Portland Trail Blazers vs. Denver Nuggets: Key matchup
The second-scorer battle – CJ McCollum v Michael Porter Jr.
Although it’s likely these two will not defend each other, this will be an interesting battle of which second-option scorer will come out on top. Michael Porter Jr. has quickly evolved into one of the best scorers in the league, putting up just silly-good efficiency scoring numbers in only a second year in the league (19.1 ppg, 54% FG, 44% 3FG). Meanwhile, CJ McCollum just keeps doing CJ McCollum things – quietly averaging 23.1 points per game while knocking down 40 percent of his 3-point attempts.
These two second-option scorers can get buckets in a plethora of different ways. Michael Porter Jr. has shown the ability to hit the knockdown the open 3, while also able to get around the rim and score at an efficient level. Porter Jr. has demonstrated a terrific pull-up game in certain isolation situations, which makes him almost “Durant-like” – someone with size and scoring skills that are un-guardable.
Meanwhile, McCollum continues to be among the elite shooters, either with the ball in his hand or in catch-and-shoot situations. What is underrated about CJ is his ability to go get a bucket late in the shot clock. Despite being type-cast as undersized and less athletic, McCollum has shown the ability to get to spots with ease in the mid-range and score in bunches.
How to Defend Porter Jr.
The Blazers will likely guard Michael Porter junior with a mixture of Robert Covington and Derrick Jones Jr. Covington is more of a physical defender who could probably get in on Porter Jr. defensively to make it tougher for him to get to his spots. Jones, on the other hand, has incredible length and athleticism that could provide some resistance for Porter junior near the rim. However, with Porter’s nose for the ball and Jokic’s ability to find open guys, all bets are off on this one.
How to Defend McCollum
With Campazzo and Rivers likely being tasked with guarding Damian Lillard, I’d expect a mixture of Monte Morris and Aaron Gordon, depending on matchups. McCollum’s ability to score in the mid-range and in one-on-one situations might be a tall ask for Monte Morris. If Denver decides to go big, Aaron Gordon might see some time on McCollum and could be used to chase McCollum off the three-point line and force tough shots in traffic.
Neither team has a great answer to stop these other scorers, so I think the key for both teams will be slowing them down. I project both players will have great offensive numbers this series – it’ll just a question of who is better.