The Portland Path Blazers practiced once more on Thursday after taking Wednesday off for some workforce bonding away from the court docket.
On Friday, the Blazers will host the San Antonio Spurs earlier than taking part in at Phoenix on Sunday. Then, the Blazers can have three extra days off earlier than internet hosting Denver.
“You like the break day, as a result of you need to get some relaxation, too,” Blazers coach Chauncey Billups mentioned following Thursday’s follow. “The fellows, they’ve been giving it all the pieces they’ve. So, you bought to sort of have a steadiness there. You bought to follow just a little bit, after which you have got some relaxation too, and sort of get collectively and attempt to do some workforce bonding issues with some enjoyable stuff to do. So we’ve executed just a little little bit of each of the previous few days.”
Hopefully, for the Blazers’ sake, the time to regroup since Sunday’s loss on the Los Angeles Lakers will translate into higher play on the court docket.
The Blazers (8-16) are in a funk. They’ve misplaced 4 consecutive video games and eight of their final 10.
Some excellent news is that backup facilities Robert Williams III (concussion) and Donovan Clingan (knee) might return this weekend.
Williams practiced Thursday for the primary time since struggling a concussion Nov. 25 at Memphis.
“One other nice follow,” he mentioned. “Guys (are) having enjoyable. Simply elevating spirits in right here, the most effective we are able to.”
Clingan returned to follow on Thursday.
“We’ll simply sort of see on him tomorrow,” Billups mentioned on Thursday. “He’s just about questionable, too. However he appears good as properly.”
PORTLAND, OREGON – NOVEMBER 17: Jalen Johnson #1 of the Atlanta Hawks drives in opposition to Robert Williams III of the Portland Path Blazers at Moda Middle on November 17, 2024 in Portland, Oregon. The Trailblazers defeated the Hawks 114-110. NOTE TO USER: Person expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or utilizing this {photograph}, Person is consenting to the phrases and situations of the Getty Pictures License Settlement. (Picture by Tom Hauck/Getty Pictures)Getty Pictures
Their return would assist the workforce’s rebounding, an space of concern.
What would additionally assist is healthier management on the court docket when the workforce lacks in sure areas.
“That’s a giant factor,” Billups mentioned. “You want the gamers to carry themselves accountable for it. And if on a sure play, you quit two offensive rebounds on that play, there ought to be one or two guys on the market cussing the opposite three guys out.”
That’s how Billups operated as a participant throughout his Corridor of Fame profession.
“All the great groups, they maintain themselves accountable,” he mentioned. “Clearly, I’m going to do my greatest, and I’m going to carry everyone on the workforce accountable. I feel everyone is aware of how I’m. However on the finish of the day, you need your guys to be snug sufficient with one another to do the identical.”
The workforce’s considerations at this level are so quite a few, that Billups mentioned he spent the week focusing totally on his workforce somewhat than upcoming opponents.
“I’m extra involved with us and us being us and taking part in the best way that we have to play, than our opponent at this level and the place we’re in our course of,” Billups mentioned. “I’m at all times extra involved with the Path Blazers and us getting higher.”
— Aaron Fentress | afentress@Oregonian.com | @AaronJFentress (Twitter), @AaronJFentress (Instagram), @AaronFentress (Fb)
