Al-Farouq Aminu’s Efficient Production Helps Blazers In Superb Week Of Play

Each week, Team Mom highlights her favorites plays, players and other things that made the Trail Blazers fun to watch. Who is Mom’s Favorite this week? Did anyone get put in the dog house? What were your favorite things this week? Let us know in the comments below.

Week 3 Recap: Minnesota (W), Milwaukee Bucks (W), Los Angeles Clippers (W)

Mom’s Favorite: Al-Farouq Aminu

It was hard to choose my favorite this week. It came down to CJ McCollum, a volume shooter who found his rhythm, or Al-Farouq Aminu, who put up an efficient offensive effort over the last three games. I went with Aminu. His offense is not terribly consistent, but nothing makes me happier than when Chief is shooting well (remember, this is a very subjective rating system).

This week Aminu lead the team with 61.5 percent field goal shooting, and 71.4 percent three-point shooting. He went 4-4 from the line, was second in steals, third in rebounds and committed only one turnover in 81 minutes.

Aminu is a high-value, low-usage player. He only attempted 4.3 shots per game this week, which was down by about three attempts. Guess who took 3.5 more shots per game this week? CJ McCollum. He attempted 20 shots per game — up from 16.6 in the opening weeks. I don’t know if this is pure coincidence, or if this is part of the plan. I do know that if Aminu takes fewer shots and McCollum gets cooking, I’m all for it. Especially if Aminu is as efficient as he was this week.

Honorable Mentions

Evan Turner is fun to watch:

This Meyers Leonard screen on Patrick Beverley. The Blazers lead the league in screen assists per game this season (they did last last season as well). It makes sense with their pick-and-roll heavy offense. There are also plenty of off-ball, secondary and non-assist screens that are just about as entertaining to watch. This one sent Patrick Beverley into next week. Unfortunately it did not result in a field goal, but I watched it over and over all day anyway.

Gold Stars

Did I say CJ McCollum, volume shooter? I meant to say CJ McCollum, alley-ooper:

Congratulations on your first points in the NBA, Gary Trent Jr!

Evan Turner hosted a Super Hero Day party at Alder Elementary, and it was just as cute as you would imagine.

Pat Connaughton returned to the Moda Center:

Doghouse

I don’t usually complain about the referees — mainly due to how tough their job is. However, Damian Lillard was averaging 8.1 free throw attempts per game after the victory against Minnesota. Since then, he hasn’t attempted a single free throw. In 140 possessions including 29 drives with 17 attempts, no one fouled Lillard in the act of shooting? No one?

Who was your favorite player this week? What was your favorite play? Anyone you want to send to the doghouse? Let us know in the comments below!