Analyzing the prior week of play from the Trail Blazers.
The Blazers now control their own destiny in terms of making the playoffs. It’s simple, keep winning and their in. Based on their recent dominance and the continued struggles of the Houston Rockets, there is potential to keep growing and take the seventh spot as early as next week. Seriously Rip City, who would have thought we would be in this spot just a few months ago after the rebuild and numerous fourth quarter collapses?
Blazers 112 vs. Kings 97
Why did we win?
After back to back 50+ point games, the Blazers held Demarcus Cousins to 4-17 shooting and 17 points. Credit the rotation of Mason Plumlee, Ed Davis and Meyers Leonard for shutting down the big man and rattling his head. Damian Lillard also showed off his distributing skills, dishing out 13 assists despite a poor shooting night.
Improvements?
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Our defense this game illustrated the important improvement Portland has made on that end. We held a Kings team with some great outside shooters to just 41.6% from the field, getting a hand up for each shot and forcing tough shots down low. Plumlee really stepped up this game, despite the size difference, he recorded four blocks and used his athleticism to play great post defense and help on drives.
What did we learn?
That team efforts equal big wins. No Blazer scored more than 20 points, but seven players were in double figures. This win was so satisfying because not only was it against a good team, but we built the lead all game, not losing a quarter. Every player took their defensive assignment personally, as each King seemed to have an off night, even Rajon Rondo, who despite 11 assists, registered a -17 plus/minus.
Blazers 109 vs. Hornets 91
Why did we win?
Portland was able to spoil Nicolas Batum’s return with another strong defensive performance. If you recall, Terry Stotts implemented sneaky good defense the last few years by running teams off the three and locking down the paint. It took a while but this week has illustrated the new player’s adaption to the defense and the statistics show it, with the Hornets shooting 38.8% overall.
Improvements?
We can’t forget about the bench players. Brian Roberts and Tyler Hansbrough combined for 29 points and that’s what kept Charlotte in the game. We did a good job shutting down their main scoring threats, but in the future, playoffs especially, we can’t let the end of the bench give their team hope.
What did we learn?
Gerald Henderson is finally turning into the role player that we all hoped he would be. His injury is no longer lagging him, and despite taking minutes away from the exciting Maurice Harkless, his defense and athleticism have been welcomed additions to a team of shooters.
Blazers 96 vs. Timberwolves 93
Why did we win?
Despite an awful third quarter, we we’re able to pull away in the fourth with a great coaching shift by Stotts. When Minnesota ramped up the defense in the third, Stotts replaced Plumlee with Leonard, who hit a few threes and stretched their defense to allow for penetration and open shots for other players.
However, the real win here is Portland’s bench, outscoring Minnesota 40-22.
Improvements?
We adjusted our roster to combat their ramped up defense, but we regressed into old habits due to the added pressure. It’s nice to have a diverse set of players to combat different defenses, but the roster cracked in pressure time. Look to the Warriors for numerous lineups that can close games, and the Blazers need everyone to be confident enough to get it done when the game get’s close.
What did we learn?
A game isn’t over until it’s over, but we hung on long enough. It’s another sign of growth for this team that just completed a winning month for the first time all season (9-5). It’s also our longest win streak of the season (4), and it now has us eying playoff spots that skips the Warriors and Spurs.
Time to dig our heels in, the next seven games are against playoff teams.