Blazer Beef
Consistency has been a major issue for the Trail Blazers in the first week of the season. While there is caution not to overreact to only two games out of 82, the Blazers did not play a complete game, even in their opening night win against Oklahoma City.
Sacramento may be better than we thought and has played the Blazers well in the past.
It would also help if Damian Lillard can finally get shots to fall after shooting 7-for-23 in his first two games.
Blazer Bravo
LaMarcus Aldridge promises to shoot more three-pointers this season, while not living out on the perimeter, but this is a good development for Portland’s offense moving forward.
His first shot of the season was a transition three-pointer and he’s made 2-of-4 to start the season. One of the few knocks against Aldridge’s season last years was that advanced stats punished him for taking “low-value” long-twos.
The development will help in making those numbers look better but it will also make Aldridge all the more dangerous.
By The Numbers
0 — The number of three-pointers made by reserve wings Dorell Wright and CJ McCollum in the first two games.
22 — The Blazers were 22nd in the league in passes averaged per game in their first two games, according to NBA.com.
3 — Blazers home games next week.
The Week Ahead
Tuesday vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (7 p.m., CSN): LeBron James, Kevin Love and the Cavaliers make their only visit to the Moda Center.
Thursday vs. Dallas Mavericks (7:30 p.m., TNT): The Mavericks are looking to recapture their 2011 title mojo, re-acquiring the center from that title team, Tyson Chandler.
Saturday at Los Angeles Clippers (12:30 p.m., CSN): The Clippers have championship hopes but the Blazers haven’t beaten the Clippers in Los Angeles in the last three seasons.
Sunday vs. Denver Nuggets (6 p.m., CSN): The Nuggets are bringing back three players who had torn ACLs. With the injuries to Oklahoma City, the Nuggets could fight for a playoff spot.
