The Portland Trail Blazers’ lack of defense in the first quarter of Tuesday’s loss paved the way for the Clippers to notch 47 points on 72 percent shooting from the field. Facing a considerable uphill climb after that opening frame, the Blazers eventually suffered a 133-116 loss to the Clippers—their second defeat in three outings.
After the game, The Oregonian’s Aaron Fentress highlighted coach Terry Stotts’ critique of the Blazers’ early effort.
“I thought the first 16 minutes of the game were, frankly, a little embarrassing,” Stotts said.
Stotts went on to explain that the Blazers’ defense improved after a less-than-ideal start to the game.