Rip City Project
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Trail Blazers: 5 Reasons They’ll Win Game 3

By Steven Dewald

April 20, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers center Ed Davis (17) grabs a rebound against the Los Angeles Clippers during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
April 20, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers center Ed Davis (17) grabs a rebound against the Los Angeles Clippers during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 20, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers coach Terry Stotts at press conference during game two of the first round of the NBA playoffs against the Los Angeles Clippers at the Staples center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 20, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers coach Terry Stotts at press conference during game two of the first round of the NBA playoffs against the Los Angeles Clippers at the Staples center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Terry Stotts will find a way to break the Clippers defensive scheme.

McLayne Bertsch (RCP Co-Editor)

The story of the series thus far is the dominant defense the Los Angeles Clippers have played on the Blazers’ star-studded backcourt. They are over-pursuing and double-teaming Lillard and McCollum, knowing that even if the Blazers’ get around the tight defense, DeAndre Jordan will protect the rim. Unfortunately, Al-Farouq Aminu and Moe Harkless have not been able to hit their wide-open three pointers to relieve pressure on the guards.

Even though Game 2 turned into another blowout, there were glimpses of offensive sets that would work against the Clippers’ defensive scheme. The Mason Plumlee passing game was a revelation. Chris Kaman taking a couple (and even hitting one) 15 footers was crucial. Look for those two guys with the ball in their hand, creating the offense more often. Even if either player doesn’t draw Jordan all the way out of the key, it should be enough room for well executed back cuts by the guards.

Given the results in the first two games, the Clippers have no reason to change up the defensive game plan. Look for more of the offense being ran through Plumlee or Kaman on the high post in game 3. Stotts has another long layoff in between games to solve the offensive issues. He now has two games of film to dissect what will work and what will not.

In Stotts We Trust.

Next: Lillard & McCollum Rise Above