The Blazers Have An Early Season Headache: Trap Defenses
The Blazers are young and full of talent, but good teams are trapping and giving Portland fits.
Of the three blowout losses this season, nothing was more apparent for the Blazers than the offense’s inability to score. Don’t get me wrong, it’s obvious that Portland has one of the best offenses in the NBA. It can flow so effortlessly when it’s clicking that opposing teams are left scrambling. Usually it’s Damian Lillard or C.J. McCollum leading the charge, but once the two of them start making shots, it opens up scoring opportunities for the rest of the team as well.
Now despite the potential of our offense, whenever team corrals the firepower, it means trouble for Portland. This was on full display on Tuesday during the Bulls game, as they schemed a frantic trap on our two star guards which halted the offense immediately. It lead to numerous possessions where Portland just couldn’t get the offensive engine to turnover. The trap not only forced Portland away from the basket, but the trap usually ate away at the shot clock. Chicago’s trap seemed to take away 5-6 seconds per possession, leaving the Blazers scrambling to force up a shot as the shot clock went down.
If the Blazers want to beat the trap, they need to find the open man faster. The trap forces another defender to leave their assignment to double team, meaning someone’s always open. The lack of success with the trap could be attributed to the lack of chemistry among the new players. Traps force long cross court passes and trust that the ball handler will make the right pass. In today’s NBA, and especially young teams like Portland, it’s easy to watch the star try and beat the trap themselves. This style leads to frustration, chemistry issues and blow out losses.
Good News: There Is Room For Improvement
Nov 1, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard C.J. McCollum (3) tries to pass the ball as Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) and guard Ian Clark (21) defend during the third quarter of the game at the Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports
If there’s a positive to this, it’s that Portland has adapted and gotten better in these losses. Chicago built their lead in the first quarter, but the game was basket for basket going forward. One of the best ways to defeat the trap is to play five great shooters and spread the floor. There is no way to trap if the offense is spread out and moving the ball. This seemed to work with Evan Turner running the point (has to work on his turnovers), and then having Lillard, McCollum, Meyers Leonard and Allen Crabbe off the ball. Look to see this lineup again in the future.
The trap has been the heel for the Blazers so far this season, but it’s still early and all signs point towards improvement.
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