Sunday morning, the Portland Trail Blazers announced they signed Rondae Hollis-Jefferson to a second 10-day contract.
Before signing his second contract, the 6-year veteran appeared in 2 games for Portland, averaging 2.0 points and 1.5 assists, in an average of 6.0 minutes played.
Moments before Sunday’s game versus the Charlotte Hornets, it was announced Hollis-Jefferson would get the start, his first as a member of the Portland Trail Blazers, in place of Damian Lillard, who missed his second game from an injured hamstring. CJ McCollum got the start at point and Norman Powell at the 2 (shooting guard).
Charlotte came out firing on all cylinders to start the game, while Portland looked like they weren’t ready to play. The Hornets shot an amazing 90% the first 7:00 and would take that hot streak into the second, leading 44-24. The Blazers would shot 40% to end the opening quarter.
Luckily for Portland, there would be 3 other quarters and given the opportunity to wake up and play good Trail Blazers Basketball. They chipped away Charlotte’s lead in the second, 65-51, shooting 38% on field goals, to the Hornets 57%. Bill Schonley in the first half would likely be yelling his trademark, “you’ve got to make your free throws” 12/20 (60%). The quarter came with a scare; Anfernee Simons would head to the locker room with 8:41 to go in the half, but would return before the half. Charlotte led 65-51 to end the second. McCollum led Portland in scoring with 12.
To start the second half, The Blazers would come charging back to get within 11. However, the Hornets would go on a 12-0 run midway through the third, with Charlotte leading 93-72, and shooting 52.3%.
And the fourth. Yes, the fourth should be mentioned, but it’ll be brief. Portland tried to make a big comeback, and it looked like at one point they would make it interesting, but like the other quarters, Charlotte wanted this game more, winning it 109-101. Carmelo Anthony led the way for the Blazers with 24 points. Hollis-Jefferson, 7 points in 22 minutes of action. It is worth noting, Derrick Jones Jr. logged a DNP, CD.
Now comes the million-dollar question. Is it safe to say, PORTLAND, WE HAVE A PROBLEM? Especially with the 28-28 Hornets missing, LaMelo Ball, Gordon Hayward, Malik Monk, and Devonte Graham? If it is time to say that, what needs to be done? I have my ideas, but that’s another story for another day.
Dallas, Portland’s main challenger for the 6th playoff spot at this point, and to avoid the play-ins, was defeated by Sacramento. The Blazers have a 2 game lead over the Mavericks.