The Portland Trail Blazers’ 4-0 start has transformed them into the NBA’s early-season darlings. Portland’s play has generated positive results and captured the attention of the media. On Tuesday, Sports Illustrated’s Chris Herring highlighted the return of happiness to Rip City.
Following the Blazers’ 135-110 victory over the Nuggets, Herring first pointed to Damian Lillard’s confidence in his new backcourt running mate, Anfernee Simons.
That’s part of what’s been so fun about the Blazers to this point. Simons, one of the only true bright spots from a dark 2021–22 campaign, had a chance to spread his wings last season.