Portland Trail Blazers - Best Perimeter Defense in the league?

[iamgine]

There was this notion a while ago that Lillard was absolutely terrible on defense. For those who watched Portland games, has he improved immensely this season?

Portland is stifling the opponent's 3pt (29%) and assist rate (19 per game). Also, limiting opposing point guards to very awful shooting percentages. What kind of defense are they running? Can we call Terry Stotts one of the best coaches in NBA yet like we call Thibs?

Portland fans, what gives?

[BlazerRed]

Lillard has improved this year on the defensive end, but he's still no defensive monster. Wes and Batum are both good perimeter defenders, but I'm surprised at your stats to be honest. How does that rank among the league?

[StephHamann]

How great is Rick Carlisle?

His two assistant coaches are in Toronto and Portland, both play amazing basketball.

[YouGotServed]

They have had one of the easiest schedules in the league so far. Let's see how their defense looks come playoff time.

[iamgine]

Lillard has improved this year on the defensive end, but he's still no defensive monster. Wes and Batum are both good perimeter defenders, but I'm surprised at your stats to be honest. How does that rank among the league?
Thus far #2 in opponent assists, #1 in opponent 3pt%, #2 in opponent 3pt attempts.

Overall #3 in opposing FG% but I'm pretty sure they're #1 in opposing PG FG%. This is surprising to me mainly because of Lillard's rep as a terrible defender.

[russwest0]

westbrook/roberson/durant is a sick perimeter defensive trio.

I'd have to think of others as well.

[Thorn]

Would still go with Memphis perimeter defense over them...Conley/TA/Lee plus Q and Prince off the bench.

Matthews and Batum are great defenders though, long and Matthews is a pit bull.