2 studs and 2 duds from the Trail Blazers' nail-biting loss to the Pelicans

This is more of the Scoot we know and love! He could have been more efficient in the Blazers' first game, giving fans cause for concern as to whether or not he improved in key areas of his game in the offseason. But this game seemed to be a new and improved version of Scoot. He finished the game with 15 points, six assists, three steals and three turnovers while shooting 7-9.

One criticism for Scoot in his first game (and his rookie season) was that he was “full throttle, no brakes”, meaning he couldn't change speed and adapt to the pace of the game in certain situations was required to be effective. Henderson seemed much more adaptable in this match and let the game come to him.

Billups even put Scoot in the final lineup instead of Avdija because he was playing so well. During this phase, however, it became clear that Scoot thrives with the ball in his hands and not as an off-ball guard on offense, especially since he is not yet a reliable three-point shooter at this point in his career.

There were a few plays Henderson made that can be attributed to growing pains. But he showed a lot more All-Star-level upside and reasons why the Blazers selected him No. 3 overall in the first place.

Part of Scoot's promising play can be attributed to the fact that the Pelicans lack rim protection, which played to his strengths as a guard who likes to attack the paint. But the good news is that the Blazers are back at home against the Pelicans on Sunday.