Trail Blazers’ role players come up big in Memphis

During the Trail Blazers first victory for the Memphis Grizzlies Friday nightAnfernee Simons and Jerami Grant combined for just 17 points.

During the second victory on SaturdayGrant left the game early with a quad injury.

Both games took place without Deandre Ayton.

For these reasons, both victories would have been almost impossible to achieve – even against an injury-riddled Grizzlies – if Portland’s youngsters had not taken advantage of the minutes reserved for them.

“The guys that were on the second unit, third unit, no matter what, they just stayed ready, came in, fought and brought energy.” guard Ashton Hagans told reporters after Saturday’s 107-100 overtime victory.

In a season dedicated to development, the play of several young Blazers shined in Memphis. Brilliant enough to produce two victories that ended a nine-fight winning streak.

To recap:

The Blazers won 122-92 on Friday night, with the bench producing 69 points. Rookie center Duop Reath started in place of Ayton and produced 18 points with 12 rebounds. Rookie Kris Murray started and scored a career-high 14 points. Dalano Banton (19 points), Jabari Walker (19 points, 10 rebounds) and Hagans (six points, four assists) all played extremely well.

On Saturday, Grant left the game early in the second quarter. Simons bounced back from Friday’s performance with 30 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. He scored 16 points in the fourth quarter when the Blazers came back from 18 down to force overtime.

But Simons’ offensive explosion wouldn’t have mattered if the younger players hadn’t elevated their game. Walker had 18 points and 12 rebounds, including 10 points in the fourth quarter. Banton scored eight of his 10 points in overtime. Hagans had 13 points with eight assists. Reath contributed 12 points and six rebounds. Finally, Toumani Camara, who had a mediocre evening on Friday, returned with 15 points and seven rebounds on Saturday.

After Saturday’s game, Blazers coach Chauncey Billups said he was very proud of the way the team fought back and highlighted several key players, starting with Hagans. He played 32 minutes and contributed to the comeback with five assists in the fourth quarter.

“I’m so proud of him,” Billups said. “He’s just a warrior. He really is. He’s out there, he’s uploading it every night. Every play he can.

In overtime, however, the Grizzlies paid more attention to Simons, leading Billups to turn to Banton to play opposite Simons to provide more offense. This approach bore fruit.

“He made some big plays for us,” Billups said.

Camara’s inconsistencies could come down to his play this weekend. On Friday, he struggled to get going on offense. But on Saturday, he made 3 of 4 on three-pointers and made a few step-back baskets.

“You’re just a winner,” Billups said. “He’s going to do all the winning things. Things that don’t really show up on the stat sheet.

The most productive of all was Walker. After having several lackluster games, Walker came back to life in Memphis. He posted back-to-back double-doubles while shooting 60% from the field. His two free throws Saturday at the end of regulation sent the game into overtime.

“It’s just growing,” Billups said. “He’s the type of player that you know that whatever you ask him to do, he’ll do it. He’s going to do it as hard as he can. And it’s fun to see him have success. Obviously, we trust him and believe in him. So when it was him in the game, I felt good.

Truth be told, the young Blazers won against a Memphis team lacking its five best players. The true measure of this group’s development will come when they can play against better competition as well.

The Blazers (17-42) play at Minnesota (42-18) on Monday night. Ayton is doubtful. Grant is doubtful.

“Now it’s just time to keep going, keep going and move on to the next one,” Hagans said. “We have a big one in Minnesota.”