Blazers Charge Hard, Get Eclipsed by Suns

The Portland Trail Blazers gave a mighty effort in their second preseason game of the 2023-24 campaign. They fought the Phoenix Suns hard for a quarter before succumbing to depth issues and inexperience. Though Portland fell 122-111, plenty of interesting trends permeated the game. Here are some of the highlights.

Fast Food

The Blazers delivered as advertised in the pace department, at least when they got to play as they wished. The basic M.O. is Deandre Ayton grabbing a rebound, pivoting, and getting the ball out to the first guard or wing in the vicinity. The guy receiving the outlet pass, whomever it may be, charges hard down the court, picking up wingmen as he goes. From there, it’s a…