TUALATIN, Ore. — Portland Trail Blazers second-year guard C.J. McCollum is doing his best to stay even keeled even as the stakes rise in the postseason.
His role is a bigger role than his rookie year, but he continues to play it smooth.
“I’m excited but at the same time, I never get too high or too low,” he said. “Try to stay even keeled.”
Even the scare of an ankle injury in the second-to-last game of the season couldn’t shake the guard off his game. He “feels great” heading into Portland’s first round series against the Memphis Grizzlies.
Since the injury to Wesley Matthews on March 5, McCollum has been nothing but a positive.
In April, his game blossomed, averaging just under 16 points per game on 53 percent shooting and 43 percent shooting from long-range in eight games.
“I knew what I could do as an individual,” McCollum said. “It was all about getting it to translate to the NBA game and this team. I put a lot of work in over the course of my career, in the summer time and during this season. So I know exactly what I’m capable of.”
This time last year, McCollum wasn’t preparing to play an important role.
But he said being in that situation with the Blazers last season has helped him get ready for this moment.
“Being on scout team, understanding the plays and sets, how everything is executed,” he said of last year’s experience. “Just being in a playoff atmosphere with a playoff system and organization helps you.”
He was flung into the playoffs when Portland was on its last legs against San Antonio after reserve guard Mo Williams was injured in that series.
McCollum is a better and more prepared player than he was then. During the offseason, he improved his lower body and core strength. His decision-making with the ball has also improved.
His shooting from the midrange and the perimeter has drawn a lot of eyes, but a less-recognized story has been his ability to get to the rim.
McCollum took 21 percent of his shots at the rim this season, compared to just 13 percent last season and his field goal percentage at the rim has jumped from 44 to 55 percent, according to Basketball-Reference.
The Grizzlies allowed the second-fewest shots at the basket in the NBA this season, and high-quality looks will be a premium.
And the Blazers have the unenviable task of going into in Memphis to steal a victory if they want to win the series.
“We’re going into the Grindhouse, as they like to call it,” McCollum said. “It’s most definitely going to be a more physical game.”
With the status of starting shooting guard Arron Afflalo up in the air, McCollum is ready to go — no matter what his role will be.
“My mindset going into it is to be ready, know the scouting report, know the schemes, ” he said. “Just go out there and have fun.”
Although it is just his second playoffs and his first as a featured player, the approach for McCollum is not changing.
“Obviously the playoffs are here, so it’s a higher stake,” he said. “But it’s the same game.’
Despite the grueling challenge that awaits, McCollum remains as cool as can be.
The Grizzlies will try to beat up the Blazers with their physical brand of play and Portland must stand up to the challenge.
McCollum could be the element that keeps the Blazers refined off against an opponent that will try to grind them into dust.
