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Could Blazers’ top 5 beat Warriors in 7?

By Jacob Swanson

Mar 2, 2017; Boulder, CO, USA; American broadcaster Bill Walton before the game between the Stanford Cardinals and the Colorado Buffaloes at the Coors Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 2, 2017; Boulder, CO, USA; American broadcaster Bill Walton before the game between the Stanford Cardinals and the Colorado Buffaloes at the Coors Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 11, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) controls a rebound against the Golden State Warriors during the third quarter at Oracle Arena. The Golden State Warriors defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 128-112. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 11, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) controls a rebound against the Golden State Warriors during the third quarter at Oracle Arena. The Golden State Warriors defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 128-112. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

Blazers have huge edge on the glass

The reason we have Lucas and Walton is to crash the boards.  Those two alone are going to haul in at least 10 a piece, while Drexler and Pippen each consistently brought in more than six per game over the course of their respective careers.

Pippen’s season high was 8.7, while Drexler’s was 7.9.  The 4.9 rebounds per game by Lillard is plenty, as well.

Golden State’s leading rebounder this season was Durant at 8.3, with Green’s 7.9 close behind.  The assembled cast of Blazers would absolutely dominate Golden State on the boards.

Tristan Thompson proved in last year’s Finals that he could absolutely bully the Warriors down low, especially without the interior presence of Andrew Bogut.  Just imagine what Lucas and Walton could do.

In 1976-77, Lucas’ first season in Portland, he averaged 3.4 offensive rebounds per game.  He would post at least four per night in a series against Golden State.

This is what makes me think this Portland squad has a shot.  They’d be dominant inside, and could create extra possessions on the offensive glass to make up for the fact that they clearly would not win a shootout against the Warriors.