Portland Trail Blazers: Top 10 player performances of 2017

6. Jusuf Nurkic, March 28: 33 points, 15 rebounds, 32.2 Game Score

Jusuf Nurkic also made a huge contribution the Blazers’ big win over the Denver Nuggets. While McCollum piled on the points in Damian Lillard’s stead, it was Nurkic’s 15 rebounds and two blocks that placed his total Game Score higher than the 2-guard’s.

This was Nurkic’s first meeting against his former team. On Feb. 13, 2017, Denver shipped him and a 2017 first round pick to Portland for Mason Plumlee and a 2018 second round pick. Naturally, he would look to give his all in this game.

Nurkic ended up having his best game as a Blazer, picking up a career-high in points and field goals made. His 12-for-15 shooting marked only the second game of his career with double-digit field goals. He also picked up his ninth double-double as a Blazer.

Jusuf Nurkic was performing well in his short time with the team, and the city quickly fell in love with him. Blazer Nation had been overcome with “Nurkic Fever.”

Unfortunately, the fever was cut short following the Houston game. He was ruled out for the remainder of the season with a non-displaced fracture in his right leg. Nurkic attempted to come back for the playoff series against the Golden State Warriors, but could only muster 17 minutes in one game.

However, on this night, Jusuf Nurkic was able to get his revenge in a big way, and help his team move toward the playoffs in the process.