Blazers Hit High Gear
posted: 11/08/2009 at 10:45 PM
This is an impressive looking box score.
The Blazers shoot 50 percent from the field, 47 percent from behind the three-point line, 90 percent from the line, collect 49 rebounds, 35 assists, score 21 fast-break points, grow a lead to as big as 28, and coast to a 116-93 win.
I know the Timberwolves are rebuilding, and are young (where we were once), but Portland played one heck of a game. And, as impressive as the stat sheet is, it doesn't tell the complete story. You have to consider that this was just the second game since rolling out a new starting lineup. Just the second game where this team truly bought in to Nate McMillan's new philosophy of pushing the tempo, and really the first time that I can remember where Brandon Roy's offense wasn't even needed.
The most impressive numbers on the page? You probably think I'm going to bring up the 21 fast-break points. But, 35 assists on 41 made field goals is out-of-this-world impressive. It's the best example of teamwork, unselfish play, and probably the biggest sign that this new philosophy, at least on this night, was a tremendous success.
Yes, it was just one game.
We've all heard the coaching staff say "we want to run and find a way to get easy baskets." But, most have said (yes, me too), "I'll believe it when I see it." This is mostly because we've never really seen them commit to this kind of style. The last couple of years we've seen, at times, and effort to push the tempo, but that has usually been followed by Coach Nate tugging back on the reigns at the first sign of trouble. In this game it was run, run, run. Everyone bought into it.
Make no mistake, this style of play is extremely contagious. This team that's always looked built to run, was flying up and down the court, racking up highlight after highlight. Even after the occasional turnover in the open court (something that's bound to happen when you play this way), they would go right back and run again. If you know me, you know I've never really cared about the turnover total when it's balanced by other positive numbers. It's risk-reward, and I love the fact that they were willing to roll the dice.
This is why Andre Miller chose Portland, and why McMillan decided to go to this new starting lineup. It won't work this way every night, obviously, but there's no going back now. Well, hopefully we continue to see this, even when other teams make an effort to take it away. And, they will. Everyone scouts the heck out of everyone, so adjustments will be made to try and find weaknesses in this new system.
Miller did a great job at quarterback in this game (21 points), but it wasn't just him. Steve Blake brought the ball up the floor on occasion, and so did Roy and even Rudy Fernandez. And, even though Rudy has yet to find his touch (2 for 6), and Roy wasn't really looking for his shot (1 for 6), they were both a huge part of why this worked. Rudy had 6 assists, 5 rebounds, and 4 steals. Roy ended with 7 assists and 6 rebounds.
Probably the only player as happy as Miller about this new approach is LaMarcus Aldridge, who is made to run. Aldridge, who went just 3 for 10 against San Antonio on Friday, finished with 19 points and 10 rebounds in just 25 minutes.
As McMillan always says, running starts with defense and rebounding. That's where Greg Oden and Joel Przybilla come in. Greg successfully shut down the middle again, Przybilla had 13 rebounds again, and both were firing outlet passes to the guards to get the break started.
Now comes the bigger test. Everyone, with the exception of maybe Phoenix, looks to run a lot more at home than on the road. Will we see this Blazer team on this five-game road trip? The real feather in their cap is, they now know they can have success doing this. And, if it's taken away, they know they've got Roy and Miller to break down defenses in the half-court set.
Monday we'll fly to Memphis and get set to take on the Grizzlies on Tuesday night. Then it's Minnesota again, Wednesday in Minneapolis. Friday and Saturday it's another back-to-back with New Orleans and Charlotte. The trip ends in Atlanta next Monday. It should be noted that even though Portland has four games in five nights on this trip, none of the opponents will be facing the second of a back to back when they host Portland.
To listen to McMillan's post-game comments, about this game, and looking ahead at the trip,
click here.
Talk to you from the road.
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Great post Mike, but unless I missed it, you forgot one thing. Brandon Roy only had 2 points in this game. 2 out of 116 came from our All-Star. There is nothing more you could have wished for than the way the Blazers played in this game. Your best players had fun, felt confidence, and got a lot of rest. That is crucial into going on the road for 5 games, which I believe you mentioned 4 were in 5 nights.
Two great games at home, and to think I was about to press the panic button after 2 loses at home.
These 2 games are just a raindrop before the downpour.
