Is this the turning point for the Portland Trail Blazers? After a season plagued by injuries, the return of Jerami Grant signals a potential shift in momentum. But can one player truly make that much of a difference? Let's delve into the Blazers' recent victory and what Grant's comeback means for the team's future.
Following the Portland Trail Blazers' triumphant 117-101 victory against the Atlanta Hawks, Jerami Grant, sporting his signature postgame style, was asked if he anticipated being sore the next morning. His response? A confident, "Shooooot, I’m going to be sore tonight!" Welcome back indeed, to a veteran ready to contribute.
Grant's successful return to the lineup coincided with the Blazers finding their winning rhythm once more. The game, played before a roaring crowd of 16,196 at the Moda Center, showcased not only Grant's impact but also stellar performances from others. Shaedon Sharpe shone brightly, racking up 24 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists. Jrue Holiday contributed 12 points, 4 assists, and 3 steals in just 21 minutes, and the Blazers' bench put on a show, proving their depth. All this, while playing without Deni Avdija.
But here's where it gets controversial... While individual performances are crucial, many argue that team chemistry and consistent health are the real keys to success. Is relying too heavily on one player, even a star like Grant, a sustainable strategy?
The significance of Grant's return extends beyond a single game. The Blazers (20-22), who have battled the second-most injuries in the NBA this season, are slowly, but surely, regaining their health. This is a welcome change after a grueling first half of the season.
Jrue Holiday's return last week, after a 27-game absence, was a step in the right direction, providing a much-needed point guard presence – something the team had been missing since November 14th. Grant joining him against the Hawks, marking his first appearance since December 18th, further solidified this positive trend.
Grant's entrance into the game, with 5:11 remaining in the first quarter, was met with a resounding ovation from the Moda Center crowd. He wasted no time making his presence felt, scoring his first basket just a minute and 19 seconds later with a powerful drive through traffic, maneuvering past three Hawks defenders for a tough layup. He ended the night with 16 points, 3 assists, 2 rebounds, and 2 blocks, shooting 4 of 9 from the field in an encouraging 23 minutes off the bench.
And this is the part most people miss... It wasn't a flawless return, by any means. Grant's performance wasn't without its hiccups. He shot just 1 of 4 from three-point range, one attempt clanking off the side of the backboard. He also committed a turnover, fumbling the ball out of bounds during a one-on-one drive. A short jumper even resulted in an airball.
However, considering the circumstances, it was a solid return. Or, as Grant himself put it, a "solid" return.
"I know he might have been a little off and his rhythm was off," Holiday said, empathizing with his teammate. "I went through that for the last couple of games, so I know how it goes. But he’s just a hooper, and he’s going to do whatever is necessary to get it done."
Grant revealed that he had been experiencing a "little flare up" in his left Achilles before being sidelined last month. The issue was later diagnosed as Achilles tendonitis, forcing him to miss 14 games for rest and rehabilitation. Achilles tendonitis is an inflammation of the Achilles tendon, the large tendon that runs down the back of the lower leg to the heel. It's a common injury among athletes, particularly those who participate in running and jumping sports.
"I was playing through it, and it’s something you’re not really supposed to play through, obviously," Grant explained. "So I heeded the warning and sat out."
During his recovery, Grant focused on conditioning but avoided scrimmages, as the Blazers' healthy players were all occupied with games. Thursday's game marked Grant's first five-on-five action since his injury.
To the casual observer, Grant's time away might not have been apparent. In the first half, he contributed seven points, one rebound, one assist, and one block, shooting 2 of 4 from the field in 12 minutes. He also actively defended CJ McCollum and Jalen Johnson. Towards the end of the third quarter, Grant orchestrated a perfect play, driving into the lane, drawing three Atlanta defenders, and passing the ball out to Rayan Rupert, who buried a three-pointer at the buzzer. Grant then started the fourth quarter with another drive-and-kick to Rupert for another three, igniting a 15-2 run that gave the Blazers a comfortable 103-89 lead.
Adding to his highlights, Grant knocked down a three-pointer in the third quarter, hit a one-legged fadeaway jumper over McCollum, and blocked a shot attempt by Nickeil Alexander-Walker.
In the crucial moments of the game, acting Blazers coach Tiago Splitter utilized a veteran closing lineup of Holiday, Sharpe, Toumani Camara, Grant, and Donovan Clingan – a luxury he hasn't had in recent memory.
"He’s a special player and a big part of this team," Clingan said of Grant. "He has the ability to knock down big-time shots. He allows us to have more guys out there who can guard 1 through 5. His activity, his knowledge, it’s important. He’s a vet in this league and he’s been doing it for a long time. So, really, just having that is big time for us."
Other Blazers players delivered significant performances as well, particularly off the bench. Rupert finished with 13 points, 3 steals, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists in 16 minutes. Duop Reath added 8 points, 3 rebounds, and a block in 13 minutes. Caleb Love scored 12 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 steals, reaching double figures for the 13th consecutive game.
The Blazers' bench outscored Atlanta's reserves 55-34, including a dominant 19-2 margin in the fourth quarter.
"It was a team effort," Splitter emphasized.
While the team effort was undeniable, the return of Grant remained the most significant development. The good news continues as indications suggest that Avdija's absence will be short-lived. He was initially listed as doubtful on Thursday but participated in a light pregame workout, displaying fluid and seemingly pain-free movement.
With Avdija's return on the horizon, the Blazers are poised to have their healthiest roster since November, a prospect that brought a smile to Grant's face, despite the anticipated soreness.
"We’ve got a really good team," Grant said. "We’ve got people that can score, people that can defend, a few shooters. We have a little bit of everything. We haven’t really played many games with our whole team, so it’ll be exciting when we get everybody back."
So, what do you think? Is Jerami Grant's return enough to propel the Trail Blazers to the next level, or is it just a temporary boost? And will the team's improved health finally translate into consistent wins? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Do you think relying on a single player can lead to a successful team, or will that ultimately backfire?
