From Damian Lillard to Anfernee Simons, most of the Portland Trail Blazers will have some historical statistic to play for. Here are four milestones to keep tabs on in Orlando.
Assuming you’ve been an NBA fan for longer than a week, you’ve likely at one point or another been subjected to one of those cherry-picked, talk show statistics that read similar to this: “Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard became the first guard this season to score 30 or more points on a Tuesday nights on a 65-degree day, while also shooting 45 percent from the field after a haircut.”
And while that’s arbitrary in actual meaning, the message is clear: there’s a statistic for everyone, and there’s always something to play for.
The four statistics here will range somewhere in between individual milestones that add to a player’s legacy, or ones that could become make-or-break for the Blazers’ playoff aspirations and beyond.
The possibilities were endless, especially given the level of star power and tradition presented in Rip City. For instance: if the Blazers happen to sneak into the Playoffs, it cannibalizes San Antonio’s streak, and gives Portland the second longest-active postseason streak (7), one year behind the Houston Rockets.
There are some real individual accolades worth watching for, too. Hassan Whiteside’s 16.3 points, 14.2 rebounds and 3.1 blocks per game on 61.8 percent shooting would make him the first player in NBA history to ever average this stat line, and just the fifth player ever when you take the field goal percentage category away.
Lillard is in a similar boat; this year, he can become just the fourth player in NBA history to check each of these boxes: at least 28.0 points per game, 7.0 assists per game, and a 61.9 TS%. The others? Michael Jordan, Larry Bird and James Harden. So, that’s the kind of greatness we’re discussing.
But, just as a disclaimer: every element of these statistical milestones will be positive. There are some dubious distinctions the Blazers will be hoping to avoid over the stretch run of this season.