Blazers’ Stotts & Lillard Discuss Tactics After Nuggets Win in Game 4

The Trail Blazers suffered their first home loss of the 2019 NBA Playoffs after a back-and-forth contest against the Nuggets on Sunday. The Northwest Division rivals followed up their quadruple-overtime classic with an equally entertaining 116-112 game that featured electrifying runs from both sides.

After the game, Damian Lillard and Terry Stotts took to the podium to discuss the action that unfolded in Game 4.

When discussing the Nuggets’ defensive approach towards Lillard, Stotts complimented their communication and teamwork. He also acknowledged that Lillard is still getting good looks and this isn’t something new from a scheme standpoint. Stotts also answered a question regarding the lack of deep three-pointers from Lillard with: “they are picking him up pretty high.”

Stotts suggested that the Blazers’ matchups are fine when facing the Nuggets on the glass. He credited Denver’s aggressiveness for the gap in offensive rebounding.

In a joint session, CJ McCollum and Lillard discussed what they are seeing on the court. For Lillard, he explained that the Nuggets are using as many bodies as possible to make things difficult.

McCollum agreed with the national media narrative surrounding the entertainment value of the series against the Nuggets. Unsurprisingly, McCollum pointed to the offense-first brand of basketball that both squads utilize.

Seth Curry, who exploded for 16 points in Game 4, talked about how he felt he needed to give the Blazers a boost after Friday’s overtime thriller. Curry also discussed how the Nuggets’ post play is giving the Blazers all they can handle.

The Blazers and Nuggets return to action in Denver on Tuesday for Game 5.