In 2013-14, Matthews connected on 41 percent of his threes, impressive considering the long ball accounted for roughly half his 12 field goal attempts per game. He also debuted a stronger post presence, something he says he learned from longtime teammate LaMarcus Aldridge.
“I learned by watching him,” Matthews said. “How he picks and chooses his spots — when to be aggressive, when to go and make a play and when to make a play for others. I’m starting to get in that niche.”
That niche has served the Trail Blazers’ shooting guard well. According to Synergy, Matthews produced 0.939 points per play in post-up situations last season, ranking in the NBA's 68th percentile.
How he's scored in the post last season was similarly unique. One of his most effective moves was a quick turnaround shot, during which the Blazer guard leaps toward the basket and over opponents, tricking them with timing instead of taking a difficult fadeaway.
