In a recent 118-108 win over the Charlotte Hornets, Rodney Hood gave the Portland Trail Blazers a much-needed lift as the game tightened in the closing quarters. His 27 points – all coming in the second half – mark a new season-high for the guard recently acquired from the Cleveland Cavaliers at this year’s February 7 trade deadline. Without his scoring surge keeping them afloat during Charlotte’s late-game runs, Rip City may have easily found themselves climbing uphill as time ticked down.
Since an impressive debut against the San Antonio Spurs (14 points, 6-for-7 shooting), Hood has mostly taken a backseat and blended into lineups.