Donovan Clingan, or the birth of a “monster” in Portland?

“Cling Kong” continued its march forward. More inside last week, Donovan Clingan achieved a second consecutive selection performance. Against kingsPortland’s center dominated from below the circle, finishing with 21 points and 17 rebounds. However, it was not an easy task compared to Maquime Raynaud etc Domantas Sabonis. But the interior was impressive throughout the match, confirming his talent and importance in the good results of the Blazers.

The former Connecticut player became, at 21, the youngest player in the franchise to record a game with 20 points and 15 rebounds in the last 17 years, to date and 24/15. Greg Oden.

And we had to go back to LaMarcus Aldridge to find stats like that from a sophomore at Oregon. ” He guarded the rim all night, changed lanes, grabbed rebounds and scored below the rim » emphasized the coach Thiago Splitter at the press conference. « He is more confident. His free throws were also important, 8/8. ‘DC’ had a hell of a match. »

A physical duel with Maxime Raynaud

Donovan Klingan mostly tormented Sacramento with his presence on the rebound, where his size and impact did a lot of damage. The secret to his 17-catch haul? ” It’s simply a matter of positioning, being relentless under the boards and attacking the ball every time » explains as calmly as possible. in front of the microphone. Calm, Donovan Klingan was a little less calm on the floor, especially in the second period against Maxime Reynaud. The French rookie and his counterpart from the Blazers played in a fierce duel, and exchanged a few words on several occasions. ” Physical play only strengthens your competitive instincts, moments like these are good for growth » he prefers to comment tricolor interior.

Maxime Reynaud, as well as Domantas Sabonis, who is still returning and changing, could not prevent Donovan Klingon from scoring ten points for the Blazers in the second opportunity. And when he wasn’t making up for the failures of his partners, he completed the actions himself, with the good help of his paw Danny Avdia.

After missing the previous three games due to injury, Portland’s leader is doing a lot of good for Donovan Klingan. The Israeli dealt with the Kings’ defense, three times masterfully and technically serving his pivot (going over his head, after “stepping up” to pull in two defenders…).

« I know sometimes Danny does things like that. » he smiled. ” It either goes in circles or deals, so I had an idea of ​​what might happen. By playing together, knowing each other’s strengths and weaknesses, our relationship becomes stronger and we play better and better together. »

The right game at the right time

« Donovan was great » welcome for your part Danny Avdia. ” And that’s what he does night after night. It’s a vital part of our game. And jumps are very important to us. He is a monster. I see him getting better every game. And it’s fun to see. »

Fun and rewarding, as Donovan Clingan’s performance contributed to an important victory for the Blazers. For the first time since Nov. 14, Portland is balanced with a 22-22 record, thanks to 10 wins in their last 13 meetings.

« Everyone get ready » concluded Donovan Klingan. « Everyone is ready to raise their game level, to come to the gym every day to improve. Everyone is shooting big shots, defending hard. With this team, everyone is happy to see others succeed. And that’s why we’ve been winning lately. »

This great dynamic now needs to be confirmed, as the calendar offers seven games at the Moda Center out of the next ten to be played, starting with back-to-back games on Thursday and Friday against the Heat and Raptors.

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How to read statistics? MJ = matches played; Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive jump; Tot = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; Points = Points.