NBA PLAYOFFS: WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS

#1 GOLDEN STATE
#3 PORTLAND

SEASON SERIES (2-2)



For the fifth consecutive season the Golden State Warriors are in the Western Conference Finals. Chasing that allusive 3-peat for the NBA Finals, the Warriors will be without their perennial all star Kevin Durant for at least one game to start their series with the Portland Trailblazers. Durant suffered a right calf injury late in game 5 of their (4-2) series win over the Houston Rockets. A team GSW has dominated (4 out of the past 5) seasons during the playoffs. Kevin Durant had been averaging (34.2 ppg) during this years playoffs, which was an NBA best and career high for the reigning back to back NBA Finals MVP. The Warriors who went up (2-0) on the Rockets found themselves in a tied series before taking the last two games. Even with the Rockets James Harden dominating for the majority of the series against the Warriors and KD going down; Golden State showed the basketball world that they still have the main core that helped them win their first title back in 2015 and that with or without Durant they are still the team to beat. Golden State ranks first (118.1 ppg /  48.6% FG / 37.2% 3PT) during these playoffs and finally got some production from their bench. GSW bench scored a total of (51) bench points in their first (5) games versus Houston, while in game 6 posted (31) bench points. 2015 Finals MVP and 14 year vet Andre Iguodala played some superb defense on James Harden while scoring (17) points, (5) steals and shooting (5/8 3PT) in game 6. While we need to start calling Klay Thompson, "GAME 6 Thompson", showcased another outstanding game 6 performance, maybe not as dynamic as his (2016 - game 6 WCF - vs OKC, (11/18 3PT) (41 points)); however, he finished with (27) points, (19) in the first half on (10/20) shooting and (7/13 3PT). A bounce back for Klay who had averaged (15.4 ppg / 39% FG / 31% 3PT) through the first 4 games of the series. The final 2 games (27 ppg / 52.5% FG / 51% 3PT). The Warriors had not lost a game in the playoffs when Draymond Green had posted a triple-double, but they picked up a loss in game 3 in Houston. Green who also played excellent defense throughout the series, forcing Clint Capela to be a non-factor while collecting countless offensive boards and providing that energy the Warriors needed over the final two games. Green is averaging (12.6 ppg / 9.3 rpg / 8.0 apg) for the GSW during the postseason. Once again showing his value to the team with the intangibles on both ends of the floor.

While we all was wondering which Steph Curry would show up. Game 2 (6-16 FG / 3-13 3PT), Game 3 (7-23 FG / 2-9 3PT), then coming off Game 5 performance (9-23 FG / 3-11 3PT), we did not know what to expect from the two-time league MVP for a potential closeout game 6. Starting off slow yet again for game 6, Curry in the first half had (0 pts / 0-5 FG / 3 fouls). This was the first time Curry ever had went scoreless in a half of a playoff game. While Thompson and company was carrying the Warriors for the majority of the game, the narrative of playoff woes Steph were resurfacing all over social media. That until the 4th quarter. Curry dropped (23) points in the final 10 minutes of regulation finishing with (33) points on the night. Curry went (11/11) from the free throw line in the second half. Including outscoring the Rockets alone during the final 5 minutes of the game - (16 pts / 3-3 FG / 2-2 3PT / 8-8 FT). Think the narrative went out the window. Golden State got back to Golden State basketball. Strong defense leading to efficient offense. They had (7) blocks in game 6, controlled the offensive glass, scored points off turnovers while forcing the Rockets into bad shot attempts, as well as numerous second chance points which proved to be the difference. The Warriors did not shoot the ball well from (3PT) at all during the series, while there starters played a load of minutes during the Houston series, exposing their lack of depth across the board which could hinder them in the next round until KD returns.

