Game 4 Preview: Blazers vs. Thunder
by Dave on Oct 31, 2009 9:27 PM PDT
in News
71 comments
Game Time: 4:00 p.m. Pacific TV: Comcast
No rest for the weary. Goodbye Texas, hello Oklahoma.
A Look at the Thunder
The good news for OKC is that they've started the season 2-0, notching wins against the Kings at home and the Pistons on the road. Kevin Durant shone in both contests, scoring 25 in each and pulling down 11 and then 12 rebounds. Point Guard Russell Westbrook generated a double-double in each game as well, with 13 and 10 assists respectively. The Pistons win shows that the Thunder might be ready to take a step beyond just being a young, talented team, becoming a threat on a given night.
The bad news for the Thunder is that these wins haven't exactly come against the cream of the NBA crop. Sacramento is Sacramento. Detroit has some names still but they're a roster in flux...an odd mish-mash of styles and talents that will probably take the long road towards gelling, if that happens at all. Even though it's on their home floor, tonight will be a different kind of game for the Thunder.
For the Blazers, OKC presents a near-polar-opposite challenge from yesterday's Rockets. Houston currently relies on role-players. The Thunder are burgeoning with young skill players. Kevin Durant is making a bid for superstardom in the league. You couldn't trade the entire currently-healthy Houston roster for him...maybe not even if you threw Yao Ming in there. Russell Westbrook is ascending alongside. Small forward Jeff Green completes the triumvirate. You can't slack off any of these guys in their respective comfort zones or they will torch you. And their comfort zones are getting bigger every year, especially in Durant's case.
Besides the Big Three, Oklahoma City fields an offensive-minded center in Nened Krstic. The former Net still has some range, both in terms of footwork and shot, and still doesn't rebound or defend all that well. They compensate for the rebounding by sending in bruisers Nick Collison and Etan Thomas at power forward. Their main rotation rounds out with shooting guard Thabo Sefolosha who has turned out to be quite a nice defender and upon whom they'll depend to keep an eye on Brandon Roy.
Individually the Thunder aren't strong defensively but part of their growth process is learning how to compensate for it as a team. They've done a good job so far at limiting opponent percentage, a trend they'll need to continue tonight. Their main weapon this year is going to be their 3.5-pronged offensive attack. They are more than willing to share the ball. They want to punish you with one threat until you cry uncle and swarm him. Then they switch and let another guy come up with an easy look. The Thunder will have trouble with the Blazers' team rebounding. They'll also need to make their outside shots as the lane attack is not the best part of their offensive game.
Pivotal Points of the Game
1. Interior defense is all well and good for Portland but as we just said the Thunder don't rely on a massive paint presence to win. The Blazers are going to have to keep hands in the faces up jump shooters tonight. They do have to watch out for Westbrook driving but they also have to understand that if they cut him off the next pass is far more likely to be for a jump shot than a dunk. If you can't help and recover to the perimeter this team will barbeque you. How often the Blazers can commit just one man to Durant and Westbrook and still come out unscathed will be the key here.
2. Keep Kevin Durant off of the boards. Right now he's their main rebounder. Yes, he may score 30 but if nobody else sweeps the glass Portland should be able to overcome that.
3. The easiest way to come out ahead will be for Roy and Aldridge to exploit their matchups the same way Durant and Westbrook will try to exploit theirs. In particular Brandon needs to know that you can draw fouls on this team and that they don't have a major defensive paint presence. As an added bonus they ain't deep. Get one of their main guys in foul trouble and they're going to have a hard time compensating.
4. Greg Oden should be able to feast on offensive rebounds tonight. Grab it, dunk it, watch your point total rise.
5. The Thunder are going to want a pretty game. Try and get a little physical and push them around...see what happens.
Final Thoughts
After last night's loss this would be a soul-soothing pick up for the team. A rocky start was always a possibility but I don't think 1-3 was on the team's radar when the season started.
Check out the Oklahoma City point of view at WelcometoLoudCity.com.
Jersey Contest begins Tuesday. Enjoy your last free game of the year.