One thing I love about this new starting line up is that it gives Jerryd Bayless a chance to play. You can tell by the way he plays that he wants his minutes, and that he's working to earn them. This new setup should finally give him what he deserves. He's improved greatly on his shooting, and has improved on handling the ball.
The assist total in this game was amazing. The ball movement was good and everyone knew exactly where everyone was.
When the Blazers play teams against a back-to-back, this new strategy will be perfect, especially against older players.
I'll probably be missing tuesdays game, but I'll watch it when CSN plays it a 2nd time in the very early morning.
Good luck and Go Blazers!
Mike, pinch me!!! I'm dreaming!
Shock #1: Nate McMillan lets go of some control by handing the keys to the offense to Andre Miller.
Shock #2: All that running/fast breaking. I couldn't believe what I seeing. You hear the Blazers talk about doing this, but then you just think it's talk until I finally saw it. It was almost like watching the Phoenix Suns. Channing Frye is probably wondering why the Blazers didn't do that while he was there! :p
I think my Christmas present came early Mike. Well, I was always someone who doesn't mine getting gifts early! :p
I saw Roy's post game interview about adjusting to the new system and I have and it makes me wonder if he was thinking about running and filling the lanes to get easy buckets himself. That would be nice to see that from Roy as it would give even fans some comfort that he's a part of the new system because everybody wants to see him do well. At the same time it almost seemed that Roy in a way took the game off since it was going so well -- meaning he was taking the game off in terms of taking a pounding on his body; something he does mention that is hard on his body, especially an upcoming road trip around the corner as there were times Roy could have just drove to the hole and went to the foul line and he elected not to.
Now, granted this game was against Minnesota, but who better to try something new like that again to help build some confidence. Better to try something new like that against a team that isn't going somewhere this season versus a more talented team who may go deep in the playoffs in May/June.
I also liked seeing Nate go deep in the bench and spread the wealth like that as it will help build confidence in the upcoming road trip as we're going to need as many fresh bodies as possible, especially when you're going to have four games in five nights. Hopefully the Blazers can repeat enough of that this week.
Man, do I love the energy that Rudy and Bayless bring to the team. Rudy is so talented and it's great that we're seeing more of that this season as I'm sure people are shocked to see some of his flashy passing. On top of that, he hustles and at times it looks like he's playing the last minutes of his basketball career and wants to make it memorable when I see him go full out for a lose ball or some other hustle play.
Anyway, good game. Looking forward to listen to both yourself and Mike Rice this week on the road trip. Enjoy! :D
A really good game. I still don't understand-- if you are going to play Miller at the 1 and Roy at the 3 (which I like)-- why would you not play Rudy at the 2 instead of Blake? Blake gives you nothing that Rudy can't.
Also, I know Nate is treating Greg like a starter and resting him in a blowout, but wouldn't this have been a good game to keep feeding him the ball to work on his offense? He was looking good out there-- keep developing him.
It was great to see them run today. Andre Miller can really help this team.
Thank you for the quick up-date.
We are getting so used to Greg improving that we are starting to take him for granite?
It sounded like he was involved in many of the fast-breaks. Wheeler gets very excited at times and it is hard to understand him {:>). Didn't Greg get the rebound on one end pass out and trailed the play and got the dunk on the other end?
It sounded like a great game. I had posted on Or-Live that we should not play down to the Timberwolves, but pour it on and let the bench play quality minutes and that is what happened. It sounded great to have Dante in the game scoring.
aneebaba: This did the trick for me how about you? I just wished I could watch instead of listening on Radio.
Now, it is to take care of business on the road and keep the streak alive.
hg
Good win. I hope Rudy can find his touch soon. Yes, it would be great to see this team get some easy baskets. We should get these next two wins, especially vs. the Wolves and get some revenge vs. Atl. Good to see LaMarcus get his usual numbers and of course, Miller to get going, which will hopefully be often in this system.
This is one of the few coaching changes that Nate has made that I tip my hat to. Bold and aggressive instead of reactive.
It gives Greg and LA more room to work and finally adds some offensive movement.
Plus it also allows Bayless to get out there and make positive steps.
The only concern is whether Roy will wear down a bit guarding the 3 every night.
@Hg
Greg did get the board and go down to get the feed for a dunk by Blake like you mentioned FYI, He showed us some new moves that I don't think we've seen from him yet, he even busted out the pull up jumper. and the defense on Jefferson was pretty impressive as well.
