Blazers fall short against Timberwolves
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Another scoring frenzy from rookie Jerryd Bayless wasn’t enough to keep the Trail Blazers from falling to the Minnesota Timberwolves 88-78 Thursday night at the Cox Pavilion on the campus of UNLV. The loss drops Portland to 1-2 for the Las Vegas Summer League with two games remaining.
Bayless, who finished the game with 29 points, his third straight performance of at least 26 points in Las Vegas, continued his foul-drawing ways, scoring 13 of his points from the line. In three games, Bayless is averaging over 14 points from the foul line alone. The rookie from Arizona also finished with six rebounds, two assists and a steal.
The Blazers once again had a hard time taking care of the ball, turning it over 25 times in a trend that is becoming indicative of Portland’s Summer League fortunes. Bayless, despite a quality offensive night, committed six turnovers while splitting time at point guard with Petteri Koponen.
Koponen, who started out hot in the first half, also ended with six giveaways to go along with 14 points, four rebounds and six assists.
"I think the pressure is getting to him a little bit," coach Monty Williams said. "Every night he’s facing a guy who’s guarding him 94 feet. By the third quarter he’s pretty tired because he’s got to defend and he’s trying to get the court every time."
A lack of ball movement, resulting in just seven total assists for the entire team, compounded the difficulties caused by the the seemingly endless string of turnovers.
"Tonight was just selfish basketball," Williams said. "Even in the summer time you can tell guys were just looking for their own."
One of the few bright spots was the play of Nicholas Batum, who had been struggling mightily on the offensive end during the first two games of Summer League. Batum finished Thursday's contest with 12 points on 5-of-7 shooting.
"The game is very different than it is in France," Batum said. "It’s very different. It’s more physical, more fast. But now I am ready to play."
The rookie from France looked more comfortable on both ends of the court, taking the ball to the rim on offense while showcasing his athleticism on defense.
"When I shot, I think I’m going to score, not miss. So I try to be confident in my game. I try to go to the rim much more aggressive."
The Trail Blazers have two more chances to change their fortunes in Las Vegas with games against the Phoenix Suns on Saturday and the New Orleans Hornets on Sunday.
Bayless, who finished the game with 29 points, his third straight performance of at least 26 points in Las Vegas, continued his foul-drawing ways, scoring 13 of his points from the line. In three games, Bayless is averaging over 14 points from the foul line alone. The rookie from Arizona also finished with six rebounds, two assists and a steal.
The Blazers once again had a hard time taking care of the ball, turning it over 25 times in a trend that is becoming indicative of Portland’s Summer League fortunes. Bayless, despite a quality offensive night, committed six turnovers while splitting time at point guard with Petteri Koponen.
Koponen, who started out hot in the first half, also ended with six giveaways to go along with 14 points, four rebounds and six assists.
"I think the pressure is getting to him a little bit," coach Monty Williams said. "Every night he’s facing a guy who’s guarding him 94 feet. By the third quarter he’s pretty tired because he’s got to defend and he’s trying to get the court every time."
A lack of ball movement, resulting in just seven total assists for the entire team, compounded the difficulties caused by the the seemingly endless string of turnovers.
"Tonight was just selfish basketball," Williams said. "Even in the summer time you can tell guys were just looking for their own."
One of the few bright spots was the play of Nicholas Batum, who had been struggling mightily on the offensive end during the first two games of Summer League. Batum finished Thursday's contest with 12 points on 5-of-7 shooting.
"The game is very different than it is in France," Batum said. "It’s very different. It’s more physical, more fast. But now I am ready to play."
The rookie from France looked more comfortable on both ends of the court, taking the ball to the rim on offense while showcasing his athleticism on defense.
"When I shot, I think I’m going to score, not miss. So I try to be confident in my game. I try to go to the rim much more aggressive."
The Trail Blazers have two more chances to change their fortunes in Las Vegas with games against the Phoenix Suns on Saturday and the New Orleans Hornets on Sunday.
