Rockets Survive Portland Rally
posted: 4/25/2009 at 12:30 AM
I've seen a game or two like this in this building. I'm trying to figure out if this was different, or just more of the same. If this was a confidence builder for Portland, or just a run-of-the-mill NBA game- you know, where one team grabs a big lead, the other makes a comeback, and the team that was supposed to win, wins. I'm hoping it's the former.
In the second meeting between these two teams this season, also in Houston, the game went very much the same way. The Blazers got off to a decent start, the Rockets then built a big lead, and were able to finally put Portland to bed late in the game. After that game we were thinking that if the Blazers were just able to sustain momentum, get a big shot to get them over the top, and get a few big defensive stops down the stretch, things could have turned out differently.
There were positives that came out of that earlier game, just as there were positives that came from this game. As dominant as the Blazers are at the Rose Garden this season, the Rockets home record was very similar. Meaning, the Blazers earned what they got on Friday night. Nothing is handed to you in the playoffs.
As much as Portland struggled in this game, they were in it in the end, and that shows Houston is vulnerable. At the very least, that gives the Blazers hope for Sunday's game 4, and potentially, in a game 6 back in this building. We came into this night knowing that all Portland has to do is win one of these games in Houston, take care of business in game 5, and that forces a game 7 back at the Rose Garden, where the Blazers aren't likely to lose again.
Nate McMillan said after the game that this was an odd contest, and that things were kind of "helter skelter" out there. That sounds strange, but I knew what he meant. It felt like both teams were just trying to survive, rather than executing a game plan.
The one game plan that was working for the Rockets was their attempt to make life difficult on Brandon Roy. Ron Artest wasn't about to be lit up for 42 again, and was allowed to physically punish Roy in ways that you can't during the regular season. The Blazer bench was having difficulty accepting that, as expected. As we've said all along, if the Rockets are allowed to hold, bump, and clutch, they're going to have the advantage in this series. Clearly, on this night, they were allowed to do that and more- things you aren't supposed to be able to do. But, that is what it is, and there's no use in going on much more about that. We did enough of that in the TV broadcast.
Roy should be given credit for still figuring out a way to rack up 19 points, even though he was 6-18 shooting. He wasn't allowed to get into the paint the way he was in game 2, and that was the game plan going in for the Rockets.
In situations like this, Roy simply needs others around him to step up. It's been someone else in each game, but it hasn't been more than one other at the same time. That's why Portland trails 2-1 in this series.
Rudy Fernandez was made for big-pressure games, and stepped up in this one with 17 points on 5 for 7 shooting from behind the three-point line. He hit three of those three pointers in the first half, and kept Portland within striking distance.
Steve Blake also played his best game of the series so far. He clearly outplayed Aaron Brooks in this game, racking up 16 points and 10 assists. Brooks was held to just 3 of 11 shooting, and 11 points. Blake spent some time kicking himself for rushing a three pointer in the final minute, with Portland down only three points, but it was a shot he's made before, and shouldn't shoulder too much of the blame for this loss.
Greg Oden also continues to find his rhythm in this series, and is playing better offense, and more physical defense, while figuring out ways to stay in the game. The pick and roll with Blake was working in the second half, and the Rockets were trying to make adjustments to try and stop it.
I left the locker room and started heading for the bus, when I ran into a Houston broadcaster, and we chatted briefly about the game. He said simply, "you guys didn't even play well, and yet still had a chance to win the game." He's right, and even though we're way beyond moral victories, it does give you hope for game 4. After all, all the Blazers need is one win in Houston to totally change this series.
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rudy needs more minutes, especially with brandon. if fernandez were running the baseline from the corner as roy takes the drive from the top. as all of those rockets collapse, boom! alley-oop. we need to recognize that brandon is only getting part of the way down the lane before they pack their paint. the baseline is open for rudy, batum, outlaw...
lamarcus should be coming across the lane running scola over a pick or two before getting in position to receive his entry pass on the block. also, lamarcus must show harder against outside shots.
travis needs to be played at the 4 against scola, landry or hayes. he is not getting comfortable shots against wing players. his offensive game all season has been predicated on the fact that he is playing against a slower bigger defender that he can get good movement against, and then elevate for his shot. the “keep doing what has worked all season” principle should hold true for outlaw. don’t suddenly ask him to create offense against smaller quicker wing defenders such as wafer, battier and artest. travis does not have a comfortable post game against these smaller guys, and has not played with his back to the basket this year or any other. also, travis should be given a shot at defending scola, landry and hayes as they take their outside shots. additionally, travis should flop against scola! i mean absolutely no disrespect to coach, or frye, but why take travis out of his comfort zone with just a few days left in the regular season? we need travis in his comfort zone especially against houston’s vaunted defense. we need his scoring, which will open things up for others in a way that channing will not.
we will win game 4. the rockets are giving everything to stay just ahead of us, and this will not last. as the game schedule switches from every third day to every second, we can take them. their older legs will feel the fatigue more than a bunch of 24 year olds. coach nate will make those oh so crucial counter-adjustments, and get us over the top. we did not play our best, but scrapped and were right there at the end.
lastly, i don’t want to get started too much on the refs, but they must call more blocking fouls on brandon’s drives. he did get some calls, but the rocket defenders are moving their feet as they impede his progress with their bodies. plain and simple blocking, playoffs or any other time. they cannot be allowed to ride him away from the hoop. when oden does this, the whistle doesn’t stop blowing.
keep battling guys, you are right there!
GO BLAZERS!!!
Hey MB: we only get 10 freakin freethrows? hmmmmmmmmmm......
This was the typical close game in which you see:
1) if your coach is good or not? Answer: no.
2) Americans does not understand yet that basketball is a team sport.
Our boys for reasons unknown, in total defiance of common sense and logic reverted to every one of their early season bad habits especially in the first half and on offense. It's amazing they could close it to 3. The game was no where near that close. It was uphill the whole game, very much like game one except the Rockets did not hit their shots as well.
Credit: Yao, did not beat us; Brooks did not beat us; Artest did not beat us. We beat ourselves by doing all the wrong things I presume Nate has been teaching them not to do the whole year, and largely doing them poorly. I thought they got it. Guess not.
We have enough talent and luck to come back in a game like this even when it is hardly earned. Either the Rockets are one hellaciously good defense or we gave them this game. The Rockets are good, in my view, but not that good. You cannot quite thoroughly control their big three and forgot all about Scola and Battier, and the rest. They are a team too.
Play Houston like they played the Lakers and Spurs, Milwaukee and Cleveland in the last month and you will score 100 plus and win not with ease but not as a squeakier.
