NBA Playoffs 2017: 5 keys to Warriors vs. Trail Blazers matchup
By Dre Elder
2. Peak Damian Lillard
Three years ago, Damian Lillard literally won a playoff series for the Blazers with a crazy 3-pointer. Two months ago, Lillard was left off the Western Conference All-Star roster for the second consecutive year, despite averaging 27 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists per game. And one week ago, Lillard scorched the Utah Jazz with 59 points to propel Portland’s playoff push.
Lillard light up the Warriors for 51 points in a 32-point Blazers’ win last season. But he’s shooting just under 39 percent over his last eight games against Golden State. Lillard has settled for too many perimeter shots and has only attempted eight free throws over his last two games versus the Warriors.
The Warriors are tops in the league at defending the 3-point line. They are likely to live with Portland hoisting contested 3-pointers. Portland will not win that way.
The Blazers are at their best when Lillard is attacking the basket to create opportunities for himself and others. He ranks third in the NBA with 8.4 drive points per game. Lillard has to attack the Warriors’ defense early and often.
The Warriors don’t have many viable defensive options to throw at Lillard beyond Klay Thompson. And if Thompson gets in early foul trouble, the Warriors will be weakened on both ends of the floor. This would render Steph Curry vulnerable defensively.
Should Lillard lead the attack on the Splash Brothers, Portland will compete in this series. And once he gets loose, C.J. McCollum could provide the final shot in a lethal double tap against the Warriors.
It’s about that time for Damian Lillard to show up and show out.