The Trail Blazers won their third straight game Monday night, beating the Bucks on the road, 122-107. Anfernee Simons highlighted the night, putting up 31 points against a Giannis-less Milwaukee team that looked as disinterested in winning as Portland’s last two opponents; the Knicks and Lakers. Usually three game winning streaks would be something to celebrate for a team that’s well below .500 at this point in season. But there’s a certain subsect of Blazer fans that would prefer more L’s than W’s.
Those fans want the team to tank for a top 4 draft pick. Winning doesn’t accomplish that goal.
After trading C.J. McCollum, Larry Nance Jr. and Tony Snell to the New Orleans Pelicans last week for a package that was headlined by Josh Hart and cap space, the expectation was that these Blazers would bomb the rest of this season. The terrible result would amount to a high draft pick and allow Portland flexibility to either trade that asset, or land a top star talent.
But this current roster is completely bucking that trend and playing their asses off. Worst of all, they’re fun to watch! Jusuf Nurkic has come alive, posting double-double games and showing energy on the defensive end. Josh Hart immediately contributed with 27 points on Monday night. The players seem like they’re listening to first-year head coach Chauncey Billups and it’s resulting in entertaining basketball.
Win or lose, Portland’s off-season moves are still contingent on the trade market and willingness of other teams to move on from expiring contracts. There’s no harm in watching a young and motivated team go out and compete like these guys night in, night out.