The Portland Trailblazers are in one of their worst seasons ever and it just doesn’t seem to be getting any better for the team.
The Blazers fell to their 31st defeat this season and it couldn’t have happened more chaotically. Earlier today, the team lost a close game to one of the best young teams in the league, the OKC Thunder. Angered by the fashion in which they lost, the organization has decided to stand their ground and appealed to the NBA to look into the incident, which was a cruel decision against the Blazers, according to the team.
Blazers file complaint to overturn loss vs OKC Thunder
The Portland Trailblazers suffered one of the most agonizing defeats this season as a late mishap scarred the team’s chances of adding a win to their tally this season. Following their controversial loss, the Blazers decided to appeal their loss against the Thunder due to a faulted call from the official which did significant damage to the team’s morale and momentum, which eventually resulted in their tragic loss.
The Blazers’ star Malcolm Brogdon seemed to request a time-out late in the fourth quarter after dribbling to secure the ball, and the officials did not respond. After he started dribbling, the officials made a call for a double-dribble foul, leading to immediate outrage from the Portland HC, Chauncey Billups, resulting in his ejection from the game.
Eventually, the Thunder showed their true spirit and won the game with a clutch shot from Jaden Williams, who scored the basket in phenomenal fashion, leaving just two seconds on the clock. Portland’s Hail Mary attempt went in vain and the team had to go home with the loss.
Senior NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski said, “The Trail Blazers are filing a protest with the league office to challenge the result of their 111-109 loss to the Thunder on Tuesday.”
Speaking on the mishap, Blazers coach Chauncey Billups said, “We’ve got timeouts. Referees are usually prepared for that, you know, that instance, that situation. I’m at half-court, trying to call a timeout. It’s just frustrating. My guys played too hard for that, it’s a frustrating play.”
The disheartening loss comes at the worst of times, with struggles continuing for the team, which is sitting in 14th place in the Western Conference of the league.
NBA struggles continue for Blazers
This has been a season to forget for the Portland Trailblazers and at this juncture, the only visible positive for the team is that they sit in a good spot for next year’s NBA Draft, alongside the San Antonio Spurs.
Just two weeks ago, the team was ambushed from all directions by the mighty Thunder, who crushed the Blazers 139-77, with a mammoth deficit of 62 points separating the two teams.
Probably the most underwhelming aspect of the Blazers’ season will be the selection of Scoot Henderson in the 2023 NBA Draft. Drafted with high expectations and considered one of the best players in the draft class, the young player has shown little to no signs of excitement for the Blazers and has quite a minimal impact on the team’s approach to the game. In his debut season, Scoot is averaging 12.4 points per game while shooting a very low 36.4% from the field, a statistical circumstance that the team was not prepared for.
Against OKC, however, the player chipped in with a much-needed 19 points, displaying crucial signs of improvement that the Blazers can count on next season. Under the guidance of Chauncey Billups and a young roster comprising players such as Deandre Ayton, Jerami Grant and Anfernee Simmons, the Portland Trailblazers will hope to reach great heights next year where they can also be assured of another lottery pick, which they hope will improve their roster substantially.
What are your thoughts on the Portland Trailblazers appeal to the NBA? Do you think Scoot Henderson has the potential to become a superstar? What are your hopes for the Blazers next season? We are eager to know your thoughts and opinions, so feel free to comment below.