You cannot win if you do not make shots. LA (6 of 15) and Travis 2 of 11) in particular again did not have it tonight. You tell me why. Brandon was not any better, but he worked his tail off. You cannot plan on winning your games by relying on 3 pointers and long 2 point jump shots. Oden showed he was quicker than Yao but rarely got the necessary pass. They mostly forgot how to pass. Is that all Houston? I don't know but I do know that time after time we came down slowly, dribbled around to eat up time, let one guy handle the ball one on one with whoever and the with the shot clock running down force a long shot. STUPID. You cannot get out of round one that way and you should not.
The only guy who played like the game meant everything to him was Brandon as usual. It's not fair and it is doomed to fail if all we can show is Brandon the genius and the rest is wasted long shots. He then feels he has to force it and takes shots he should pass. 6 for 18 is not going to do it. When Brandon has to foul himself out to stop the clock you are cooked. One and done. I am beyond disappointed.
We started 4 for 16, can't win that way. Only Scola had more than 3 fouls for Houston (total 16). We had two 4s, a 5 and a 6 (total 25). Something's wrong here. When was the last time Brandon fouled out of a game? It's completely rework things or plan your off season. The good news is that the odds are pretty good they will put on their Laker personality Sunday.
Hey Mike (and co.). I've written a few times here lately that I'm here in China. Now with this series I'm enemy number 1 cause I'm a Blazer fan (and EVERYONE else is a Rocket/Yao fan). Well today I was sitting in the internet cafe watching this game with about 20 other people on their computers watching it too. I was soooooooo ready to start hoopin and hollerin as the Blazers pulled out the come from behind victory. But, alas, they fell short and I had to take the walk of shame and say "next time."
But I think we can get game 4, I really do. No more moral victories for the players, but fans can still take all the moral victories we want, right? We were right there, but this was new to us, playoffs on the road, and we experienced some game 1-ishness. So I think we're in a good position to take game 4 (after a battle and a half of course), and then head home with our head high.
BLAZERS!
I might have a stomach ulcer.... but man was this close in the end...
and the thing that kills me is that after our season, I felt like we were primed for the comeback win.....
sooooo close, yet not there.
I do have confidence that we have almost stole one TWICE in this building, and the odds our in our favor for a WIN!!!
We played a CRAPPY first half, but managed to stay in it, which is huge considering how we rallied in th 2end.
WE CAN DO THIS!!!!
I KNOW IT!!
we look better and more ready for physical play than all season, its time for a DOMINATION ON THE ROAD!
lets do this, and prove that homecourt counts....
GO BLAZERS!!!!!!!!!
Some blame to the refs, of course, especially for calling ridiculous early fouls on Pryz, Oden, and Roy while Yao etc. went uncalled for the same offenses or worse well into the 3rd quarter...
But the rest goes to Nate. Ice ice ice cold Outlaw instead of on-fire, red hot Rudy? Channing Frye at center but no Sergio sub for Blake as he continued to miss shots and passes in the first half?
Roy had a bad night, LA not much better; still, the game could clearly have been won, if every opportunity hadn't been blown by the worst bench management possible.
I'd like to see Outlaw trapped in an actual block of ice on the sideline for the rest of the series, somewhere Nate could never decide to play him for half a crucial playoff game ever again.
I've said from the beginning if we lose this series it's all James Posey's fault!!!!
All we have to do is win ONE game in Houston by at least 1 point, and we will almost certainly win a game 7 at the Rose Garden.
Hey, Nate, did you see Rudy last night? Really? Did you see him scoring, defending, passing... Do you ever know he has tremendous playoff's experience? Stop looking your schedule, your plan and start to watch the game
I am not sure what I saw. I know the Blazers couldn't buy a basket in the first quarter. It looked like they were tight. One of those shooting droughts they have from time to time. All teams have them. It was definitley a bump and grind, push and shove contest out there. I agree that it is encouraging for game 4. The Blazers haven't had 2 poor shooting games in a row that I can remember in quite a while. I did see some pretty bad calls on both sides. The refs need to be consistant. They refs were playing worse than the Blazers, in both directions. That is not usual for Dick. I concider Dick to be one of the elite officials. I knew Blake and Rudy would eventually step it up in this series. I am waiting on Travis to do the same and Batum. I know that Houston doesn't allow the Blazers to be the slashers they like to be. I don't understand why they keep shooting jumpers when they are off that bad. They need to take it to the basket in those circumstances. Which they eventually did in this game. That opened the jumper door for them. Next game will be different if the refs do a more consistant job. I do have to admit that Adlemans appeal to the NBA about Yao getting fouled seems to have put that in the refs heads. Now if we can get that both ways, for Greg and Joel too, we will be in good shape. Defintley a Strange Game. You know When Your Strange Faces Come Out Of The Rain. Oh by the way MIKE BARRETT. Nice job on not jinxing the foul shots. Did you see how that worked better? I Did!
GGGGGGOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
BBBBBLLLAAAZZZZZEEEERRSSSSSSSSSSS
Good morning Mike:
Although we lost I thought it was a great game. A game that played that hard should have no losers.
This being a play-off series, also the first road game of the play-offs played by these young Blazers, They did great. IMO, since it is the play-offs, we are still in the race; it is not too late for a moral victory. We are young and still learning. We erased any doubt that that we could win in Houston. I am not saying we will win Sunday, or the next time we play in Houston, but it will be a much different ball game because we know we can win.
You told me at the first of the year that the reason the whole team gets bogged down on shooting all at once is defensive schemes that confuses the teams. The answer is adjustments on the run. Steve and Greg or BRoy and Greg for the whole game, Yao cannot leave Greg to help out on Steve or BRoy. life will then be much easier on BRoy and Steve.. LMA could do the same. The same play using LMA instead of Greg would work.
Travis:
Everything you said sounds good. My question is do they also block all the passing lanes when they pack it in on Roy? Also, you stated that the Refs must call more blocking fouls against BRoy. I think that would be great, but don't know how Portland can change that, since it isn't an option for us. Therefore, we need to play around the defensive abuse of Houston. We have to play hard enough and good enough to over come the refs.
hg
This playoff officiating is really pissing me off. First of all, I don't understand why games are called differently then in the regular season. It's the same teams in the same league with the same rule book. Second, the refs were obviously confused about which game they were supposed to be calling. Apparently the thought they were calling a football or hockey game if the Blazers had the ball; and at the other end they seemed to thing they were calling a girl's junior high game. It's bad enough that they allow the Rockets to play a very physical defense (if you can call all of that holding and bumping defense) but they hardly allow the Blazers to play any defense at all.
