Blazer Beef
The Blazers only played two games this week thanks to the Thanksgiving holiday, both coming at home. They split the pair, which included a close loss to the Bulls and a relatively easy win against the Lakers.
Their stagnant offense was the source of most of their problems against the Bulls. After the game, head coach Terry Stotts said that it took the team a little while to understand how hard they had to work offensively to get quality shots against a strong Bulls defense.
They gave themselves a chance, tying the game in the last few minutes. Damian Lillard missed a late free-throw with 20 seconds left that could have tied the game, but the miss forced the Blazers to go into fouling mode.
Their turnovers on Saturday against the Lakers were an issue, as they have been for them most of the season.
Blazer Bravo
Give it up for the Blazers defense, everyone. For much of the early season, they’ve struggled, as young teams often do.
But the defense is a big reason why the Blazers have been in positions to win games lately and have won three out of their last four games.
Over the last five games, the Blazers have had the fourth-best defense in terms of points allowed per 100 possessions. Ever since giving up a 71-point first half to the Hornets on Nov. 15, the Blazers defense has played well.
“We’re starting to understand what allows us to be a good defensive team, it’s not easy to do,” Lillard said. “That’s why teams don’t do it all the times, but over the last six games or so, we’ve been able to figure it out.”
By The Numbers
26.5 — With seven wins, the Blazers are a quarter of the way toward eclipsing the over-under for regular season wins of 26.5 set by the Westgate Las Vegas Superbook.
6 — The Blazers only play six of their next 18 games at home.
5 — Through Sunday, Lillard has scored the fifth most total points of anybody in the league.
The Week Ahead
Monday at Los Angeles Clippers (7:30 p.m., CSN): The Clippers have lost four of their last six games, overshadowing the brilliance of Blake Griffin, who is already having a career season.
Tuesday vs. Dallas Mavericks (7 p.m., CSN, NBATV): Former Blazer Wesley Matthews is slated to play in the Moda Center for the first time since tearing his Achilles there nine months ago.
Thursday vs. Indiana Pacers (7 p.m., CSN): Paul George has fully recovered from a gruesome leg injury and is back to being one of the NBA’s elite wings. After missing the playoffs last year, the Pacers, too, are back, as one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference.
Saturday at Minnesota Timberwolves (5 p.m., KGW): Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins are a problem for opponents quicker than most anticipated. Portland beat them earlier this month in Minneapolis.
