Blazer Beefs
It was the last game before the All-Star break after a series of dramatic and draining games, but Portland’s offense in the last three minutes against the Clippers was awful.
It may have been the worst offense we’ve seen them play all season long with Wesley Matthews and Nic Batum both taking a lot of tough shots and an untimely turnover by Damian Lillard.
Their only basket in the final three minutes came via offensive rebound.
The Blazers have been no strangers to taking and making tough shots this season but it seemed like they were trying to will the ball into the basket. No rhythm, and little movement on the offense are not what we’ve come to expect, even against good defenses.
Blazer Bravos
A lot of people criticized Damian Lillard’s inclusion in the NBA dunk contest due to his low total of dunks in games and he proved many doubters wrong.
Although Lillard didn’t win the contest, he wowed the crowd and surprised fans on social media with some very difficult dunks, especially for him being the smallest competitor on the court.
Lillard’s athleticism has been knocked by some but in winning the Skills Competition for the second time and participating in the three-point and slam dunk contest he showed fans all over the world the versatile force he is on the offensive end.
By The Numbers
29 — Number of games the Blazers have left this season, of which 20 will be against Western Conference opponents.
16 — Number of remaining home games.
2 — Number of games that separate the second place Spurs from the Rockets, Blazers and Clippers.
The Week Ahead
Wednesday vs. San Antonio Spurs, 7 p.m. (CSNNW): The Spurs have endured a wrath of injuries to starters and key rotation pieces but still keep winning games.
Friday vs. Utah Jazz, 7 p.m. (CSNNW): The Jazz are on their way to securing a top draft pick but guard Alec Burks has been a pleasant surprise off the bench averaging 13.4 points a game.
Sunday vs. Minnesota Timberwolves, 6 p.m. (CSNNW): The fourth and final match-up between these two teams. Maybe the LaMarcus Aldridge-Kevin Love match-up will actually give us a show this time.
