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Pregame: Trail Blazers vs Knicks game notes

Trail Blazers (11-5) vs Knicks (4-13)
Madison Square Garden, New York
Tuesday, November 20, 2018
7:30 p.m. ET

KNICKS NOTES

If the New York Knicks win vs POR then, they will improve their overall record versus ORL to 48-64.

If New York wins tonight vs. POR, then New York will snap a three-game losing streak vs. POR. The last time New York defeated Portland was Nov 22, 2016; 107-103.

If Noah Vonleh posts a double-double vs. ORL, then he will set a new career best for double-doubles in a season with five (previous four in 16-17).

New York recorded 15 team blocks on 11/11/18 vs. ORL.

– The 15 blocks tied a franchise record for blocks in a game (at WAS, 1/28/88)

– The 15 blocks set a blocks record at the present MSG (previous 14 blocks vs. PHL 4/4/15)

– Mitchell Robinson recorded nine blocks. The nine blocks set a new Knick rookie record (previously seven blocks by Kristaps Porzingis 2x and Lonnie Shelton)

Mitchell Robinson is T-fourth in the NBA in blocks per game in the month of November at 2.44.

BLAZERS NOTES

The Trail Blazers average the second-most defensive rebounds in the NBA (39.9) while the Knicks average the third-most offensive rebounds in the league (12.6).

Damian Lillard led the Trail Blazers with 40 points (12-29 FG, 3-10 3-PT, 13-15 FT) against the Wizards on Nov. 18. It was the third 40-point game of the season for Lillard, which is the most in the NBA. Lillard has 19 career games with 40-plus points, which is the most in franchise history (Drexler, 17). Lillard is averaging 26.6 points per game, which is the seventh-most in the NBA (Walker, 29.6).

With 13 points and 14 rebounds at Washington on Nov. 18, Jusuf Nurkic recorded his fourth straight double-double (tied for longest streak in his career) and his 10th straight game scoring in double fi gures (second-longest streak of his career). In his last four games, Nurkic has averaged 16.3 points, 14.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.50 blocks.

CJ McCollum was named NBA Western Conference Player of the Week for games played from Nov. 5 to Nov. 11. His week was highlighted by 40 points, four rebounds, six assists and four steals against the Bucks on Nov. 6 and 23 points and seven rebounds against the Clippers on Nov. 8. Portland went 3-0 on the week, with all three wins coming against teams with winning records. It is the first time McCollum has received the award.

The Trail Blazers lead the league in free-throw percentage (85.4%), are fi fth in free throws per game (20.4) and are 14th in free throws attempted per game (23.9).

On the Blazers win vs Celtics

Here’s the Oregonian reporting on the Trail Blazers, who are off to an excellent start this season and on Sunday enjoyed a big win against the Boston Celtics:

For all the Blazers had accomplished heading into Sunday’s game against the Celtics, one thing had eluded them: A close victory.

Eight of their first nine wins had come by double-digits and they owned the NBA’s third-highest point differential (10.0 points per game) prior to facing the Celtics. What’s more, the Blazers had lost their only close games of the season, falling 125-124 to the Washington Wizards in overtime and 114-110 to the Los Angeles Lakers. They also failed to capitalize on chances down the stretch in a closer-than-it-sounds 120-111 loss to the Miami Heat.

So it was notable Sunday that they won a two-possession game in which they had to hold off the Celtics, who had rallied from a 21-point deficit to make things interesting in the closing minutes.

“You’ve got to win close games in this league,” Blazers coach Terry Stotts said. “I think a lot of times, winning close games over the course of your season, makes the difference of how you look back on your season.”

— Full Article

Blazers owner Paul Allen dead at 65

Tragedy has struck the worlds of pro sports, technology and beyond as Paul Allen has died. Here’s the Oregonian reporting:

Paul Allen, longtime owner of the Portland Trail Blazers and one of the world’s richest men, died Monday in Seattle from complications from non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. He was 65.

Allen, born in Seattle in 1953, was a fixture in the Northwest for most of his life. He co-founded Microsoft with childhood friend Bill Gates and built the startup computer company into one of the world’s most successful corporations, turning Allen into a billionaire.

Forbes values his fortune at $20.3 billion, making him the world’s 21st richest person. The magazine tallies his total philanthropic contributions at $2 billion.

Allen used his considerable wealth in a variety of ways over the years, investing in a host of companies, donating to countless charities and accumulating pricey toys, and the last three decades of life were defined by his passions: sports, the arts and science. After a life-threatening bout with Hodgkin’s disease, Allen resigned from Microsoft in 1983. And although he retained a significant chunk of the company’s stock, Allen shifted his priorities to his passions.

STATEMENT FROM ADAM SILVER

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver released the following statement today regarding the passing of Portland Trail Blazers owner Paul Allen:

“Paul Allen was the ultimate trail blazer – in business, philanthropy and in sports. As one of the longest-tenured owners in the NBA, Paul brought a sense of discovery and vision to every league matter large and small. He was generous with his time on committee work, and his expertise helped lay the foundation for the league’s growth internationally and our embrace of new technologies. He was a valued voice who challenged assumptions and conventional wisdom and one we will deeply miss as we start a new season without him. Our condolences go to his family, friends and the entire Trail Blazers organization.”

