Blazers Try To Even Series, Steal Momentum

Trail Blazers will try to steal the series once again

Early Sunday morning, just hours after the Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Golden State Warriors and trimmed the series to 2-1, Stephen Curry was reported doubtful for Monday’s Game Four. This is huge for both organizations, as Portland not only has a better chance to draw even in the series, but a win at home could put Golden State on their heels, something they’ve had the luxury of avoiding all season.

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Not only did Portland earn one of their most impressive victories of the season on Saturday, but they did it under masterful adjustments by Coach Terry Stotts. It started with a hip injury to Moe Harkless, which was combined with a disappointing first half for Mason Plumlee. Much like the Warriors’ lethal “small ball” lineup, Stotts countered by giving more minutes to Gerald Henderson, Allen Crabbe and Ed Davis. Henderson and Crabbe provided great perimeter defense while knocking down clutch jump shots, as Davis entered on a mission to defend the paint and grab every rebound he could. The lineup confused Golden State, evidenced by Crabbe’s remarkable plus/minus of +25.

With Curry doubtful for game four, the Blazers have an opportunity to throw their own “shooting” lineup at the Warriors and demand they keep pace. With the series now a shootout, and despite great shooting nights from Klay Thompson and Draymond Green, the rest of Golden State couldn’t match Portland getting to the line and knocking down threes. This is all a result of Curry’s absence and the attention he draws as a playmaker. Not only does he create open shots for his teammates, but when he drives into the lane and dishes, it usually means a trip to the foul line due to a panicked defense trying to recover.

May 7, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) squints while looking up at the stat board in game three of the second round of the NBA Playoffs against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports /

Monday’s game four is an opportunity to square the series and force the entire Warriors’ organization into an hourly schedule of massaging Curry’s knee back to health. Now it looks like game four will be the last game he’ll miss, however a game four loss means at least a game six back in Portland where the Blazers have beaten Golden State with and without Curry.

In order to square the series and steal the momentum, Portland has to continue shooting lights out. There’s no doubt Golden State will change their defense to try and take away the three, but that shouldn’t hinder Portland’s ability to get to the foul line and keep them honest. And in an effort to combat Green’s cocky postgame comments, I wouldn’t change Portland’s defense towards him, as I don’t expect him to shoot that well again.

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Portland has a chance to make this interesting, even with the impending return of the league MVP. As long as Damian Lillard can continue his perfect balance of scorer (40 points) and facilitator (10 assists), the rest of the Blazers will have opportunities to score.