The Portland Trail Blazers have had an up-and-down start to their 2025-26 season. A team that looked to be vying for contention in the 2026 Playoffs and the NBA Cup has suddenly fallen on hard times, losing 8 of their last 11 games. What’s going on here? Was their early-season success a mirage? Will we be looking at maddening, Jekyll-and-Hyde performances all season long?

Consider this question from the Blazer’s Edge Mailbag.

Dear Dave,

I don’t understand how the same team can look so good and so lifeless depending on the game. I understand getting blown out by OKC. We had it coming. But the same team that beat OKC and Denver also lost to the Spurs and Lakers without their stars. I was thrilled and now I’m disappointed I guess? Is this team just random or what?

Jason

As you identified

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