--Dave (blazersub@yahoo.com)
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we gonna get blown out
Trade for Luis Amundson!!Do it KP!!
by CroRupt on Oct 31, 2009 9:29 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Maybe not blown out, but this one has BAD NEWS spelled all over it...
"A bizarre and extremely rare hybrid Blazer/Laker fan, Timbo has always struggled to contain the Beast Within, like Dr. Jekyll, Bruce Banner, or Ted Kennedy." — Miled Animal
by timbo on Oct 31, 2009 9:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
More of the same
We either aren’t committed to the effort and desire to play good defense. Or we aren’t capable. Either way if it doesn’t get fixed we will struggle to match last years record and surely will fair no better in the playoffs.
"I saw him in the face" Sergio's quote on the latest alley-oop to Rudy.
by blazermaniac32 on Oct 31, 2009 9:34 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
As much as I'm worried about the Portland Trail Blazers on the whole, I still predict a win tomorrow night.
Dear Paul Allen:
Waive Patty Mills & sign Ime Udoka.
Sincerely,
AK1984
by AK1984 on Oct 31, 2009 9:46 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I've liked the Thunder a lot,
but they’ll be in big trouble tomorrow. The Blazers will be taking out their frustrations and the thunder will be their victims. They have my sympathy.
Brandon Roy just destroyed everything in his path. There's your rational analysis -- Dave
Also: COMCAST SUCKS!
by TwoDeep on Oct 31, 2009 9:53 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Gelling
is stylin’ or bein’ cool. Jelling is firming up—like Jello or jelly. Maybe what you meant.
by oldguyoldfan on Oct 31, 2009 10:00 PM PDT via mobile reply actions 0 recs
Let Durant get his 25 and then hold everyone else in check
ballgame
by Magnum on Oct 31, 2009 10:11 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
This could be a disaster.
If we lose tomorrow I don’t know what will happen to me. We NEED a win… NOW
by Iwvelez on Oct 31, 2009 10:16 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Greg needs to prove he is better than KD
D ROSE D WADE DESTINY DYNASTY
by Juan dela Cruz on Oct 31, 2009 10:19 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Oden isn't even out-rebounding KD this year.
Durant is headed for super-stardom and Oden is trying to learn high school basketball fundamentals. And for the record, I too wanted to draft Oden.
by BlazerFanSince1970 on Oct 31, 2009 11:15 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
ruh roh
first time ive heard something like this round these parts…. all summer long ive been hearing greg oden greg oden…
i dont want to be hearing no back tracking. im gonna keep my eye out tommorow.
I hope to g.o.d it dont happen though… greg JUST NEEDS TO STAY ON THE COURT!!! my god man. just stay on the court and we can get some 20 rebound games under the beltttt! go greg!
by mandoman10 on Nov 1, 2009 2:51 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I drank the KP kool-aid
When Portland won the lottery, I checked out some articles about Oden and Durant. Greg was characterized as liking to take naps and watch movies. Kevin was the gym rat, driven to be the best, like Jordan. My first impression: draft KD.
Then KP went to work with his talk about “Durant will win scoring titles, but Oden will win championships” and I said to myself—that’s right. Other than Michael’s Bulls and Isiah’s Pistons just about every other NBA champion has had a dominant big man: Let’s draft GO.
Since the draft, I’ve come to the conclusion that Durant wouldn’t have become what he is today if he had been playing for Nate and alongside Roy. We all know what the SF does in Nate’s offense (park in the corner and shoot 3s) Sure, KD would’ve been awesome in ‘just" this role, but not a borderline superstar. It’s probably a good thing for Kevin’s career that he wasn’t drafted by Portland. He’d probably be just another “voice” in the orchestra, instead of a virtuoso
Then there’s those poor +/- numbers that Durant “provides” OKC…how can anyone look at those and say KP picked the “wrong” guy? The Blazer’s problem isn’t that they lack offense, it’s because they can’t play defense as a unit. If Nate can’t teach them how to give help and rotate back to the perimeter to defend the 3 point line, then one of two things will need to happen: either the roster needs a facelift (bring in better team individual/team defenders) or there will need to be a coaching change—perhaps at head coach, or more likely at the assistant level.
