Be it Gerald Henderson, Allen Crabbe, Ed Davis, Meyers Leonard or Maurice Harkless, the Portland Trail Blazers' reserve unit has been crucial in the team's push into playoff position through late January and February. In 17 of the last 22 games (+159 points), the Blazer reserves have outscored opponent benches.
Although the Indiana Pacers' seven-man reserve rotation outscored the four-player Blazer bench, 44-42, in the Trail Blazers' 111-103 victory in Indianapolis on Sunday, it was Henderson and Leonard's minutes off the bench that pushed the Blazers to victory. Henderson's 19 points to go with Leonard's 17, along with Crabbe and Davis' defensive efforts, were vital in securing the road win.
"I think we really turned the corner when Gerald started feeling good and playing with a rhythm," head coach Terry Stotts said of the bench's play of late. "He’s been really consistent off the bench. Ed Davis defensively, and even offensively — his passing, offensive rebounding. Whether it’s Meyers or AC, Moe had his stretch: all those guys — it gives us good balance and we’re able to stem the tide or even extend leads.
"There’s a growing confidence with everybody."
Coming off hip surgery last summer and missing the first eight games of the season, Henderson said the change Stotts mentioned occurred around the time of the Trail Blazers' 108-98 road win versus the Washington Wizards on January 18, when Stotts began to play him in a more consistent role off the bench. Since that victory, Henderson has averaged 11.1 points in 24 minutes per game, compared to 6.7 points in 15.9 minutes per game prior. Since the win at Washington, the Blazers are 14-3.
"Coach has decided to put me into the game at a certain time every game," Henderson recalled. "That’s always good knowing that. I’ve gone in and been with the same unit, I think we’ve done a really good job of playing some good defense and then at the same time, finding that chemistry on offense: guys set really good screens, guards attack and we’re unselfish."
While much was made in the offseason four starters in the Blazers' scheme, the bench was also quietly bolstered by Portland's president of basketball operations Neil Olshey. The bench production and depth has been something that even back-to-back 50-plus win teams lacked the last two seasons.
"We haven’t had that in the past since I’ve been here," Leonard said. "I’ve been with Terry all four years, and [the bench’s job] has been hold on to the lead. Now, it’s like we’re coming in with confidence, ready to boost the lead and give our starters a break."
Damian Lillard's scoring outbursts have grabbed the headlines in the Blazers' run of 17 wins in the last 21 games, but it's been the reserve play that has been one of the biggest differences in the team's change of fortunes in 2016. Even the franchise's leader and superstar is quick to credit his teammates' play off the bench.
"I think in the past, we’ve had our starters do a lot of work and then we’ve struggled coming off the bench," Lillard said. "This season, our bench has really come through. We wouldn’t be able to be the team we are now if our bench hadn’t been able to bring it consistently… and they have. Guys understand their roles; guys understand where they’re gonna find spots and get shots. They understand what we need from them defensively. They’ve done it to the fullest.
"It’s a huge part of why we’ve been able to win games."