The Portland Trailblazers took down the Oklahoma City Thunder in five games in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs. Although the third seed in the conference, the win in five was a bit of a surprise to many who witnessed the Thunder’s dominance over the Trailblazers during the regular season. For those who followed Portland during the last third of the season, however, this result is more expected than a shock.
After a 33-23 start during the regular season, Portland went 20-6 the rest of the season. While the back court duo of Damian Lillard and CJ McColllum clearly lead the team, the addition of Enes Kanter, who played 23 games for Portland, was a huge factor. Adding an inside presence, Kanter averaged 13.1 points and 8.6 rebounds per game.
During the regular season, the Trailblazers used a potent offense (6th in scoring, 9th in 3pt efficiency) and strong rebounding (3rd) to position themselves for this post season run. Lillard and McCollum averaged a combined 47 points and hit 37 percent from beyond the arc. They say stars rise to the occasion and these two have. Lillard is averaging 33 points on 48 percent from 3pt point range in the playoffs, while McCollum is dropping 24.4 on 45 percent from beyond the arc. Add in the sharp shooting Seth Curry off the bench and Portland has the threats from long range to keep up with the best in the conference.
While Portland has a shot to go very far in the playoffs if the dynamic back court duo remain hot, the inside presence of Kanter and Al-Farouq Aminu is vital. So far they have delivered, averaging 24 points and 17 rebounds per game combined in the playoffs. They have made up for the loss of Jusuf Nurkic, who as instrumental in 72 games this season, averaging 15.6 points and 10.4 rebounds per game. Evan Turner and Maurice Harkless add good complimentary pieces off the bench.
The Trailblazers don’t have the top roster in the conference. That honor still goes to the Golden State Warriors. They don’t have the top overall scorer, that goes to James Harden. They don’t have the best defense, Utah, Denver, Houston and San Antonio all gave up fewer points per game during the regular season. What makes Portland dangerous is their chemistry and hot play over the last couple of months.
Look at champions in other team sports and many teams it’s the team with the hot hand entering the post season, functioning like a well-oiled machine, that rises to the top to win a title. This is the potential that Portland has. No team entered the playoffs hotter and if the first round is any indication, Lillard and McCollum are capable of taking the team deep.
Don’t be surprised to see a Western Conference Finals appearance and if the back court duo remains on fire along with strong performances from the supporting cast, Portland may just make their first NBA Finals appearance since 1992.
