Congrats from the Memphis board - way to go Blazers!
It wasn't only a big time win, it was a really good game even if the teams didn't exactly play at their best. What won this game more than anything else was the game plan. We already knew rebounding was an absolute must and the guys were really passionate in boxing out, positioning, and fighting on the offensive end. They really made a gamble with the perimeter defense, too.
The key, though, was the focus on Niang. Just putting on the double team was to be expected, but they constantly made every effort to frustrate him. When he was on the court, two blazers were pretty much on him in an instant. If he moved without the ball, he was marked. They didn't give him room to think and the proof were those contested shots he put up.
What a win, though.
Way to go Blazers. Dayum what a win!
