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Even after taking Game 1 in the opening series against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard was still critical of one aspect of his team's performance. Lillard was not pleased with his team's defense of the three-point line and had the following to say about the performance.
“I don't think it was really anything we did. That's actually one of the things we need to do a better job of going into the second game because a lot of times it was Paul George. He shot half of them and he's the last guy we want shooting those shots and some of the ones he got were open and he just happened to miss them tonight.”
Looking at the box score, it seems like the Blazers did an excellent job of defending the long-range shot in Game 1. The Thunder only shot five of 33 from downtown, for a measly 15 percent. Superstar sharpshooter Paul George only made four of 15 from distance, and Dennis Schroeder went zero for seven off the bench.
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However, Lillard was right in his assessment. George missed several shots that he usually makes blindfolded. It seems like his shoulder injury could still be bothering his shooting stroke. Schroeder is a career 33 percent three-point shooter, good enough where it is unlikely that he goes zero for seven again in the series.
Lillard knows that if Paul George catches fire, it will be a series changer. By focusing on George's most efficient weapon, the Blazers will have a good shot of advancing to the next round.
