Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith Say Blazers Will Make A Finals Run This Season
TNT analyst Kenny Smith was recently interviewed by Heavy’s Brandon Robinson. During the interview, Smith stated that the Portland Trailblazers have a good shot at facing the Golden State in the Western Conference Finals this season.
“I think that at times, what I’ve watched is a Portland te
am who was really close with Damian Lillard and [C.J.] McCollum and that they were too small to continue that,” Smith told Robinson.
“So everything had to be perimeter. But when you throw Kanter in, you throw Rodney Hood; those two guys can throw 60% from two-point range. So, I don’t think Portland ever had anybody who could consistently do that.”
Since the All-Star break, the Golden State Warriors have won 64 percent of their games with a 16-9 record. While averaging 115.1 points per game and 49% from the field. The Warriors first round opponents are the Los Angeles Clippers.
As for the Blazers, they will be opening the postseason at home against the Thunder on Sunday, April 14th. During the regular season, the Thunder took all four meets against the Blazers. That doesn’t necessarily mean that will hold over into the playoffs, but it is something that both sides are aware of heading into the matchup.
The Thunder went 11-10 over the last 21 games to close out the 2018-2019 regular season and are looking to bounce the Blazers out of the first round for the second straight season.
Smiths’ TNT colleague Charles Barkley back in March said he also believes the Blazers would have a long playoff run.
“Put it on the board, the Blazers are going to the NBA Finals!” — Charles Barkley
“Put it on the board, the #Blazers are going to the NBA Finals!” — Charles Barkley pic.twitter.com/Y10jr8M8SV
— NBC Sports Northwest (@NBCSNorthwest) March 8, 2019
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Landon Buford is an accomplished sports and entertainment journalist based in Richardson, Texas, with over a decade of experience covering the NBA, WNBA, NFL, WWE, MLB, and the entertainment industry. Known for delivering high-impact stories and headline-making interviews, Buford has earned a global audience through content that blends insider access with compelling storytelling.
He previously served as director of editorial and brand communications at PlayersTV, where he helped shape the platform’s editorial voice and brand identity. He is also the founder and editor-in-chief of LandonBuford.com—an independent outlet with more than 1.6 million views and syndication from major platforms including Bleacher Report, Sports Illustrated and Yahoo Sports. Buford’s interviews with stars like Gary Payton, Kevin Durant, Mark Cuban and Chris Paul showcase his talent for meaningful, in-depth conversations.
His bylines have appeared in Sports Illustrated, Forbes, Heavy.com, Meta’s Bulletin and One37pm, where he has contributed exclusive interviews, breaking news and cultural insights. At Heavy.com, his work drew more than a million views in just eight months, and at One37pm, it contributed to record-breaking traffic numbers.
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