Report Card: Blazers Pull Away for 3-2 Series Lead

Player grades and analysis from the Trail Blazers 108-98 victory over the undermanned Clippers

Starters

Damian Lillard: 22 points/5 assists/3 steals

For three quarters it looked as if Lillard would continue his increasingly worrisome struggles this postseason. He had just six points on one made field goal, which was surprising considering his guard counterpart was Austin Rivers (not Chris Paul). Then the fourth quarter began, and Lillard Time took over the game. He went six for six in the last period – which included four 3PT baskets – more than enough to put away a pesky Clippers squad that had been sticking around up until then. Look for Lillard to get back on track on Friday in front of a rocking Moda Center crowd to finish out the series. Grade: A

Game 6 Prediction: 31 points/4 assists/3 steals

CJ McCollum: 27 points/4 assists/2 blocks

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McCollum led the Blazers in scoring for the first time this series, pumping out 27 points on 9-18 shooting. If we forget the first game of the series, he’s been arguably the most consistent player for Portland, even though his per game stats are lower than his season averages. While many will praise Harkless and Aminu for picking up the Trail Blazers’ offense in Lillard’s absence, let’s not underestimate how much McCollum has done to give the team this 3-2 series lead. He led all players in the last three games with a total plus/minus of +52. Grade: A+

Game 6 Prediction: 22 points/3 assists/5 rebounds

Al-Farouq Aminu: 7 points/8 rebounds/2 assists

Like clockwork, Aminu came back down to earth after one of the best games of his career. It happened last month after his 28 point outburst against the Celtics, when he followed it up with a meager eight point performance the very next game. Last night was no different, as Aminu’s shooting touch did not travel with him to Los Angeles. That’s ok though, as Portland just needs him for one more game at home to finish out the series. While we can’t predict how many opportunities he will get to score in Game 6, it’s hard to imagine he performs worse than he did last night. Grade: C+

Game 6 Prediction: 10 points/11 rebounds/3 blocks

Maurice Harkless: 19 points/10 rebounds

The first quarter was all about Harkless, as he scored 10 of the team’s first 16 points. He ended the half with 17 points, which was more than one third of Portland’s total offense going into the locker room. Luckily, Harkless’ teammates stepped up in the second half, because he made just one basket after his 17 point explosion. He has now scored in double figures for the fourth straight contest and continues to be Portland’s third leading scorer in the playoffs, averaging 12.4 PPG. If the Orlando Magic had a “Transaction Regret” list, Harkless would be one of headlining the names. Grade: A

Game 6 Prediction: 13 points/12 rebounds/2 assists

Mason Plumlee: 10 points/15 rebounds/4 assists

Mason Plumlee dazzled once again, putting together yet another versatile stat line. With a basket late in the fourth quarter, he collected his third double-double in the last four games. While many players have taken a step back in this playoff series, Plumlee has actually elevated his level of play considerably. He’s averaged 13 rebounds and 6 assists since the playoffs began, which nearly doubles his season averages in both categories. Forget his 6′ 11” stature, Plumlee may very well be the third best guard on this roster. Grade: A

Game 6 Prediction: 8 points/12 rebounds/ 6 assists

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Sixth Man of the Game

Allen Crabbe: 11 points/4 rebounds/3 assists

Crabbe looked dead in the water after Game 3, after failing to score in the previous two contests and averaging just two points for the series. Thankfully, he has stepped up in a big way in Portland’s last two victories, shooting 70% from the field while scoring 11.5 PPG. If he can supply the Blazers with his usual borderline double figure scoring and solid defending from here on out, it will go a long way to upsetting any future opponents. Grade: B

Game 6 Prediction: 10 points/2 assists/3 steals

Report Card: Blazers Pull Away Late for 3-2 Lead Over LAC

By Perry Waggoner | Apr 28, 2016

Player grades and analysis from the Trail Blazers 108-98 victory over the undermanned Clippers