PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — The Portland Trail Blazers started five rookies Saturday night against Denver, only the second time since starters were first tracked on NBA scores more 50 years old.
Scoot Henderson, the No. 3 pick in the draft, was in the lineup with Duop Reath, Kris Murray, Toumani Camara and Rayan Rupert against the defending NBA champions.
It was the first time an NBA team sent five rookies to start since the Golden State Warriors on April 26, 2012, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. Klay Thompson started this night against San Antonio with Charles Jenkins, Chris Wright, Jeremy Tyler and Mickell Gladness in their final game of this lockout-shortened season.
Starters were first tracked on NBA scores during the 1971-72 season.
The Trail Blazers have the second-worst record in the Western Conference. They are missing key players such as Anfernee Simons, Jerami Grant, Deandre Ayton, Shaedon Sharpe and Malcolm Brogdon due to injuries.
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