The Portland Trail Blazers had an almost miraculous victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday night, largely due to the contributions of newcomer CJ Elleby. Portland was not expected to win the game, as the 76ers were first in the Eastern Conference and the Blazers were losing four out of five to their holders through injury, including guard Damian Lillard. The Blazers rookie finished in the 31st minute and made the most of it, scoring 15 points, getting 7 rebounds and an assist.
Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian chatted with Elleby’s family after their incredible game, and they were just as excited as the rest of Rip City.
“We are very excited, we are excited,” said Bill Elleby. “Dude, he came and did it tonight.”
Elleby’s father, Bill, said he hoped Elleby would have more minutes after CJ McCollum fell with an injury that took him out of the car for some time. The rookie had some playing time at the Milwaukee game on February 1 and again in Washington DC on February 2, but none of the games had great minutes.
Bill Elleby said he would tell his son to be patient and be mentally prepared. To bring that “Gary Payton defense” and play with a lot of energy. Attack the basket. Be aggressive. All the same advice Bill had given his son over the years, while he starred at Cleveland High School in Seattle and later at WSU.
Elleby was ready for Thursday night’s game in Philadelphia.
“I feel like I was really focused. I was resting, doing stretching, I got into the ice bath a little bit, I wet some cold water ”, he said. “I was just trying to hit my mind all day.”
Elleby said that Lillard gave him tips before and during the game about where he needed to be on the court, what he should be thinking about and focusing on. And being vocal and talking things over with teammates to help keep your mind sharp and focused.
You can read more about CJ Elleby’s incredible game, his story and the reactions of his family and teammates in Fentress’s article for The Oregonian here.
The Trail Blazers face the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Saturday at 10am.