Blazers Claw Back From Huge Hole But Fall Short Against Clippers
Portland made a valiant effort, but just couldn't come all the way back from a 26-point hole against LA.
Notes, analysis, observations, clips and more from the Trail Blazers' 133-116 loss to the LA Clippers at Staples Center on Tuesday.
- This was one of those games when Paul George looked like the best player in the world. We talked pregame about Norman Powell's length not being enough to bother George, and that indeed proved the case from the opening tip. Powell really struggled to stay attached to George through screens on and off the ball at times, too, especially early. But even lockdown defense from an ideal physical matchup wouldn't have made much of a difference against George on Tuesday night. He got absolutely whatever he wanted versus Powell and the Blazers, dropping 24 points in the opening quarter alone before helping put Portland away for good with timely scores in the late third and early fourth quarters. George had it going from three and was a maestro in the pick-and-roll, playing with the type of smooth, ruthless aggression he conveys at his best. Portland tightened up defensively after halftime, in part by trying to force the ball out of George's hands in pick-and-roll. Still, this game obviously didn't lend much credence to the hope that the Blazers three-guard lineup can survive defensively against the league's best, George's hot hand notwithstanding. But his peak, on full display Tuesday, is one only a few players in the league can reach.
- The Clippers, buoyed by George's singular dominance, tied a franchise record by scoring 47 points in the first quarter. They made their first nine shots and started 13-of-14 overall. Portland's defense, believe it or not, didn't make life too difficult on LA early. Lacking a sense of edge and urgency defensively, the Blazers' weaknesses were exploited to a frighteningly easy degree. Reminder: Jusuf Nurkic didn't play versus the Clippers. His size alone makes a difference for Portland given Enes Kanter's lack of length, but it's his instincts that matter most when facing the league's most talented teams. Robert Covington, as expected, wasn't near quick enough to keep Kawhi Leonard out of the paint. Maybe Nurkic's presence ensures the Blazers offer at least a bit more resistance on toothless defensive possessions like this, though.
- Damian Lillard had 11 points on 14 field goal attempts, his worst shooting and second-lowest scoring game of the season. LA's concerted effort to make Lillard uncomfortable – blitzing ball screens, double-teaming him away from the ball in the backcourt, face-guarding him in the halfcourt – played a major part in his struggles, but he also misfired on many shots he normally makes. Lillard got frustrated after his early labors, putting his head down and looking for contact, sometimes missing open shooters. It's a testament to Lillard's brilliance nights like this come so few and far between; ask George how easy it is to play at an MVP level on a game-by-game basis.
- The only reason Portland was able to stay within shouting distance of LA early was C.J. McCollum. He had a personal 11-0 run midway through the first quarter, making hay in the paint after breaking down defenders in isolation and pick-and-roll. Powell flashed in the first quarter but saved his best play for the second half, leading the Blazers back from a 26-point third-quarter deficit by attacking again and again off the bounce. He went 14-of-15 from the line on Tuesday, and only a few of those tries were the result of Portland getting the Clippers in the bonus. It's been clear since even before Powell played his first game with the Blazers: The consistent pressure he puts on the rim adds an entirely new dynamic for Portland offensively.
- Key sequence: After Covington drilled a tough three with the shot-clock winding down, the Blazers suddenly trailed just 84-82 midway through the third quarter. LA went on an 11-2 run from there, with Portland never getting closer than seven points over the game's remainder.
- Covington was toast when Leonard went at him off the dribble, but fared well against the two-time Finals MVP in the post – just as scouting reports would have suggested. What they definitely wouldn't have mentioned is Covington stepping inside the arc for a pull-up 20-footer or driving a close-out to thread a dump-off through heavy traffic. He even hit a floater. Part of what makes Covington so effective is that he's comfortable starring in his role. The Blazers' offense could definitely use stuff like this if he can get back to doing it consistently, though.