Nervous play hindered the Trail Blazers in game one
The Trail Blazers came out extremely tight in their first game against the Clippers. They lost the turnover battle 12-9, shot a poor 39% from the field, and they lost the rebounding battle 48-40. Those numbers and margins must improve if they’re to steal game two on the road. Can Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum recover from their tough outing against the Clippers’ stingy defense?
Lillard and McCollum only combined for 30 points last night (21 of them belonging to Lillard), which is miles below their season long average of 45.9 PPG. This is now Lillard’s fourth playoff series in three years, but he has never faced an opponent like Chris Paul. Paul has been a thorn in Lillard’s side since he entered the league, but last night saw the intensity reach a new level.
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If the Trail Blazers are going to have a chance, Lillard must not repeat his four turnover performance from game one. Asking him to reach his same scoring levels might be too much to ask, but limiting his mistakes is imperative. Luckily for Portland, his game one performance can be chalked up to a mix of nerves and an aggressive defensive scheme by the opposition. In the previous two years,
was the number one target for opposing defenses. Now that focus has shifted to Lillard.
The Clippers launched an all-out attack on the perimeter, which caused Portland’s guard tandem to commit costly mistakes. Lillard and McCollum have seen a lot of double teams this year, but never this aggressive (or this far from the basket). Look for them to find a way to get the ball moving early in game two, which should allow them to avoid getting trapped.
Getting the ball out of traps is only half of the problem for Portland. In order for it to work they must have their role players hit shots. Mason Plumlee and Al-Farouq Aminu shot a combined 4-18 from the field. Those numbers aren’t going to cut it in the playoffs. It is crucial for them to earn the Clippers respect, otherwise the floor will only get tighter for the guards. To their credit though, it was the first playoff game for both of them in a feature role.
I know it seems like a tall order, but I honestly think most of game one had to do with nerves. The Trail Blazers’ offense relies on free flowing movement from their guards. Limiting mistakes early will open up the court once again for Portland. Terry Stotts has proven himself even further this year, he will find a way to set his squad up for success.
Look for the Trail Blazers to remedy their nerve related problems before game two. Lillard and McCollum will likely loosen up in the second game, especially now that they now what is coming at them. This should result in a fewer amount of turnovers. Aminu and Plumlee have to accept their increased role on offense, which should result in crisper passing and confident shooting. Maurice Harkless must limit his fouls early, as his limited work on offense was a bright spot in game one.
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Take a deep breath Rip City. The series has just started. The Clippers may have landed the first punch, but we know this Trail Blazers team has a lot of fight in them.