Trail Blazers Weekly Recap: 3/14-3/20

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Mar 18, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Allen Crabbe (23) leaps to save a ball from going out of bounds during the second quarter of a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

Blazers 117 vs. Pelicans 112

Why did we win?

Well, we almost didn’t, as bad defense led to open three pointers and easy buckets for a Pelicans’ 15-3 run in the fourth quarter. But a key McCollum three late was able to get the lead back and then Portland held them off. The streak of winning games after Lillard and McCollum combine for 60+ continued, which helped in a game that turned into a shootout. Unfortunately, Anthony Davis went out for what turned out to be a season ending knee aggravation at halftime, and his absence left us enough of a window to hold on.

Improvements?

Times up, Gerald Henderson needs to be in the starting lineup. I understand the approach by Terry Stotts to keep a balanced 1st and 2nd unit, Henderson needs to replace Al-Farouq Aminu in order to score more points. This way Aminu could go back to last year’s scoring outbursts, where he outplayed most opposing team’s second units. Because of our play as of late, the change needs to happen fast so we can get used to it for the playoffs.

What did we learn?

It’s interesting, in virtually every statistical category, New Orleans beat the Blazers. Yet, with Davis down, we were able to win the rebounding battle which gave us more opportunities. Rebounding is key for a shooting team like us, and losing the battle usually leads to a defeat. Leading into the playoffs, we need to focus on rebounding improvements because an extra board is so crucial in crunch time.

Mar 20, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Wesley Matthews (23) shoots a three point basket against Portland Trail Blazers guard Gerald Henderson (9) at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /

Mavericks 132 vs. Blazers 120 (OT)

Why did we lose?

Sometimes, stats don’t have the ability to tell the whole story. This game was heartbreaking, as the Blazers poured everything they had into a fourth quarter comeback that ended with Lillard missing a potential game winning three. It’s one thing to go into overtime neck and neck for most of the game, but in a comeback where you came up short, not only does it halt your momentum, but it gives the other team a chance to catch their breath. Overtime became another display of what kills the Blazers, the pick and roll game, as Dirk Nowitzki sealed it with a couple of clutch shots from a Deron Williams assist.

Improvements?

Because of all the negativity surrounding this week, I’m going to take an opportunity to highlight a much needed improvement. Welcome back Mason Plumlee! A key reason for making the game close was Plumlee grabbing 19 rebounds, with 10 of them offensive. His improvement this game is a good sign going forward, as we hopefully have our athletic center back just in time.

What did we learn?

Despite their amazing offense, we need to do something about both McCollum and Lillards poor pick and roll defense. The Mavericks two man game with Williams and Nowitzki became lethal against those two, as evidenced by a combined 71 points. Henderson, Aminu or Allen Crabbe need to be the defender on a great point guard if we want any chance in slowing down that threat. That also allows Lillard and McCollum to rest a bit more on defense by not having such a strenuous defensive assignment.

Next: More From Rip City Project

We have a back to back on Wednesday-Thursday with Dallas and the Clippers, two very important games, with the Dallas game a must win given the current standings.