A report card for the top 6 contributors in the Trail Blazers 91-78 loss to Zach Randolph and the Grizzlies.
Starters
Damian Lillard: 17 points/7 assists/3 rebounds
It was a bittersweet return for Damian Lillard, who after missing seven games with plantar fasciitis, was back in the lineup against the Grizzlies. If you were hoping that he would jump back into the action with no setbacks, last night was a disappointment. Lillard struggled with his shot the entire game, and didn’t get his first basket until the 3rd quarter. For the game, he shot just 4-14 (.286%) from the field. Along with his scoring woes, Lillard led all players with seven turnovers. That mark not only ties a season high, but was his highest total dating back to April 4th 2013 (eight turnovers in a loss to the Nuggets). Look for Lillard to improve with each passing game as he gets accustomed to playing with players who got accustomed to playing without him. B-
CJ McCollum: 16 points/4 assists/2 rebounds
After dressing up as Batman for a week and a half, CJ McCollum returned to his regular role as Robin. McCollum would’ve won any costume contest, as the 3-year guard did an amazing job filling in for Damian Lillard. In fact, his line of 30.5 PPG/6.5 APG/6.0 RPG over the last 4 games are worthy of an MVP award. But Lillard couldn’t be gone forever, and it’s time for McCollum to adjust. Last night’s game was a struggle for both guards, who were the only two players in the starting lineup to post negative plus/minuses. It didn’t help that McCollum shot just .333% for the game against a stifling Grizzlies’ defense, a defense that ranks in the top 10 for points per game. Their next matchup should be a little kinder to both Lillard and McCollum, who take on the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday. B-
Al-Farouq Aminu: 15 points/0 assists/14 rebounds
Aminu may have played his best game in a Blazers jersey last night. The starting small forward was firing on all cylinders, and his 15 points was the highest total he’s had at home since Halloween. Aminu’s most impressive contribution was his play on the glass. With Portland’s big men combining for just 15 rebounds, someone had to step up and crash the boards. That guy was Aminu, who almost out did them all with a total of 14 (7 in each half). Yesterday’s performance was also encouraging after a poor December offensively (9.8 PPG), Aminu has averaged 14.5 PPG in two January games. He may have been the only Blazers player who looked 100% comfortable with Lillard back on the court, and for that, he receives an…A
Noah Vonleh: 2 points/0 assists/6 rebounds
If Noah Vonleh could play 48 minutes per game, I could understand why Terry Stotts would start him at power foward. His per 48 statline would give Portland 9.9 PPG and an even better 11.6 RPG, which would lead the team. Unfortunately, Vonleh is getting just 16 minutes as a starter, just three more than in 11 games of which he came off the bench. Yet, in those three more minutes, he has nearly doubled his scoring output (1.9 PPG to 3.7 PPG). What I’m saying is that Stotts needs to either commit to Vonleh as a starter and play him 30 minutes a game, or let him warm up a seat on the bench. Games like last night’s are starting to wear on the fans, and perhaps even Noah Vonleh. C-
Mason Plumlee: 3 points/0 assists/3 rebounds
Make it two straight stinkers for Mason Plumlee, who failed to grab at least 4 rebounds for the second straight game. Along with his poor play on the glass, Plumlee shot a horrible 1-6 (.167%) from the field, the worst mark for any Trail Blazer. He has seen his minutes drop considerably over the past week or so, and hasn’t played over than 30 since December 20th. In order for Portland to succeed they need Mason Plumlee to show more consistency in both scoring and rebounding. Last night was a perfect example of what happens when he doesn’t. D+
Sixth Man of the Game
Allen Crabbe: 9 points/0 assists/6 rebounds
Here’s my idea: Take Vonleh out of the starting lineup, move Aminu down to power forward, and start Allen Crabbe at small forward. I only suggest that because Portland can’t afford to bring him off the bench. The dude has become an absolute stud over the past month, and deserves his time in the spotlight. Although he brought down a season high six rebounds, last night showed why he’s better off in the starting lineup. Crabbe’s streak of scoring in double digits was halted at seven, and he took less than ten shots for the first time since December 20th. I think it’s a no brainer. B-
What do you think Rip City? Should the Blazers start Allen Crabbe at small forward? Let me know in the comments section.