I was watching the game and I couldn't believe what I was seeing, we're not asking the Blazers to be the new phoenix Suns, I think all we want is to push the tempo and if easy baskets present them self then take them, if not we have Miller and Roy to break down the D.
I wonder how Batum will fit into the new style of play, With his defense I think it will present even more opportunities for the Fast Break and people will reward him.
Go Blazers!
Some are saying this style won't work against teams like LA. I say let's try it before we assume it won't work. I think the defense with this lineup is markedly better than the opening night lineup. I think defense stats should be based on point deferential, not total points. I think that we can all agree that teams win championships are great defensive teams.
The nice thing about this team is its versatility. We have the players to play any style.
Very impressive.
With the talent this team has, last night is the way were meant to play.
I don't know whether to be happy with coach or mad. I am and have always been a big Nate McMillan guy but waiting to put Andre Miller in the starting lineup was a no brainer. We have now missed an entire pre season and the first 5 games to gel with this lineup.
A lot was said about how the Sandman liked to play with Blake, but it seems that everyone else would benefit more by Richard Pryors ability to run and dish. I hope this does not trouble the waters for the Sandman as as soon as we get done stomping the T-wolves reporters are asking him baiting questions because he didn't put up big scoring numbers. I can't stand that kind of reporting. Thankfully MB I never hear anything like that from you.
I sound like I am complaining, and will stick now to the positive.
Rchard Pryor has great ganme and brings to this team all of the things that I envisioned Kidd bringing.
Travis seems to be more focused this year and is playing a little more physical than I remember.
Physically Hollywood has looked great. His game has also been very solid and does not show a lot of rust.
Rudy was great when asked to play point last night.
Contrary to a deranged poster earlier on this site the Allfather is not the worst center in the league but is actually becoming one of the better centers. There are no stats that show how his man will not rotate away from him on defense and our guards are able to get to the rim. It is a full time job for the other teams bigs to battle that giant.
There were positives galore to take from this game but I don't want ancient one to have to make another sandwich so.....
Rip City.
hg: Dude, so cool of you to mention me - actually I'm in Europe studying and though I could watch the games on JustinTv or other similar sites late at night, too much work to do, so I just try to feel a part of the gang back there by commenting here and on Casey's blog. MB - thanks for your update and yes, let's keep it rolling and eventually take our game to the next level.
Peace from Prague! (hope this isn't getting annoying! :-) )
Fun game. So far I've gotten pretty lucky with the games that were a part of the Boston Package(Season Opener and this one). It was great to see this team get out there and run. I also got to see my Dream Bench in garbage time. I think a 2nd unit of Bayless, Rudy, Martell, Dante and Przybilla can really do some damage.
How awesome to see Cunningham come out and play a few minutes! That guy plays such solid defense! Sure, it was against an easy team, but I loved the way that he was able to help out but always stay in front of his man. I really think he has a future with this team.
Speaking of futures, Jerryd's seems to be rapidly approaching. At this rate, if he continues improving, I'd be comfortable going into the playoffs with him as our backup PG, behind Miller, with Mills as our third. Right now though, I'm just happy McMillan has found a way to get him some minutes. Eventually there will have to be some movement in the rotation, but not yet. In about five months though...
How does this new lineup hold when Batum returns the starting 5? Everything's going to get shaken up then. Suddenly, Blake won't be battling Miller for the starting spot, he'll be trying to get the better of Bayless for the backup. Then, Outlaw, Martell and Nico will be back to duking it out for SF minutes, with the possibility of Cunningham being the dark horse. Unless Nate want to keep Dante in the running for the backup PF, which is just as competitive between him, Outlaw and Howard.
I don't like the way this could go. Mid-season is not the time to still be sorting out roles, but that's just when this could go down. Oh well, there are worse problems to have than an excess of talent. Just ask Minnesota.
wheres all the nate haters!!! still one game at a time and why would running on the fakers not work. didn't the suns beat the lakers this year it might have been the celtics but either way why not? case of liquor says we finish above denver.
i wanted to say you can get the nba broadband leauge pass and if you wanna fork over the 100 dollars it might work but i signed up for there free preview they had and got the blazer games by using a missouri zip code so they wouldnt black it out and i watch the game on my computer i am not sure if when you sign up you have to put in more information but for i watched 2 games on it. its up to you if you want to try it or not i dont wanna sacrifice the 100 bucks if it doesnt.
