There was plenty of optimism surrounding the Portland Trail Blazers after finishing the 2017-18 NBA season as the third seed in the formidable Western Conference. Unfortunately, any momentum they had going into the postseason has all but dissipated following their second-straight loss at home to the New Orleans Pelicans.
Early optimism has now been replaced with panic with the Blazers down 0-2 heading to New Orleans. According to NBA Writer Sean Highkin, point guard Damian Lillard acknowledged his frustration with losing homecourt advantage so soon:
“It’s frustrating to fight to get home court in the playoffs and then not perform individually or as a team.”
It goes without saying that “Dame Time” has been nonexistent thus far in the series. Lillard was abysmal in Game 1 after finishing with 18 points on 6-of-23 shooting. Although he shot a bit better in Game 2, he was still largely held in check with just 17 points, four assists, and three rebounds. His counterpart in shooting guard C.J. McCollum was hardly any more successful in his attempt at a bounce-back game.
Portland's strength all year had been the stellar play of their backcourt. However, they have been outplayed in nearly every facet of the game by the Pelicans' duo of guards in Rajon Rondo and Jrue Holiday. Lillard and McCollum have combined for 76 points, 19 assists, and 15 rebounds through the first two games. Meanwhile, Rondo and Holiday have responded with 76 points, 37 assists, and 28 rebounds during that time. That said, the Blazers' backcourt will need to find their rhythm and fast before digging themselves into a 3-0 hole on the road.
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