A Shot at Redemption
posted: 4/20/2009 at 10:22 PM
During the NBA's regular season teams never get much of a chance to think about yesterday. As I've explained before, by the time we get to the bus, or even while the team is still showering and getting dressed, the coaches are plowing through game tape getting prepared for what's ahead.
For coaches this probably isn't one of the more enjoyable things about the hectic schedule. They are usually game planning for what's ahead, almost immediately, and it's the same after a win or a loss.
For players, wins are re-lived for a very short time, and there's almost no chance to celebrate. The tight turnaround is usually seen as more comforting after a tough loss. You never have to wait long for a second chance, and that's usually seen as a good thing. Players want the bad taste out of their mouths immediately.
But, in the playoffs, especially the first round, the games are sometimes spread out, and there can be a longer-than-usual layoff between games. In most cases, this is seen as a bad thing. However, in this particular case, for these Trail Blazers, they've loved having two days off between games one and two against the Houston Rockets.
"I usually want to get back on the floor as quickly as possible following a loss," said Brandon Roy, after practice on Monday in Tualatin. "But, I can't say that's the case here. We honestly have needed some time to let game one sink in, and to regain our confidence heading into game two."
Sunday, the day after the biggest home loss in Blazers' franchise history, the Blazers went through a long and physical practice. They used the practice to pound out frustration and embarrassment. Monday was about rebuilding, and that began with retooling the mindset.
"Houston certainly gave us some reasons to doubt ourselves with what happened on Saturday," said Roy. "Normally when we get behind early in a game, we know we can work our way right back into things. During Saturday's game, I was thinking 'this feels different.' I don't want to say we quit, but we were definitely down on ourselves."
So, the days off were very necessary for Portland. Monday's practice was all about reminding themselves what they can do right, and what they'll have to change to get on the board in this series.
Toward the end of the media session Monday, I sensed the players were getting tired of answering questions about how they were going to defend Yao, what they were planning to do to slow down Aaron Brooks, and how they were going to get past the defense of Ron Artest and Luis Scola. Houston deserved all the credit in the world for what they did to the Blazers in game one, but Portland's players were starting to turn the focus back to themselves. They seemed, after two days, to be starting to believe again.
There will be some strategic adjustments, to be sure. They'll likely use a different tactic in defending Yao, and will try even harder to force an up-tempo game. But mostly, they'll simply try and bring the energy, and focus, and keep it for the entire 48 minutes.
I wasn't shocked that Houston brought the fight to the Blazers early in game one. The playoffs are different, as we've talked about. There is a learning curve. The problem was, by the time the Blazers caught to the speed and intensity of what the playoffs are, the game was over. That shouldn't happen to them again.
The two days off between games has given fans time to sound off on what they think should change in the Blazers' game plan. I've been a little surprised that so many have suggested major changes in strategy, and have called for busting up the playing rotations that worked so well in the regular season. Saturday seemed like so much more than just one game. But, it was just one game. By the time practice was over Monday, the players were starting to believe that as well.
Monday night we hosted our weekly radio/TV show, Trail Blazers Courtside. I asked Blazers' assistant Joe Prunty to join us, as he's got plenty of playoff experience, having coached with the Spurs for nine seasons, and the last three with Dallas. He agrees, it's important not to forget what got you to this point, and talked about what changes should be made going into game two.
To listen to the interview with "Good n' Prunty,"
click here.
Tuesday night's game will be broadcast, once again, on KGW-8, and the Blazers Television Network, and our broadcast will also be shown nationally, and internationally, on NBATV. It's a chance for the Blazers to square the series at one game apiece, and to most importantly, put game one in the rear view mirror.
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One more addition to this post. Rarely do I read an article that perfectly sums up what I have been feeling and thinking. I found one today. Scott Howard-Cooper, who writes for SI.com, has a new piece on this Blazers team, and I couldn't agree more with what he has to say. I especially agree with his line on Portland's future, and how this season really wasn't ever about the present.
"In the real message, this is only the coming attaction."To read the article,
click here.
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I believe in you blazers!! You bring oneness to Portland fans, it's a beautiful thing.
