Player grades and analysis from the Trail Blazers 98-84 win over the Clippers
The Starters:
Damian Lillard – 12 PTS / 6 AST / 6 REB
Usually a stat line like the one above spells doom for the Trail Blazers, but last night was another story. Despite his 4-15 shooting night, Portland was able to come away with a big victory over the visiting Clippers. Lillard once again struggled with Doc Rivers’ stifling defensive scheme. The pressure should ease up a bit in the next game, but Austin Rivers has given him problems as well so far in this series. Blood is in the water, expect Lillard to put on some big performances in the remaining games. Grade: C+
C.J. McCollum – 19 PTS / 2 AST / 3 REB
More from Blazers News
- Blazers News: Portland signs FIBA WC standout center
- Blazers News: Portland re-signing failed lottery pick
- Portland Trail Blazers NBA 2K24 team, player ratings
- Woj: Blazers, Lillard ‘fully prepared’ for star to be with team in training camp
- 3 Underrated Blazers who could make a massive impact this season
McCollum’s stat line doesn’t jump off the page, but it was just efficient enough for the Trail Blazers to come away with the win. He didn’t force his offense last night, he only took four shots from deep and connected on two of them. McCollum didn’t succumb to the defensive pressure either. He didn’t commit a turnover despite being the primary ball handler for long stretches of time. Portland’s backcourt tandem should drastically improve on their 31 total points in game five. Grade: B
Al-Farouq Aminu – 30 PTS / 3 BLK / 10 REB
Aminu has been exposed for most of this series, but last night he answered his critics. It was clearly his night, as he amassed the first eight points for the home team. He shot above 50% from the field and from beyond the arc, which is a massive improvement over the first three games of the series. His ability to hit shots was key in Portland’s ability to wear LA’s defense down. Forcing Blake Griffin to close out on the perimeter opened the door for the Trail Blazers’ 16 offensive rebounds. Solid night for the Chief, hopefully it is a sign of things to come. Grade: A+
Maurice Harkless – 12 PTS / 7 REB / 2 STL
Harkless had another solid night of crashing to the basket and getting high percentage looks. He went an impressive 5-8 from the field and two of those misses came from deep. He did a superb job of staying on the court after getting into early foul trouble, as he played a healthy chunk of the second half with four fouls. Harkless’ defensive assignments should get easier with the injuries to the Clippers. Grade: B
Mason Plumlee – 2 PTS / 10 AST / 14 REB / 3 BLK
Don’t let the point total fool you, Plumlee had a monster sized impact in this game. His ability to handle the ball and find open looks for his teammates has been crucial for the Trail Blazers’ success. He plays like a point guard on one end of the court (10 assists) and anchors the defense on the other (3 blocks). There isn’t many players who can do what Plumlee is doing right now. Expect Terry Stotts to continue to find new wrinkles for an offense led by the big fella. Grade: A
Next: More From Rip City Project
Sixth Man of the Game
Allen Crabbe – 12 PTS / 2 REB
When the Clippers put the pressure on Lillard and McCollum it leaves shooters open to capitalize on favorable shots. Crabbe did just that last night, as he went a perfect 5-5 from the field (2-2 3PT). Portland’s reserves have been noticeably absent at times in this series and nobody was guiltier than the former Cal guard. Crabbe hadn’t scored since game one, so it was nice to see him make a return in a big way. Grade: B+