The Breakdown: Understanding How Rip City Came to Be

We break down the six important plays of the Portland Trail Blazers.

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Image via Complex Original
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Pop quiz: After the Miami Heat and Los Angeles Clippers, who has the NBA’s best offense? Kevin Durant and the high-scoring Thunder? John Wall and the up-tempo Wizards? Tim Duncan and the methodical Spurs?

The correct answer is the Portland Trail Blazers. Seriously. During the regular season, Portland scored 112.03 points per 100 possessions, better than all but the Heat and Clippers. And in their first-round series with the Houston Rockets, the Trail Blazers didn't let up. So how do they do it? On this edition of "The Breakdown," we take a closer look at Portland’s offense. And don’t forget to check out TriangleOffense.com, Complex’s new hoops website, for more NBA playoff coverage.

Isolation for Damian Lillard

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Isolation for Damian Lillard

The simplest play in the Trail Blazers’ book is also one of their most dangerous: Portland clears out along the baseline and puts the ball in Damian Lillard’s hands at the top of the key. From there, the second-year guard has room to work off the bounce. Often, though, he doesn’t go very far: Lillard’s pull-up jumper is deadly.

High-Post Isolation for LaMarcus Aldridge

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High-Post Isolation for LaMarcus Aldridge

Among the league’s big men, LaMarcus Aldridge has quietly established himself as one of the best. For the last three seasons, Aldridge has averaged at least 20 points and 8 rebounds. This season, though, has been his best: Aldridge posted 23.1 points and 11.0 rebounds per game. How does he do it? His weapon of choice is his silky mid-range jumper.

LaMarcus Aldridge Catch and Shoot

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LaMarcus Aldridge Catch and Shoot

Speaking of that jumper, the 6-11 forward can also knock down shots off the pass—a skill Portland exploits. Rather than clog the lane by keeping Aldridge in the post, the Trail Blazers will sometimes position him on the baseline or just inside the three-point line. This gives Damian Lillard & Co. room to drive—and a big target for the kick out.

Robin Lopez Ball Screen for Damian Lillard

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Robin Lopez Ball Screen for Damian Lillard

It may look like Lillard is doing the heavy lifting here, but don’t overlook the screen. First, Robin Lopez waits for Lillard to make his move before he goes to set the pick. Then he plants his feet wide, sealing the defender so Lillard is free to put the ball on the deck and attack the basket.

Find Wesley Matthews on the Perimeter

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Find Wesley Matthews on the Perimeter

Of the little attention the Portland Trail Blazers receive from the national media, the lion’s share goes to Damian Lillard and to LaMarcus Aldridge. Wesley Matthews? Not so much. Still, the 6-5 shooting guard from Marquette has been a rock for Portland: his 16.4 points per game were third best on the team during the regular season. Matthews is a solid shooter from beyond the arc, and Portland looks to swing the ball around the perimeter until they find him for an open look.

Off-Ball Screens for Nicolas Batum

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Off-Ball Screens for Nicolas Batum

Nicolas Batum can do it all: he’s 6-8, but he’s still a skilled shooter and passer (his 5.1 assists per game were good for second on the Blazers during the regular season). When the Trail Blazers run off-ball screens for Batum, they put his unique skillset to good use: off the pick Batum can either knock down the jumper or hit the screener with a pass for an open look.

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