I say use experience where you can find it - start Rudy, (move Roy to the 3 on D, Batum is no match for Artest anyway)- with his European & Olympic experience - he seems to thrive on big games. Lord knows we can use his 3's. Oden with his NCAA championship experience has also played in 'big' games. He seemed pretty calm & collected Sat night. I'd start him too. At the very least Yao would have a big body between him & the basket. Call me crazy - but I'd give Ruffin some minutes too - throw a few elbows to lower the Rocket's comfort level near the basket.
MB,
I'm not convinced that all will be fixed with getting their confidence back in a practice. There will likely be doubt in the back of their minds. It's critical to experience success early on. A win will be a great 1st step. Then we see how they responjd in a playoff road game. Still a ways to go.
Here is to a lesson hard learned. Glad to hear the players are not holding on to it too long though. Win or lose, this has been a great season and I have had a lot of fun cheering for our young crew.
They owe Houston a whooping on their court... I'm sure we won't forget this for the next couple of years.
Mike: great post.
As distasteful as game one was, We know we played a horrible game and we don't do that too often.
Win or lose isn't so much of an issue with me. I just want to see the team come out and play the game to the best of their ability.
I don't think we need to play with a completely different strategy as much as we need to play with our usual intensity. Everybody is complaining abut Yao getting all those points. It is no different for him to get 20+ points than it is for someone else. Let him get his points and stop everybody else. If we let Kobe get 30 or 40 points, it is no big deal as long as we control him and shut down other players.
Nobody can stop Yao he is just too much to handle. If Joel and Greg stay between him and the basket and if they don't get in foul trouble, they will eventually wear him down. Running plays at him will also wear him down or get him in foul trouble as BRoy did and Rudy did. Run as much as possible will keep him out of their defense.
If Yao got 40 points and we contained everyone else it wouldn't be such a big concern. Besides that, Joel and Greg together almost matched his points, and we did get him in foul trouble.
I think we should play Greg more against Yao because he is more of an offensive threat than Joel and can cause Yao as many problems as Yao causes us, and let Greg play regardless of early fouls. The refs seem to back off after they call a few fouls. Like you said, you bet Yao doesn't get another foul called on him in the first half.
As far as different defensive and offensive schemes goes, I have no idea. I do agree you keep doing the things with the same rotation that got you to this point. And that is hustling and playing hard fought BB. If we don't go 100% and play smart it won't matter what else we do anyway.
I am still just as happy with the team as I have always been, I hope they win at least one game and give 100%. That is more for their sake than mine. In my book win or lose they are still a great team.
hg
phi slamma:
Leaving the game early is a individual choice. Criticizing a player, or calling him out. Or criticizing the team is acceptable and is an individual choice. Calling players names and being insulting with criticism is not acceptable to me, but outside of telling the person that, there is not a heck of a lot can be done about it.
I am never embarrassed by the team's performance. Disappointed in performance? yes. If you are suffering from delusions of grander or if you owned the team and had reason's to believe they were great than humiliation and embarrassment could happen. Since the team has never claimed to be great and remain humble there is no reason to be embarrassed.
We the fans have no control on how the players play than I don't see any reason to be embarrassed by them.
If the team does not give 100% in your opinion and you paid hard earned money to watch them, you surely have the rights to leave early, turn off TV and critize them for a poor performance.
What is unacceptable to me or you may be completely acceptable to some one else. Besides, what can we do to a fan if there actions are unacceptable to us? How do you call anyone out if they refuse to be called out?
hg
Everyone in the playoffs has something to fight for, it just matters of who is fighting the hardest.
The Bulls, who unexpectedly are fighting will against the Celtics, will probably win that series. The way they preformed against the former champs has been remarkable.
The Jazz, who at the middle of the season scared everyone, plumited and can't win a game due to their lack of defense, they aren't fighting hard.
San Antonio took a hit and nearly won by 20 against a team that finished nearly just as well as Portland.
Miami let their big do their work, and they couldn't get passed 64.
Chauncy Billups and the Thuggets heard their fans roar and let that momentum destroy the hornets.
Houston took advantage of Portland's youth, and destroyed them where they were thought to be invulnerable.
That was round 1: Let's see where round 2 is. I'll be working, but I'll be keeping an eye on my phone. I got nearly 50 txt messages when working saturday, all about the game. Let's hope that I get 50 more, but this time... it's the complete opposite.
