Last season, Portland was plus-10.1 points per 100 possessions when he shared the floor with Lillard and CJ McCollum. His constant positional defense, low-post game and point-center abilities made him one of the most impactful gamers in the league in 2018-19.
For much of the last 2 years, Anfernee Simons was seen as the more promising young Blazer. After hitting 7 3s versus the Nuggets, hes averaging 20.3 points and 5.5 threes in Orlando.
The Blazers can introduce some turmoil with Lillards fascinating hot streaks and a revitalized supporting cast.
The Lakers would undoubtedly be the wagering favorite, however Damian Lillard and the Portland Trail Blazers pulling off the extremely uncommon 8-over-1 upset wouldnt be sensational.
Lillard has a capability to take command of entire games in a manner rivaled only by a healthy Stephen Curry. If you provide him even a tip of space coming off a ball screen, whether right at the three-point line or 5 feet behind it, hes likely to make you pay.
On Thursday, he torched the Denver Nuggets for 45 points on 13-of-21 shooting. He likewise dispensed 12 helps and was an outrageous 11-of-18 from deep.
According to StatMuse, he ended up being simply the 2nd gamer in league history to have a game with at least 10 3s and 10 assists (James Harden is the other).
Dame looks identified to get his group to the postseason. When there, he has the capability to press the Lakers in such a way no other private player recognized here can.
Hes not alone. After a season in which the Blazers were decimated by injuries, the hiatus helped a couple of contributors return to complete health.
Zach Collins has stretches in which he looks like a legitimate 3-and-D pest who wants to do a lot of the dirty work a guard-heavy team needs.
Jusuf Nurkic is the more crucial return. Last season, Portland was plus-10.1 points per 100 ownerships when he shared the floor with Lillard and CJ McCollum. His steady positional defense, low-post video game and point-center abilities made him one of the most impactful gamers in the league in 2018-19.
After missing many of this season recuperating from a damaged leg, Nurkic hasnt missed out on a beat because returning. In four bubble games, hes averaging 22.0 points (2nd to Lillards 31.3), 11.0 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 3.0 blocks.
Gary Trent Jr. has actually been a revelation. For much of the last two years, Anfernee Simons was seen as the more promising young Blazer. Trent, a gritty, multipositional defender and deadeye shooter, has absolutely usurped him. After striking seven threes against the Nuggets, hes balancing 20.3 points and 5.5 3s in Orlando.
Then, obviously, theres McCollum. On the rare nights Lillard does not have it going, the Blazers still have an opportunity to take video games thanks to McCollums elite mid-range game.
Altogether, the Trail Blazers are looking more and more like the group that made it to the Western Conference Finals last season.
Once again, they most likely wouldnt beat the Lakers in a seven-game series. Few duos in NBA history had as much raw skill as LeBron and AD. The Blazers can present some turmoil with Lillards captivating hot streaks and an invigorated supporting cast.
Kevin C. Cox/Associated Press
