After stealing Game 2 in San Antonio, the Portland Trail Blazers are definitely celebrating. Especially after the emergence of former third overall pick Scoot Henderson.
Henderson has had a strong showing against the San Antonio Spurs, averaging 24.5 points per game in the first two games of the series. Henderson was particularly impactful in Game 2, dropping 31 points and drilling three after three against some stout San Antonio defense.
His breakout was definitely later than expected for the Blazers, who expected him to be a star right out of the gate when they drafted him back in 2023. Better late than never, and Henderson is picking the right time to breakout.
Scoot Henderson is breaking out before our very eyes
Henderson missed Portland's first 52 games of the season with a hamstring tear. That led to fears that this was going to be a lost season. Fortunately for the Blazers, he is quickly quieting those concerns.
Yes, it's only been two games, but he's thriving on the biggest stage he's played on. In fact, he has arguably been the Blazers' best player against San Antonio.
His emergence poses a massive problem for San Antonio, who lost star Victor Wembanyama with him now in the concussion protocol. With him out for up to a week, he could miss Game 3 and Game 4, giving the Blazers a huge advantage.
Scoot Henderson is helping fuel the Blazers' upset bid
For a team that ranked 21st in offensive rating during the regular season, the Blazers suddenly look competent scoring the ball. Deni Avdija was at the top of the Spurs' scouting report entering the series
However, Henderson has been arguably just as good offensively, not to mention he has played terrific defense thus far. With no Wembanyama for potentially Game 3 and Game 4, the Spurs' defense suddenly isn't so scary.
That means we could see big games not only from Advija but from Henderson as well. San Antonio missing their best player on both sides of the ball means the gap between the Spurs and Blazers isn't nearly as big as it normally is.
With Henderson suddenly looking like the player Portland thought he'd be, it's anyone's guess how this series will go.