Btw, with that picture... was Roy fouled? looks like he's getting hammered...
Hey MB.
I gotta admit, I didn't watch any highlights (lowlights), or read any reviews of Saturdays game till late Monday. But, as I started reading and listening to comments, I was also surprised at all the calls for the coaches head and all the negativity. It's just 1 game, and as you have said before, this group are really quick studies and very resilient. I truly believe that these guys will not allow themselves to perform that poorly again. That said, I really think that to win tonights game, we need a great performance by Batum and Outlaw. Their athleticism and length should really give HOU fits. TO needs to throw himself at this game 150% and leave everything he's got on the floor. We havent seen him go all out, all the time yet. I think thats what really frustrates a lot of us about him. Hes too lackadaisical for the most part. He takes too many plays off. If he could string together a few games at 100% it would create sooo many problems for other teams.
Nic just needs to be Nic. His effort and willingness to get after it at both ends of the floor were M.I.A. on Saturday. I think Nic is a game changer and hope to see him get after it tonight.
Thanks again MB. Great job all year and steppin it up in the playoffs. Just the way great teams do!
Jeff in McMinnville
Thanks for the update Mike. Why is this game not being carried by ESPN or TNT? This frustrates me as someone who lives outside Oregon, and doesn't want to pay it out the butt for a premium sports package that contains NBATV (which isn't even in HD). Portland and Houston are two of the better teams in the NBA with big names like B-Roy and Yao. Is this series any less compelling than the trash, no-defense basketball played by Boston and Chicago last night (seriously 115 to 118... the Blazers played terrible defense on Saturday, and still only gave up 108)?
On another note... I agree that the Blazers shouldn't completely throw out the rotation that proved so successful in the regular season, but just like you said Mike, the playoffs are a different beast. Teams have time to rest, prepare, and adjust. The Blazers would be foolish not to make the necessary matchup adjustments. Great players win games, but great coaches have a lot to do with winning series. Think of all the successful teams over the past 2 decades. Almost all of them had coaches that are excellent at playing the chess-like matchup game throughout the playoffs (e.g. Jackson, Popovich, etc..). I’m excited to see how the Blazers respond. Will Aldridge figure out how to be effective against the double team (something he hasn’t had to do most of the regular season)? Will Brandon light them up for 30+? Will Joel and Oden play Yao tough and give him different defense looks? Will Blake and Rudy step up from the 3-point line (because seriously… 7% shooting from behind the arc is embarrassing)? I think so! Go Blazers!
Ya, the biggest thing has to be our intensity! The Blazers have to bring it from the get go. I'd like to see them to run a bit more, but that starts on D. It's hard to get a fast pace when you are taking out of bounds after every made shot. Hopefully the Rockets cool down and we need to make sure they do!
Mike, I was hoping to come by to meet you before the game, is that possible. I'm in a wheelchair and my buddy that's going to push me said he doesn't think we'll be able to get by security?
At any rate, I'm pumped for this game and I'm sure the Blazers are too! Lets go!!
GO BLAZERS!!!
MGB,
Once things start rolling tonight for us, the only time I have is about 6:15 to 6:30, but you're welcome to come down. If you can't get down to the court, send your friend down to get me, and I'll come to you.
MB
HG: You suggest that because we as fans are not the ones playing the game, and have no control of the outcome, that we should not be embarrassed by a poor performance. Many fans closely identify themselves with their team. Watching the movie with Mark Wahlberg based on a non-fictional, hometown football player in Phillidelphia was a good example. An entire city down and out for years found hope in their everyday lives through their team. The blazers don't just represent themselves, they represent the city of Portland and the state of Oregon. If you don't feel humiliated with them in a game such as game one, then why should you feel joy when they win? Infact why should you feel any emotion at all since you are not the one playing the game?
There is no reason to make a lot of adjustments and go away from what got the Blazers here in the first place. The only adjustment is to play like they know they can play. If they come in with intensity and execute they'll be fine.
GO BLAZERS!!
MB,
You say your surprised that line up changes have been suggested after one game. Truth is this is the fourth game between these two teams and we barely pulled out one victory. We all knew we didn't want to face the Rockets because of the way we match up with them.
