Portland Trail Blazers: 3 takeaways from Game 1 loss vs. Nuggets

1. Rough nights for Aminu and Harkless

It’s well-established that Damian Lillard is the star in Portland while CJ McCollum and Enes Kanter are go-to perimeter and post scorers, respectively. However, this is still a team game, and the role players have played an enormous role in the Blazers’ success this season. So it can greatly affect the team’s rhythm when even a couple of them have off-nights.

This was apparent in Game 1, as starting forwards Al-Farouq Aminu and Maurice Harkless struggled mightily in this game. They finished with a combined four points on 2-of-7 shooting. Their three turnovers apiece made up a third of Portland’s total giveaways. Harkless even fouled out halfway through the fourth quarter.

The duo produced a -13 plus/minus when they were on the court together. Their time together in the first and fourth quarters came out to a net-zero. However, their stretch from 4:01 in the second through 5:46 in the third was rough. They produced a combined two points on 1-of-4 shooting, committing four turnovers and four fouls during that stretch. Denver outscored the team 33-20 over that span, led by Jokic’s 12 points and Murray’s seven.

While they’re not the stars, Aminu and Harkless are key parts of the team’s equilibrium. Their athleticism and defensive effort help them make important stops and secure timely baskets when needed. Rough games happen, but the Portland Trail Blazers could be in for a long series if they don’t get back to playing like their normal selves.