Now that I got that off my chest, I think the Blazers have a good chance of winning game 4. Lamarcus is still having a hard time getting good looks against Scola, but he's adjusting. Oden is a beast and is figuring out how to play D without fouling. Fernandez is getting his threes even against this defense. And other than an ill advised shot at the end, Blake did just what we needed and found ways for the team to put some points on the board. We've seen the best the Rockets can throw at us. After last night, I don't see any good reason for the Blazers to lose another game in this series.
Tell the Lakers they're next, and we're ready to make it 11 straight in our house.
From a fan who has seen a ton a lot of Blazers losses in Houston this one did feel different. Portland looked like a team that could take the game at any time they wanted in the second half. It almost felt like Houston was running out of gas and Portland was about to over take them.
This was great basketball and the Blazers should take a lot of confidence away from that game. I loved the effort and how they hung in there and never went away.
The Blazer fan base has to be feeling great. I know we can win game 4. I'm even more confident now.
mfre1111:
I just read Blazer's Edge. Dave says the reason our offense was bad was because of two words. The first word was chicken and we can figure out the second word.
But, I do know we can beat them. I don't think Dave meant fear of physical pain, but more of fear of failure. Maybe that is why we play better when our backs are against the wall. Maybe, they try to play not to lose rather than play to win until their backs are to the wall and they have no choice. I agree with we don't shoot badly like that in two games straight. Plus I feel that Sunday's game is more of a desperate victory than this one was and we will play to win. What do you think?
sk8erpizimp:
I don't think Yao can handle Greg either. If they get him the ball, it won't matter if Yao fouls or not Greg will take him and rack up some points and wear him out.
Did you see the look on Greg's face the second time he dunked on Yao? That look was priceless. It was a look like wow!! I can play in the NBA. If they will throw him the ball where he can work on Yao, if Yao don't foul, Greg will have him wore out by half time. When Greg is out Joel plays him pretty well. And I think Joel could score on Yao. Yao did not show a lots of resistance when Greg took it to him.
I have been thinking when LMA post up and starts his move, instead of panicking and throwing it back out when Yao comes over to help, use his athletic ability and dish to either Joel or Greg for an uncovered dunk. I know Joel is not an offensive threat that Greg will be, but he can put up uncontested dunks to make the defense play him honest.
I am long winded but it is my ways of saying I agree with you get the ball to Greg. It won't all happen in one game, but enough to scatter out their tight defense and give our stars a better chance.
I know we can beat Houston at Houston now!! Do you think the team knows it?
hg
Best play by Brooks: Sprinting with the ball up the court so nobody could foul him until he ran right up to Roy to foul him out of the game. No Roy for last second heroics. Smart.
Greg Oden looked like he was beyond comfortable playing against Yao. Oden was smiling a lot. He knows he can take that giant. Loved the aggressive moves to the basket. No reason the Blazers can't do more of that. Gregzilla's play is wearing Yao out, the big guy was really huffing and puffing much of this game.
If the refs can review a 3-point shot to see whether a player's foot is on the line, then they can do the same thing with out-of-bounds calls, right? BRoy didn't step out of bounds, as called, and we all saw it. Camera don't lie. Portland received an undeserved, and untimely, turnover instead. In the post Tim Doghagny (corrupt cash-taking ref) world, restoring fan confidence in the officiating might require taking as many non-judgmental calls out of the hands of the refs as possible, particularly ones that all the world can clearly see were bad. Instead, we are left to wonder whether that incompetent whistle is the result of the ref's previous phone conversation with his pals down at the casino. Who knows?
Mighty hard to win if LaMarcus and Travis are both missing their shots. Rudy and Blake had to pick up the slack and did, partly. The game was like game #2 reversed. This time the Blazers hit several dagger 3's in the last moments and almost pulled it out.
The Blazers look good for game 4. They can do this. Great match-up, bone-cruncher series.
Rip City.
I hate to complain about officiating, it usually evens out, but this game was just like game 1. The refs allowed Houston to play any physical defense they wanted ie: pulling jerseys, body blocks on lay ups, throwing players to the ground, in the meantime, our guys get called for phantom calls, and very little contact. If Oden would get the same opportunities as Yao, he would dominate every game, but the NBA cant be havin that...a rookie take over the chinese money maker for them...no no no...that would be bad for business. We had our chance at the end after we played 8 on 5, and Blake forced a shot with too much time. But in all fairness, if we could play 5 on 5, the blazers would take this in 4 games. Game 2 was bad officiating, but atleast it was even, this was just rediculous...David Stern needs to call his refs out and take them back to school. Game 4 guys, take the Jazz catch phrase for the playoffs...GET NASTY!!
I don't know what LA's personal emergency was but his head never got in the game. Who knows where Travis head is, he looks lost. Oden proved he can stop stupid fouls if he thinks and continues to show promise. Rudy was Rudy what can I say. Too many people didn't show up ready in the 1st half but that is a bad habit all year.
I hope the team can extend the series to game 7 because they need all the experience they can get.
After watching game 3, I have big doubts. You can see the weaknesses that the players need to work on during the summer.
I feel that Greg can make the most improvement. He clearly needs to work on his offense as well as free throws and conditioning. But you can see that he needs to remain heavy to battle against Yao.
Rudy needs to gain a lot more strength, Roy needs to improve his 3's. Lamarcus needs to improve his driving to the basket. Batum needs to gain strength and improved shooting.
There are some who I think have reached their potential such as Steve and Joel.
With all the improvements and Martell coming back, I think next year we can win 62 and reach the championship finals.
I wonder what the team is going to do with Ruffin, Randolph,Frye, Freeland, Koponen and 4 draft picks. It's probably gonna be the last exciting draft for a while.
Mike I try to be as objective as I can about the officiating but I am finding it increasingly difficult. First we had a Joey Crawford officiated game. How did this guy get back in the playoffs?!!? I remember when he was suspended when the whole Donaghy thing came down and Jim Rome had Mike Mathis, former lead official on, and he said that he thought Crawford should have never been hired in the first place, that he somehow good ol boy networked his way in.
Now I know when I see a bad foul call or lack of call go against us I am at home cursing my TV, but I don't react as strongly when the bad call benefits us so I know I am not completely objective. Having said that, the out of bounds call on Brandons baseline drive was COMPLETELY MADE UP! This is not a judgment call. This is a very easy first year kindergarten call. A part of the players body has to touch out of bounds, if you do not see that happen there is no reason to make the call. You don't anticipate something like this. Actually hear is something all refs should hear. YOU DON'T ANTICIPATE CALLS!
When that terrible out of bounds call was made my first thought was the NBA wants the L*kers vs Cavs in the finals, and therefore is not going to let the Blazers past the Rockets as that would greatly jeopardize the chances of that happening.