I suggested we go small with L-Train at center and move Catfish into the starting line-up. This certainly would help us to run more and would limit Yaos effectiveness against us. You yourself have often mentioned twin towers and this move would allow us to do it without worrying about foul trouble as much, shut Yao down in the second half, clean up on the boards and defend the paint.
I don't really understand why changing the lineup is considered so taboo in the first place. 29 other teams and we only have one line-up combination that works best for them all? I always hear Sarge talking about finding the right combinations, why can't that be tried before were in a hole in the 2nd quarter?
Still all being said I don't care how we do it I just want to win. This game has fools gold written all over it though. The natural tendency is for teams to ease up after they stole the first game and if we just barely eek out a win I don't think that gives us a lot of hope.
Maybe we don't need to do anything but play harder but this is our fifth game coming up with these guys and I hope that works.
Go get em Blazers! Rip City!
I think we need to get a giant panda(Yao) of our own. What about Sun Ming Ming? He's really, really slow but he's big (7ft. 9in.)
If only Kenny George was able to play again :-(
eclecticspider: I would not know if your idea would work or not, but how could we run if we never got a rebound and only got the ball after it went through the bottom of the net. Houston could shoot from anywhere on the court and Yao could get the rebound and score.
As far as already facing them 4 times, those games are in the past. Our young team is evolving so quickly that even the last game is obsolete.
It is true that we do not match up well with Houston and that scares everyone. Has anyone ever looked the other way and said if we go out aggressive and play our game, no one can match up with us.
We have the players and the talent; we need to be proactive and make them react to us, yes going small would help that but first don't we need to get a defensive rebound or two in order to run. I don't see the GSW in the play-offs and that is what they do. They are scary but if they can't get a rebound they lose.
I am not completely disagreeing with you because I honestly don't know. I am just showing you the cons of the way you are thinking.
I do know that we have one hell of a team from top to bottom. If we keep our intensity high and use all five players that are on the court, regardless of who they are we will prevail. The combination of those five players should stay within the limits of what worked all year because of the team work they have established.
This is all IMO. You have asked before for some feedback and although we don't see it all the same. We both love our Blazers and want success.
As you have said all year, Houston you had better cut yourself a switch.
hg.
phi slamma: I feel excitement and sorrow, I feel the glory of victory and the agony of defeat. I just don't feel the humiliation that you talk about. If they play the game the best they know how at that precise moment than why be embarrassed, stand up and be proud for what they are trying to do for the city of Portland. Is the only thing that counts is winning? It is true they did not play up to what we as spectators thought they should, but we didn't get in the trenches and know what they were facing. I can under stand criticism; that is not humiliation. The first time my baby tried to walk he fell on his face and bloodied his nose; I wasn't humiliated, I was just proud at what he tried to do. Humiliation is the lost of dignity and I don’t feel the city of Portland or the Portland trailblazers lost any dignity. We all are suffering from the agony of defeat. I am not feeling any loss of dignity. I stay humble.
hg
I'm not one to question Sarge and the playing rotation. But, I see a huge disadvantage at the point guard position when we are on defense. I know people say that Devin Harris is the fastest guard in the NBA, but our point guard made Aaron Brooks look like Aaron Bolt. I wouldn't start Bayless, but I would replace some of the minutes usaully given early to Sergio to Jerryd. Other than that, it's just the usual stuff, make jumpers and free throws and we're right back in this.
Look guys, this team has done this all year, not show up for one game and then be unbeatable the next. I trust Nate and the talent and pride of this team to give a good account of themselves tonight.
O.K. Portland, you all ready for this?!? It's game day, baby. Rise up for the UPRISE!!!
Look, we are ready. Truth be told, I was way more worried about what would happen in game one than I am about tonight's game. Everything went right for Houston and wrong for the Blazers. That won't happen again. The team now has gotten a taste of what it's going to take. They were embarrassed.
Roy is angry and hungry and that is a dangerous combination. Joel and Greg will be incredibly intense and will give Yao all he can handle. Steve will be much more physical with Brookes and Aaron will be much less of a factor. And we will see scoring out of Travis and Rudy to help carry us to victory.
The long layoff has been tough on us fans giving us way too much time to pontificate. No line-up changes are needed, just better effort. It will be nice to see how different this blog will read tomorrow after an impressive win tonight.
