Blazer Beef
Portland’s offensive execution late against the Lakers and Mavericks was certainly subpar and continues a recent trend of stalling late in close games.
The Blazers have gone 8-9 since Jan. 1 in games that have been within five points with five minutes left according to NBA.com.
Portland’s defense has not measured out well in those situations and their normally elite offense sputters down to league average levels.
Their defense, which has been just below the league average since the New Year, has been worse in those situations as opposed to the first few months of the season, when the Blazers offense was explosive and they played above average defense.
Blazer Bravos
Holding Kyle Korver to zero 3-pointers for the first time in 127 games was pretty spectacular.
Also, it was good for the Blazers to see LaMarcus Aldridge and Wesley Matthews get back into their grooves offensively. Both had slump-busting performances against the Mavericks and were instrumental in Portland’s comeback which was eventually spoiled.
By The Numbers
30.6
Portland’s three-point percentage in the first four games in March.
19
The Blazers are finally out of the bottom 10 in the league in defensive efficiency for the first time since their 11-game winning streak.
9
The Blazers offense has been ninth in the league in offensive efficiency since Jan. 1. They were in first in that category during the first two months of the season.
The Week Ahead
Tuesday at Memphis (5 P.M. on CSNW): Memphis is breathing down Dallas’ neck for the 8th and final playoff spot and have been lights out on defense since 2013 Defensive Player of the Year Marc Gasol’s initial return from injury on Jan. 14th.
Wednesday at San Antonio (6:30 on CSNNW and ESPN): Blazers have a chance to take the season series from the Spurs.
Friday at New Orleans (5 P.M. on CSNNW): The Pelicans already lost Ryan Anderson but they recently lost point guard Jrue Holiday for the season as they keep tumbling further down into the lottery.
Sunday vs. Golden State (6 P.M. on KGW): The teams split the first two in Golden State and both teams haven’t been shy to show their distaste for each other.
