Portland Trail Blazers: 4 players who have stepped up in NBA restart

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 09: Terry Stotts of the Portland Trail Blazers talks with Damian Lillard #0 and CJ McCollum #3 during the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Visa Athletic Center at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 09, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

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Portland Trail Blazers (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

4. Gary Trent Jr.

One of the unsung heroes that have contributed to Portland’s recent success is Gary Trent Jr. Following a 2018-19 rookie campaign in which he averaged just 7.4 minutes per outing, Trent has been given a larger role this season, averaging 21.6 minutes per contest. He has made the most of this opportunity as his scoring output (8.8 points per game) has taken a noticeable jump from his production in 2018-19 (2.7 points per game).

While this fact speaks volumes, Trent has elevated his game during the bubble restart. Over the past seven games, he is averaging 17 points per contest on 52.6 percent shooting overall, with an identical 52.6 percent conversion rate from 3-point range.

His best performances during this seeding tournament took place against the LA Clippers on Aug. 8 and the Denver Nuggets on Aug. 6. Against the Clippers, he scored 22 points on 10-for-13 shooting and he connected on six of 10 attempts from downtown.

In the outing against the Nuggets, Trent went off for 27 points on 10-for-15 shooting and 7-for-10 from beyond the arc.

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While Damian Lillard has been the center of attention over the last few games, and rightfully so, Trent — who is playing in just his second NBA season — has been a key contributor for Portland off the bench, which is important because the Trail Blazers will need a solid effort from its second unit, should they manage to earn a first-round matchup against the top-seeded Los Angeles Lakers.

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