Rise up for the UPRISE!!!!!
RIPCITY!!!!!!!!!!!!!
HG,
I do see that we would be vulnerable to offensive rebounding but I guarantee you that will happen anyway because I am sure we will be fronting Yao tonight.
As far as this being a new team we still have ourselves the same problem with them.
I also am recommending the line-up change because of how well Scola guards L-Train. I don't think he could keep up with Catfish though. Mostly though go small and run the big man into the ground and then pound him with the twin towers Gregzilla in the second half.
If they don't do this I hope I am wrong, and I do appreciate feedback I always like talking ball.
I'm proud of this young team. I believe they can bring the energy, heart, and soul to this game tonight! Play your game and do it with pride. Defend the Rose Garden. You are the Portland Trailblazers!
I am really looking forward to this game tonight, partly just to see how Nate plays the chess game, to see what "adjustments" the Blazers think might work. It will be interesting strategically. I don't see line up changes as "panic," as some suggest. One definition of insanity is to do the same thing over and over again expecting different results. I wasn't humiliated by the last game either. It's no skin off my nose. I was disappointed as a fan because I know this team is much, much better than that.
The Blazers have a mountain to climb having lost the home court advantage, but they can take the series, I think, if each of them brings their "A" game. Can't miss those 3's. LaMarcus and Travis have to hit those midrange jumpers. Oden/Prizbilla have to make it a real battle in the paint on both ends of the floor. There've been stinker games this season in which the Blazers looked lost and punchless, and then come back the next game looking fantastic. I hope that's the case here.
What's the deal with Houston anyway? Why didn't they win as many games as the Lakers or Cleveland? I don't know their team, Mike, tell us some of the perceived weaknesses that have been exploited by other teams. Are they just a better, more dominant club once Brooks took over the point? Are they too slow and don't get enough easy baskets? Too inconsistent? Kind of a mystery team. If they are so much better than the Blazers, then why did they end up with identical records? Underachievers?
Too many questions. The game will provide answers, as usual. Rip City.
Lets Go Blazers !!!!!
Line up change suggestion #236: Why not rock the Gregzilla in small doses? Instead of pulling out Joel and putting in Greg; put in Greg at PF, and pull out Joel after a couple minutes. If we did that every time we went to the bench, that would give us a chance to get set between units.
This would also force a different approach to our forwards because L-Train would have to move to SF when Greg comes in. I would like to see Slick Nick move to SG, and BRoy to point. We would be huge.
Then Joel sits and Sergio stands. Then Batum sits and Outlaw stands. Then Roy sits and Rudy stands. Then LaMarcus sits and Frye stands.
Of course this is in a perfect world where nobody gets into foul trouble. What do y'all think?
Go Blazers!
I got a idea! Why don't we go with a all guard lineup?!? Roy, Rudy, Blake, Bayless, and Sergio! They'd run circles around Yao!! :)
GO BLAZERS!!
I think we should just use Ruffin to foul Yao in the third quarter, get Yao all beat up. We have Ruffin, why not use him? He's aggressive and got some muscle. All I know is that the playoffs aren't the regular season, so I expect to see something completely new, and stuff we saw once in the season. If not, than Nate Mcmillan fails. Aggression levels grow about 10x more than the regular season. Every single game means something in the post season, and everyone wants that win.
I think Blazers will come out with a vengence tonight, maybe more so than what we saw during the regular season...
I hope that I am right. Win or lose we have had a great year. The NBA better watch out next year. Can someone explain to me where we will play games 5, 6 & 7?? I am confused on who this works... is it 2 at home 2 away 2 at home then one away? This has been driving me nuts! Thanks!
GO BLAZERS!!!!!
ps... i love the idea of Gregzilla.
Does anyone know how you can watch NBA TV games live online? I know there is league pass broadband, but I don't think you can sign up anymore. Do you know of a link to another website that will be streaming it?
Eclecticspider: I think we should use Travis to back up LMA, but I don't think you should replace LMA with Travis. He had a bad night but I think he will do ok tonight. I am Just concerned about changing the lineup right now would be treacherous.
I think we will see a different ball game tonight.
hg
Get em Blazers
Show Houston we don't back down.
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