Blazer Beef
The Blazers lost twice this week, but sometimes you’re going to miss shots. Their defense against New Orleans was pretty awful.
The Pelicans, who came into the game averaging 33 shots inside the restricted area, shot 47 times inside the restricted area on Dec. 30 against the Blazers.
The Blazers made some big shots down the stretch. However, it was their inability to get stops and dig themselves a hole and that lost them the game. Tyreke Evans made a tough shot, but Portland’s defense early put them in a position to have to comeback like the Blazers of last season.
Blazer Bravo
Their defense in the next three games after that. Granted, they’ve played two teams who have bottom-five offenses but against Oklahoma City they deserve kudos.
Kevin Durant had 36 points through three quarters, but the Blazers stepped up in the fourth quarter holding them to 16 points.
In the five games since losing Russell Westbrook for an extended period, Oklahoma City has scored 105.1 points per 100 possessions but Portland held them to 99.5 according to NBA.com.
By the Numbers
2 — The Blazers became the first team in NBA history to hit more than 20 three-pointers in a game twice in a season after making 21 three-pointers against Charlotte on Jan. 2.
3 — That’s how many three-pointers Portland made against in Saturday’s loss against Philadelphia, a season low.
4 — LaMarcus Aldridge passed Jerome Kersey for 4th on the Trail Blazers all-time scoring list.
Look ahead
Tuesday at Sacramento Kings (7 p.m. on CSNNW): The Kings traded for Rudy Gay from Toronto and former number two pick Derrick Williams from Minnesota since these teams last met. C.J. McCollum will practice on Monday after playing in Idaho this weekend.
Wednesday vs. Orlando Magic (7 p.m. on CSNNW): After seeing Rookie of The Year candidate in Michael Carter-Williams on Saturday, the Blazers get their first look at Orlando’s Victor Oladipo.
Saturday vs. Boston Celtics (7 p.m. on Channel 8): The Celtics have lost three in a row but Rajon Rondo is practicing again after tearing his ACL last season. Don’t expect him back by Saturday, though.
