NBA Playoffs 2017: 5 things we learned from Warriors beating Trail Blazers

By Dre Elder | Apr 25, 2017

Apr 24, 2017; Portland, OR, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) and center JaVale McGee (1) and guard Stephen Curry (30) react in the closing the seconds of a 128-103 win over the Portland Trail Blazers to clinch game four of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports /

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Apr 24, 2017; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard CJ McCollum (3) and guard Damian Lillard (0) talk during a break in the action against the Golden State Warriors in the second half of game four of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Blazers’ Big 3 has bright future

Yes, the Trail Blazers were decimated in this series. The Warriors handled them by an average of 18 points per game. Yes, the Trail Blazers were embarrassed in front of their friends and families last night. Fans may not be able to take moral victories away from this series, but find solace in the future of this young team. Damian Lillard, CJ McCollum, and Jusuf Nurkic are all under contract for the next few years. The trio should prove to be a formidable “Big 3” in short order.

Lillard is a certified superstar in the NBA who still has his prime in front of him. He averaged 27 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists this season. He’s one of the toughest perimeter covers because of his endless range and ability to create off the bounce. McCollum won Most Improved Player for the 2015-16 season and continues to blossom. Like Lillard, he is lethal off the dribble and can get to his spots on the floor. McCollum also shot a career-high 42 percent from 3-point range during the regular season. Despite his inconsistency in this series, Portland fans should feel great about their blazing backcourt.

Jusuf Nurkic is a skilled 7-footer who takes pressure off the guards and gives their lineup more flexibility. The good news is he’s only 22-years old. The better news for Portland is he’ll be playing under a rookie-scale contract for at least two more seasons. Lillard and McCollum are 25 and 26 years old, respectively. The Trail Blazers have a solid young core, a buzzing locale, and a big-spending owner. The future is bright in Portland.

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