Portland stuns champions Oklahoma City but struggles to maintain momentum against surging Memphis Grizzlies
The Portland Trail Blazers began the season with a surprising vigor, but their promising start has dwindled after just eight games. Facing a roster depleted by injuries, they’ve proven resilient, managing to deliver a rare defeat to the reigning champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder. However, in their last outings, they have struggled, with three of their four recent losses coming by an average margin of just 5.6 points.
As they gear up for a crucial matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies, Portland finds itself at a crossroads. Memphis, currently holding a slim half-game advantage for the ninth seed in the Western Conference, has been gaining momentum, winning six of their last ten games compared to Portland’s three. The Grizzlies have their sights set on leveling their home record to .500, making this clash particularly significant.
Defensive Challenges Ahead
An area of concern for the Blazers lies in their defensive strategy, especially against Memphis’s potent offensive threats. Despite being ranked as the worst three-point shooting team in the league, Portland’s defense cannot afford to neglect perimeter coverage entirely. They’ve managed to hold opponents to shooting better than 40 percent from beyond the arc only four times this season.
Deni Avdija has emerged as a pivotal player for Portland, known for his ability to create open shots through his dribble penetration. Standing at 6’8”, he is a formidable playmaker who often overpowers defenders. The Blazers lead the league in driving to the basket, with Avdija accounting for 31.7 percent of those drives. His ability to draw double teams will be crucial, and Memphis will need to effectively manage defensive rotations to prevent Portland from finding open looks. Quick defensive transitions will also be key, as the Trail Blazers excel at initiating fast breaks.
Rebounding Battle
On the boards, the Trail Blazers have made their mark, ranking third in offensive rebounding percentage and second in second-chance points, averaging 17.8 per game. Cedric Coward’s recent standout performance, where he secured 14 rebounds, exemplifies the type of effort that will be necessary from all players. For Memphis, limiting Portland’s second-chance opportunities will be critical, as these moments can easily shift the momentum of the game.
Utilizing the Big Men
The status of Portland’s center, Donovan Clingan, remains uncertain due to injury, but regardless of his availability, Memphis must exploit its size advantage in the paint. Zach Edey’s jump hook and Jaren Jackson Jr.’s face-up moves should be focal points of their offensive strategy. Notably, Memphis ranks fourth in the league for post-up attempts, averaging 7.7 per game with a commendable 50 percent shooting rate on those opportunities.
Sharpening the Perimeter Shooting
For the Grizzlies, finding their shooting rhythm from beyond the arc is imperative. They have struggled to hit the 40 percent mark from three-point range over their last three games, and now presents an opportunity to change that trend. Players like Cam Spencer, Jaylen Wells, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and Coward—who has faced his own shooting woes recently—will need to capitalize on Portland’s defensive lapses and make crucial shots when the opportunities arise.
As both teams prepare for this pivotal matchup, the stakes are high. Portland seeks to regain its footing after a rocky stretch, while Memphis aims to solidify its playoff positioning. The outcome will hinge on execution, defensive adjustments, and the ability to convert on key opportunities.