While watching the game with my kid he says in reference to the bad calls, "I get it we're a young team, sorry for making the playoffs, sorry for trying to win too soon."
Which brings me to my other gripe. Why in the hell are officials allowed to haze young players? I'm not just talking about last night either although the call on Oden when Yao walked into him to set-up shop was a complete BS call in a game where these two giants had been waging war against each other. I am talking all season long against any rookie on any team who has not been preordained as an all star.
Of course there is also the all-star treatment that some players get as well. these two things are an acknowledged part of the game by everyone. WHY!?
Then to pour salt in the wound of us Blazer fans, we are up here in the northwest so even our all-stars don't get treated like all-stars, which is the way I would want it but I want it that way for all.
Lastly, in a support the troops mentality, some people need to be called out but I will wait until the playoffs are over.
The officiating thing is so bad that I would love to hear from anyone who thinks there is no such thing as all-star treatment or rookie hazing.
I am not going to comment on all the drives by Brandon where I thought he was fouled because I know it would slip right by me if the same call was missed on an Aaron Brooks drive. I am a Trailblazer fan and I know I see things through Rose Garden colored glasses.
MB, I read all this jinx talk on your blog by other posters and when I read it I think it sounds silly but during the game I have to admit that I feel the same. I know its silly but its true.
I don't know if "The Professional" could let such a thing tinge his broadcasting but you have heard our voice.
Cut yourselves a switch Rockets we are going to put a whoopin on you and your three gray shirted allies.
Rip City!
Damn, the Rockets have a lot of weaponry. Just when we contain one or two they throw a couple more at us. I don't think they (Houston) played exceptionally well and they left the door open for us but when they needed clutch plays they found them.
The Blazers didn't help themselves with sloppy turnovers and LA's game not living up to his potential. When LA is on fire we all seem to be hot but when he is under par we rely too heavily on Roy and he cannot do it alone.
Good to see Rudy find some open threes last night. The rally was good but it was too little too late. If Roy had not fouled out he may well have driven into the lane and gone up for the basket and tied for OT (instead of Blake's hasty, quick response with almost 16 sec. still on). Travis too needs to step up. I was lookign for him to be much more of a factor last night and he wasn't. Oden though had a great game.
I am convinced we will win game four and five. We have to believe and keep the faith.
Go Blazers!!!!
I spent the whole time wishing we didn't get the Mavs in the playoffs, but I think by this point I would have prefered them. The rockets are able to get away with too much crap in this series, stuff you wouldn't and haven't seen in any other series between two teams.
If the Blazers were able to stay that close with every call nearly against them, than my faith and trust in this team winning only rises. Like B-Roy said at the end in the post session, the Blazers just need to find a way to stay in the whole game instead of letting a lead go to 17.
And by the way, the amount of free throws Portland got to what Houston got proves how corrupt the NBA can be. This game was played physical, but the small, lesser state got the punishment for it.
Lastly all I can say at this moment is that everyone that has a Game 5 ticket yell out Houston sucks the whole 48 minutes, or something of that nature. I find it horribly pathetic that the Rose Garden crowd gave a standing ovation to a player that now supposedly is done forever, and in return we got "Portland Sucks". (yet again though, I wasn't able to watch the game, so maybe Portland fans were yelling Houston sucks, but I don't see a Rose Garden crowd doing that). I'd be embarassed to be a Portland fan if it was the other way around.
Oh, and as always I just remembered something - STOP TAKING DESPERATE SHOTS! One thing that I think really screwed us up was that desperate shot. One reason this team can get back into a game is because the other team tries to take that desperation shot to end all momentum of the other team and make it so the crowd goes wild. Than Portland gets back and the crowd craps their pants (oh another thing about that Portland sucks chant... great way to hold it until the very last second Houston fans...). Anyways, we need LMA to get closer to the hoop. He can post up against Scola, I'm sure he smells bad but I'm sure LMA can post up and get over Scola, if not - do what he does best and find an open shooter.
Once this team learns to stop taking jump shots, this team will be ready for the NBA championship. That could happen tomorrow, it could not. I just hope it does happen tomorrow.
Good blog Mike, Game 4 is Portlands
Oh Mike, any update on why Joel got that technical foul? I've watched it about 10 times now, and I see nothing, nothing at all he could have done wrong to earn that Technical foul.
When I saw the list of officials for this game I was happy, I think Dick Bavetta (or whatever his last name is) is a great official, but what the hell was he doing? Doesn't he override Tony Brothers, who obviously is getting paid more if the Rockets win?
We've seen it all year-- If they let Oden play, we win the game. It was 5 on 8 last night.
I am so proud of my team! I saw the REAL Portland Trail Blazers for a glimmering moment midway thru the 3rd quarter. That hard playing, sweet shooting, and smart passing group of guys. A CONFIDENT team. A team that started to defend like they were capable of. A team that looked like they knew that Brooks and Wafer are only human. That Scola can be guarded and beaten to crucial spots on the floor.
Some areas I think need improvement: Greg and Joel gotta play straight up a little more, especially on smaller defenders to avoid fouls and show who is boss with shot blocks. Second, we have to show Houston that we can attack more. If Wafer can cruise down the lane and slam, so can Outlaw. Third, we have to rebound and figure out how Yao and Scola, really all the Houston bigs are dominating the glass and why. Lastly, LaMarcus Aldridge. I think Scola is trying to intimidate him. He is just a step behind, a little too hesitant. He has to come out and show everyone that he is the better player. Keep his head and confidence high, even if he makes a mistake, fight on the glass, and put his head down with determination, put on those SMOOTH moves and basically do what he has done all year. A tip dunk or put back even yes- drawing a few more fouls would really open up his game. One more thing, what I saw in the second half was OUR tempo, the type of game that has been successful all year. If we can get that going in our favor for the majority of the game, and we are capable, then I see us winning game 4. I am a believer and I always will be. Our team needs to hold its head high, high, high all the time, even after a mistake because we are winners. Don't let the mass media fool, stymie or play psychological head games, we are WINNERS! All my thoughts and prayers, limitless and undying positivity and support. The talent is there Portland, what will the catalyst be? Go 2008/2009 PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS! WE LOVE YOU! RIP CITY!
Here's a question for ya Rip City: is Oden ready to start?
The Przybilla/Oden question has been asked all season and phrased in many different ways. Who should start? Should they play together? Who's the superior center? Really, there is no correct answer to any of these questions, but I'll throw out my opinions for my own peace of mind.
Who should start? I think starting Oden at the beginning of the season was a big mistake. Throwing a rookie into the fray against the biggest of the bigs did nothing but jangle and injure the young man. We should have eased him into the role; let him dominate the other rookies before handing him over to the big dogs.
