Portland Trail Blazers: 3 takeaways from Game 3 loss vs. Thunder

1. Nothing but foul trouble

The Thunder got hot from 3 and Damian Lillard got hot in the third quarter. However, the free throw line was the biggest determining factor on the evening. In a game with no fouls, the Thunder still would have prevailed 99-90. Back in reality, that margin was heightened. Portland attempted 24 free throws, making 18 of them. The Thunder, on the other hand, attempted a whopping 39, making 31 of them.

The recipe for this discrepancy was there. OKC is a team that plays an inside-out game, so it’s always looking to attack the paint first. Doing so brings about a lot of contact inside. Because there is so much of it, it can vary wildly how referees legislate it. On Friday night, things were called tighter, allowing both teams to shoot a combined 63 free throws.

With many free throws comes many fouls. Maurice Harkless fouled out. Kanter was whistled five times. Rodney Hood, Meyers Leonard and Aminu had four fouls each. Even Zach Collins and Lillard had three apiece.

One player falling into foul trouble can alter a team’s strategy. Things really change when almost every player in the rotation is going through it. OKC will continue to be aggressive, so the Blazers will have to be mindful of how they defend. Remaining consistent offensively while staying clean on defense will help Portland regain control of the series in Game 4.