Through eight games, the Trail Blazers have surrendered at least 120 points on four occasions. Regardless of their offensive successes, Portland’s record sits at a pedestrian 4-4 due to laundry list of defensive deficiencies. In his weekly feature, ESPN’s Zach Lowe touched on the struggles that the Blazers and Nuggets are working through to start the year.
The second unit took center stage in Lowe’s assessment of the Blazers’ defense.
Both are shooting themselves in the foot to some degree. Portland has zero chance defending with both Carmelo Anthony and Enes Kanter on the floor — even against opposing reserves.