Dalano Banton Plays Hero Again As Blazers Beat Pelicans

Dalano Banton, the Toronto-born, Rexdale-raised point guard, stepped up in the clutch once again as the Portland Trail Blazers defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 128-126 in a back-and-forth game at the Moda Center.

With the Blazers trailing by one point with just seconds remaining, Banton received the ball at the top of the key and drove towards the basket. He drew two defenders before dishing the ball to Jusuf Nurkic, who was fouled and made both free throws to give Portland the lead.

On the ensuing possession, Banton came up with a huge defensive play, blocking Brandon Ingram's layup attempt and securing the rebound. The Blazers then held on for the win, improving their record to 14-16 on the season.

Banton's Impact on the Blazers

Banton, who signed a two-year contract with the Blazers in the offseason, has quickly become a valuable contributor to the team. In his 24 minutes per game, Banton is averaging 8.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists.

Banton's versatility has been a key factor in the Blazers' recent success. He can play both guard positions, and he is a capable defender. He is also a willing passer, and he has a good understanding of the game.

Banton's Performance Against the Pelicans

Banton played a key role in the Blazers' victory over the Pelicans. He finished with 11 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists. He also had 3 steals and 2 blocks.

Banton's performance was especially impressive considering that he was matched up against CJ McCollum, one of the best guards in the league. Banton held McCollum to just 18 points on 6-of-17 shooting.

The Future is Bright for Banton

Banton is still just 23 years old, and he has already shown that he has the potential to be a very good NBA player. He is a hard worker, and he is always looking to improve his game.

With Banton in the fold, the Blazers have a bright future. He is a talented young player who has the potential to be a star in this league.

Critical Analysis

There are some who believe that Banton is not as good as his numbers suggest. They point to his low shooting percentages and his high turnover rate.

However, it is important to remember that Banton is still a young player. He is still learning the game, and he is still developing his skills.

It is also important to note that Banton is playing a valuable role for the Blazers. He is a versatile player who can contribute in a number of ways.

Overall, it is too early to say how good Banton will become. However, he has shown enough to suggest that he has the potential to be a very good NBA player.