Blazer Beef
Well, the week started off really well when Damian Lillard scored 34 in a rout of the Lakers. But the rest of the week did not go so well for Lillard and the Blazers.
Lillard shot less than 29 percent from long range, and less than 40 percent from the field. He had a down week, but nobody’s game has been as scrutinized recently as Nicolas Batum’s.
Batum’s perimeter shot has been off for the entire season, but he reached new levels of impotence in getting his shot.
To look at Batum’s numbers last week was to look at a home that had been ripped bare of what made it special. All that stood was the foundation.
Batum averaged four points a game in nearly 32 minutes, four rebounds and four assists in Portland’s three losses this week. He was three-for-18 (17 percent) from the field and took a total of four free-throws in three games.
Blazer Bravo
LaMarcus Aldridge had the best week of any Blazer, averaging 24 points and 10 rebounds in Portland’s three losses. He was the only constant in Portland’s offensive production all week.
Aldridge had 37 points and 12 rebounds against the Clippers and carried the Blazers for much of the game.
Meyers Leonard scored in double figures twice this week and averaged six rebounds a game. His play was a rare bright spot throughout the week. His shot did not fall against Memphis, but he is performing admirably while Robin Lopez and Joel Freeland are on the mend.
By The Numbers
3
How many field goals Nicolas Batum had all of last week.
125
Wesley Matthews and Kyle Korver each have made 125 3-pointers to lead the NBA.
41
The Blazers reach the midpoint of the 82-game regular season with a record of 30-11.
The Week Ahead
Monday vs. Sacramento Kings (7 p.m., CSN): The Kings beat the Blazers by nine points in the second game of the season for both teams. The Kings have a new coach since then, but DeMarcus Cousins is still a terror for opposing defenses.
Wednesday at Phoenix Suns (6 p.m., CSN): The Suns are currently holding down the eighth seed in the playoffs and took three of four from the Blazers last season.
Thursday vs. Boston Celtics (7 p.m., CSN): Everybody must go! General Manager Danny Ainge has been trading everybody he can for draft picks.
Saturday vs. Washington Wizards (7 p.m., CSN, NBATV): The Wizards are a threat in the Eastern Conference. All eyes should be on point guard John Wall.
