Damian Lillard and the Blazers (2-1) produced a memorable five game series against the Warriors (2-1) in the second round of last year’s Western Conference playoffs, and the early season rematch should produce similar drama. Lillard is off to a strong start to the season through three games, averaging 35.0 points, 8.0 rebounds and 5.3 assists on 54.9 percent shooting. Numbers like those will put the star point guard in similar company with the players who he will be entertaining: Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Draymond Green and Klay Thompson.
Portland sandwiched a loss to the Clippers between the season opening win against the Jazz and the recent victory over the Nuggets. C.J. McCollum picked up right where left off last season as the wingman to Lillard in the backcourt, and totalled 23 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, three steals and three blocks in Saturday’s 115-113 overtime win over the Nuggets. The well rounded stat line shows McCollum’s improved effort on the defensive end to start the season.
The Warriors bounced back from their opening game blowout to the Spurs with two road wins against the Pelicans and the Suns. The Blazers will pose the toughest test on their road trip, as both backcourts have the ability to go shot-for-shot. The addition of Kevin Durant will create a matchup advantage against the Blazers front court, as Al-Farouq Aminu and Maurice Harkless will likely draw the most time against the former MVP.
