Donovan Clingan returns, helps gas Path Blazers’ win at Hornets

Portland Path Blazers heart Donovan Clingan Returned from lacking 5 video games with a sprained left ankle on the excellent time.

The Blazers closed a three-game journey Friday night time on the Charlotte Hornets with out the providers of the beginning heart DeAndre Ayton (knee) and backup Robert Williams III (hand).

Clingan, making solely his third begin since Nov. 23, delivered 4 factors, 13 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 blocked photographs to assist the Blazers to a 102-97 victory.

“I felt good,” Clingan informed reporters on the Spectrum Heart. “Clearly, I needed to put a wind beneath me. I used to be somewhat drained at first.

Clingan did all his statistical harm in simply over 17 minutes on restriction.

“His minutes have been nice,” Blazers coach Chauncey Billups informed reporters. “I simply want we had extra. I believed he dominated his minutes when it comes to the glass, blocking photographs. He was a presence there.

Clingan had a productive rookie season, however knee and ankle accidents triggered him to overlook 13 video games. His scoring has been spotty (5.6 factors per sport), however per 36 minutes, he averaged 14 rebounds and three.3 blocked photographs per sport.

Clingan roughly matched his common for blocks with three Swats within the first quarter.

“That’s his present and I believed he set the tone for us tonight,” Billups stated.

Clingan’s presence, Billups stated, allowed the group to play aggressive protection on the perimeter, which contributed to the Hornets capturing simply 37.6 % from the sector. That is tied for the third-lowest share the Blazers have allowed this season.

“He offers us a lot confidence to know that we will put strain on individuals,” Billups stated. “Once we know he’s again on the market, he’s going to attempt to clear up all of the errors we make with us making an attempt to be so aggressive.”

Blazers guard Anferne Simons, who led the group with 27 factors, stated Clinan’s defensive presence was felt.

“Donovan performed very nicely,” Simons informed reporters. “Altering photographs on the rim. Simply being a low presence. That is all we’d like from him. Play onerous. Get offensive rebounds. GE some putbacks. I simply do the soiled work.

For Clingan, an influence on the Blazers protection in the course of the win makes for an incredible night time.

“That’s what I like,” he stated. “I really like protection. I really like the guard. I simply need to have a presence within the portray. I need to modify the strikes. I need to block photographs. I need to be sure that individuals do not get hit.

The Blazers, 3-0 on this journey, return house to host seven video games beginning at 3 p.m. Sunday in opposition to the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder.