For the second time in NBA history, since starters were first tracked in the NBA box score in 1971, Portland started five rookies against the defending champions, the Denver Nuggets.
Portland's biggest name starting was Scoot Henderson, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2023 NBA draft. Henderson finished the game with 22 points, six assists, and four rebounds in Portland's 114-111 loss to Denver.
The remaining Blazers' starting lineup was SG Rayan Rupert, SF Toumani Camara, PF Kris Murray, and C Duop Reath. Reath finished the game with a team-high 24 points, eight rebounds, and two blocks. Due to injury, Portland lacks key players like Malcolm Brogdon, Anfernee Simons, Jerami Grant, Deandre Ayton, and Shaedon Sharpe.
Duop doin’ work
— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) March 24, 2024
▫️ 24 PTS
▫️ 8 REB
▫️ 2 BLK pic.twitter.com/kzfngCFSXJ
While Denver came away with the victory, Portlands rookies kept pace with the reigning champions, finishing the game by scoring 43 field goals to Denver's 41 and 10 three-point field goals compared to Denver’s eight. However, Denver won the game at the stripe, converting 24 free throws to Portland's 15, allowing the Nuggets to scrape out a victory over the young Trail Blazer lineup.
Denver, on the other hand, was playing without its star duo, Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic. Both sat out the game due to injury: a left ankle sprain and lower back pain, respectively. While they were listed as questionable before the game, neither player saw the court against the Blazers, who have the second-worst record in the Western Conference.
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