It’s been a magical ride for Rip City these last few weeks. Can the Blazers continue to outperform — well, just about everybody?
Since New Year’s Day, only two teams have won more games than the Portland Trail Blazers (24): the Houston Rockets and the Toronto Raptors, who have won 28 games each since Jan. 1 and are the top seeds in their respective conferences.
The Blazers have won 11 games in a row and are climbing the ranks of the longest winning streaks in franchise history. They’ve won 13 out of 14 overall and 17 of their last 18 at the Moda Center.
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Damian Lillard is playing like a league MVP, and the Blazers are getting contributions from all over the lineup. And their defense has been great — especially since the All Star break.
After victories, Blazers radio play-by-play announcer Brian Wheeler exclaims, “Once again, we can say: It’s a great day to be a Blazer!”
He’s been saying that a lot lately.
In fact, Wheels might have to adjust that proclamation and say this instead: “Once again, we can say: It’s a great year to be a Blazer.”
Pistons vs. Blazers
The Pistons beat the Blazers 111-91 in the first of their two meetings this season. That was in Detroit back on Feb. 5, not long after the Pistons acquired Blake Griffin from the Los Angeles Clippers. The loss marked the end of a disheartening 0-3 road trip for the Blazers.
Seems like ancient history now. Especially since the Pistons (30-38; ninth in the Eastern Conference) have lost 12 of their last 15 games and are on the verge of being eliminated from playoff contention entirely.
It’s definitely going to be a tale of two franchises Saturday night at the Moda: the Blazers are on a roll; the Pistons are in a hole.
And Portland must not let them climb out of it.
The Western Conference
Despite Portland’s extended winning streak, its rise to the third seed in the West, and its general excellence since Jan. 1, the Blazers still find themselves in a conference dogfight.
Here's how the Western Conference stacks up heading into tonight's matchup with the Detroit Pistons. Still very little room for error. #RipCity pic.twitter.com/aFMntZ41XA
— Rip City Project (@ripcityproject) March 17, 2018
As discomfiting as it may be to ponder, even a short losing streak would be a big threat to the Blazers and their standing in the conference.
Next: LeBron James a fan of Damian Lillard, hints at team-up
The solution: Just win, Blazers. And keep on winning.
Tip-off against the Pistons is set for 7 p.m. PDT.
Papa G
News from Woj regarding the Blazers’ recent acquisition Georgios Papagiannis:
The Portland Trail Blazers are signing 7-footer Georgios Papagiannis for the rest of the season, league source tells ESPN. He recently signed a 10-day with Blazers after Kings waived him at trade deadline.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 17, 2018