This Portland Trail Blazers team is armed at all posts. So, inevitably, the competition is raging. Difficult to find minutes for everyone. And only the most successful remain on the ground. Gary Trent Jr suffered the consequences in the victory over the Houston Rockets on Sunday. Less than six minutes of play, for a zero on the clock.
But in the absence of Carmelo Anthony – in accordance with the league’s health protocol – the young man had an opportunity to redeem himself during the trip to Los Angeles to face the Lakers. An opportunity that he did not fail to seize. Boiling as soon as he entered the floor, the 21-year-old back finished with 28 points (10 out of 14) and 7 award-winning baskets (11 attempts). Strong.
“I imagine any young player who comes out of a season like the one he did last year expects to play more than six minutes. I wondered how he was going to respond. I think his performance tonight says a lot about him ”, testified son leader Damian Lillard.
A reaction was expected, Gary Trent Jr satisfied everyone. Because his performance and his skill made the difference against the reigning champions. LeBron James and his teammates led by 8 points at the start of the second quarter time (30-22). It was then that the young man caught fire behind the bow. With 10 points and two outside shots to reverse the trend. The Blazers even regained the advantage at the break (54-58).
Gary Trent Jr’s Hot Stroke
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28 points and 7 ????s for @gpraatjr as the @trailblazers win in Los Angeles! # KiaTipOff20 pic.twitter.com/FilrV0b7Fd
– NBA (@NBA) December 29, 2020
But the Angelenos are back in front, again, at the start of the second half. The match was finally played in the fourth quarter. GTJ did not waver. A three out of three at three points in the last twelve minutes, just to get his team back on track. Lillard, CJ McCollum and Jusuf Nurkic then finished the job. But the X factor in this victory is without a doubt.
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