The Trail Blazers overcame long odds in their postseason run after losing Jusuf Nurkic’s inside presence due to a gruesome leg injury. Despite his inability to join his teammates on the court, Nurkic powered through the early stages of his rehabilitation to support his teammates on the sidelines. In an interview with Trail Blazers Courtside Reporter Brooke Olzendam, Nurkic took a few moments to discuss the support he has received since the injury.

Nurkic starts with the night of the injury and talks about how he is focused on staying resilient during the entire recovery process. In regards to his rehab, the big fella revealed that he feels great. It is still by day-by-day, but he was encouraged by how quickly he started walking again.

The support from the fanbase has not gone unnoticed by Nurkic. From his teammates to the fans, it is clear he is grateful to be part of Rip City.

Nurkic acknowledged that it was hard for him to go to games at first, but that all changed with the Blazers’ thrilling Game 5 victory over the Thunder. On top of recounting the events of Game 5, he also discussed the atmosphere during Portland’s Game 6 win over Denver in the Western Conference Semifinals.

In a season already bursting with special moments, this video provides a look at Nurkic’s special relationship with Portland and his teammates.