Portland Trail Blazers: 5 keys 2019 Western Conference Finals vs Warriors

Portland Trail Blazers: 5 keys to 2019 Western Conference Finals vs. Warriors

PORTLAND, OR - FEBRUARY 13: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers handles the ball against the Golden State Warriors on February 13, 2019 at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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4. Aminu and Harkless returning to earth

Speaking of role players, Portland needs Al-Farouq Aminu and Maurice Harkless to play better and have their best round of the playoffs yet. They are so crucial to the Blazers’ offense and even more critical to their team defense.

Against the Nuggets, Aminu averaged 7.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, 0.7 blocks and 0.8 blocks per game while shooting 32 percent from the field and 21.7 percent from the 3-point line. Harkless averaged 5.6 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game while shooting 43.2 percent from the field and 20 percent from the 3-point range.

Head coach Terry Stotts found more success going with Hood and Collins against the Nuggets and started those two instead of Aminu and Harkless in the crucial second half of Game 7. In that game, Aminu only played seven minutes. Harkless would’ve been close to that had Hood not gone done with an injury. Fortunately, Harkless saved his best play of the series for the final minutes of the fourth quarter and made a significant impact in the win.

Against Golden State, the Blazers need those two guys to get back to their reliable playing ways if they want a chance in this series. The Warriors are going to leave those guys wide open when they are on offense and will send more pressure toward Lillard, McCollum and Enes Kanter. Aminu and Harkless need to score, hit shots and make the Warriors somewhat respect them to make things easier for everyone else on offense.

On defense, they need to be able to make things tough on Thompson and Durant out on the wing and Draymond Green down low. The Blazers coaches ask a ton from Aminu and Harkless on both ends of the court, but they both are competitive and should be up for the challenge after a below-average playoff performance so far.