STATEMENT FROM PAUL ALLEN’S FAMILY

This is a time of profound loss for Mr. Allen’s family. On their behalf, Paul’s sister, Ms. Jody Allen, has released the following statement.

“My brother was a remarkable individual on every level. While most knew Paul Allen as a technologist and philanthropist, for us he was a much loved brother and uncle, and an exceptional friend.

Paul’s family and friends were blessed to experience his wit, warmth, his generosity and deep concern. For all the demands on his schedule, there was always time for family and friends. At this time of loss and grief for us – and so many others – we are profoundly grateful for the care and concern he demonstrated every day.”

STATEMENT FROM BLAZERS PRESIDENT & CEO CHRIS McGOWAN

“I was fortunate to work with Paul Allen for the last six years, get to know him and witness all the passion he put into making the world a better place. He was an amazing mentor and a great leader for our organization. He truly loved the Trail Blazers franchise, our city, our players, coaches and employees. We are deeply saddened by his loss and the thoughts of Rip City are with his family.”

STATEMENT FROM THE LAKERS

The following statement was issued by CEO and Controlling Owner Jeanie Buss on behalf of the Lakers organization:

“We are terribly saddened by the news of the passing of Paul Allen. He was dedicated to the city of Portland and his Trail Blazers teams reflected his commitment to hard work and excellence. Our condolences go out to his family, friends, colleagues and the Trail Blazers fans.”

Blazers exercise contract options on Caleb Swanigan and Zach Collins

Blazers exercise contract options on Caleb Swanigan and Zach Collins

The Portland Trail Blazers have exercised 2019-20 team options on the rookie contracts of forward Caleb Swanigan and forward/center Zach Collins.

The Trail Blazers acquired Collins, the 10th overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, in a draft day trade and selected Swanigan with the 26th overall pick in the same draft.

In his rookie 2017-18 season with the Trail Blazers, Collins (7-0, 235) posted averages of 4.4 points (39.8% FG, 31.0% 3-PT, 64.3% FT), 3.3 rebounds, 0.8 assists, 0.26 steals, 0.47 blocks and 15.8 minutes in 66 games (one start).

Swanigan (6-9, 250) averaged 2.3 points (40.0% FG, 12.5% 3-PT, 66.7% FT), 2.0 rebounds, 0.5 assists, 0.19 steals, 0.11 blocks and 7.0 minutes in 27 games (three starts) during his rookie 2017-18 season.

Trail Blazers waive Gary Payton II, Cameron Oliver and Chinanu Onuaku

The Portland Trail Blazers have waived guard Gary Payton II, forward Cameron Oliver, center Chinanu Onuaku.

All three players were signed to training camp contracts last month.

Oliver, 22, averaged 1.0 point, 2.3 rebounds, 0.3 assists and 4.2 minutes in three games for the Trail Blazers this preseason.

Onuaku, 21, posted preseason averages of 3.3 points, 1.3 rebounds, 0.3 assists and 5.2 minutes in three games.

Payton II, 25, finished the preseason averaging 4.0 points, 1.0 rebound, 1.3 assists and 8.1 minutes in three games.

Portland’s roster stands at 15 players entering the season opener on Oct. 18 vs. the L.A. Lakers at Moda Center.

On the career of former NBA player Cliff Robinson

Here’s the Oregonian pondering the career of former NBA player Cliff Robinson:

Robinson is fifth all time among Trail Blazers career scoring leaders with 10,405 total points and comes in at No. 47 overall on the NBA’s list of all-time scoring leaders following the 2018 season with 19,591 total points. But for all of his accomplishments, Robinson was selected as an All-Star just once in his career during the 1994 season, which was one year after he earned the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award in 1993. He also made the NBA All-Defensive Second Team twice in 2000 and 2002.

A fantastic two-way player, the 6-foot-10 Robinson was one of the best shooting big men the game has ever seen. He was the tallest player to make more than 1,000 three-pointers until he was surpassed by Dirk Nowitzki and Rashard Lewis, making 1,253 threes in his career. Robinson was also an iron man. He rarely missed games due to injury and still holds the Trail Blazers franchise record for consecutive games played with 461.

Full article

Several Blazers to be busy with FIBA World Cup qualifiers

Here’s NBC Sports Northwest reporting on a pair of Trail Blazers players who will be busy with international competition as the NBA season approaches:

When the Portland Trail Blazers get together for pre-camp workouts soon, they are going to be without two players who were starters last season. And those two players could be missing right up to or past the start of training camp on Sept. 25.

Al-Farouq Aminu (Nigeria) and Jusuf Nurkic (Bosnia and Herzegovena) are scheduled to represent their countries in the 2019 FIBA World Cup qualifying rounds. The format of the World Cup has been changed and teams now will be required to play qualifying rounds in 2018 to move into the 2019 Cup finals, scheduled to be played in China.

