Unlike the Orlando-based bubble from the conclusion of last season, the 2020-21 regular season is unfolding in home markets in fan-less cavernous arenas. The Trail Blazers are off to a 2-1 record, but they did not escape a blowout trend that has emerged in the early portion of the season.
Over the weekend, the Mavericks amassed a 62-18 lead over the Clippers with 5:19 left in the second quarter. Dallas ended up cruising to a 124-73 victory after four quarters, but that eye-popping margin in the points column generated comments from around the league.
On Tuesday, Yahoo Sports featured a clip of Damian Lillard explaining how the fan-less environments have created a surprising hurdle for players.