Trail Blazers 2021 Playoffs: A Season In Review

Hey hoops fans! Let's dive deep into the Trail Blazers' 2021 playoff journey. It was a season filled with highs and lows, memorable performances, and ultimately, a disappointing end. This article will break down everything that happened, from the regular season leading up to their playoff matchup against the Denver Nuggets, to the key moments that defined their postseason run. We'll analyze the performances of key players like Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum, examine the coaching strategies, and discuss what the future might hold for the Blazers. So, buckle up and get ready to relive the excitement (and frustration) of the 2021 playoffs from a Portland perspective!

Regular Season Recap

Before we jump into the playoffs, let's rewind and remember how the Trail Blazers actually got there. The 2020-21 regular season was a rollercoaster, guys. The Blazers finished with a 42-30 record, securing the sixth seed in the Western Conference. This was enough to get them into the playoffs directly, avoiding the play-in tournament. There were stretches where they looked like world-beaters, fueled by Damian Lillard's incredible offensive performances. Dame was dropping 50- and 60-point games like they were going out of style, showcasing his clutch gene and solidifying his status as one of the league's most dangerous scorers. CJ McCollum also had a strong season, providing a reliable scoring punch alongside Lillard. His ability to create his own shot and knock down tough jumpers was crucial to the Blazers' offensive success.

However, consistency was a major issue. The Blazers struggled on the defensive end, often giving up easy points and failing to contain opposing teams' star players. Injuries also played a role, with key players missing games at various points throughout the season. Jusuf Nurkić's health was a constant concern, and his absence impacted the team's rebounding and interior defense. Despite these challenges, the Blazers managed to string together enough wins to secure a playoff berth, thanks to their explosive offense and Lillard's heroics. The team showed flashes of brilliance, but also exposed areas that needed improvement if they wanted to make a deep playoff run.

Their regular season record masked over some glaring issues that needed to be addressed come playoff time. The defense was a major concern, and the team often relied too heavily on Lillard's scoring. The supporting cast needed to step up and provide more consistent contributions. As the playoffs approached, there was a sense of both excitement and uncertainty surrounding the Blazers. They had the talent to compete with the best teams in the West, but they also had vulnerabilities that could be exploited.

First Round Matchup: Denver Nuggets

The Trail Blazers drew a tough first-round opponent in the Denver Nuggets, who were led by the eventual MVP, Nikola Jokić. Guys, this series was a nail-biter from start to finish. The Nuggets had a fantastic season, showcasing their offensive prowess and Jokić's unique playmaking abilities. They were a well-coached team with a deep roster, making them a formidable opponent for the Blazers. The series was expected to be a high-scoring affair, with both teams boasting explosive offensive players.

The Nuggets had home-court advantage, which gave them an edge in the series. However, the Blazers were confident that they could steal a game or two in Denver and bring the series back to Portland with a chance to advance. The key for the Blazers was to contain Jokić as much as possible and force other Nuggets players to beat them. Easier said than done, of course. On the offensive end, the Blazers needed Lillard and McCollum to continue their scoring dominance, while also getting contributions from the supporting cast. Nurkić's performance against Jokić was also crucial, as he needed to provide a physical presence in the paint and limit Jokić's scoring opportunities.

The series started in Denver, and the Nuggets quickly established their dominance. Jokić was unstoppable, scoring at will and dishing out assists to his teammates. The Blazers struggled to contain him, and the Nuggets took an early lead in the series. However, the Blazers fought back in Game 2, with Lillard putting on a show and leading his team to a crucial victory. The series shifted to Portland tied at 1-1, giving the Blazers some momentum. The atmosphere in Portland was electric, with the fans eager to see their team advance to the next round.

Key Games and Moments

Alright, let's break down some of the major games and moments that defined the series against the Nuggets:

• Game 2: This was a must-win game for the Blazers after dropping Game 1. Damian Lillard exploded for 42 points, carrying the team to a 115-95 victory. This performance showcased Lillard's ability to take over games and inspire his teammates. It was a statement game for the Blazers, proving that they could compete with the Nuggets.
• Game 3: Back in Portland, the Blazers continued their momentum, winning 115-108. CJ McCollum stepped up with a big performance, scoring 41 points. This game highlighted McCollum's importance to the Blazers' offense and his ability to complement Lillard's scoring. The Blazers took a 2-1 lead in the series, putting them in a favorable position to advance.
• Game 5: This game was an absolute classic. Damian Lillard had one of the greatest playoff performances in NBA history, scoring 55 points and hitting 12 three-pointers. He was simply unstoppable, carrying the Blazers' offense on his shoulders. However, despite Lillard's heroics, the Nuggets managed to win the game in double overtime, 147-140. This game was a heartbreaker for the Blazers and their fans, as they felt they should have won despite Lillard's incredible performance. It was a turning point in the series, as the Nuggets regained the momentum.

Series Turning Point

Game 5, without a doubt, was the turning point. Even though Dame put up an unreal 55 points with 12 threes, losing in double OT sucked the life out of the team and the fans. After that, you could feel the momentum shift. The Nuggets, emboldened by their resilience, closed out the series.

Series Conclusion and Analysis

The Trail Blazers ultimately lost the series to the Nuggets in six games. Despite Lillard's heroics and some strong performances from McCollum and other players, they couldn't overcome the Nuggets' depth and Jokić's dominance. The Blazers' defensive struggles were exposed, and they couldn't consistently contain the Nuggets' offensive attack.

Looking back, several factors contributed to the Blazers' defeat. Their defense was a major weakness, and they struggled to contain Jokić and other Nuggets players. Their supporting cast didn't consistently provide enough offensive support, putting too much pressure on Lillard and McCollum. The Nuggets' depth and versatility also proved to be a challenge for the Blazers. They had multiple players who could score and contribute in different ways, making it difficult for the Blazers to match up.

Despite the disappointing end, there were some positives to take away from the series. Lillard's incredible performance in Game 5 will be remembered as one of the greatest individual performances in playoff history. McCollum also showed his ability to be a reliable scoring option alongside Lillard. However, the series exposed the Blazers' weaknesses and highlighted the need for improvement if they want to compete for a championship.

What's Next for the Blazers?

So, where do the Blazers go from here? That's the million-dollar question. After the playoff loss, there were rumblings about potential changes to the roster and coaching staff. The Blazers needed to address their defensive issues and find ways to improve their supporting cast. There were also questions about the long-term future of Lillard and McCollum, and whether they could ultimately lead the Blazers to a championship.

The offseason was filled with speculation and rumors. The Blazers ultimately made a coaching change, hiring Chauncey Billups to replace Terry Stotts. This move was seen as an attempt to bring a fresh perspective and new ideas to the team. The Blazers also made some additions to the roster, hoping to improve their depth and address their defensive weaknesses. The goal was to build a team that could compete with the best in the West and make a deeper playoff run.

The future of the Blazers remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: they need to make significant improvements if they want to contend for a championship. Lillard is still one of the league's top players, but he needs more help from his teammates. The Blazers need to find ways to improve their defense, develop their young players, and build a more balanced roster. The 2021 playoff run was a reminder of the challenges they face, but also a source of motivation to strive for more. Only time will tell if they can achieve their goals and bring a championship to Portland.

Guys, the 2021 playoffs were a wild ride for the Trail Blazers. Full of excitement, heartbreak, and lots of Dame Time. What did you think of their run? Let me know in the comments!