Portland Trail Blazers: 5 points as first round shifts to Rip City
Rob Ryan
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2. Norman Powell – Show up
The Denver Nuggets frontcourt athleticism and height have exposed certain parts of Portland’s three-guard lineup defensively in this series. The most significant part exposed so far in the first two games is Norman Powell. Whether he guards Michael Porter Jr. or Aaron Gordon, Powell hasn’t been able to slow down either player.
During Game 2, we saw Portland go deeper into the bench than in the previous game. Coach Terry Stotts tried to find a defender capable of guarding any of Denver’s high-power forwards. When Portland goes deeper into their bench, one of two things is happening. The game is already decided in a blowout, or there are serious defensive issues going on. Should Powell continue to struggle defensively, don’t be surprised to see cameos from Nassir Little or Rondae Hollis-Jefferson.
He has to start hitting his open three-pointers on the offensive side as 1-for-7 won’t cut it. The Portland Trail Blazers brought in Powell to open up the floor with his shooting. As the series advances, he has to be much better.
3. CJ and Dame – Stay Hot
We knew coming into the playoffs that Damian Lillard and CJ Mccollum would put up some points. Lillard has played like someone who should have been one of the three MVP finalists as he averaged 38 points and 11.5 assists per game while shooting 50 percent from behind the arc.
Astounding numbers, but CJ is also shooting the ball lights. The two-guard averages 21 points on a highly efficient 53.1 percent from the field and 50 percent from three-point range. He’s had some defensive lapses and mental mistakes that need to be cleaned up. But on the whole, there are no complaints about the output from Portlands’ backcourt.
That trend needs to continue as the series moves to Portland. The Blazers need their guards to keep up with Denver’s offensive onslaught by their frontcourt players. Expect Portland to further utilize McCollum’s efficient play. He’s due for a 30+ point breakout game in one of these two games at the MODA center home games coming up.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Om7m2HLly4
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