Phoenix Suns vs Portland Trail Blazers: 3 key matchups - March 11th, 2021 | NBA Season 2020-21
The Portland Trail Blazers were in commanding form before the NBA All-Star break and will host the Phoenix Suns at the Moda Center post hiatus.
Despite missing a number of key players through injury, the Portland Trail Blazers have won their previous three games. They are now up against one of the most impressive sides in the NBA from recent weeks.
The Phoenix Suns’ recent success has seen them climb as high as 2nd in the Western Conference, and they now have a 24-11 record. Devin Booker has been a revelation, while 11-time All-Star Chris Paul has transformed the Phoenix Suns into one of the most efficient teams in the NBA this season.
They have beaten the likes of the LA Lakers and the Warriors in recent games and will be firm favorites to continue their run of success.
The Portland Trail Blazers, on the other hand, have been incredibly unlucky with injuries to the likes of CJ McCollum and Jusuf Nurkic, along with the prolonged absence of John Collins disrupting their campaign in recent weeks. Damian Lillard has been a revelation, though.
Enes Kanter’s improved form in recent games has been one of the major reasons for their recent hat-trick of wins. He produced a huge double-double in the Portland Trail Blazers’ victory over the Kings, producing 22 points and 21 rebounds.
In this article, we look at the 3 key matchups that will go a long way in deciding the outcome of the match between the Phoenix Suns and the Portland Trail Blazers.
Phoenix Suns vs Portland Trail Blazers: 3 key matchups
#1 Chris Paul vs Damian Lillard
Chris Paul’s inclusion into this Phoenix Suns’ lineup has been very impactful as he ended up with his second consecutive All-Star appearance last weekend. Paul’s leadership and experience has rubbed off on his teammates, and his own performances have been nothing short of phenomenal.
He is averaging close to a double-double with 16 points and 8.8 assists, along with 1.2 steals per game for the Phoenix Suns.
Paul is up against one of the most prolific players this season in Portland Trail Blazers' star Damian Lillard. Lillard has come up clutch multiple times in the 2020-21 NBA season and was impressive on the weekend as well. He is averaging 29.8 points, 8 assists and one steal per game.
Overall, the winner of this matchup should go a long way in deciding the outcome of the match.
#2 Devin Booker vs Gary Trent Jr.
Gary Trent Jr. has had to step up with the number of injuries that the Portland Trail Blazers have suffered. Lillard's brilliance means his focus will be on stopping Devin Booker for most of the night. His 3-point shooting has been on point this season, and is a major reason for the 15.2 points he is averaging per match.
However, in Devin Booker, he is up against a prolific scorer perfectly capable of hurting teams on his own. Booker received a much-deserved All-Star callup this year and is averaging 24.9 points and 4.4 assists per game. He has benefitted from Chris Paul’s presence, and looks set to lead his team on a deep playoff run.
#3 DeAndre Ayton vs Enes Kanter
DeAndre Ayton’s presence on both ends of the court for the Phoenix Suns has been thoroughly impressive. He has shown a marked improvement in his 2-point shooting and is averaging 14.5 points and 11.4 rebounds, along with 1.4 blocks per game.
Ayton is shooting at an overall efficiency of almost 60%, which is his best ever return until now.
Portland Trail Blazers' Enes Kanter, on the other hand, has had to step into the starting 5 in the absence of Jusuf Nurkic, and has produced double-doubles in his last 5 NBA games. His improved shooting form in recent times ensures that this will be another intriguing duel in this hotly-anticipated game.