Enes Kanter set an example for every other power forward in the league with an extraordinary performance against the Detroit Pistons. He was the match-winner as the Blazers rolled over the hapless Pistons. It was a sterling effort from each player that was on the court for them.
Kanter set a franchise record for the most number of rebounds in a league game. Every time the ball came loose, Kanter was seen leaping above the Pistons’ defense and clamping the rock. With each passing rebound, the Blazers bench kept cheering him on.
After the game, CJ McCollum waxed lyrical about the 28-year-old. He even called Kanter the “best rebounder in the league” in a tweet after the victory. Coach Terry Stotts was elated after the game.
He said, “When you look at the effort that it takes to rebound, the persistence at both ends, the beating that you have to take, all of those things are tough to do,”
Best rebounder in the league ! @EnesKanter pic.twitter.com/5JhzvnF0J9
— CJ McCollum (@CJMcCollum) April 11, 2021
He continued, “And the fact that Enes is such a great guy. You can tell by the benches’ reaction, how happy the team was for him — but to get a rebound record speaks a lot about the person’s will and drive.”
Enes Kanter leads his side to a resounding victory
This stellar effort from the Turkish International blew up all over social media. He finished with 24 points and an unbelievable 30 rebounds to his name. He also had two assists in the match. Apart from Kanter, Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum continued their unstoppable partnership. Lillard finished with 27 points while McCollum scored 26.
PORTLAND, OREGON – APRIL 10: Enes Kanter #11 (L) of the Portland Trail Blazers
In the post-game press conference, Kanter was asked about how he felt when the Blazers bench was cheering him on. He said, “I was so happy when I looked at the bench and everybody was up, everybody was cheering, everybody was smiling, everybody was supporting their teammates. That’s what we’re all about. That’s what Blazers basketball is all about, just supporting each other.”
The Portland Trail Blazers are sixth in the Western Conference standings. At the moment, they are in contention for the playoff spots. However, they will look forwards to building upon this performance and winning more games on the trot.
