Portland Trail Blazers · 5 notes
Ja Morant, Damian Lillard, Toumani Camara and Donovan Clingan started Portland's last preseason game. Coach Micah Nori called that "probably a pretty good indication" for the Oct. 21 opener vs. Phoenix but didn't commit. Scoot Henderson comes off the bench for "downhill scoring."
With a fully healthy roster, Yang Hansen's minutes may come only in spots for Portland. Micah Nori wouldn't commit, pointing to foul trouble for Robert Williams III or Donovan Clingan "and the matchup." The staff wants to build on Hansen's passing.
Donovan Clingan and Robert Williams III anchor Portland's defensive plan: Jrue Holiday says the perimeter defenders contain and the two centers protect behind. On offense, he expects attention on Damian Lillard, Ja Morant and Deni Avdija to open shots for him and Williams.
Clingan says smaller lineups mean more shot-blocking on him: "I love the challenge." Morant wants returning players aggressive beside him and Lillard, and on the foul emphasis on drivers: "I've looked at every rulebook and I don't think they ever apply to me."
From Portland's media availability: Ja Morant says playing with Damian Lillard, Jrue Holiday and Scoot Henderson means he needn't be ball dominant, opening catch-and-shoot 3s and cuts. Donovan Clingan on 3-pointers: "if I'm open and I like the shot, I'm gonna shoot it."