I think Charles Barkley and folks of the greater northwest were probably the only people who picked the Portland Trailblazers to be in their first conference finals appearance since that infamous 2000 team that was taken down by Kobe/Shaq and the Los Angeles Lakers. Most including myself seen signs of another early postseason exit for Portland. After coming off last years disappointment sweep at the hands of the New Orleans Pelicans and the loss of center Jusuf Nurkic (3) weeks before the postseason, we did not know what Blazers team we were getting in 2019. However; when the clock hit DAME and we all knew what time it was. After a thriller buzzer beating three by Damian Lillard all in Paul George grill to end OKC season in round one, the Trailblazers responded with more resilience coming back from down (3-2) to beat the #2 seed Denver Nuggets in (7) games. When I say resilience I mean resilience. From clawing it out in the 2nd ever quadruple overtime playoff game in NBA history in game 3, slowing down the Nuggets high octane offense, and closing them out winning the final (2) games of the series; this ain't your same Portland team. Portland won (2) games on the road in Denver including game (7) in the Mile High city; a place where the Nuggets went a league best (37-4) during the regular season. After Denver stole a game at Portland in game 4, the Blazers got smacked in the mouth game 5, and the series looked all but over headed back to the Moda Center. But, back to back (30) point games from CJ McCollum including dropping (37) in game (7) at Denver, a place where he was shooting (28% FG) before that game. He became just the 3rd player in NBA playoff history (M. Jordan and C. Billups) to score (30+) in consecutive playoff games without recording a turnover in both games.

McCollum did it all as his fellow backcourt mate Damian Lillard was inconsistent and couldn't find his shot for the world down the stretch. CJ hit crucial free throws, several mid range jumpers including the dagger step back to close the game out as well as the "LeBron-esqu" block he made in transition to help the Blazers reach the WCF. Lillard who has proven to be an elite scorer did average (28.4 ppg / 6.9 apg) but was getting double and triple teamed as the Nuggets made it an emphasis on not letting Dame go off. McCollum was not alone, with Nurkic out the lineup, the midseason trade for Enes Kanter proved to be vital. Kanter (12.9 ppg / 10.6 rpg) ability to hit that pick and pop while also being efficient in the rebounding category helped fill the void with their star center out for the postseason. Sometimes Kanter can be a liability on the defensive end, keeping up with bigger and faster post players, however his vision and court awareness was showcased for Portland. While Rodney Hood who had a horrific postseason run with the Cleveland Cavaliers a season ago, balled out off the bench for the Blazers who were in desperate need of some bench play. Hood averaged (14.7 ppg / 58% FG / 50% 3PT) during the Denver series alone. Game 6; Hood alongside Lillard and McCollum each had at least (25+) points, which was the second time a trio of teammates had posted those numbers in a elimination game since the 2002 New Jersey Nets (Kidd, Martin, Van Horn). Hood went down with an apparent knee injury in game (7), but MRI results came back negative and the status for Hood is unclear for the conference finals. Zach Collins has added depth to a frontcourt that is in dyer need of it coming off the bench as well as an Evan Turner sighting after Hood went down in game (7) should give Portland fans a side of relief. Turner who had just (4) points total through six games delivered big with (14 and 7) in 19 minutes of play to help will the Blazers victory. Portland started game (7) off slow as they were down by as many as (17) in the first half as Lillard posted a goose egg in that same half. However, as I stated before a resilience bunch is Portland. Stayed the course, played good defense down the stretch, while Lillard was able to facilitate in other ways grabbing (10 boards) dishing out (8 assists), (3 steals) and a clutch three late. The Blazers were averaging double-digit turnovers until the final (3) games of the Denver series which was a vast improvement. They must shoot the ball better from (3PT) as they shot less than (28% 3PT) four times against the Nuggets.




Whether Kevin Durant is playing or not, this will be no easy order for the Blazers. Curry who is (20-6) overall versus Damian Lillard and (6-0) in the postseason; he and his Warriors have owned Portland. Even with the Blazers resilience on the road during the playoffs, they have just one win on the road at Oracle since November of 2013. They picked that up earlier this season off a Damian Lillard late three in overtime in Oakland. Oracle Arena winding down its last hospitality presence for the Warriors as they transition to San Francisco next year to play at the Chase Center has always been loud, ruckus, and an opposing teams nightmare. First matchup we all will be watching is the two backcourts. Steph/Klay, arguably the greatest shooting backcourt in NBA history, versus right now seems to be the next best thing behind them currently in Dame/CJ. During the 2019 playoffs, CJ/DAME have posted better numbers together (54 ppg / 9.4 apg / 38% 3PT) while STEPH/KLAY have averaged (42.6 ppg / 6.8 apg / 38% 3PT). Those numbers a little obscured when you have Kevin Durant in your lineup. However Durant isn't in the lineup to start. So a heavy dosage of the splash brothers making things wet in and around the basket will look to be the diagnosis early. How will the Blazers defend?

