Not too long ago, the Portland Trail Blazers were spiraling down the standings and appeared to be in the midst of an erratic down turn. If losing Zach Collins for the season wasn’t enough, the signing of Carmelo Anthony seemed to signify a final act of desperation so early into a fresh season.
And while the injuries haven’t slowed down — bless Rodney Hood‘s soul (and his Achilles) — Portland has managed to turn the ship around and effectively fight through the tide of adversity.
Since starting the year 5-12, the Trail Blazers have strung together a 8-4 stretch that’s helped propel them back into the playoff picture.