Opinion
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Clash at Moda Center: Portland Trail Blazers Host Memphis Grizzlies

As the Portland Trail Blazers prepare to host the Memphis Grizzlies at the Moda Center, fans are eager to see if their team can continue their recent momentum. The Trail Blazers have shown a remarkable ability to bounce back, as evidenced by their nail-biting victory over the Grizzlies just two days prior on November 4th. In that game, they edged out a win with a final score of 115-113 in overtime.


PORTLAND, OR - NOVEMBER 3: David Roddy #21 of the Memphis Grizzlies shoots a three point basket during the In-Season Tournament against the Portland Trail Blazers on November 3, 2023 at the Moda Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Cameron Browne/NBAE via Getty Images)

The key takeaway from that encounter was Portland's resilience and clutch performance under pressure. Despite being outscored in paint points and having fewer total rebounds than Memphis, they managed to secure more points off turnovers (28 compared to 16) and had higher efficiency from the free-throw line (78 percent against 69 percent). These factors were crucial in compensating for their lower field goal percentage of 41 percent.


Looking ahead, it's clear that Portland must capitalize on these strengths once again. Their defensive prowess will be vital; they notched up seven blocks and an impressive twelve steals last time around. The bench also played a significant role by contributing 22 points, which could prove pivotal in providing depth against a Grizzlies team looking for redemption after six straight losses.


PORTLAND, OR - NOVEMBER 3: Malcolm Brogdon #11 of the Portland Trail Blazers looks to pass the ball during the In-Season Tournament against the Memphis Grizzlies on November 3, 2023 at the Moda Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Cameron Browne/NBAE via Getty Images)

Memphis is no pushover despite its losing streak; they demonstrated this with ten blocks and nearly equal efficiency numbers in their last matchup against Portland. However, one glaring issue for them has been turnovers – seventeen in their previous game – which could be exploited by the Trail Blazers' aggressive defense.


The upcoming contest promises to be another close affair given how evenly matched both teams are statistically. But with home-court advantage and recent history on their side, there's reason for optimism among fans of the Trail Blazers.


PORTLAND, OR - NOVEMBER 3: Xavier Tillman #2 of the Memphis Grizzlies shoots the ball during the In-Season Tournament against the Portland Trail Blazers on November 3, 2023 at the Moda Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Cameron Browne/NBAE via Getty Images)

Portland supporters should mark their calendars for November 6th at 7:00 PM local time when these two teams face off again at Moda Center. Fans can catch all the action live on ROOT Sports NW or follow along with broadcasts tailored for away audiences on BSSE channel 649.

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