Trail Blazers News: Young Forward Believes Team Has Gotten Closer Despite Lack of Victories

Matt Levine | Apr 8, 2024

Entering the new season, the Portland Trail Blazers knew it could be a tough go. After trading away franchise cornerstone Damian Lilliard, the Blazers were starting over fresh for the first time in a long time.

It hasn't been an easy season, to say the least for Portland, but the team does have a nice collection of young talent across the roster. Even amid the struggles, they are still trying to compete as the season winds down to a close.

Young forward Jabari Walker believes that even with all the losses that have been taking place, the team is gelling together. He spoke about it while looking back on the long road trip that the team has been on.

“I think even this road trip we’ve gotten closer,” Walker said. “You could just tell when we go out there. These last few, specifically, we were destined to get a win. With just our attitude. We didn’t let the loss in Miami get the best of us. We let it motivate us. We lost a close one in Orlando and then tonight, we got it.”

Portland went 2-5 on their seven game road trip, but they showed some competitive spirit along the way. They almost took down the Orlando Magic, showing what they could be with more experience.

There was always going to be growing pains for this Blazers team, but the hope is that they can take this season and learn from it. Portland would love to start competing for the postseason again next season, even if that may be a pipe dream.