As a big, the tendency is to protect the rim, but the points-per-play on a wide open corner three is just as profitable for the offense as a contested layup. 4:32 left in 4th (offensive possession): Terry Stotts draws up the same set they used in the first (double cross screen for McCollum). This time they have Dame as the recipient of the pass and he makes a nice baseline drive and finds Whiteside for the deuce. 4:09 left in 4th (offensive possession): This play sums up McCollum’s night. The Blazers have a 2-on-1, Lillard throws a perfect pass for C.
He eventually gets off a tough push shot at the shot clock buzzer and misses. 8:05 left in 1st (offensive possession): Good recognition by C. to attack early in the shot clock before the defense is fully set. It’s crucial to get a few of these semi-transition opportunities against a solid half-court defense. 7:57 left in 1st (defensive possession): Whiteside doesn’t sprint back on defense and get into the full court shell spot (free throw line area).
This allows Lowry to get into the paint and spin past Bazemore for an easy two. 7:38 left in 1st (offensive possession): Lowry not respecting Bazemore as a shooter allows him to blow up a Lillard-Whiteside dribble-handoff. Whiteside doesn’t expect a defender to be there on the catch, and travels. 7:14 left in 1st (defensive possession): The Raptors run an inbound play that tries to free Lowry for a three. Lillard shows great recognition to leave his man (McCaw) and get to Lowry to prevent the shot. 6:40 left in 1st (defensive possession): Whiteside doesn’t box out Ibaka and concedes an offensive rebound.
to finish and he bobbles it. He tries to recover, but it eventually leads to a turnover. The Raptors secure possession and find Oshae Brissett cherry-picking on the other end. 2:31 left in 4th (offensive possession): Lillard pulls-up from 30+ feet and drills a triple. He may have the best range in league history. You honestly can’t tell based on his shooting stroke if he’s shooting from 15 feet or 30 feet.
5:48 left in 1st (offensive possession): C. with spectacular footwork to free himself for a short floater, but unable to convert. 5:38 left in 1st (defensive possession): Good strong defensive board from Whiteside. 4:15 left in 1st (offensive possession): Bazemore is single-handedly killing the Blazers offense in this first quarter. His lack of gravity (the amount of attention a shooter generates from the defense) stops a Lillard drive.
Toronto Raptors vs Portland Trail Blazers Basketball Live Portland Trail Blazers vs. Toronto Raptors If you live in the Trail Blazers TV market: The game is on NBC Sports Northwest, which you can stream through