Portland Trail Blazers: 3 takeaways from Game 2 beatdown vs. Thunder

1. Portland’s stars are outshining Oklahoma City’s stars

Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum already had a strong outing in Game 1, combining for 54 points while knocking down eight 3-pointers. The duo was even more dynamic in Game 2, combining for 62 points on 51.2 percent shooting, 12 rebounds and 11 assists.

This is contrasted with Russell Westbrook and Paul George. In Game 1, OKC’s star duo finished with 50 points on 16-of-41 (39.0 percent) shooting, 20 rebounds and 10 assists (all from Westbrook). Game 2 saw the two produce 41 points on 16-of-40 (40.0 percent) shooting, 17 rebounds and 14 assists.

George is working his way back from a shoulder injury, while the Blazers have collectively done a solid job flustering Westbrook on the offensive end. Lillard and McCollum, on the other hand, are working off chemistry that has developed over years. They also aren’t facing lockdown defenders like Jrue Holiday and playoff edition Rajon Rondo in this series.

The Portland Trail Blazers now head to OKC for Games 3 and 4. They will need Lillard and McCollum to continue leading the charge as they head into the raucous environment of Chesapeake Energy Arena. If the duo can maintain its composure and consistency from the first two games, Rip City will be well on its way to its first series victory in three postseasons.