Player grades and analysis from the Trail Blazers series clinching 106-103 victory over the depleted Clippers
Starters
Damian Lillard: 28 points/7 assists/5 rebounds
My Game Six Prediction: 31 points/4 assists/3 steals
Even though Portland had proven they could beat the Clippers without a big performance from Lillard, it seemed like that’s what was needed before last night’s game. Well, he responded with what was arguably his best outing of the entire series. He came out guns-a-blazing in the first quarter, scoring 14 points in the period to lead all scorers. From there, Lillard continued to dominate, as he ended the game shooting 9-21 (43%) and 4-9 (44%) from deep, good for 28 points. With the Clippers more determined than ever to change the narrative of the series, Lillard took the team by the reigns and led them to victory in what was his most well rounded performance of the six games. If fact, it was the first time all series that he has 20+ points, 5+ assists and 5+ rebounds. Grade: A
CJ McCollum: 20 points/4 assists/2 rebounds
My Game Six Prediction: 22 points/3 assists/5 rebounds
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McCollum had a solid outing against the Clippers, putting up 20 points on 7-16 shooting. If you forget about Game 1, it’s been McCollum – not Lillard – who made the biggest impact on the series. His consistent play and clutch shots down the stretch surely made the difference in all of the Trail Blazer’s four straight victories. Last night was a prime example, as he nailed a dagger three pointer in the final minute to put Portland up by six. The Warriors should present a sizable challenge for McCollum, as he’s only scored 18.5 PPG against them this season. Granted, Stephen Curry was on the court, but it doesn’t change the fact that McCollum will have to do more if the Trail Blazers have any chance of knocking off the defending champs. Grade: A-
Al-Farouq Aminu: 10 points/6 rebounds/2 assists
My Game Six Prediction: 10 points/11 rebounds/3 blocks
If Aminu’s season could be summed up in one game, it would be last night’s. His 10 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists are identical to his season averages. His inconsistencies were also on display, as Aminu was never able to find his shot, shooting just 33% from the field. If the Blazer’s want to beat the Warriors, they will need Aminu to be much more dependable on offense. His prowess and ability on the defensive side of the ball keep him on the court, but it’s what he is able to do on the other side that makes the biggest impact on the outcome of games. Frankly, his 7.5 PPG against the Warriors won’t cut it. Grade: C+
Maurice Harkless: 14 points/3 rebounds/1 steal
My Game Six Prediction: 13 points/12 rebounds/2 assists
I admit, coming into this series I still had doubts about the sudden rise of Maurice Harkless. In fact, I was talking to a friend just a few weeks ago about the state of the SF/PF position: I was in favor of Crabbe or Henderson, while he was an adamant Harkless supporter. Well, after the first round, I am here to say that I have 100% jumped on the the Moe Train. With another double-digit performance, it’s now been almost two weeks since he’s failed to pass that threshold. It’s safe to say that he’s fully established himself as the number three option in the Trail Blazers offense. Grade: A-
Mason Plumlee: 9 points/14 rebounds/4 assists
My Game Six Prediction: 8 points/12 rebounds/ 6 assists
Plumlee’s coming out party is officially over, finishing with yet another dominating performance on the glass. After his 14 rebounds last night, Plumlee finished the series averaging 13.2 RPG. That’s nearly double his season average of 7.7 RPG. Despite that impressive increase, what’s even more astonishing is the fact that he led the team with 5.7 APG. It remains to be seen if he can do the same against a stifling Golden State Warriors defense. However, if he can dominate a series against one of the best defensive centers in the NBA (DeAndre Jordan), it’s plausible that he could do the same against the likes of Andrew Bogut and Anderson Varejao. Grade: A
Sixth Man of the Game
Allen Crabbe: 13 points/5 rebounds/1 assist
My Game Six Prediction: 10 points/2 assists/3 steals
One unheralded star of Portland’s four straight victories has to be Allen Crabbe. After failing to even make a basket in Games 2 and 3, he’s led the team off the bench averaging 12 PPG in the last three contests. With Gerald Henderson struggling to find his shot, Crabbe’s rejuvenated play has been that much more valuable. Grade: A