Portland coach Terry Stotts told Rant Sports: "Joel's been working really hard. Before (LaMarcus Aldridge) getting two fouls, I had planned on getting Joel in the game tonight. It was just earlier than expected because of the fouls. I thought this was a game that kind of was set up for him to play. They played a little conventional with their big guys and it just seemed to make sense.
"I thought he did very well. He made things happen. He finished around the basket and he played with some energy."
Freeland was averaging 8.5 minutes per game with 2.4 points and 2.2 rebounds but made an impression in Saturday's game against Detroit.
