Jordan for a Day: The greatest role player performances in Portland Trail Blazers history
April 19th, 2005. player. 34. Scouting Report. vs. Nuggets. Darius Miles. 1. Pick Analysis
Final Stats:
— 47 points, 12 rebounds, 4 steals and 5 blocks on 19-of-33 FG, 1-of-3 3P, 8-of-14 FT in 40 minutes
Date:
— Apr. 19th, 2005
One odd fact from that game:
— Only three players in NBA history — Mike Dunleavy (48), Nick Anderson (50) and Jamal Crawford (51) — have scored more than Miles’ 47 points off the bench.
As a native Illinoisan who just so happens to share close quarters to Darius Miles’ hometown, Big Funk’s 47-point surprise to close the 2004-05 season is one highlight reel that frequently finds its way onto the household TV.
The game itself held little long-term purpose; the Portland Trail Blazers were 25-55, with little to play for by the time they reached Denver. But through opportunity, Darius Miles went out and played the game of his life.
https://twitter.com/trailblazers/status/1113943079638028289?s=20
Often at the expense of future Blazer Carmelo Anthony, Miles played his full deck and then some — violent attacks of the rim, a soft touch from midrange, and even seven different trips to the free throw line. By the time the second half came along, he was on pace for 64 points and 14 rebounds by his lonesome.
Through both time and the lack of must-win games, Miles’ tenure in Portland goes largely forgotten. He proved to be something of a bright spot, averaging 13.1 points and 4.6 rebounds over 48.7 percent from the field, the highlight of which coming on this night.
From a reflective standpoint, it proved to be of those games that makes you wonder how different his career turns out under a different system or guidance? The versatility was on display. Brace yourself for a SportsCenter stat: the list of players to produce a 47-point, 12-rebound, 4-steal, 5-block game or higher?
The list starts with Darius Miles, and ends with this guy by the name of Darius Miles.