Who is the superior center? Joel has been having an amazing season and definitely earned his nickname, "The Eraser." He is the center we need, and we are very lucky to have him. That being said, I still think his value is going to be found coming off the bench.
Should they play together? Absolutely, but in small doses. I'm repeating a previous post, but we are yet to see it in action. I don't want them both in to score; I want them both in there for a defensive surge between units.
I think Joel is a leader. I recall him lecturing Bayless on a few rookie mistakes, and that is the sort of energy we need in our second unit: calm, experienced energy. Sometimes, our bench looks like a bunch of kids waving guns around: sure, they can hurt you, but it's more likely they'll shoot their own toe off. Joel could be the safety catch.
Well that's all I have time for; there's still much tinkering to be done before my army of Refbots is ready to march. However, in the spirit of fairness and competition, I will give away the secret behind my forthcoming invention: Duck Hunt. Remember the game that came married to Mario? The little gun took a snapshot of the action and translated it to the Nintendo. I think technology has come far enough since then that the same device could recognize a foul, traveling, or a step taken out-of-bounds. Get to work, my fellow mad scientists! We have a sport to save!
Go Blazers!
the baseline is open, trust me. we all know that brandon is a good enough passer and smart enough player to make it happen. batum had a dunk or two going baseline early in the series. it has opened up even more since then. with all of those rockets collapsing around roy this game, roy could throw a lob if he is in the air, or get a quick pass from the floor. they are defending his shot. he might not get many more lay-ups this series, but he certainly can get some assists from his drives.
also, with all of the things that i've been seeing said about travis (a little here, but mostly elsewhere), i want to repeat myself a bit. he needs to play at the power forward position to get his 12.8 points per game. don't blame catfish for looking exactly like a fish out of water. with frye back in our game plan has changed his role.
lastly, GET THEM! ATTACK! GRIND THEM DOWN! WE ARE THE BETTER TEAM! GET THEM! DON'T LET UP. DON'T LET THEM BREATHE! THEY ARE GETTING TIRED AND CAN'T HANDLE MUCH MORE. STAY TOGETHER! MAKE THIS AN HISTORIC SEVEN GAME GRINDER WHERE THE LEGEND OF ODEN, FERNANDEZ, ALDRIDGE AND ROY IS BORN. GET THEM!!!
GO BLAZERS!
I try not to complain too much about the officials, because I know it often sounds like making excuses for poor performances. But the Blazers fell short last night because of both, imo.
First off, as in game 1 of the series, the officials set the tempo of the game heavily in Houston's favor early. They did this by calling ticky-tack fouls on a key player for Portland in the opening minutes, then sitting back and watching as the Blazers struggle to find where to be aggressive and establish a rhythm. In game 1, it was Joel. Last night it was Roy. Some credit needs to be given to Houston for selling some calls with flops. That's just what teams with veteran players do. It's a cheap tactic, but I don't see it going away any time soon.
What's killing the Blazers is they're just letting it happen, and instead of maintaining their aggressiveness at both ends of the floor, they're going soft and letting Houston further bully them into position. The Blazers have to learn to fight through that, stand up for themselves, and force the officials to make the right call, rather than the easy call.
The Blazers also have to do much better on the defensive end. They keep leaving key players at the defensive end. I lost count of how many times Scola was left wide open last night and the Blazers can't do that. Yao, Artest and Scola have to have a man open all the time. The other problem is that the Blazers are not guarding the paint well at all. They struggled with that all season, and now it's really hurting them. I'd like to see the Blazers playing a 2-3 zone, where their 2 bigs guard the paint, and hang as close to the rim as possible (without drawing a 3 second violation). Have the guards playing man to man, and switch on all picks.
I'd also like to see Batum get MUCH more playing time. He's our best defender, and why he's only playing 15 minutes per game in the playoffs is beyond me. Put him on Artest and that's one problem solved. And the Blazers seem to forget that Batum can score, if called upon to do it. He's a great jump-shooter, we just don't call on him to do that enough.
This may sound harsh, but Outlaw was a wasted body last night, and played far too many minutes. I know he tries hard, and I think last night was an example of him trying too hard. He felt like more of a liability last night than a benefit. I think Outlaw is great when he's on, but his inconsistency is going to be a liability during this and future playoff runs, and I fully expect he'll be traded this offseason.
fivehundreddogs:
You might have the right idea. Start Greg in the Rockets game, because if and I do say if Oden can keep scoring like he did last night, that will stop much of the ganging up on Brandon and LMA. We need one more scorer in the first unit other than Steve. Steve is good but not as an easy inside scoring.
Joel could help the same on the 2nd unit because Rudy will get him the ball for dunks and both Greg and Joel can play rebound and play D.
Your Nintendo idea is good. It was said that if you can check with a camera to check a 3 point play, you should be able to do the same for an out of bounds.
hg
Travis;
Sounds good to me. I also agree about Travis. He never has been great a the 3. Last night when he was posting up I thought he could have easily gotten to the rim and dunked.
hg
Great blog, Mike. I think you had a very good perspective on this game. And like the others, I appreciated the "silence" during the Blazer free throws (the few that we had). There was a sort of perceived jinx factor which I agree was present.
The Blazers will have a better game 4..just wait and see.
Go Blazers
The only time I groaned loudly in disgust was the last play, when Brooks raced in and got the rebound from his missed free throw. Channing Frye was in the game for one purpose: GET BALL! Nothing else. Why didn't Channing dive for the frick'n ball? Why didn't he jump off the ground? Why didn't he have a nasty floor burn fighting for the pill? Every fiber in his 6'11" frame should explode for the board. He is the T-Rex, the ball is a T-bone steak. Grab it! Got to have a little fire in the belly.
LaMarcus had an off night, true, but here's a guy who had a huge game #2, and the Rockets put increased defensive pressure on him. In such a case, Houston would expect to pick up a few fouls in the effort, but that's a good trade-off. Surprise! LMA plays 44 minutes and doesn't get to the line a single time. Not once. Must have been the finest defenders ever known, or something.
Portland has 10 chances at free points total. The Rockets get 14 more chances at free points and win by 3. Joel: None. Greg: None. Blake: None. Outlaw: None. . . . Take away the refs and the Blazers win comfortably.
Blake is right, if all the Blazers ever show up on the same night they will waltz to victory. Game #4 ought to be golden. They know what to do. Do it.
Rip City.
Last night was Bad. Bad BAd BAD. But we saw two good things that I can't emphasize enough: Rudy and Greg.
