Starting their season on the road, the Portland Trail Blazers (2-0) claimed their two consecutive wins this season. With the Pacers starting center Myles Turner out due to his concussion, McCollum with his backcourt mate Lillard took the chance to dominate the inexperienced Pacers (1-1). In an interview with the CBS Sports, Lillard shared that they knew the Pacers had 140 points during the opening night.
He added that since it was the opening night and the Pacers were on their home court, a lot of shots went in for them. However, he firmly believed it was hard to do it twice and he proved this during their game against the Indiana Pacers.
Meanwhile, Oladipo admitted on their loss that they played differently since Myles was not around. Nonetheless, the team learned a lot from the game and that they are all ready to move on. The Blazers were able to keep the lead throughout the game scoring 31-25, 31-27, 29-31, and 23-23 in the four quarters. The Blazers performed with a total of 48.4 percent field goals, 47.4 percent in the 3 point range and 76.5 percent free throws against the Lakers with 44.9 percent total field goals, 22.2 percent 3 point shots and 66.7 percent free throws.
Meanwhile, Oladipo admitted on their loss that they played differently since Myles was not around. Nonetheless, the team learned a lot from the game and that they are all ready to move on. The Blazers were able to keep the lead throughout the game scoring 31-25, 31-27, 29-31, and 23-23 in the four quarters. The Blazers performed with a total of 48.4 percent field goals, 47.4 percent in the 3 point range and 76.5 percent free throws against the Lakers with 44.9 percent total field goals, 22.2 percent 3 point shots and 66.7 percent free throws.
He added that since it was the opening night and the Pacers were on their home court, a lot of shots went in for them. However, he firmly believed it was hard to do it twice and he proved this during their game against the Indiana Pacers.
Meanwhile, Oladipo admitted on their loss that they played differently since Myles was not around. Nonetheless, the team learned a lot from the game and that they are all ready to move on. The Blazers were able to keep the lead throughout the game scoring 31-25, 31-27, 29-31, and 23-23 in the four quarters. The Blazers performed with a total of 48.4 percent field goals, 47.4 percent in the 3 point range and 76.5 percent free throws against the Lakers with 44.9 percent total field goals, 22.2 percent 3 point shots and 66.7 percent free throws.
CJ McCollum scores 28 points
CJ McCollum led the Portland Trail Blazers during their win against the Pacers scoring 28 points (12-18 FG, 3-4 3Pt, 1-2 FT), seven rebounds and one assist.
Trailing behind him is Damian Lillard with a score of 18 points (7-17 FG, 0-3 3Pt, 4-4 FT), seven rebounds and seven assists. Playing from the bench, Evan Turner collected 17 points (7-12 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 2-2 FT), two rebounds and three assists. Due to a one-game suspension, McCollum missed the season opener. Nonetheless, he wasted no time from getting back into the Blazers offense. The 26-year-old achieved career highs in scoring (23.0 PPG), shooting percentage (48.0 percent), boards (3.6 RPG) and free throw percentage (91.2 percent) last season. Meanwhile, Lillard was his usual productive self throughout the game. Last season, he averaged a career-high of 27.0 points per game.
Victor Oladipo, TJ Leaf score 17 points
Despite the loss, Victor Oladipo was able to contribute 17 points (5-17 FG, 0-3 3Pt, 7-9 FT), six rebounds, two assists and two turnovers across 32 minutes. Likewise, TJ Leaf from the bench finished with 17 points (7-11 FG, 2-3 3Pt, 1-1 FT), four rebounds and one assist. Darren Collison followed with 14 points (5-17 FG, 0-3 3Pt, 7-9 FT), four rebounds, four assists and two turnovers. Now in his fifth-year as a guard, Oladipo showed that he is ready to handle the load of being the primary offensive in rebuilding the Pacers squad.