From game one, this has been a major concern. Though we were winning, teams seemed to be dominating us in the paint. Over the first 10 games, we allowed an average of 49.6 points in the paint, allowing 40 or more in every game, and allowing over 60 twice. In the past 8 games, however, something seems to be different. Our average points in the paint allowed over that span has been just 36.75 with the most any team has earned being 44. Those of you who actually get to watch the games--what's the difference? Has there been a noticeable change in the way we're defending teams? Which span is more likely to be the "rule" for the season?
Lopez has honestly been the difference maker. He has set the tone with being quicker to help and getting back quickly to cover his man. Even Aldridge's help d has improved. It seems just having the team know and trust each other more has been key: the single coverage strategy has really paid off too. Teams can't take advantage of penetration because our wings are staying on their guys.
Agreed. Seems like the players are getting more use to each other. This year the balance of helping v. leaving Lopez by himself is evolving. Lopez is also getting more use to where he fits in best.
So, it's primarily defensive chemistry? Suggesting, by extension, that the improvement should be expected to be sustainable?
Yeah I don't think it's an individual effort. It's like all the pieces work together to stop teams as one unit. There are stronger moving parts like Lopez, but without all working together as one, it looks like the beginning of the season. What's really impressive is the trust. It's crazy because they just know where their help comes and drives the player to that help. You will notice it because there are moments when someone drops the ball and someone has a uncontested layup in a few moments in a few games. The assigned help defender immediately looks at his teammate and gives the "my bad" gesture.
I notice a few things that may not show up in the stats: - Lopez is altering a lot of shots that would have been easy layups last year and earlier this year, even if he doesn't block them. - LMA seems to be playing harder on defense down low - We're playing more physical inside. I think Lopez is helping to set that tone.
For all of our great players it may not be too far fetched to say that as Lopez goes (defensively and on the boards) goes the Blazers
I really noticed Aldridge’s inside play during the end of the Warriors game. LMA and Lopez were as elite defensively in the 4th quarter as I’ve ever seen two big men play. I was shocked, Golden State was repeatedly attacking us in the paint but they couldn’t get any quality looks inside. Is that another gear Aldridge can kick it into when he is motivated? The guards are doing a better job of fighting through screens and being able to slow down penetration. But I think a large part of this is other teams are shooting long jump shots better. Our opponents were shooting something ridiculous like right around 30% from three point range early in the season. Those weak opponents didn’t have balanced offenses. Now a number of our opponents are making jump shots against us so they don’t have to lower their head and go to the hoop every possession.
Freeland garners mentioning, seemed like he couldn't stop anybody last year but his off-season work has paid off and his defense in the paint has vastly improved. Similarly, T-Rob has affected a number of shots down low when in. Also, rebounding numbers being up is directly tied to this as well.
The biggest reason is the teams we're facing. Check out the last 8 teams we've faced and their average points in the paint ranking (out of 30 teams): Indiana - 26th LA Lakers - 25th Phoenix - 16th New York - 28th Golden State - 20th Chicago - 11th Milwaukee - 27th Brooklyn - 22nd Now look at the first 10 Phoenix - 16th Denver - 5th San Antonio -4th Houston - 3rd Sacramento - 14th Sacramento - 14th Detroit - 1st Phoenix - 16th Boston - 18th Toronto -19th Huge differential, no? There's almost a 20 point difference between the points scored in the paint by Detroit (1st) and Cleveland and us (tied for 30th).
I can't remember a Blazers team that intentionally didn't double team as much as this one does and was still effective. Unless it's Lillard or Mo getting posted up, you are pretty much on an island out there. Probably one of the biggest reasons our 3FG% is so good--nobody helps out.