My choice is Tom Thibodeau as a defensive coordinator. I have no idea if he’s interested in becoming the highest-paid lead assistant coach in NBA history, and I suspect that Nate would be upset if he was forced to “replace” one of his loyal assistant coaches (like Dean, Monty, or both) with a new guy. But frankly, I don’t care about hurt feelings right now—all that should matter are results, especially playoff results. If Nate and his coaches aren’t getting the message through, or if the young Blazers aren’t “buying in” to their defensive concepts, then eventually a change will have to be made. Why wait a couple of years (and first-round playoff exits) to find out the team needs a new baker? Roy is in his prime, right now. If he scores 42 and the team still loses, something’s out of wack. It’s broke, so let Nate try to fix it. But if he can’t, KP can’t hesitate to look “outside” the organization for fresh answers.
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
by two4larue on Nov 1, 2009 1:37 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Many interesting points in your comment.
1) I agree with you about defense. For all of Nate’s talk this is a poor defense team (and it was last year). I truly can’t figure out what the heck they are doing on picks. Almost every time they switch, which is most of the time, the ball handler is left wide open for a jump shot. Watch Brooks last night, it was embarrassing.
Ironically, Rudy fights through picks and generally stays successfully in front of his man (apparently against Nate’s orders to switch???). Although Rudy still gets burned from time to time, he works hard on defense and his one-on-one defense looks remarkably better this year. I think Rudy could become a good defender. He needs to learn technique, but the quickness and effort are there.
Conversely, Brandon’s defensive effort was pathetic last night. Many of the open 3’s that Houston got in the first half were because Roy made no effort to close out. His defense on picks was also ugly. Miller’s defense is making me appreciate Blake’s defense (I didn’t think that was possible). Outlaw’s defense was beyond awful, which went well with his 1-8 shooting (two games in a row).
2) I agreed with the Oden pick because a great center is a rare and incredibly valuable asset. When you get a reasonable chance to get one you just can’t pass up the opportunity. Oden promised rebounding and defense, even if offensively he would be a project. I figured that was better than betting the house on yet another “next Jordan”. Well, I never guessed how totally lacking in basketball skills Oden was. Certainly his injury and long recovery was a major setback, but now he has to learn basic skills that he should have been taught in high school. He obviously just got by with his size and athleticism prior to the NBA, but that doesn’t work now.
Do I regret drafting Oden? Not yet. Obviously his movement has improved immensely as he has recovered from the MF. Now if he can just learn a few defensive basics I think he will get the fouls down over the year and eventually stay in the game for 28-30 minutes. If so, his defensive contribution is more important to this team than his offensive limitations. And I still think he can become an offensive contributor eventually, but I wouldn’t force it this year. Work on his defense and getting the fouls down this year, and just let his offensive game develop slowly. I think Nate’s exactly right about that. Put the emphasis on defense, rebounding, and staying in the game, and don’t put any pressure on him to score.
3) Would Durant become what he is today playing for the Blazers? Would he still have those poor +/- numbers? i think Durant would still become a dominating offensive player and on a much better team those poor +/- numbers would disappear. At his age and with his ability you couldn’t stop it from happening. He wouldn’t stay in the corner and be shut down by Nate. He would dominate his teammates in practice and take over in the open court and on broken plays in games no matter how much Nate tried to structure him out of the offense. I think he and Brandon would be incredible together, many times better than Outlaw on his best days.
So do I regret drafting Oden? Like I said, not yet. If Oden stays healthy, and can improve at a reasonable rate, he can still be a top 5 center in the league in 2-3 years, and a dominating defensive force that swat’s away a lot of team defense limitations. But we still have to stop letting teams kill us with outside shooting. Yeah, Roy, Durant, LMA, Joel, and the right PG sounds awful good, but the defensive problems just get worse. But man would that be an exciting team to watch.
by BlazerFanSince1970 on Nov 1, 2009 3:39 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Roy, Durant, LMA, Joel, and the right PG sounds awful good, but the defensive problems just get worse. But man would that be an exciting team to watch.
