Nicolas Batum vs. Chandler Parsons
This Portland-Houston series has plenty of stars – five NBA All-Stars, in fact (LaMarcus Aldridge, Damian Lillard, Mo Williams, James Harden and Dwight Howard). And those stars are shining bright in what has been a highly competitive and entertaining series. But that doesn’t mean other players haven’t played starring roles themselves, and you have to look no further than the small forward position. After five contests, Nicolas Batum ranks among Portland’s top three players in points (17.2, 3rd), rebounds (6.6, 3rd) and assists (4.8, 2nd). And once the series shifted to Portland the first time, Batum topped his previous playoff career high in scoring (18 points) not just once (26 points in Game 3), but twice (25 points in Game 4). But just as the teams have matched each other nearly point-for-point and rebound-for-rebound, so too has Chandler Parsons in relation to Batum. The Houston small forward ranks third on his squad in scoring (20.0) and fourth in rebounding (5.8) as the series heads for Game 6 in Portland. That means at least one more chance for these two players to enjoy the spotlight. Of course, that also means another 48 minutes where each needs to guard the other.
Nicolas Batum
• Recorded his two highest career playoff point totals in consecutive games this series (26 points in Game 3, 25 points in Game 4)
• In the playoffs, ranks third on Portland in scoring (17.2) and rebounding (6.6), and second in assists (4.8)
• This year, became the third Trail Blazer to record at least 600 rebounds and 400 assists in a season (Drexler, Wicks)
Chandler Parsons
• Scored at least 15 points in all four series games, including two games with at last 24 points (24 points in Game 1, 26 points in Game 4)
• In the playoffs, ranks third on Houston in scoring (20.0) and fourth in rebounding (5.8)
• Has increased his regular season scoring, rebounding and assists averages in each of his three NBA seasons