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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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April 20, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Austin Rivers (25) shoots against Portland Trail Blazers center Chris Kaman (35) during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
April 20, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Austin Rivers (25) shoots against Portland Trail Blazers center Chris Kaman (35) during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

The numbers will catch up with the Clippers.

Steven Dewald (RCP Co-Editor)

Most people (including myself) figured that one of the major advantages that the Trail Blazers had over the Clippers was the quality depth of their bench. That has not been the case so far in this series though. The LA reserves have opened up large leads on the Trail Blazers, which leaves an even bigger hill to climb for the starters when they return to the court.

The most alarming thing is how efficient the Clippers are doing this. Cole Aldrich, Austin Rivers, and Jamal Crawford are all shooting well above their regular season FG% numbers. Everyone knows how good Crawford is (winner of the Sixth Man Award this year), but the other two players mentioned seem like they are benefiting from a little good luck.

Aldrich has seen an increased amount of playing time this year due to the Blake Griffin injury (temper-tantrum), but his numbers by no means jump off of the stat column. Only on two occasions has he put together consecutive eight plus point performances this season, so a repeat performance tonight seems unlikely.

Expect the Clippers bench to cool off away from their home court. Rivers, Crawford, and Aldrich have combined for 52 points over the first two games. It will be tough to replicate that number in the two games at the Moda Center. The biggest thing won’t be the total, the efficiency at which they are scoring off of the bench must lower for Portland to have a chance. The season averages suggest the numbers will do just that.

Next: Portland's Bench Strikes Back