Not with Nate coaching them. Mike D’Antoni would get them running, but uptempo teams historically don’t do well in the postseason. I was encouraged to read about Greg vocally “challenging” his teammates to “make stops” against OKC. I’m hoping that will continue, even when the game isn’t against Durant’s team
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
by two4larue on Nov 2, 2009 4:07 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Not Fair!!!!!!!
Two different type players with different defenders. Are you saying our perimeter defenders are as good as their interier defenders?
hg
by BBK on Nov 1, 2009 9:44 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
completely random, Manu Ginobili takes out a BAT with his left hand. literally a flying bat.
http://www.realgm.com/boards/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=954240
Trade for Luis Amundson!!Do it KP!!
by CroRupt on Oct 31, 2009 10:23 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
haha, that was awesome
does it matter that he took it out with his left hand?
Blazers lost? TIME TO PANIC!!!!!!!!
by In Walks Rudy on Oct 31, 2009 10:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Exactly, Manu Ginobili is a left-handed dude.
Dear Paul Allen:
Waive Patty Mills & sign Ime Udoka.
Sincerely,
AK1984
by AK1984 on Nov 1, 2009 7:14 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
we can't call Nic "batman" anymore
that nickname now belongs to Manu
but may Ginobili can use the bat as a hairpiece?
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
by two4larue on Oct 31, 2009 10:49 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I hope we lose....
just so some people will leave this site. :)
Blazers lost? TIME TO PANIC!!!!!!!!
by In Walks Rudy on Oct 31, 2009 10:36 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Unfortunately the people that would leave would be the ones tired of the naysayers.
by shralpster on Oct 31, 2009 10:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
So...........Is roy in the lead over deron williams for that all-star spot at this point?
Even though it seemed he got off to a slow start he must be averaging 27 or better so far.
Such a stud makes me proud to be american. I mean think of all our spanish fans they think Rudy is a pimp and its true he is but Roy………….just a G.
by tevisthe4th on Oct 31, 2009 11:54 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
roy ist taking a step up isn't he with is three point shooting?
i know in fantasy is. that was his weak category. doesn’t this make the whole andre miller thing less of an issue? if roy can now be a threepoint threat?
by mandoman10 on Nov 1, 2009 2:52 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
good point
if the team comes back 1-3 and Blake is still shooting cold? Time to break out the “RAWMO” starting lineup.
More Miller passing to LMA and Oden while they’re on the move towards the basket, please
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
by two4larue on Nov 1, 2009 2:02 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
He is averaging 30.5ppg.
Keep it up B.
Chuck Norris' tears cure cancer. Too bad he has never cried.
by FiveOhThree-RipCity!! on Nov 1, 2009 11:57 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I don't care about anything else
Murder this abomination of a franchise in OKC.
Mortimer
by Mortimer on Nov 1, 2009 12:24 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
(Nuthin’ against the fans, of course— not their fault)
(but murderalize the “Thunder”)
(Mortimer)
by Mortimer on Nov 1, 2009 12:25 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think Houston is a playoff team, as I've said, so I am probobly less pissed about last night than many folks
Its extremely frustrating that the Blazers don’t appear to have dramatically improved defensively, and until they do, they won’t beat playoff teams on the road, even marginal ones like Houston (as I’ve said, I have them for 44-46 wins).
This next game will be interesting. Its not going to be easy given that we are on a back to back and they are much improved. We better show up on defense.
by jksnake99 on Nov 1, 2009 2:19 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
From the Daryl Morey book of motivation: What KP/Nate should show Roy and LaMarcus before the game
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmHeP9Sve48
But slowly things happen that they cannot help and the Blazers Fellowship of the Ring begins to break apart
by Norsktroll on Nov 1, 2009 6:28 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I got banned from dreamshake
for writing this “battier is a cheater”. I shouldn’t have written it, but geez, they sure are sensitive.
