The Portland Trail Blazers had a positive record this week, finally breaking a nine-game losing streak with a pair of wins over the Memphis Grizzlies after starting the week with a loss to the Miami Heat. Overall, Portland went 2-1 this week.
Throughout the week there were a number of Blazers that contributed to the wins. However, the newest Blazer on the roster made a massive impact, which means that this week’s Blazer of the week is Dalano Banton.
Banton was incredibly important in Portland’s two wins this week. After starting the week very quietly with a scoreless performance against the Heat, Banton averaged 14.5 points and 5.0 rebounds per game against the Grizzlies. His 19 points in the first game in Memphis were a season-high for him.
Since being acquired at the trade deadline, Banton has played himself into an important bench role for the Blazers. He has logged significant minutes in most games, and has made an impact running the second unit, totalling double-digit performances in five of his eight appearances so far.
Grizzlies was instrumental for Portland’s win. After logging just nine minutes and two points in regulation, Banton scored eight of the Blazers’ 12 points in overtime to help secure the victory. His play in the short overtime period was possibly the best he has looked in a Portland uniform so far.
This week also housed many other notable performances, so there is a stacked honorable mentions category. The first of which is Jabari Walker.
