Donovan Clingan, the inner energy of the Blazers

This bounce-back battle seemed like a foregone conclusion. When Danny Avdia hit his dagger 3-pointer against the Celtics with about twenty seconds left, Donovan Clingan already gained an advantage over Hugo Gonzalez under the circle.

Too short, his teammate’s shot fell into the hands of the pivot who was able to finish despite a Celtics error. “2+1”, which would seal it the victory of his trainingcelebrated the pivot as befits by staring at his audience with intensity.

After the meeting, a reporter asked him if he was the guy who gave that look, to the crowd or to the opponent. ” Sometimes, on big deals, big dunks or important things. I love winning so much that when the energy is high and the actions are high, I leave everything on the court », retorts the 21-year-old pivot.

This action has served itself particularly well. Especially after such a successful evening on a personal level: 18 points (8/10 shooting) and 18 rebounds in 34 minutes.

Double average

« He’s one of those guys. He points, then looks at the opponent. He tries to transfer energy every time he achieves a good deed, a counter, or something like that. To transfer the energy, the confidence he has to other players. He is very important for our defense, for our offense, for the energy of the whole dressing room », says Tiago Splitter.

It was the 9th double-double of the season for his staff. The latter is now used to such big productions, as he is averaging more than 10 points (10.7) and 10 (10.6) rebounds throughout the year.

With noticeable progress on offense, where he’s more confident finishing close to the circle, and even starting to develop long-range skills (31.9% from long range). ” He gets stronger naturally. Like any adult, after a few years they start to get stronger, and with more strength they climb into the circle. He worked on it, finishing despite contacts », notes his coach.

Making sure to take advantage of the space created by offensive leaders Danny Avdia and Shaddon Sharpe, Donovan Klingan is aware of the improvement in progress. ” With a touch near the basket, aggressive, patient. I feel like the 3-point shooting is starting to decline a little bit. But it’s all the work I’ve put in, things are starting to fall into place », delights the interior in its 2nd year.

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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.