The Blazers are working with Dr. Dana Sinclair, a performance psychologist who is counseling the team on how to develop strategies to control one’s emotions under pressure. Portland is just 5-5 over its last ten games.

"We see the basketball side of it, and she sees the psychological side of it," said Chad Buchanan, the Blazers' acting general manager. "So she complements what we are seeing out there."

Sinclair has helped Jamal Crawford look for ways to deal with his anxiety or worries on the court.

"She has been very, very helpful for me," Crawford said. "Sometimes with me, it's easier to talk to a stranger that someone you are close with. Because the person you are close with can judge you. She is coming from a totally different place, and I feel like I can let my guard down and talk to her."

Wesley Matthews said Singlair helps him unload the issues he carries both on and off the court.

"It's usually just a casual conversation, and by the end of it, you got everything off your chest, and you didn't even realize it," Matthews said. "It's hard to explain. It's just talking. But it's always helpful when someone just listens. It's her profession, and she knows what kind of things to poke and prod at when you say something. The next thing you know, you go a little deeper into what you were talking about. So yeah, it's helpful."