This line-up is "just what the doctor ordered". Look how it created fluid play, excitement, aggression, defense, and smiles of accomplishment. It is share-o-rama slamma slamma. Every player shares in the enthusiasm and enjoys the winning more than the individual point totals that they can accumulate.
You gotta love it. I sure do.
GO BLAZERS!
wheres all the nate haters!!! still one game at a time and why would running on the fakers not work. didn't the suns beat the lakers this year it might have been the celtics but either way why not? case of liquor says we finish above denver.
Mike, I can't tell you how happy I am to see this team running and scoring in the 100's. This is what this team is built for with all the young blood and athleticism. No one should be able to stop us in the open court.
I think this road trip is a big early test for this team. I know the competition isn't the highest and I think that's why it's a good test. We should either go undefeated or 4-1 on this trip. Imagine how much better our defense would be too if Nick was in there.
FINALLY FINALLY FINALLY.... I have been pleaded my case for almost 2 years.....and we finally push the rock.... we should have been playing this type of ball all along....Maybe we would have beat Houston last year if we ran.....Maybe i'm biased because I'm a running point myself, but you dont change your coaching style or system to fit the type of personal that you have...I like Nate of course, but what took so long to make this change?
And how long will it take to fix the starting lineup? Why can't he just sit Blake, and start Rudy or Martlell....we all know its coming so why wait? I have my Ideas on the delay but only Nate really knows.......JUST DO IT.....
Blake is a good shooter but Andre is a way better player and a playmaking PG.....
Great game WOW if Oden could play 35 min, a game he could put up 18, 12 and 4 a game.......
I'm very very very happy about the new tempo ITS ABOUT DARN TIME......
Great to hear all good news about the Blazers' last couple of games. Too bad I can only actually watch two games the rest of the month (the two KGW games). Comcast? Not available in my area, even if I wanted it. NBA League Pass? Blacked out in my area. What were the Blazers thinking? Is that any way to gain fan support? This sucks!!
Mike,First of all,Congrads to you and your dad .Nice post. Dare I say,THE RUN AND GUN Blazers.I thought -Nellie was coachin ,except we played D! Wow,did we up the anty or what.This game was the epitomy of unselfishness for this team.The 35 assists on 41 FG was other worldly,but the 21 fast break points were something way foreign to us,for sure.I like the new look Blazers Rudy really ran the second unit well .Didn't he ,hg.. .... IMHO he really showed his leadership skills tonight ,like I have never seen. They almost outplayed the first unit in the 3rd. I must say Trav has been playin incredible,shot selection,rebounding ,D. -I loved the block on Jawai.It was a true SWATTTTT.Need I say more about Dre. He had a great attacking style game that he is known for. It was good to see him in the flow. Gregs drop off dime to Dre in the lane was reminiscent of Bill. It kinda took me back for a minute. It was indicitive of GO's new found patience on offense.If he adds that to his arsenal,mannnn.I also forgot how much I missed Rudy flashing the THREE sign,such glee on his face.And his between the defenders legs dish to Joel for the throw down had Joel laughing all the way up the court. DC got to play at garbage time , which I had hoped.6 points,3-4 shooting,Solid D.Was glad he got time ,JBAy is rockin fo sho.Nice jumper ,good and one,12 points,great contributions,definitely comin on. BRoy was The PRO'S PRO with only 2 points ,7 assists,6 boards ,but a great floor game .He was unselfish and he deferred to others.That is why he is so great.There will be nights when we need him to do more and he will. We were just PESKY on D,Rudy -4steals ,Dre-2steals GO- 2 steals.Great win. LLOOOOOOOOOOVVVE the fast break style, Don't fix it if it ain't broke.I missed seing us DomiNATE..
Sounds like it was a excellent game. I had to choose between watching my Cowboys or my Blazers and since the Cowboy game was more important I watched it. I did record the Blazers game though, but I've been so sick I haven't had a chance to watch it. Can't wait to check it out.
This road trip is going to be tough. I always feel any road trip that we can go .500 is a good trip. If we can go 3-1 it'll be a excellent road trip. The road is where we need to improve from last year so we'll learn a lot about this team in the next four games.
