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Three Keys to Last Night’s Blazers Victory

By McLayne Bertsch

Mar 24, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers center Mason Plumlee (24) reacts during the first half against the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 24, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers center Mason Plumlee (24) reacts during the first half against the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Blazers Defend Home Court in Game 3

The Blazers fought back last night for a massive victory at home. After two blowout losses on the road, most pundits already wondered if the Los Angeles Clippers could beat the Steph Curry-less Warriors next round. Not so fast. Although it was not as convincing as the Clippers’ wins down in Los Angeles, it should be enough to give the Blazers momentum and confidence heading into game 4 tomorrow night. Below are three revelations from last night. It is imperative that the Blazers exploit these key match-ups Monday night to level the series at two games apiece.

Mason Plumlee’s Passing

Head Coach Terry Stotts figured this weapon out prior to game 2. When the Clippers trap Damian Lillard or C.J. McCollum at mid court, Mason Plumlee can find the open man during the ensuing 4-on-3. (Initially, Stotts thought the cure might be Chris Kaman’s jump shooting to open up the Clippers defense, but ‘Caveman’ is clearly more than a little rusty.) With the wing player’s prolonged cold streak from the outside, Stotts drew up a play that worked several times in Game 3. As Plumlee brings the ball into the paint, Moe Harkless crashes the baseline, catching the Clippers defenders by surprise. It is rare that a man as large as Plumlee has the dribbling and passing ability to break down a defense like he has the past two games. It is a difference-maker that the Blazers will continue to exploit. After all, if anyone appreciates a big man that can pass, it’s Portland fans.

Blazers defending Griffin
Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) attempts a dunk as Portland Trail Blazers center Mason Plumlee (24), forward Maurice Harkless (4), guard C.J. McCollum (3) and guard Damian Lillard (9) defend during game two of the first round of the NBA playoffs at the Staples center. The Clippers defeated the Trail Blazers 102-81 to take a 2-0 lead. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

The Defensive Flexibility of Moe Harkless

Besides Harkless crashing the baseline on offense, his defense has been a game-changer for Portland. The use of Harkless on Chris Paul was a fantastic adjustment by Stotts. It allows Lillard to catch his breath while guarding the offensively-challenged Luc Mbah A Moute. (Lillard has never been able to guard Paul to begin with, so it can’t get worse anyway, right?) Even bigger than Lillard’s defensive break, Harkless guarding Paul helps contain one of the Clippers’ favorite plays: The Paul/Blake Griffin pick and roll. The Blazers now have the option to switch on this pick and roll, a luxury that Lillard did not provide. Harkless is visibly gaining confidence with each game in this series, and it is exciting to see for Blazers’ fans. Remember, Harkless is just 22 years old.

Next: Report Card: Blazers Take Game 3

Home Court Advantage

What a difference the Rose Garden Moda Center makes. The Ringer’s Bill Simmons often talks about the ‘Stub Hub’ era of NBA basketball and how it is killing home court advantage. This is definitely true during the middle of the regular season, but not in the playoffs. Blazers’ fans aren’t willing to sell their tickets to Los Angeles transplants living in Portland. Portland fans showed up last night. They will need that same noise and energy in Game 4 to knot the series up at two. Aside from noise, it does feel like officials call the game differently at home. Even if it is a sub-conscious thing, it has to feel good giving Chris Paul a technical on the road. The roar of the crowd is just so appealing.