Two nights ago the Portland Trail Blazers put together a study in contrasts against the Denver Nuggets, going from totally indifferent and down 17 in the second quarter, to energized and up double figures in the third.
The duality of performance was concerning, but there was widespread hope that an impassioned halftime speech from Terry Stotts would be a turning point in the season.
Sure enough, the Blazers’ dual personality did disappear tonight. Unfortunately, it was the “first half vs. Denver” team that showed up. The result?: A 113-88 thrashing at the hands of the Chicago Bulls.