The backcourt duo is the engine the keeps Portland going
Portland’s 3-point shooting and role players are definitely important to extended winning streaks. However, it’s no secret who drives the Blazers and takes them to their highest heights. Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum have been one of the NBA’s best backcourt duos over the last three seasons. The Blazers go as they go. That is apparent when contrasting the winning streak with their loss to Houston.
Lillard proved why he was an All-Star over the course of the streak. He averaged 30.5 points and 6.4 assists per game while shooting 39.4 percent from 3-point range. He scored 30 or more in six games.
This includes his 44 points in Portland’s first Warriors win of the streak and 40 points (along with 10 rebounds) in a close 106-104 victory at the Phoenix Suns on Feb. 24. Lillard’s last 30-plus game was his 32-point, 10-assist performance in a 115-99 win over the Miami Heat on Mar. 12.
McCollum averaged 22.2 points per game during the streak, shooting 39.5 percent from the perimeter. His 30 points in Portland’s second win over the Warriors was his best game over the 13-game streak. He combined with Lillard for 50 or more points eight times during the Blazers’ run.
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A lot of things go into pulling off a winning streak: good shooting, role players stepping up, and even a little luck. But for the Portland Trail Blazers, they need the top-level play of Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum if they want to experience continued success.