I still remember watching the gold medal game last summer on my cpu and thinking again and again of the spanish team: "Who the heck are these guys???" When I realized later that Rudy Fernandez was a Blazer I wondered, "Are we gonna treat this guy like Caulderon?" I think we have - and granted, he's a rookie in a different league. It is not Euroball (maybe Euroball is better, I don't care - it's DIFFERENT.) That said, alls season Rudy has shown he's clutch, he' smart, he's energy, and he is more and better of all of it every game. It's time to step up his PT.
Same for Oden (as some of you have said.) The officials on ESPN said after his 2nd (fast) foul that Nate should leave him in - let him play. I agree. Let him foul out in the 2nd quarter twice and he'll learn. But when he wasn't giving away his fouls, I saw more of Oden last night than all season. Once he realizes that he's 2x as quick as every other center in the league, those dunks are gonna come more and more often - but that means PLAY HIM.
I like Blake - he's played his best ball. I like Outlaw - he's got touch when he's open. I like Pryz - he's meat and work ethic. These guys are the vets, and they give us composure. BUT, they aren't going to win us a title. Rudy and Greg will. They need more minutes - and after last night, the DESERVE more minutes.
That said, officials: the Pryz call was unbelievable. Broy on the line was, maybe, understandable. A top 5 roughest team in the NBA going nearly foulless when the ref's are calling tap touches? That is money in someone's pocket.
Two words: media market. There was an article in SI a few years back making light of how the Blazers ever made the finals in the 90's. The mock story had D. Stern with the Board, making it plain that the larger media markets needed to win - plain and simple. The money needed to keep coming in.
I laughed at the article. I still do, I guess. But I'm pretty naive.
FINALLY - it's not important that the fans now know the Blazers can win in Houston, and it's not important that the Blazers know they can win in Houston. What's important is that HOUSTON KNOWS WE CAN WIN IN HOUSTON. They know we played a TERRIBLE game last night. They shot 80% in the 2nd quarter. We...didn't. We were stagnant, didn't pass, took long jumpers in one-on-one sets, benched the hot hand, rushed the cold hand, and frankly, looked like we wanted someone to take the ball away and score for us. AND WE ONLY LOST BY THREE.
Houston knows that.
They're a good team, but they're not great. They're the old men at the open gym who beat up on the high school kids just because they know a trick or two. The old men at open gym can win the first run, maybe the second - but two hours later...well...you get the point.
Houston is a good team, but they're not great. They're physical, not talented. They're seasoned, not naturally skilled. It's only a matter of time before they simply get run off the court by a great, talented, skilled team who decides they're gonna stop being afraid of the old men and start playing ball for the sake of running the old men off the court.
Houston knows it. That's more important than anything else. Sunday is a scary scary day for them.
Oden realized it Friday, "Wow! I CAN play in the NBA after all!" It's coming. Oh sweet Rip City, it's coming.
From exile
I've never liked the concept of a "go to guy" and it really bugs me with a team as all-around talented as the Blazers. Even though Rudy and Steve were the hot hands in that game, it was BRoy with the ball in his hands and trying to force things late in the game. Steve had made several brilliant passes in the second half leading to easy shots, why take the ball out his hands?
Sometimes I think coaches take the easy way out and do what they're "supposed to" do instead of going with the flow of the game that's right in front of their eyes.
I know Roy has won a lot of games this year with late heroics, but last night he was being guarded by two of the league's best who were allowed to manhandle him all night. It was time to go with what had been working, time to take what the defense was giving you, and that was Rudy and/or Steve.
Travis & hg,
I'm with you guys on putting Outlaw at the PF. I'm pretty tired of seeing him hesitate for three, only fake a drive then take a heavily defended inside jump shot. I would prefer to see him cut in for position, get the ball down low and dunk or complete an alley-oop.
I love that he can make the contested three point shot when it counts, but frankly, it ain't been there lately. At this point, I think the three is in better hands with Batum. They don't go down as often as I'd like, but he usually only takes them when he's open.
Speaking of Slick Nick, where did his minutes go? Our best defender only got 10:16? I understand that Artest may just be a bad matchup for the Frenchman, but why not let him try Scola and hand Artest over to Aldridge? Either way, leaving this young man on the bench is a mistake. Leaving him out of the offense isn't too smart either.
Batum is not a big scoring threat at the moment and it's not because he can't shoot. He only seems to touch the ball when the other four run out of options. Why is that? Sure, he has made some rookie blunders, but none of them cost us games. His most common mistake has been making extra passes that lead to 3 second violations, but it takes two to tango.
When I weigh his mistakes against his accomplishments, I can see no reason to bench the young man. His biggest flaw is not going to hoop enough, but if I never got the ball down there I doubt I would either.
Until we get our starting small forward involved in the offense, we will struggle. Brandon Roy is good enough to make up for it, but should he have to?
game four belongs to the blazers. we have them dialed in and like their guy said we didn't even play well. GO blazers
Why is Outlaw getting more minutes than Rudy?
It's like they don't wanna win!
Travis is a good guy but he doesn't come close to Rudy's overall basketball skills and IQ.
Rudy has to play more minutes, if the Blazers want to win! He comes in and provides a boost! Outlaw comes in and starts throwing up bricks but he still gets 30mins a game! Rudy played 22 mins and was way more productive.
The way I see it, our first game was the first playoff game and we got smoked. We made adjustments and knew what to expect in game two. Game three was our first road playoff game. We didn't get smoked, but it had that potential. I think that now that we know what to expect, we will win game four. Game 5 should be a win by ten for us. Game 6 will be a nailbiter that could go either way. If it goes to a game 7, Portland by 15.
Mike: you must have a strong power. Did you realize how many free throws you made them miss because you bragged on them. Keeep it up you might become our sixth man.
hg
What worked? Going inside to Greg and Lamarcus. What didn't work? Lamarcus hanging out outside the paint for his jump shot. Lamarcus not playing defense on Scola. Letting them shoot while we stand still. The nearest guy needs to close on the shooter. Why are we double teaming people when Yao is not even on the court? When he is, we still have to close on shooters to make them release before they are comfortable. I just don't understand why this team doesn't understand how hard they have to play from the moment the clock starts (not just in the playoffs, all year). We all knew the Rockets would play hard this game and get some bogus calls in their building, but they did not beat the blazers. We just went in there half asleep. There is no excuse for the lack of effort in the first half. Experience and age should not make you come out and play with less intensity than you do in the regular season. This IS NOT youth in the playoffs, this is a coaching problem that has been going on all season. The team and coach apparently think that they can start games with no energy, and then just come back in the fourth quarter. I said when we played these guys in the regular season, and I said again with the playoffs: you can't do that against this team, or you will NOT win. That can work against the below .500 teams, but not against good teams like the Rockets. You will only play good teams in the playoffs, so wake up. I'm sick of the experience factor being mentioned. Experience is a factor in close games. Getting blown out, is lack of energy and preparation. You have to come to play. They had plenty of chances to win this game in the first half, by playing hard enough to not fall so far behind. The game was lost then and there, when Scola took one undefended shot after another. I thought the team might lose, but at least fight.
