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Monday, March 18, 2024
March 18, 2024

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Blazers hoping for a faster start

Portland looks to set different tone in Game 2 vs. Warriors

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OAKLAND, Calif. — The Portland Trail Blazers know they can ill afford another sluggish start against the defending champion Golden State Warriors in Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals on Tuesday night.

The Blazers fell behind 37-17 after the first period of Sunday’s 118-106 loss in Game 1. Guards Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum combined to shoot 13 for 43.

Back home in the East Bay, Lillard was hoarse as he has been battling a chest cold in recent days but noted Monday: “I’ve always said there are no excuses. The bottom line is my team needs me to perform better than I did. Tomorrow, I’ve got to be better. I will be. Our team will be better.”

He said the Blazers must match Golden State from the tipoff.

“We’ve just got to understand that they are a good first-quarter team. We’ve got to be better from the start of the game,” Lillard said. “So once we fix that and continue to compete the way we did, we’ll have a chance.”

The Warriors again will try to establish an energy and presence on the defensive end from the start. They know their offense will come given this team’s depth and many playmakers.

“It’s very important we don’t give up just layups early in the game,” center Andrew Bogut said. “We’re trying to protect the paint and make sure they get nothing easy early.”

Bogut wound up with 10 points, 12 rebounds and three blocks, and the Warriors have proven they are still a dominant team without Stephen Curry, who could return from a sprained right knee as soon as Saturday’s Game 3 in Portland.

Kerr expects Portland to push all game, never surrendering on the offensive end even if the Blazers trail by double digits.

“They’re not going to be a team that’s going to panic and all of a sudden it goes from 25 to 35 and it’s game over,” Kerr said. “They’re the kind of team, they’re going to stay with it. They’ve got such great shot-makers, they’re always going to be on your tail, so our defense has to be locked in for 48 minutes.”

Slowing down Klay Thompson, who scored 37 points while handling the load of guarding Lillard, must be a top priority for Portland.

Portland coach Terry Stotts is eager to see his team bounce back. The Blazers not only fell way behind in the first quarter and shot just 40 percent — 10 for 31 on 3-pointers — they also were outrebounded 55-40 and gave up 16 offensive boards.

“Well, we can’t get down 20. Anything less than 20 would be a better start,” Stotts said Monday. “They’re a first-quarter team. They’re the best in the league at getting off to good starts. So, we have to be able to match that.”

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