Denver stayed in Portland following a game 3 win and could snag one more to move in on advancing. And for the Blazers themselves, it seems yet another first-round exit could be in store for them. And a decision to change coaches could come to light if they fall behind 3-1 and end up eventually going down.
The Nuggets fell to the Blazers in seven games during the 2018-19 second-round. It was a battle until the end, which also included a 4OT game. This time though, the team is wasting no time and doesn’t seem to want seven games. Especially considering that they made the conference finals a season ago.
Funnily enough, Portland reached the conference finals the year prior, so one of these teams will see early disappointment, while the other looks to continue to their playoff strength.
Early departures in the postseason have been the theme of the Damian Lillard era. He has hit two series-ending shots, against Houston and also OKC. But in the other years, they have either gotten swept out or defeated in five without ever making noise.
Lillard’s dedication to this city is incredible and likely won’t waver, but it’s tough to watch them lose so much with all that talent.
Odds:
The spread for Saturday’s game favors Portland, -4.5. The over/under is set at 227.5 points.
Nuggets Seek 3-1 Lead
If you are familiar with the Nuggets, you know that 3-1 is not a trigger. Most teams that fall behind 3-1 in a postseason series wind up bowing out at some point in that round. Well, these guys made two bubble comebacks from that series score, the opportunity to have that lead themselves is incredible.
Denver was never secure in the 2020 playoffs, to see the start they have gotten off to is refreshing. This is a good sign for a team that is not missing a beat with Jamal Murray out. Austin Rivers played the Murray role by sinking four threes and pouring in 16 fourth-quarter points on the road in game 3.
This is a dangerous team led by the likely league MVP Nikola Jokic, and the quest to win the conference remains.
Portland Looks to Even Series
Life as a Blazers fan does not seem like a good time. Their best two scorers and players are liabilities on defense. They have advanced in the playoffs only twice, despite having such a dynamic set of scorers. The same problems seem to continue to arise. And obviously, no NBA Finals
If Portland could reach the big stage, there would be zero doubt about Lillard taking games over and making the nights memorable for all viewers. But getting there seems like a pipe dream. They don’t have much of a bench, just Carmelo Anthony, really. It’s good to see Melo playing well, but it doesn’t look like he’ll ever win.
If they want to even the series, Lillard and CJ need to combine for 75 and they need to get Jokic into foul trouble.
DENVER WINS!
Portland is down 3-1 and will need to now win three in a row, including two on the road, to advance.
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