The Portland Trail Blazers’ struggles continue, as they lost to a Nikola Vucevic buzzer-beater on Wednesday. Portland now has a 6-9 record after a promising start to the 2025-26 NBA season. Acting head coach Tiago Splitter’s system has appeared somewhat shaky, despite Donovan Clingan’s impact as the starting center.
The Silver Lining From the Portland Trail Blazers’ Struggles
At the start of the 2025-26 NBA season, the Portland Trail Blazers were one of the best stories to follow. They were one of the most dangerous defensive teams because they consistently pressured opponents for 94 feet. Unfortunately, their defense has dropped off due to injuries, and their weakness remains their offense.
They have had some promising performances from certain players, including Deni Avdija, Shaedon Sharpe, and Jerami Grant. Portland has played many winnable games, but they have thrown away results like Wednesday’s game against the Chicago Bulls.
Acting head coach Tiago Splitter has had a solid impact on the team. However, the Blazers must step up because teams have learned how to play against them. Considering some people saw the 2025-26 NBA season as a make-or-break year, this is not a promising development.
Clingan’s Impact is a Promising Development for the Blazers
During Wednesday night’s game against the Bulls, Donovan Clingan had a marvelous night. The sophomore center had a stat line of 17 points, 21 rebounds, four assists, and two blocks. At only 21, Clingan is already proving that he could be one of the league’s best centers.
He might not be as developed as people like on offense, but his defensive impact is already elite. Clingan’s shot-blocking is always a reliable trait, but his presence in the paint prevents people from driving. However, Clingan’s biggest strength so far has been his rebounding.
Don’t know if anyone is still watching this game but Donovan Clingan is a massive fucking winner. The Blazers were dead in the water and he basically willed them back into the game on both ends.
21 & 16 (10 OREB)+defensive dominance fueling a 30-7 run.pic.twitter.com/p0H0hvm41M
— Hot Hand Theory (@HotHandTheory) November 20, 2025
The 7’2″ big man has a unique nose for the ball, as he gobbled up 10 offensive rebounds on Wednesday. Through his defense and overall performance, he willed the Blazers to come back. Unfortunately, the night ended with a Nikola Vucevic buzzer-beater that led to Chicago’s win.
It has been a rough stretch for the Blazers, but Clingan’s development into the franchise center is a good sign. He is already elite defensively, but his offense needs some work. Splitter’s system encourages him to shoot three-pointers, but recent games have shown he is more effective in the paint.
Players Returning From Injuries Could Solve the Blazers’ Struggles
Entering the 2025-26 season, the Blazers knew they were without Damian Lillard and Scoot Henderson. The point guard depth was already a problem, but Jrue Holiday was holding down the fort. Blake Wesley was a welcome addition, as he provided the crucial point-of-attack defense in the perimeter.
Now that the Blazers are 15 games into the season, they don’t have a point guard. Holiday and Wesley are also dealing with injuries now, which have hurt Splitter’s system. Avdija has done well to step in as the playmaker, but the team is suffering.
Portland really misses Jrue Holiday.
— Pinwheel Empire (@PinwheelEmpire) November 19, 2025
Point guard is not the only position with injuries. Matisse Thybulle’s thumb injury and Robert Williams III’s injury management are also problems for Portland’s depth.
The Trail Blazers were much more competitive when they had depth, but now, they are playing with a depleted roster. When some of the players return, they could come back and play their brand of basketball. Henderson’s return might be the biggest one because this team desperately needs an offensive boost.
Splitter’s System Still Needs Some Refining
The injuries are a valid excuse for the Trail Blazers. However, it is up to the acting head coach to step in and find solutions. The team needs to be more creative with the offense, as they could solve the playmaking issues with sets.
Clingan’s impact could go beyond defending and offensive rebounding with good play calls. The Blazers have many intelligent players who can thrive in a more free-flowing offense. They are extremely reliant on individual stars like Avdija, Sharpe, and Grant, while the others just stand around.
With Clingan, Toumani Camara, Kris Murray, and Sidy Cissoko, the Blazers have some good pieces. They could serve as off-ball movers, screeners, and cutters. It is Splitter’s responsibility to play them in a good offense rather than simply standing in a corner.
If the Trail Blazers can execute better and return to their solid defense, the sky is the limit. Considering they have players returning from injury, it will be a promising season ahead for Portland. However, they must improve while their season is still salvageable.
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