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The Best Opponent for the Trail Blazers in the Playoffs

Mar 14, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) reacts after a play against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the third quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 14, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) reacts after a play against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the third quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
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Mar 16, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) reacts after his three point basket against the Boston Celtics in the second half at TD Garden. Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Celtics 130-109. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 16, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) reacts after his three point basket against the Boston Celtics in the second half at TD Garden. Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Celtics 130-109. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

3.) Oklahoma City Thunder

The Oklahoma City Thunder gave the Blazers a couple of the worst beat downs this season. However, the victory against the Thunder in Portland was a major turning point in this season. It provided two things:

1.) Lillard time was back in full force, as he has been a legitimate MVP candidate since. His late game heroics kickstarted his amazing run.

2.)  The late-game-collapse aura surrounding the Blazers was transferred to OKC.

The Blazers just need to keep the games close until the 4th quarter. After that doubt will do Portland’s bidding. I’ll take my chances with Terry Stotts against Billy Donovan. If the series gets close the Kevin Durant free agency talks will reach a fever pitch.

Next: Los Angeles Clippers