Blazer Beef
They’ve defended the three-point line well and when looking at opponents’ effective field goal percentage, which factors in the value of three-point shots, they are in the league’s top-10 in that category. That still doesn’t change the fact that the Blazers’ opponents lead the league in field goal attempts at the rim, nearly 33 a game.
They’re 17th in defensive efficiency, a big improvement from finishing a terrible 26th last season, but the attempts at the rim is something to keep an eye on.
Blazer Bravos
Have you been watching that ball zip around the 3-point line?
Even in games that the Blazers struggled in offensively this season, like Wednesday against Phoenix, they still find a way to muster up some points using the 3-point line. So far, it’s been the Blazers’ best ally.
Through 10 games, they are shooting the fourth-highest percentage from three in the league at 42 percent and they’re eighth in three-point attempts.
They also rank third in offensive efficiency.
Also, Robin Lopez continues to find his way on this Blazers team and it’s turning into the best rebounding season so far in his career. Lopez is averaging 7.6 rebounds a game — which is two more than his previous career best mark of 5.6, which he averaged last year in New Orleans. He is averaging nearly four more minutes per game than last season.
By the Numbers
5 — LaMarcus Aldridge has a double-double in five consecutive games. His longest career streak is seven, which he did last season.
5th — The Blazers are fifth in the league in offensive rebound rate as they rebound 29.5 percent of their own misses.
2nd — They lean heavily on 3s offensively, but also on Aldridge — and because of that, they are 2nd in the NBA in midrange jumpers attempted and are fifth in the league in percentage on those shots.
Week Ahead
Today — at Brooklyn Nets (4:30 PM on CSNNW Ch. 37 or 737 in HD)
Despite looking at paying around $85 million in luxury taxes this season, injuries and age haven’t treated the Nets well as they’ve started the season 3-6.
Wednesday — at Milwaukee Bucks (5 p.m. on CSNNW)
Milwaukee’s staring center Larry Sanders is out 4-6 weeks after thumb surgery. One interesting player on the Bucks’ roster is 19-year old Greek rookie Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Friday — vs. Chicago Bulls (7 p.m. on CSNNW)
If everything goes as planned, this will be the first meeting between Derrick Rose and Damian Lillard.
Saturday — at Golden State (7:30 p.m. on CSNNW)
Lillard goes back to his home town to take on Stephen Curry and the Warriors.
