Wesley Matthews has been burning the nets off from beyond the arc, causing headaches for the opposing defense attempting to stop the success of the Portland Trail Blazers.
With scouting reports suggesting the focus remain on LaMarcus Aldridge and Damian Lillard, Matthews continues to be a wild-card that happens to be coming up aces.
Any thought of doubling up on one of the aforementioned has consistently led to Matthews floating to the corner, or the the top of the key for an open three-pointer.
This was the plan that showed flashes of brilliance last season, but the success rate was nowhere near the current campaign.
Not only has Matthews increased his 2013-14 per game average of 2.5 three-pointers made — which is obviously going to result in a higher accumulated total, he is also increased his efficiency, as well as attempts (at his current pace) .
Besides having the proverbial green light to pull, the maturity in confidence to take these attempts is what stands out the most. A lot of the shots he took last season appeared to be forced, and quite frankly, somewhat displayed a hint of arrogance.
Not only did Wesley Matthews bury Memphis Saturday night with seven shots dropped from downtown, but he managed to surpass Terry Porter (773) as the franchise record-holder for three-pointers made by a Portland Trail Blazer.
Considering Nicolas Batum is having a frightful season knocking down shots either open or contested, causing his career points per game average to decline by 2.5, this increase in production is highly conducive to the teams success.
The more Matthews can score, the more the opposing team will have to go to a man defensive scheme – because a zone will not be able to cover both wings, down low, and at the top of perimeter without either creating at least some kind of match up advantage or allowing a lot more open shots then they would like to.
Electing to go to a man of man defensive strategy works highly in the favor of Portland, because, well, there are not many people who can guard three out of the five starters based on either skill, speed, or height. This will also create a situation where pick-and-rolls can make for a ton of easy baskets if the wrong guy or no one switches off.
And this what happens if the other team chooses to double up:
If Wesley Matthews can sustain this volume and efficiency, it becomes a case of pick your poison for their opponent. You can go man and hope that the defender can keep up, or try to double someone else and allow him to drift into a set, open shot.
In the immortal words of someone; choose wisely!