Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Last night, Enes Kanter broke two franchise records for the Portland Trail Blazers on a night that starting center Jusuf Nurkic sat out. The records that he broke included Rebounds in a game (30) and Offensive Rebounds in a game (12).
Miami Heat Injuries
SG Tyler Herro (foot) – available
PF KZ Opala (Health and Safety Protocols) – Out
SG Victor Oladipo (Knee) – Out
PG Gabe Vincent (Knee) – Probable
Portland Trail Blazers Injuries
Zach Collins (ankle) – Out
Pre-Game Notes
The Heat are known for defense as they allow the third-fewest points per game in the league at 107.4, but they struggle on the offensive side scoring just 106.6 points per game. For the Blazers, its the opposite. They are currently fifth in points per game at 115, and they allow their opponents to score 115.1, which is good for 26th in the NBA. The Trail Blazers lead the all-time series versus the Heat 41-23.
Blazers Coach Terry Stotts has announced that Jusuf Nurkic will start and be on a minute restriction.
Less than an hour until tip-off!
Starters for Miami: Kendrick Nunn, Duncan Robinson, Jimmy Butler, Trevor Ariza, Bam Adebayo
Starters for Portland: Damian Lillard, CJ McCollum, Norman Powell, Robert Covington, Jusuf Nurkic
FIRST QUARTER
Damian Lillard is wearing a headband…. could danger be on the horizon? Damian Lillard is wearing a headband in honor of former Blazer Tim Frazier getting a 10 day contract.
Blazers win the tip!
After one quarter the Blazers lead the Heat by 6, 31-25. McCollum leading the way for Portland with 7 points. Jusuf Nurkic with 5 rebounds. For the Heat, its Adebayo leading the way with 9 points.
SECOND QUARTER
Enes Kanter is the first to score for the Blazers off of a tip in.
The Miami Heat have brought the game to within three points.
The Blazers with a good defensive possession, forcing a shot clock violation.
Tie game at 41 with 6 minutes to go.
Miami is now ahead 47-41 with 3:50 left in the second quarter.
Lillard from Longview, WA to make it a 4 point deficit.
At halftime, the Blazers trail 56-48. For the Heat, its Bam Adebayo leading the way with 15 points. Jimmy Butler now has 10. For the Blazers, McCollum has 9, Lillard and Kanter both have 8, Covington, Powell and Jones Jr. all with 7. Jusuf Nurkic has 2 blocks ad 6 rebounds for the Blazers.
THIRD QUARTER
Miami has opened up the lead, now 63-50. With 9 to play in the quarter.
Turnover difference has been a big factor in this game. The heat now have 3 compared to the Blazers 15.
Blazers now down 14, 76-62. with 4:47 left.
With 2:59 remaining, the Heat get the lead back to 16. 80-65.
Kanter is DOWN, now walking off on his own power. Looks as if he took a knee to the head. He’ll head to the locker room. Nurkic back in. With Blazers minute restriction on Nurkic, they may be forced to go small. Could we see a line-up of Dame, CJ, Jones Jr., RHJ, and Covington.
FOURTH QUARTER
Blazers trail by 20. Need to play hero ball.
Kanter is BACK!
Fourth quarter defense by the Blazers. They still currently trail 95-78, with a little over 6 minutes left in the game.
On the second of a back to back, the Blazers are looking tired. They’ll now bring in Simons, Elleby, Little, Hollis-Jefferson and Harry Giles. With 4:34 left.
And its a quick three for Anfernee Simons. He’s providing some life for the Blazers, who have struggled tonight.
Blazers bench crew is looking to cut it close, they’re playing some good defense.
FINAL – Heat win 107- 98
Throughout the game we have seen a testament of the Blazers getting better on the defensive side of the ball. But the Miami defense was too much for the Blazers offense, Lillard and the crew were not able to get it done.
The Portland Trail Blazers will have a day to re-group and be back at it on Tuesday, April 13th. (My Birthday). They will go head to head with the Boston Celtics on that day.
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Northwest Sports Desk 