The Portland Trail Blazers had low expectations heading into their 2015-16 season. Picked to finish in the bottom sector of the Western Conference, no one had Portland pinned as a playoff contender. Portland, however, came firing out of the gates to an early 4-2 record. Led by returning star Damian Lillard and recent draft pick, CJ McCollum, Portland continued its offensive mastery. However, it seems as if Portland peaked early in the season.
Signs the early start was merely a mirage began when Portland faced the rejuvenated Detroit Pistons. Portland played possibly its best game of the season against them, for three quarters. Portland led by as many as 30 points and held a 13-point lead heading into the fourth quarter. It was in the fourth quarter that the hinges came off. The Pistons outscored Portland 41-11 in that period and Portland suffered a sobering 17-point loss.

Portland has gone on to give up more fourth quarter leads, showing the fact that they are a young team with a lot of weaknesses. Any glimmer of hope held out by their early record has evaporated into the darkness. Perhaps it is for the best. If Portland fought for a playoff spot it would likely be followed by a low playoff seed and a quick first-round exit. However, if Portland loses a lot of games this year, they have the opportunity to earn a high draft pick and add another young piece to their team next year. With plenty of cap space for the following years, Portland has an opportunity to be a real title contender in the near future. For diehard Portland fans one ancient saying may be of consolation, “the darkest comes before the dawn.”