Blazers Allow 100+ Points for 17th Time This Season
The Blazers let Houston Score 130 points on Sunday, Another Triple Digit Game for the League’s Worst Defense
It was another disappointing effort for the Blazers defense, gifting Houston 130 points. From some usual James Harden frustrations, to giving up numerous wide open shots, our defense just isn’t in sync. For anyone watching the Blazers plead their case to referees, you couldn’t help but feel just as frustrated. Yes Harden is annoying, but for an offensive heavy team like Houston, you can’t let them shoot 56% from the field.
The Blazers finally ran out of gas in the fourth quarter, losing 34-21. Losing the fourth quarter that way doesn’t resemble last year’s scrappy, come from behind team. The offense looks better than ever, but our defense has dragged us to under .500 for the year.
By halftime, we knew the game was going into triple digits. But in the common theme of the season, it was the 17th time out of 19 games played. We haven’t allowed less than 100 points since a November 6th win against Memphis. Sure, we’ve looked better overall the last few games, but the progress turns irrelevant whenever we play a better opponent.
The most obvious defensive breakdown against Houston was in transition. Everyone looked confused trying to find an opposing player and at times even running into each other. Before you know it, the other team has found a wide open shooter while we frustratingly chase him down.
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There’s still potential to fix this defense. Players just need to trust each other and get in the rhythm of the scheme. Please Portland, for all our sakes, hit the film room and study the defensive let downs. Indiana comes to town on Wednesday so we have some time.
I want to be wrong by calling for a trade. I’m rooting for this group to work. But if we continue to let teams score this much, it’ll be too frustrating to keep together.
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