The victory over the Chicago Bulls at the end of November marked a minor turning point for the Portland Trail Blazers this season.
Heading into December, their form improved significantly. Most importantly, the younger players gradually found their rhythm in the game.
Antonio Davis and Cliff Robinson began to adapt to their roles, repeatedly making vital contributions during matches.
Davis improved quickly under Gan Guoyang's guidance. When Jerry West initially drafted this young player, the hope was for him to replace Anthony Mason as the team's aggressor.
However, Bobby Berman quickly realized that Davis's physical build was superior to Mason's, and he possessed greater on-court potential waiting to be unlocked.
Thus, during last season's regular games, Davis received substantial playing time and valuable training.
This season, with Sabonis sidelined due to injury, Davis earned starting privileges in certain games.