The coach has to bare a lot of the responsibility for this. We always think Nate is trying to get the guys to get into the paint, and get out on shooters, but how can he be? How does the team keep falling back into the things that make them lose, after they have seen the things that make them win? I think a big problem is players having the "green light" to shoot jump shots. That comes from the coach. The conventional wisdom is "if you have an open look, you have to take the shot". Coaches tell players that, because they want them to be confident, and not pass up open looks. The problem comes in when you have a player like Lamarcus who always thinks he has an open look, because he can shoot over most defenders. If you pass him the ball, and he is facing the basket, he will shoot no matter what better opportunities are right in front of him, like an open lane to the basket, where Yao would have to recover, and probably foul, plus a high percentage layup/dunk opportunity.
The logic is simple. If he is shooting well, and hits 5-10 shots from outside, it has less impact on the game than shooting 5-10 in the paint, and it is likely that percentage in the paint will be higher. Several of those 5-10 misses in the paint may earn free throws, and some of the makes could include the "and one" as well. Additionally getting their players to pick up fouls helps you too, so 5-10 shooting, is not 5-10 shooting inside, because it will inevitably mean more points. Lamarcus is so fast and talented, it is unbelievable that he doesn't play through the middle more. The coach has to give new orders. The whole blazers team needs to pass up questionable outside shots to take it inside. Even outside shots for Rudy and Blake should come from kick outs and good ball movement.
The blazers can win this series, but not playing like this.
Oh yeah, and Frye needs to stay on the bench as much as possible. He's made some nice shots, but makes too many mistakes to be in at this time of year. Sorry Frye, but you aren't aggressive enough to get a rebound over a six foot Aaron Brooks.
The good news is, it seems like Rudy and Blake woke up, so little by little we may have a full team next game. It just has to start with quarter 1. Hopefully Outlaw gets going.
Now if we can play aggressive and not pull up every time we get on the run. Big guys go to the damn middle on the break. Guards go to the hole and get fouled, make a shot, or hope the bigs clean it up behind you, but do not pull up for the half court set. The Rockets Love it when you do that.
Hey Mike Barret: Seriously, how is it that the average joe on this blog can see so many things our coach can't? We've been saying the same things all year, but there is no way that he prepared his team for that game. I mean how could you not play defense on Scola? How could you have things finally start going right, by having Blake hit Oden for two dunks in a row, followed by one for Lamarcus, and then pull Blake out, and abandon the inside game?
Maybe Nate should read your blog, because if he doesn't make these adjustments, he will become the biggest problem a franchise can have at the coaching position; a coach that is successful enough to never get fired, but not able to take the team to the next level, thus wasting years of the players potential. I hope he proves me wrong.
The fans in the Toyota Center were chanting "Potland sucks", and the blazers let them get away with it. Are you ready to play four quarters yet? We have more talent, but we are not using it due to weak effort, and basic tactical mistakes that have to come from the coach. Has anyone told these guys they are in the playoffs? Has the coach ever told them to concentrate on the inside game for more than one play in a row? Why did we draft Greg Oden instead of Durant if this is the type of ball we are playing? Get out on shooters, and get inside on offense, or go home.
hg: I think you are right about the playing not to loose more than to win. I think the next game is definitly pivitol. I am sure that Dave was just talking trash to get a response. He can't think anyone on this team is chicken ----. That is just ludicris. If Joel will get in shaqs face and brandon will get ready to throw down. The rest of the team looks like they want off the bench like " put me in NOW coach" Then Dave isn't watching the team I have been all season long. Maybe he should move to Houston. I said I was encouraged because we never have to poor shooting games. I think we will take it to them this game. I don't think we have a choice. Yes that is back against the wall. I just think for as poor as we were shooting and were still in it. Houston could be in trouble if we get on with 4 or 5 guys like I have seen. Travis needs to step up. In his interviews he keeps saying that they scouted us well. Almost everybody has got over that with the exception of him. He is due to have a good game. Houston is not going to let up or make anything easy. We will have to take it. What do you think of that?
mfre1111: I think I will have to agree with you since I've been thinking just as you have. I think Travis will come through tomorrow. He is becoming a big concern to everyone.
I stated yesterday on several blogs that we were going to take one while we were there, I stated I had no idea why I felt this, but I felt that we was going to win every other game.
I just read on Oregonlive that Nate is thinking about starting Oden on Yao to give us more offense since Travis isn't scoring. By taking it to the rack against Yao, he might get in foul trouble, but he might get Yao in foul trouble too. That would give us an advantage because our other center can work fine with Yao in foul trouble or out of the game noticed all three games when Yao gets two or three fouls he doesn't put up hardly any resistance of D. BRoy went right at him several times and he never moved.
Anyway, we agree tomorrow we will have our backs to the wall and we might as well put it all on the line. That would put pressure on Houston anyway, because they are not good closures.
hg
mfre1111: I think I will have to agree with you since I've been thinking just as you have. I think Travis will come through tomorrow. He is becoming a big concern to everyone.
I stated yesterday on several blogs that we were going to take one while we were there, I stated I had no idea why I felt this, but I felt that we was going to win every other game.
I just read on Oregonlive that Nate is thinking about starting Oden on Yao to give us more offense since Travis isn't scoring. And by taking it to the rack against Yao, he might get in foul trouble and he might get yao in foul trouble. I noticed all three games when Yao gets two or three fouls he doesn't put up hardly any resistance of D. BRoy went right at him several times and he never moved.
Anyway, We agree tomorrow we will have our backs to the wall and we might as well put it all on the line. That would put pressure on Houston anyway, because they are nat good closures.
hg
Oden should get the start. I actually think our second unit needs more help than our first unit. I mean the Rockets bench is scoring a ton of points.
Greg should definitely start.
it is important to note that oden scores on put-backs and when rolling to the hoop when our guards are being double teamed by his man. greg's back to the basket game is not reliably there yet. he has scored 10 points total in the last two games. if they were able to get him the ball when the rockets collapse on roy, that would be great. when yao is in foul trouble or out of the game, he may have success in the low post. it is my hope that with the increasingly physical post-season play, greg continues to make more and more of an impact.
our wing players are about to get loose on the rockets. rudy, outlaw, batum & roy will pour it on in game four. the L-train will get rolling as well. the rockets' physical play will yield diminishing returns as the series goes on...
