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Playbook Breakdowns

A breakdown of various game plans of the Portland Trail Blazers, from Dane Carbaugh of www.ayoungsabonis.com.

Playbook Breakdown: Can Beverley Stop Lillard?

Houston Rockets guard Patrick Beverley has been hounding Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard all season on defense. How did things go in Game 1 of the playoffs?

Playbook: How Can Blazers Upset Rockets?

Houston has taken care of Portland three times in the regular season. Can they finally get over the hump on the Rockets and take them down in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs?

Breakdown: Blazers' D Gives Up Paint Points

The Portland Trail Blazers' soft ICE pick-and-roll defense not only gives up mid-range jumpers, but an extraordinary number of points in the paint.

Playbook: Blazers Struggle To Defend Mid-Range

Portland has had troubles guarding against the midrange jumper this season, despite actively trying to force opposing teams into taking the statistically-inadvisable shot.

Playbook Breakdown: Batum Guarding The Point

Portland has taken to switching the Blazer forward onto opposing point guards.

Breakdown: Opponents Stymie Blazers From Deep

The Portland Trail Blazers have entered a tough stretch in the month of January as teams have started to lock down on them from three-point range.

Breakdown: 'Batman And Robin' Two-Man Game

Portland Trail Blazers starters Nicolas Batum and Robin Lopez have become a surprisingly effective offensive pairing for head coach Terry Stotts. We have a video breakdown of why they are so crucial to the Blazers offense.

Playbook Breakdown: Wesley Matthews Sinks Spurs

Portland Trail Blazers guard Wesley Matthews sealed the game against the San Antonio Spurs with two big three-pointers late in Friday night's win. Portland's ability to adjust to the defense allowed them to get a big Western Conference win.

Playbook Breakdown: Batum-To-Lillard Alley-Oop

Portland's star point guard rocked home a thunderous dunk in the third quarter during a 108-96 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday. Kyrie Irving tried to fight over a screen on the play, leaving Lillard the open baseline for a dunk.

Video Breakdown: Lillard Deals With Double Teams

Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard has had mobile big men trap, double, or pressure him in several games this year.

Playbook Breakdown: Wesley Matthews In The Post

Enamored with his ability from beyond the arc, many have looked past Portland Trail Blazers guard Wesley Matthews' increased time in the post.

Playbook: Thomas Robinson Shrinks The Court

A video breakdown of Portland Trail Blazers forward Thomas Robinson's role in the offense this season, and why it might have led coach Terry Stotts to replace him in the rotation with Meyers Leonard.

Playbook: Blazers Ring Up "Hockey Assists"

A video breakdown of the Portland Trail Blazers' ball movement and how they are registering plenty of "hockey assists" this season.

Playbook: Damian Lillard's Progress On Defense

A video breakdown of the progress made by Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard on the defensive end.

Playbook: How Aldridge Handles Defensive Attention

A video breakdown of how Portland Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge is handling extra defensive attention this season.

Playbook: Portland's New Pick-And-Roll Defense

A video breakdown of the Portland Trail Blazers' new approach to pick-and-roll defense.

Playbook: Robin Lopez Hits The Glass, Alters Shots

A video breakdown of Portland Trail Blazers center Robin Lopez making an impact in the paint this season.

Playbook: Blazers Must Tighten Transition D

A video breakdown of the Portland Trail Blazers' struggles with transition defense and potential areas for improvement.

Playbook Breakdown: Blazers Bomb Away From Deep

A video breakdown of the Portland Trail Blazers' strong three-point shooting to start the 2013-14 season.