By playing in front and not running under screens. They will be in a battle trying to fight over the top of screens all series long versus this bunch. Hopefully Rodney Hood injury is not too bad as he as well as Evan Turner are probably their top defensive guys, both long and versatile in defending. Controlling the glass will be key. Both teams during this postseason have done well in the rebound category. Granite, Joker and company did dominate the majority of the series in the paint and on the boards, but eliminating second chance points for both teams is a must. Either team gets second and third possessions, with as good as they are in scoring from the perimeter, winning the rebound battle will be one to watch. Kanter in the pick and roll game both offensively and defensively will be something to watch. Their is news that Boogie Cousins could be back into play during this series. Cousins can extend the floor and take Kanter off the dribble, Zach Collins, Myles Leonard or whoever they may throw at the Warriors. On the flip side Kanter will need to be able to hit those mid range shots as well as being active in finding the open man coming off those pick and rolls if he cannot get to the basket and score. Al-Farouq Aminu game is inconsistent. Paul Millsap destroyed them in the paint just about every game. Millsap and Draymond Green almost have the same type of game. If Draymond is able to execute in the paint as efficient as Millsap did, he will be on the verge of averaging a triple double each game.

The size and length of Andre Igoudala and Shaun Livingston can cause nightmares for the Blazers in their half court sets. Golden State has ramped it up defensively over the past few games, one thing about the Warriors there outstanding defense leads to almost perfect execution on the offensive end. One thing Portland was not able to do versus Denver was get open in transition. Yes, you do not want to get into an up and down the court game with a team like GSW, however; finding ways to get high percentage shots will be ideal. As both teams did not shoot the ball fairly well from (3PT) in the semis, whoever can operate their half court set more flawless can easily win this game. Guarding the three is pivotal as much as both squads have not shot the ball well, we all know they are capable of getting hot at any notice. Damian Lillard is shooting (60%) from 30 - feet and beyond while the rest of the NBA has shot just (10%) from deep deep during this postseason. In the words of Mark Jackson, "hand down, man down." Not having Jusuf Nurkic is definitely a blow for Portland. He averaged (20 and 10) in their matchups this season. His ability to defend, rebound, opportunities on second chance points as well as ability to get his own shot will be their downfall. Portland needs a 3rd scoring option. Kanter nor Aminu have the capabilities of doing this consistently throughout the entire series. The Warriors will definetly miss arguably the best player in the game right now in Kevin Durant. Besides his (34.2 ppg) he was shooting (50% FG / 40% 3PT / 90% FT) which is absurd. The Trailblazers have played the Warriors twice since 2015 in the postseason, getting beat (4-1) in 2016 and swept once KD arrived in 2017 (outscored +72) in that series. CJ McCollum who has been balling during the playoffs averaged just (18 ppg) during the regular season versus these same Warriors. Both teams have played a lot of minutes especially during their previous rounds, with the Warriors rallying around the KD injury and Portland with their (4OT) game and going (7) games with Denver, so look for fatigue to play a part for both teams. Lack of depth as well. Maybe not this round but for whoever makes it to the Finals; the bench will need to come up big. Being said, both superstars for both teams have had great nights as well as abysmal games as well. Who will take the step up when their superstar isn't on fire? Since Durant arrived, the Warriors are (30-4) with him out the lineup and Curry in. With the Warriors being more experienced and yes I love Terry Stouts the Blazers head coach but they still a player away from taking the next step. Sorry Jennifer, CJ trying. WARRIORS IN 5