Blazer Bravos
LaMarcus Aldridge was voted Western Conference Player of the Week on Monday for the week of Nov. 18-24, which culminated in his 30-point, 21 rebound performance on Nov. 23rd against the Warriors.
They also deserve credit for their home beat-down of the downtrodden New York Knicks.
Despite the fact that they lost on Wednesday to the Suns, this team still deserves kudos for having an 11-game winning streak. The most impressive part of that streak was that they were also on a seven-game winning streak on the road.
Blazer Beefs
The Blazers’ 11-game winning streak ended in Phoenix as they were unable to contain the fast-paced Suns, which beat them for the second time out of three meetings this season.
The Blazers allowed the Suns to shoot 24 three-pointers, six more than they give up on a per-game basis. They blew a 16-point lead in the first half to eventually lose 120-106. After that game, they went from 12th in defensive efficiency to 20th.
By the Numbers
3
The amount of road wins needed to tie last year’s total of 11.
9th
Where the Blazers’ opponents rank in effective field goal percentage, which adjusts for three-point shots.
24th
Where the Blazers rank in defensive rebounding percentage. Their opponents aren’t making a lot of shots, but the Blazers have struggled in closing down possessions after the first miss.
Looking ahead
Monday — vs. Indiana Pacers (7 p.m. on CSNNW): The Pacers have the league’s best record and also have the stingiest defense, allowing only 88.8 points per 100 possessions.
Wednesday — vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (7 p.m. on KGW): The Thunder are charging after back-to-back home wins against the San Antonio Spurs and Golden State Warriors. Russell Westbrook hit a game-winning three and
looks to be back to his old self after surgery to repair a torn meniscus.
Friday — Utah Jazz (7 p.m. on CSNNW): The Jazz have the worst record in the Western Conference at 3-15, but did get back rookie point guard Trey Burke.
Saturday — Dallas Mavericks (7 p.m. on KGW): A rare home back-to-back as they play the Mavs right after the Jazz. Terry Stotts was an assistant under Rick Carlisle in Dallas before coming to Portland to take the head coaching job.
