NBA Playoffs 2017: 5 keys to Warriors vs. Trail Blazers matchup
By Dre Elder
4. Portland’s frontcourt
Portland ranks 25th in the league in post touches because they lacked a low-post presence until they stole Jusuf Nurkic from the Nuggets in February. Nurkic has been exceptional and has provided a huge lift for Portland. However, an MRI on Mar. 31 revealed a non-displaced fibular fracture in Nurkic’s right leg, leaving his status in question for this series.
Jusuf Nurkic’s health is paramount if the Blazers are going to have any chance at pulling off a monumental upset against the Warriors. Without Nurkic, the Blazers become one dimensional which could hinder their chances of advancing in the playoffs.
Portland’s frontcourt is fairly thin behind Nurkic. Ed Davis, Noah Vonleh, and Meyers Leonard were ineffective in limited minutes against Golden State in the regular season. None of those guys posed much of an offensive threat and did not deter anyone from attacking the basket.
The Blazers granted the Warriors unlimited paint re-entry in the first two meetings. The Warriors outscored them in the paint 108-64. The Blazers were also blasted on the boards by a combined margin of 38 rebounds in those routs.
Then, Portland’s frontcourt answered the bell in their January matchups with Golden State. They out rebounded Golden State 86-78 in those two games combined. Portland also won the battle in the paint 98-80. It was a stark contrast from their preceding blowout losses.
The Blazers will have to utilize that same formula to contend with the Warriors in this series. When their froncourt is fully engaged, the Blazers can be a dangerous foe. But even if Jusuf Nurkic is cleared to play, they will need much more from Davis, Vonleh, and Leonard.
It will take strength in numbers to defeat a juggernaut like the Warriors.