Full article

Trail Blazers sign Gary Payton II, Cameron Oliver and Chinanu Onuaku

Trail Blazers sign Gary Payton II, Cameron Oliver and Chinanu Onuaku

The Portland Trail Blazers have signed forward Cameron Oliver, center Chinanu Onuaku and guard Gary Payton II, it was announced today by president of basketball operations Neil Olshey.

The deals are likely all non-guaranteed and just for training camp.

Oliver (6-8, 225) averaged 10.8 points (49.7% FG, 33.7% 3-PT, 55.9% FT), 7.1 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 39 NBA G League games played with Wisconsin and Delaware during his rookie 2017-18 season. Undrafted out of Nevada, Oliver, 22, earned All-Mountain West First Team and Defensive Player of the Year honors his final 2016-17 season.

Onuaku (6-10, 245) has logged six career games for the Houston Rockets over the past two seasons, averaging 3.0 points, 2.3 rebounds, 0.7 assists and 12.3 minutes. Selected by the Rockets with the 37th overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft out of Louisville, Onuaku, 21, holds career NBA G League averages of 12.3 points (61.7% FG, 70.7% FT), 10.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.07 steals, 1.39 blocks and 26.8 minutes in 83 games (79 starts) with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers.

Payton II (6-3, 190) holds career NBA averages of 3.1 points (39.6% FG, 20.6% 3-PT, 42.9% FT), 1.9 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 11.0 minutes in 29 games (six starts) over the past two seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers. Payton II, 25, went undrafted out of Oregon State, where he was a two-time Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year winner and two-time First Team All-Pac-12 member.

In two NBA G League seasons split between Rio Grande Valley, the South Bay Lakers and Wisconsin Herd, Payton II averaged 15.1 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 2.00 steals and 31.7 minutes in 69 games (54 starts).

Oliver will wear No. 23, Onuaku will wear No. 21 and Payton II will wear No. 5 for Portland.

The Trail Blazers will tip-off their 2018-19 training camp on Monday, Sept. 24.

Trail Blazers re-sign Jusuf Nurkic

The Trail Blazers yesterday re-signed center Jusuf Nurkic.

According to ESPN.com, the deal is a a four-year, $48 million contract.

Nurkic averaged 14.3 points (50.5% FG, 63.0% FT), 9.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.41 blocks and 26.4 minutes in 79 games (all starts) for the Trail Blazers last season.

“As a 23-year old starting center, Jusuf is an integral part of the core of this roster,” said Olshey. “He has been an impactful addition since joining our team and we are excited about the prospect of this long-term commitment leading to continued individual and team success.”

According to ESPN.com, “Nurkic, 23, turned down a more lucrative four-year deal several months ago, but the marketplace has tightened and he chose to take this deal on Friday, sources said. The deal includes a partial guarantee in the fourth year.”

Nurkic averaged career bests in points and rebounds last season while leading the Trail Blazers with 27 double-doubles. He finished tied for ninth in the NBA in blocks per game and tied for 13th in the league in rebounds per game.

The Trail Blazers acquired Nurkic from Denver on February 13, 2017 along with a 2017 first round draft pick in exchange for Mason Plumlee, a 2018 second round draft pick and cash considerations. After joining Portland, Nurkic averaged 15.2 points (50.8% FG, 66.0% FT), 10.4 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.90 blocks and 29.2 minutes in 20 games (19 starts) to finish the 2016-17 season.

Originally selected by the Chicago Bulls with the 16th overall pick in the first round of the 2014 NBA Draft, Nurkic was traded to Denver in a draft night deal.

In four seasons with Denver and Portland, Nurkic holds career averages of 10.4 points (48.5% FG, 61.2% FT), 7.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 21.6 minutes in 238 games (157 starts).

Trail Blazers sign Seth Curry

The Portland Trail Blazers have signed free agent guard Seth Curry.

Curry, 27, joins the Trail Blazers from the Dallas Mavericks, where he averaged 12.8 points (48.1% FG, 42.5% 3-PT, 85.0% FT), 2.6 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.13 steals and 29.0 minutes in 70 games (42 starts) during the 2016-17 season. He missed the 2017-18 season while recovering from a stress fracture in his lower left leg.

“We expect Seth to be an impactful addition to our backcourt as his skill set will translate immediately,” Olshey said. “He is an elite shooter with the ability to play on or off the ball.”

After going undrafted out of Duke in 2013, Curry (6-2, 185) played in one game each for Memphis and Cleveland during the 2013-14 season, and two games for Phoenix during the 2014-15 season before signing with Sacramento for the 2015-16 season.

For his career, Curry holds averages of 10.2 points (47.3% FG, 43.2% 3-PT, 84.4% FT), 2.1 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 23.2 minutes in 118 games (51 starts).

He will wear No. 5 for the Trail Blazers.