Portland Trail Blazers: How To Beat L.A. Without Dame
Carmelo Anthony, Portland Trail Blazers.
Who has to step up
Because Whiteside starts to take advantage of his defense, Jusuf Nurkic will have to come off the bench. When the two have played at the same time, they didn’t blend well. Without Lillard, McCollum being guarded by LeBron, and Nurkic not starting, Portland’s offense will have to come from other players.
First, Carmelo Anthony has to play like mid-2010’s Melo at the three and take no prisoners. Next, both Gary Trent Jr. and Nurkic have to provide quick-strike offense when they check into the game. Finally, it’s time for Anfernee Simmons to grow up. He’s shown flashes of brilliance before. Friday, he has to be brilliant for an extended period.
Here are the keys
- Believe it or not, their defense is where Portland can win this game.
- LeBron James will once again be outstanding, live with it.
- Take away L.A.’s other options and force him to score 70 points to win.
- Make Los Angeles score with their first shot.
- Isolate on offense and take James outside.
- Crash the glass and play physical.
If Dame can return, he has to spend four days in self-quarantine. It will be Game 7 at the earliest for a return. Should Lillard not be able to play a “Dame Time” levels, the all-star guard can still give his fellow Portland Trail Blazers an emotional push. Maybe Dame could have his Willis Reed moment.
Do you think the Portland Trail Blazers have a chance to beat Los Angeles on Friday? Let us know in the comments section below or on social media.