Go Blazers!!!
Hey guys I just signed up to start leaving comments since I enjoy reading what everyone has to say about the Blazers everyday,so I thought I would join...
I have followed the Blazers all my life and I lived in Portland for 12 years, but now Im in So Cal but I have league pass so I dont miss any games :)
I have to say watching the Blazers has always been exciting, especially these last two years, but I had always hoped they would develop a faster game like they showed last night finally! I think we have seen a starting line up and style of play that will be most successful for us rather than living and dying by the jump shot.. I was happy to see the blazers getting easier buckets rather than relying on long jump shots..
Im also a big Roy fan and thought he had an amazing season last year, and at the time I thought the team relied on him having a strong performance to win a game.. but this year I feel confident in our team as a whole and feel like they are much more complete than last year with much more depth..this should serve us much more when playoff time comes around :)
Nate deserves props for finding a line up that works in starting two point guards, even if it took until after the fifth game, and losing two games we easily could have won (Denver, Atlanta) :(
Im hoping we can go 5-0 on this road trip, which looks very possible if we can continue the up tempo play and come out with the same energy that this team plays with at the Rose Garden!
Since I have league pass I sometimes glance at other games going on and the fans elsewhere just dont get all that excited..
The fans at the RG are like none other in the NBA! We LOVE our team! Im having fun following the team with everyone, its great to see the fan support!
GO BLAZERS!!
RyanRTE: Thank you for filling me in, I thought that was what happened. That means Greg is getting in shape and fast. Wheels was screaming, and I couldn't get it for sure what he was saying. It does sound like Greg is getting better every game.
My thoughts on Batman in this system would be he would be like a bat(pun intended) flying to the basket. All his steals he got and solo dunks would happen just that much more with help defense and Andre, BRoy, Rudy or who ever is in with him.
hg
The game starts at 5pm? Perfect! I get out of PCC at 5, and have something at 8! Hope to see a great road game win tomorrow. Rudy Gay and OJ Mayo however are making Memphis a future playoff contender. The Blazers need to take this game very seriously and stay focused.
aneebaba:Talking about the blazers is never annoying to me, and I am sure not annoying to anybody else either. I am not trying to get you to admit your age, I am just wondering how many years you have been a blazer fan. I have been rooting and tooting since the get go of 1970 although I don't remember names and such. I wasn't much of a BB fan, because of no TV, poor radio reception and what have ya. In fact come to think about it not much has changed.
anyway that tells you I am old but not always wise. I do love the Blazers
Peace
hg
well about to go touch weights and get some beer for the big game tonight. i know what your saying the grizz but every game is a big game to me. a win is a win. it will be nice to see zack"the big goof" radolph see what kinda work ethic we want from our team. glad those days are over.go blazers
hg: I was only referring to the "Peace from Prague" message in terms of annoyance. Wow, you're old! LOL, just kidding. I'd have to say I've been a fan since the early 90-91 from my recollection, so I've been through both the good years and bad. I was born 2 years before we drafted The Glide. I'll let you do the math!
aneebaba:
I was going to say you are so young you are just getting out of pull-ups, but remembered after bladder cancer surgery I am just getting out of pull-ups LOL. somethings never change.
I don't remember the year Clyde was drafted. I remember he was mad at Ramsey for not starting him his rookie year and Ramsey just kept saying Clyde you just don't understand the NBA yet. I am not sure but Clyde may have been part of the reason Ramsey was let go. Now don't quote me on that IMO.
I'll look up the year but I know it was in the early eighties.
"Peace from Prague" Also isn't an annoyance.
hg
TO whoever wants to listen:
I gotta say that one foul a quarter is very bad on Nate’s part. Greg gets 6 fouls use them. I could go with three a half , but not one a quarter. Taking away Greg's playing time arguably is good punishment for Greg, but not for the team or ME
Since Greg is still in a learning mode and fouls is part of the learning and the more he plays the faster the learning process will be, so I think it is a down right stupid way to punish a budding super- star. As matter of fact, why punish him at all? Make him shoot 1000 foul shots and run 10 miles, but don't punish the team and the spectators that want to watch him plus loosing some growth in the team chemistry. Stupid, stupid, stupid, and I am the one that says Nate can do no wrong.
hg
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