When the Trail Blazers returned from Atlanta on Sunday, Rudy Fernandez knew he had to do something with his faltering shot, which has been off target most of the season.

So when he returned to Portland, Fernandez studied his shot by watching game film. And he talked with assistant coach Dean Cooper, who works with him after every practice and shootaround.

The two concluded that Fernandez needed a better "ready" position when he received passes on the perimeter. So Cooper instructed Fernandez to get into a crouch – or sit – as he prepares to catch a pass instead of being so erect as before.

"It's more in the shooting motion, and more power with the legs," Fernandez said, emulating the crouch on Tuesday morning. "I'm excited. I want to shoot better, and who knows, maybe it starts today."

Later that night in Dallas, Fernandez indeed broke out of his shooting slump, hitting 4-of-7 shots, including 2-of-3 from three-point range.