Blazer Beef
Where do we begin? The Blazers went 0-5 over the last seven days, which included losing a fourth quarter at home 41-11 and allowing a 71-point half in Sunday’s loss to the Hornets.
During their five-game losing streak, the Blazers have had the NBA’s worst defense. When it comes to points allowed per 100 possessions, Portland allowed 114.7, dead-last per NBA.com.
They were exposed in a variety of ways. They gave up offensive rebounds and lay-ups to the Pistons, left the midrange exposed against the meticulous Spurs and allowed a struggling Memphis offense to find its confidence again.
We talked about how the Blazers defense, especially in the pick-and-roll, was being covered up by Portland’s excellent start.
The cover is blown now as everyone is no longer distracted by their elite offensive output.
Injuries have also hurt the Blazers as well.
Meyers Leonard continues to miss time after dislocating his shoulder and Damian Lillard deals with a cumbersome wrap around a broken finger nail on his right thumb.
Blazer Bravo
Give it up for Allen Crabbe, everybody.
Over the last six games, Crabbe is averaging 12 points on 62.5 percent shooting and 50 percent shooting from downtown in 22 minutes per outing.
The return to health for Gerald Henderson saw Crabbe’s minutes go down a bit, but they eventually came back up as he continues to earn more time.
Undrafted rookie Cliff Alexander made his NBA debut on Sunday and was on the court when the Blazers made their run in the fourth quarter of their loss to Charlotte.
Alexander had four points, four rebounds and a block in 17 minutes. The Blazers outscored the Hornets by eight points during Alexander’s time on the floor.
It was a short, yet encouraging debut.
By The Numbers
6 — Portland’s is ranked sixth in the NBA in points scored per possession according to NBA.com.
30 — The Blazers have the worst points allowed per possession to pick-and-roll ball handlers in the NBA per Synergy Sports.
2 — Number of games Meyers Leonard has missed so far after dislocating his left shoulder.
The Week Ahead
Monday at San Antonio Spurs (5:30 p.m. CSN): The Spurs are quietly 7-2 riding a four-game winning streak.
Wednesday at Houston Rockets (5 p.m., CSN): Portland gets their first look at Ty Lawson in a Houston uniform as well as MVP-candidate James Harden for the first time this season.
Friday vs. Los Angeles Clippers (7 p.m., CSN): Blake Griffin has been a monster for the Clippers to begin the season, but the Blazers get the Clippers a night after they face their arch rival Warriors.
Sunday at Los Angeles Lakers (6:30 p.m., CSN): Head coach Byron Scott has played No. 2 overall pick D’Angelo Russell just 17 more minutes than 37-year-old Kobe Bryant, who has sat out two games.
