By Sean Kennedy
In the final game of their west coast road trip, the Sixers will shoot for their first 4-game winning streak of the season, but will likely find the going a bit tougher against the Trailblazers. In the teams’ earlier meeting this season, the Sixers were playing without Michael Carter-Williams, but nevertheless allowed Portland to sink a franchise-record 21 three-pointers in a 139-105 rout. Portland currently has the best record in the grueling Western Conference at 26-7 on the strength of the best offense in the NBA, combining efficient shooting and a low turnover rate with a high offensive rebounding percentage.
Last season, Portland had a strong starting unit but things fell apart whenever they were forced to go to their bench. During the offseason, management acquired Robin Lopez to replace J.J. Hickson and provide more of a defensive interior presence. They also addressed the bench unit in a big way, bringing in Mo Williams, Dorell Wright, and Thomas Robinson. Now, the Trailblazers always have multiple three-point threats to stretch the floor with Lillard at 45.0% and Matthews at 44.3%, and Nic Batum, Mo Williams, and Dorell Wright all shooting better than league average.
All of those things supplement the elite production of LaMarcus Aldridge and Damian Lillard. Aldridge is one of just four players in the league averaging at least 20 points and 10 rebounds, operating ultra-efficiently as the mid-range hub of the Portland offense with 47.1% and 80.0% marks from the field and foul line, respectively. Lillard is tied for 2nd for the most game winners in the last 10 seconds of regulation or overtime since the start of last season, and has stepped his game up to unreal levels in clutch situations this campaign. Despite the Sixers playing better of late, I still don’t think tonight’s contest will come down to a clutch situation.
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