Blazers need to stay consistent for chance at playoffs
By Nate Mann
The Portland Trail Blazers find themselves on a four-game win streak and alone in 5th place in the Western Conference.
Damian Lillard‘s play has been fantastic as of late. In the month of February, he averaged 31.4 points, 4 rebounds and 6.7 assists on 48.1% shooting and 3 three-pointers per night.
While it seems deserving of a Player of the Month award, Lillard’s numbers fall short to Anthony Davis‘. He posted 35.9 points, 12.8 rebounds, 2.5 steals, 2.4 blocks and 50.9% shooting with DeMarcus Cousins out in February.
Both players have their respective teams streaking. The Blazers and Pelicans were actually tied for 5th place in the West with a record of 34-26 until Portland’s victory over Sacramento last night.
Blazers recent play
The Blazers have won six of their last seven, including four straight right now. They’ve also come out on top in 11 of the past 12 home games.
Of course, Damian Lillard is the main man behind the improvements.
When speaking with NBC Sports Northwest, Lillard was unselfish and listed several other reasons for Portland’s recent play. He primarily credits the team’s fresh mentality and roster depth.
"“The past few seasons we had guys – random games here and there – where (Allen Crabbe), or Chief (Aminu) would get hot … Mo (Harkless) has a big game … but it was here and there. A lot of what we did depended on me and CJ to get things done – not that guys weren’t doing anything – but I think this is the most consistent we have performed as far as balance. Chief has shot ball great, Bazz is consistent, E.T. has been consistent, … when you have that you are able to sustain level for longer.”"
And he’s right.
Maurice Harkless is finally playing consistent minutes while accepting his defensive role. Shabazz Napier just broke out of his slump with a 20-point outing in Tuesday’s victory. Plus, Al-Farouq Aminu is shooting well on limited attempts.
All this comes in handy when either Lillard or CJ McCollum has an off night, like Tuesday. McCollum shot 5/18 from the field and 0/5 behind the line en route to a measly 11 points. Still, Portland came out victorious, 116-99 (granted it was against the Kings).
Staying consistent
Consistency has been a problem for Portland all season.
The current four-game win streak is just their second of the year. Beating Minnesota on Thursday would mark the first time Portland wins five in a row (plus it would move them just one game back on the T-Wolves).
But the remainder of the season is much more difficult than the teams contributing to this current win streak. 15 of the Blazers’ last 21 opponents are above .500 – they also face Golden State, Cleveland and Boston in the coming weeks.
Coach Stotts and the players understand the level of play needed to make the playoffs.
Stotts said,
"“That’s why coaches are a nervous breed – during the course of a game or during the course of a season…We don’t take anything for granted.’’"
CJ McCollum takes a slightly different approach. He focuses on each game separately, knowing what it takes to win every night no matter the opponent.
Next: Damian Lillard's frequent 4th quarter heroics
From interviews and recent play, the Blazers are heading the right direction prior to a tough season-ending stretch.
Who can blame them? It’s the best the team’s been in the post-Aldridge era!
Competition for a playoff spot in the Western Conference is more intense than ever before though. Even on a four-game win streak, Portland is just two games out of 9th place.
But on the optimistic side, the Blazers are only one game out of home court advantage.