Trail Blazers 2017: A Season In Review

The 2017 season for the Portland Trail Blazers was a year of both promise and challenges. As fans, we rode a rollercoaster of emotions, witnessing impressive wins and frustrating losses. Let's dive into the key aspects of that season, reminiscing about the players, the highlights, and the overall performance of our beloved Blazers.

Roster and Key Players

The 2016-2017 Portland Trail Blazers roster was a mix of established stars and promising young talent. At the forefront, of course, was the dynamic duo of Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum. Lillard, with his incredible scoring ability and clutch performances, continued to solidify his place as one of the league's premier point guards. McCollum, a smooth and versatile scorer, complemented Lillard perfectly, forming one of the most potent backcourts in the NBA. Their ability to create shots for themselves and others was a constant threat to opposing defenses.

Beyond the star duo, the Blazers had a solid supporting cast. Jusuf Nurkić, acquired mid-season, provided a much-needed presence in the paint, offering rebounding, scoring, and rim protection. His arrival injected new life into the team and addressed a critical need. Al-Farouq Aminu brought his defensive tenacity and three-point shooting, while Allen Crabbe contributed scoring off the bench. Guys like Evan Turner, Maurice Harkless, and Ed Davis rounded out the rotation, each bringing unique skills to the table. The blend of experience and youth created a team with the potential to compete in the tough Western Conference.

However, injuries and inconsistent play often hampered the team's ability to reach its full potential. Finding the right combinations and rotations proved to be a challenge for Coach Stotts throughout the season. Despite these challenges, the roster had moments of brilliance, showcasing the talent and depth that the Blazers possessed. The team's success was heavily reliant on the performance of Lillard and McCollum, but the contributions of the supporting cast were crucial in securing wins and maintaining a competitive edge. The acquisition of Nurkić was a game-changer, providing the team with a much-needed inside presence and altering the dynamic of the offense and defense.

Season Highlights

The 2017 season had its share of memorable moments. Damian Lillard's scoring explosions were always a highlight, with several games where he lit up the scoreboard with 40 or more points. His clutch shots and leadership on the court were a constant source of excitement for fans. C.J. McCollum also had his share of impressive performances, showcasing his scoring prowess and ability to create opportunities for his teammates. Together, they formed a dynamic duo that kept defenses on their toes.

The arrival of Jusuf Nurkić mid-season was a major turning point. His impact was immediate, providing a much-needed inside presence and improving the team's rebounding and defense. Nurkić's energy and enthusiasm were contagious, injecting new life into the team and sparking a winning streak. His presence allowed Lillard and McCollum to operate with more freedom, knowing they had a reliable big man to count on. One particular highlight was Nurkić's dominant performance against the Denver Nuggets, where he put up huge numbers and led the Blazers to a crucial victory against his former team. That game was a statement, showing the league what Nurkić was capable of and solidifying his place as a key member of the Blazers.

Other notable moments included key victories against top teams in the league and impressive road wins that showcased the team's resilience. The Blazers faced adversity throughout the season, but they always found a way to bounce back and compete. The chemistry between the players was evident, and the team's camaraderie was a key factor in their success. While the season had its ups and downs, the highlights provided fans with plenty to cheer about and created lasting memories.

Season Challenges

Despite the highlights, the 2017 season wasn't without its challenges. One of the biggest hurdles was consistency. The team struggled to maintain a high level of play throughout the entire season, often following up impressive wins with disappointing losses. This inconsistency made it difficult to gain momentum and climb the standings in the competitive Western Conference. Injuries also played a significant role, sidelining key players at various points and disrupting the team's rhythm. The absence of key contributors forced Coach Stotts to constantly adjust the lineup and rotations, which further impacted the team's consistency.

Another challenge was the team's defense. Throughout the season, the Blazers struggled to consistently stop opposing offenses, often allowing opponents to score too easily. This put added pressure on the offense to perform at a high level every night, which wasn't always sustainable. Improving the team's defensive effort was a constant focus, but they were never able to fully solve their defensive woes. Rebounding was also an area of concern, as the Blazers often found themselves outmatched on the boards. This led to second-chance opportunities for opponents and made it even more difficult to control the game.

Finding the right chemistry and roles for all the players on the roster was another challenge. With a mix of established stars and young players, it took time for the team to find the right balance and develop a cohesive playing style. Integrating new additions like Nurkić into the team mid-season also presented its own set of challenges. While Nurkić's impact was immediate, it took time for him to fully gel with his new teammates and learn the Blazers' system. Overcoming these challenges required patience, communication, and a willingness to adapt, but the Blazers were ultimately able to navigate these obstacles and make a push for the playoffs.

Playoff Run

The Trail Blazers secured a playoff berth in the 2017 season, earning the eighth seed in the Western Conference. This was a testament to their resilience and ability to overcome adversity throughout the season. However, their playoff journey was short-lived, as they faced a tough first-round matchup against the Golden State Warriors, who were the top seed in the West and the eventual NBA champions. The Warriors, led by their star-studded lineup of Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green, proved to be too much for the Blazers to handle.

Despite the unfavorable matchup, the Blazers fought hard and showed flashes of brilliance. Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum continued to lead the charge, but the Warriors' suffocating defense made it difficult for them to score efficiently. Jusuf Nurkić's presence in the paint provided a boost, but he was often matched up against the Warriors' versatile defenders, who were able to limit his impact. The Warriors' superior depth and firepower ultimately proved to be the difference, as they swept the Blazers in four games.

Although the playoff run was brief, it provided valuable experience for the Blazers' young core. They learned what it takes to compete at the highest level and gained a better understanding of their strengths and weaknesses. The series also highlighted the areas where the team needed to improve in order to contend for a championship. Despite the disappointing outcome, the playoff appearance was a positive step for the Blazers, demonstrating their progress and potential for future success. The experience motivated them to work harder and come back stronger in the following seasons.

Overall Season Assessment

In conclusion, the 2017 season for the Portland Trail Blazers was a mixed bag. While they secured a playoff berth and had several memorable moments, they also faced challenges with consistency, defense, and injuries. The emergence of Jusuf Nurkić was a major positive, providing a much-needed boost to the team's frontcourt. Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum continued to shine, solidifying their status as one of the league's top backcourts.

However, the Blazers were ultimately unable to overcome the challenges they faced, resulting in a short playoff run. The sweep at the hands of the Golden State Warriors exposed their weaknesses and highlighted the areas where they needed to improve. Despite the disappointing ending, the season provided valuable lessons and experience for the team's young core. They learned what it takes to compete at the highest level and gained a better understanding of what it would take to contend for a championship.

Looking back, the 2017 season can be seen as a stepping stone for the Blazers. It was a season of growth and development, as the team continued to build around its core players and identify areas for improvement. While they didn't achieve their ultimate goal of winning a championship, they laid the foundation for future success. The acquisition of Nurkić proved to be a game-changer, and the continued development of Lillard and McCollum gave fans reason to be optimistic about the future. The Blazers would use the lessons learned from the 2017 season to fuel their drive and determination in the years to come, striving to reach new heights and compete for a championship.