’s contest, but ended up having a well-rounded game per usual. While his -10 plus/minus doesn’t look great in the box score, his ability to provide in all three major categories was certainly welcomed with open arms. Plumlee had been on a streak of five games scoring in double figures, but failed to do so in the last two games. Let’s hope he will start a new streak against the Heat, who have one of the most menacing post players in Hassan Whiteside. Grade: B

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Sixth Man of the Game

Gerald Henderson: 15 points/5 assists/5 rebounds

Despite valiant performances from Allen Crabbe (11 pts/4 rbs) and Noah Vonleh in limited minutes (7 pts/ 3 rbs), the award goes to Henderson, who was side by side with Aminu during the comeback effort. His biggest moment came in the fourth quarter, where he stretched the lead out to six on three consecutive buckets. Beyond his scoring contributions, five assists is now Henderson’s season high. Batum who? Grade: A+