LaMarcus Aldridge on Game 1 loss: 'We got our asses kicked'
Portland Trail Blazers power forward LaMarcus Aldridge did not mince words in regards to their Game 1 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies.
When asked about the 100-86 loss on Sunday, Aldridge flatly answered, "We got our asses kicked," as relayed by Michael Wallace of ESPN. Aldridge gave the credit to Memphis's physicality.
LaMarcus Aldridge says #Grizzlies "manhandled" #Blazers. Also notes this game wakeup for some #Blazers with little or no playoff experience.
— Teresa Walker (@TeresaMWalker) April 20, 2015
The Trail Blazers never managed to get their vaunted offense warmed up. Portland shot just 33.7 percent from the field as their two All-Stars in Aldridge and Damian Lillard were completely bottled up by the Grizzlies' tenacious defense.
Aldridge scored a game-high 32 points, but he shot just 13-of-34 from the field and just five free-throws. Lillard chipped in with 14 points on 5-of-21 shooting.
Injuries are in-part to blame for the Trail Blazers' woes. Portland played without both Wes Matthews and Arron Afflalo, who are key pieces in their eighth-ranked attack.
However that doesn't excuse the poor performances from Lillard and Aldridge. If Portland wants to avoid yet another beating, their stars will need to play up to par.