The first two games of the Portland Trail Blazers first-round series against the Memphis Grizzlies put their issues under a magnifying glass that told harsh truths. Their depleted roster has result in heavy burdens on the shoulders of LaMarcus Aldridge and Damian Lillard, not nearly enough firepower on the wings to combat Memphis’s stodgy defense on both stars, a bench unit that is getting torched by Beno Udrih and company, and centers who are overwhelmed on the glass against Memphis’s bulk. Given the circumstances, and the 2-0 series deficit they face, any chance of getting back in the series may seem like a lost cause. Simply put, Memphis is a bad matchup for this Portland team.
That being the case, how does Portland at the very least keep Memphis’s broom in the closet and stave off a sweep? It helps that Arron Afflalo is set to return for Game 3. It helps that the Moda Center will be raucous. And yet, neither Afflalo’s return nor the enthusiasm of fans can make the definitive difference. Improved play from Lillard can. Aldridge may drive the car, but Lillard holds the keys. Portland will only go as far as the young point guard takes them.
In the first two games, both losses by 14 points or more, Lillard misfired on 27 of his 37 field goal attempts, including 10 of 11 from three-point land. Unsightly numbers, to be sure, and in large part due to the physical defense from Tony Allen, but despite what stands in his way, there are adjustments he can make to be more effective on the offensive end:
First, defense, defense, and more defense. Solid defense creates extra possessions and often opportunities to score in the open floor. Defense has been his Achilles heel throughout his career, and an especially glaring hole thus far against Memphis. When Grizzlies backup point guard Beno Udrih, who has haunted Portland, drives left with regularity, make adjustments, overplay that side, and take away his bread and butter move. Defensive excellence isn’t taught; it’s either part of your makeup or not. Yet, if he puts even just a little more intensity into that side of the ball as he does on offense, it could make a world of difference. Lillard is never going to be a star defender, but with more energy and focus he could be an effective one. This, in turn, could make him an even more dangerous threat on offense, which I’m sure he wouldn’t mind.
Second, drive to the basket with more regularity. When that’s happened, there has been rim protectors waiting to affect his shot, but at least it was better than being bodied by Allen and forced into contested twos or out-of-rhythm threes. At least with that aggressive mindset he can maneuver around outstretched arms and draw fouls, if not connect for layups.
Third, don’t be passive. The downside of this is that Lillard could easily try to do too much and hurt his team more, but if he looks to make his stamp on the game in a collected, yet firm manner, Portland could be in business. Memphis has been successful clamping down on him in part because they know he has fewer options he can rely on. Matthews hasn’t been lurking beyond the three-point line, ready to launch; neither has Afflalo or Dorell Wright–instead donning suits on the sideline. Additionally, Steve Blake, C.J. McCollum and Allen Crabbe, their depth on the wing with injury woes, haven’t shown to be consistent threats from long-range or even the perimeter. And Nicolas Batum, try as he might to provide all-around production, has matched Lillard in field goals and has missed eight of 12 three-point attempts. Given all of this, why not further intensify the defensive focus on Lillard when the supporting cast doesn’t pose much of a threat?
Fourth, have a short memory. Lillard may be going up against physicality, both from on-ball defenders and from their help on his drives, but he has shown the ability in the past to rise above such obstacles. He is nowhere near the caliber of player Golden State’s Stephen Curry is, but on a lesser level he has shown what a confident, scoring mindset and accuracy can do to even the best defense. There was an instance in Game 2 where he was supposed to rub off a defender, come around a screen and collect the ball from a teammate. He simply didn’t run to the ball quick enough. Stars who desire to take the initiative want the ball in their hands as much as possible. That’s what makes the potential to take over so much fun. I think Lillard has been frustrated by Memphis’s suction-cup approach defensively that he, however subconsciously, has become discouraged and let specific plays and their overall endless energy influence how he approaches running sets on offense–with a hoist-and-hope approach rather than a composed one. As someone who has provided clutch shot after clutch shot in the past, thus birthing Lillard Time, he is capable of “seeing the field,” to use a Legend of Bagger Vance reference, blocking out the sights and sounds and living in the moment.
An Oakland, California native, I’m sure Lillard was watching Stephen Curry’s Golden State Warriors come back in mind-blowing fashion to beat the New Orleans Pelicans Thursday night. Curry capped the erasing of a 20-point fourth quarter deficit to hit two threes in the final 20 seconds to send the game to overtime, the last of which will long live in playoff lore, somehow hoisted from the corner over Anthony Davis, who is gifted with the wingspan of all wingspans. Curry didn’t panic down 20; he played to his strengths. He saw a New Orleans team that had the upper hand all night nonetheless as an opponent he could score against, and score at will. There weren’t rushed threes on his part; rather, in the flow of his offensive scheme. He found a way to create space. And, executing his game-plan, what he expected happened.
There was the look in his eye that Lillard has long himself featured. And this isn’t to say Lillard hasn’t had that look thus far in the playoffs. While some fans may think his approach is lackluster, remember that Memphis’s defense has played a role in making him appear disengaged and disinterested by wrecking havoc and creating a disappearing act. I highly doubt that he has taken his foot off the gas pedal. He comes across as too confident a guy not to want to be the guy who helps lead Portland to unforeseen heights with Matthews on the shelf. And yet, with the Blazers backs against their wall, I think he needs to treat every possession as Lillard Time. He needs to furrow his brow and be the player fans so quickly adored. If he can make these adjustments and in turn let Memphis know what time it is, the injury-plagued Blazers might not be done yet.
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