Trail Blazers: Report Card for the Critical Victory Over Heat

Player grades and analysis from the Trail Blazers 110-93 victory over the short-handed Miami Heat.

Damian Lillard: 18 points/4 assists/2 rebounds

Yet again, it was a below average performance from Lillard. He made just five field goals, none of which were from deep (0-2). The last time Lillard failed to make a three pointer was way back in late February, so it’s been quite a long time since we’ve seen him struggle this much. Even so, the most important aspect of these last few games is rest and he got plenty of that. There is no doubt that when the playoffs start no one on this roster will be more ready than Lillard. Grade: B

CJ McCollum: 24 points/7 assists/4 steals

McCollum was in another world last night, having one of his best games in recent memory. Offensively, he shot a stellar 60% from the field, making it just the eighth time he has shot that well all season. What jumps out most from McCollum’s stat line was his perfect shooting from downtown. He lit up the Moda Center, drilling all six of his attempts from three. He also starred on defense, leading all players with four steals on the night. Grade: A+

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

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Those of you who thought that Aminu would be able to sustain his hot last few games haven’t seen enough Trail Blazers games. It was obvious that he would eventually fall off and last night was that night. He followed a 11-19 (58%) performance with a 2-7 (29%) game. Still, if we’ve learned anything from the last two weeks is that Aminu has improved since signing with Portland. He’s always been a solid defender, but his enhanced offensive game is truly miraculous. With five games still to go, he already has more three pointers made this season than he did in his first five years in the league. Grade: B

Maurice Harkless: 14 points/4 rebounds/1 block

Harkless was once again effective in the starting lineup, scoring in double figures for the sixth time in the last seven games. What’s most important is that he didn’t let a sub par performance against the Celtics diminish his new found confidence. In fact, shooting 6-7 (86%) from the field made it his most efficient game of the season. Games like last night’s make you wonder how much higher the Trail Blazers could be in the standings if Terry Stotts would’ve turned to Harkless earlier in the season. Grade: A-

Mason Plumlee: 17 points/8 rebounds/5 assists

No one was more fun to watch than Plumlee, who had a very Plumlee-esque game. He was the only player to go for 10+ points, 5+ rebounds, and 5+ assists, which is quickly becoming a regular occurrence for the skilled big man. What impresses me most about Plumlee’s game was that it came against Hassan Whiteside, who is arguably the best interior defender in the NBA. If he can do what he did against Whiteside, he should have no problem scoring on either Steven Adams (OKC) or DeAndre Jordan (LAC). Grade: A+

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Sixth Man of the Game

Gerald Henderson: 17 points/3 rebounds/2 assists

The “Vonleh for Batum” trade is quickly becoming the “Henderson for Batum”” trade. With yet another solid performance off the bench, Henderson is establishing himself as the bona fide sixth man of the Trail Blazers. Even though Crabbe may have more potential, what Henderson brings in terms of consistency and experience is more valuable than ever as the playoffs kick into high gear. Fun Fact: Henderson out scored all seven other players who came off the bench for Portland. Grade: A

Report Card: Trail Blazers Get Critical Victory Over Heat

By Perry Waggoner | Apr 3, 2016

Player grades and analysis from the Trail Blazers 110-93 victory over the short-handed Miami Heat.