I don't think Greg should start because he is a rookie, and it seems that most calls happen in the first two minutes, until the officials realize that they'll foul everyone out if they continue to call them. Thus, knowing the officiating towards Greg, he'd get into early foul trouble. I think what the Blazers need is an offensive set, LMA can post up against Scola, knock that annoying grin off his face (I swear next time I see that I'm going to punch a hole through my computer screen).
Steve Smith said it well, if LMA plays well in this series, Portland plays well. He needs to get his rythem going, and since jumpshots aren't falling for him, he needs to be aggressive. He's a leader of this team, and needs to show his dominance towards the Houston Rockets and show those idiot fans that indeed portland does *not* suck.
Today the game will be different. I'm thinking Travis Outlaw will have the game of his life. If he doesn't It will be said that He can't play well in the playoffs. They will say He's another Cliff Robinson. LA must shoot the ball when it touches his hand and not look to make a move when he pops out. He needs to take the shot before they close in on him, don't wait. The same for Travis. Roy looked a little winded towards the end of the game so he shouldn't bring it up court. Let Blake do that and then take it from there. Both Bigs did great, but my worries are Travis Can't be a NO-SHOW! BLAKE HAS TO GATHER HIS NERVES. Rudy has figured the game out. Today just go out there and kick some tail. Take the shot when the ball touch your hands don't give them time to close in on you!
Everybody knows that I am a homer, oh hmmm.
Rick Adelman said it doesn't matter who gets the ball in the basket, as long as the ball goes though the basket. That sounds like a good statement to me.
I am not a finger pointer, maybe because my BBIQ is to low to know who to blame, Nevertheless something is wrong when Houston bottles up two of our players and they spend the whole game trying to get on track. It comes off as By Golly, those are our top players and they have to score. ----Yao only took 7 shots for seven points. We denied him the ball so Houston went somewhere else. That sounds simple to me.
I believe that pick and roll play for Oden or Joel would be there the whole game. Or, a dish from Roy, Rudy or Blake would be there the whole game. If we have giants in the hole why not use them. Hell Joel can make an uncovered dunk. But no, he fumbles the ball once and they go back outside for their easy jump-shot. I say easy as in no brainer, or no physical work, not in high percentage.
My other LBBIQ feeling is, what is the different in letting Yao get 20 or four uncovered players getting big scores. If we had Greg or Joel on Yao, by themselves, he would get points but he would still be done by the half time. It wasn't his 24 points that beat us in game 1 it was our lack of matching points that beat us. If Brooks and Yao scored 30 points a piece as long as no one else gets in the game we still have a great chance of winning.
I know I have heard it millions of times; you have to establish D before you can have O. I really do agree with that, Nevertheless if our D holds down their two stop scorers and everybody else steps up and we lose, what did we accomplished?
Is Adelman smarter than Nate, I don't think so, but maybe he is learned not to be so mind set as Nate. (Note, I said mind set not bull headedness) If BRoy and LMA can't shoot then by golly, we will keep going to them until they can shoot. If Yao or Brooks can't shoot we will set up somebody else to take the load and punish them for just singling out individuals. I don’t give a darn who puts the ball in the basket as long as we win.
Regardless of all my ranting, I love the Blazers. I think we will win game 4. Like I said in earlier blogs, I do not know why, I just have the feeling that this series will go every other game.
Hg
Travis: Your analysis of our team and game 4 sounds like thoughtful knowledge, I will use it when talking to my Blazer friends.
Herr: IMO, there is some good points and bad points with Oden starting. If the guards on pick and rolls will give Greg the ball, that would also make Yao vulnerable for foul trouble. After Yao gets in foul trouble he plays very little D. If Travis and Rudy stays on track than starting Greg is not so important. We most definitely need another scorer besides LMA and BRoy.
Civil: I hope you are right about Travis. I hope he is not a Cliff. He does have a lot of anxiety, though. Part of his problem is he is playing 3 and not 4.
We all agree we will take game four. The Blazers play much better when their backs are to the wall.
hg
Hey Mike - Don't know if you'll see this before the game... but I think you may have another article to print & hand out (to one player specifically):
http://www.sportingnews.com/blog/the_sporting_blog/entry/view/23455/to_blame_or_not_blame_portlands_steve_blake
After game 2, every blogger here praised the Blazers and after game 3, every blog chastised the Blazers. I thought game 3 was a great game and exciting to watch. What exactly did the Blazers do soo wrong in your eyes, miss an open 3. Those same settling for jump shots is what killed the buttNuggets in the season finale and the Lickers and the Spurms late in the season ( I apologize that my fingers are too fat for this keyboard and I misstype thinggs) But nobody complained then. Sounds to me like a love/hate relationship with this team you all have. You love to hate them. Imagine if Dik Mudumbo were in this series and they played their twin towers on the court at the same time. Yeah you'd be really Blazer bashing on this blog about every players lack of play. Well, I love this team and if game 4 is as exciting to watch as game 3 was then there will be no losers, only poor ones. But if I were to pretend to know how to coach I would play Rudy more and unlike other bloggers here would keep Pryzbilla as starter. He is the third best center in the NBA with Yao being the second. Magic has the #1 guy.
I don't know what game the guy who wrote that article for Sporting News was watching. Blake made four or five perfect passes to cutting teammates for easy scores in the second half.
Blake plays within Coach McMillan's offense. So don't blame him by saying he can't create shots for his teammates. No PG can do much when his teammates are standing around, or waiting for a set play to develop. If his teammates are moving, setting cross picks, cutting to the hole, Blake will find them.
As far as Blake's inability to stay in front of Brooks, no one seems to say that about all the other PGs who can't stay in front of small, quick PGs, such as Brooks or Chris Paul. The guy with the ball in his hands has the advantage over his defender and the quicker the guy is, the bigger advantage.
cool hand blake plays better when hes pissed off so be my guest, fire him up. This team has not clicked in this series where they run on all cylinders and show the rockets that they really have no chance. The blazers will do that this game. They have been slowly trying to get their offence off. This game shes coming home. let see some nasty ass dunks over the wall. rudy? batman? roy!!! lets all get down GO blazers
Blazers!!! Nothing but hope, and jump shots. What a fantasy we live in. :( We've already lost this freaking series
once again reffs for the W i dont even think greg had a touch on the ball this game get him the ball early instead of waiting for him to be in foul trouble thanks i still have hope but its shorter then ever i hope the guys dont just plop over and let them have the next game but they have to remember next year nothing is promised so they need to take advatage now because you never know when you will be hert
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