I already miss Batum, his defense on Melo last year was great, and I bet he would help with durant tonight.
by twggyy on Nov 1, 2009 6:34 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
It doesn't help that Outlaw does the same weak offensive moves and plays no defense. Seems like Outlaw
just doesn’t get it. He is not a good scorer when he tries too hard. He just keeps forcing shots when Roy needs to be getting the ball.
by BRoyInThe4th on Nov 1, 2009 6:41 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I had hope for outlaw after that great game
to start the year. He even played great defense that first game. I don’t know what happened.
by twggyy on Nov 1, 2009 6:59 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
"I don’t know what happened."
By now, people should come to the full realization that Travis Outlaw is Travis Outlaw.
Outlaw’s solid performance on opening night this season was an aberration, a deviation from the norm, a small sample size, et cetera.
Outlaw is consistently inconsistent on a game-by-game basis, but over the long haul of a season his production is subpar on the whole. It’s long past time for everyone to comprehend that fact, for those who don’t are bound to suffer from more confusion, disappointment, and heartbreak.
Dear Paul Allen:
Waive Patty Mills & sign Ime Udoka.
Sincerely,
AK1984
by AK1984 on Nov 1, 2009 7:11 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes, why all the minutes for Outlaw last night?
I was screaming at Nate to pull him.
by lethaldose on Nov 1, 2009 11:13 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Webster deserves those minutes, dangit.
Chuck Norris' tears cure cancer. Too bad he has never cried.
by FiveOhThree-RipCity!! on Nov 1, 2009 12:00 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
yeah, 14 minutes for Martell is not enough
especially now that Nic’s out
Rudy shot 1-6 from 3, who knows if Webster would’ve done better?
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
by two4larue on Nov 1, 2009 2:10 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Marty got pulled because his defense sucked.
But Outlaw’s defense was even worse, and he was 1-8 shooting. Rudy had a good first half, poor 2nd half.
by BlazerFanSince1970 on Nov 1, 2009 3:45 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
i don't think it matters if I comprehend it
or any other posters here. We’re not deciding to keep him or not.
It would have been nice to have him duplicate that performance, but I assure you I had no emotional investment in whether he did or didn’t.
by twggyy on Nov 1, 2009 12:04 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
i think that everyone predicting that everyone on the blazers was gonna make this dramatic improvement
was a bit short sighted. chances are some of these prospects weren’t gonna pan out ot be all-star caliber. Perhaps, some of them should have been traded when there value was high on potential. in some cases proven talent might be better then potential. people got really pissed when chicago wanted bayless in the hinrich trade.
by mandoman10 on Nov 1, 2009 1:42 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
if it takes Travis scoring 23 for Portland to win?
it’s gonna be a lonnng season
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
by two4larue on Nov 1, 2009 2:06 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
This is one of those games where you just feel confident in the Blazers because they are due
for a win. Losing two close games you know there is a sense of urgency that will push them. Should be a good game. I’d like to see the refs stop calling away from the ball touch fouls on Oden when he starts to play great defense. It’s like right out of a Tim Donaghy excerpt, “Whenever Greg Oden started to frustrate the other team with his defensive presense we decided we’d start fishing for any reason to blow the whistle and get him out of the game”.
by BRoyInThe4th on Nov 1, 2009 6:40 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I don't feel really confident
Against Detroit all of Durant, Green, Westbrook looked like all-star candidates. And despite a solid effort from Big Ben (he almost looked like the Big Ben of old) and Villanueva even their big men scored nicely. Dave didn’t even mention Harden. And Sefolosha deserved his extension, he isn’t great but enough to slow down a good wing player.
But slowly things happen that they cannot help and the Blazers Fellowship of the Ring begins to break apart
by Norsktroll on Nov 1, 2009 6:59 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, Detroit also just made Jennings and Hakim Warrick
look like all star caliber players.
by Royster on Nov 1, 2009 7:30 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
totally
it makes you think about that book, when they seemed to be watching greg just to catch a call against him. You know it helps houston put butts in the seats when they win their home opener.
I try not to think bad stuff about the refs, but that book does not help. I really wonder how much of it is true and what the NBA is going to do about it.
by twggyy on Nov 1, 2009 7:01 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
win
The Blazers are awfully discombobulated right now but I think they will still win this one.
by lsjogren on Nov 1, 2009 8:42 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Back-to-backs are always tough
but I think the Blazers pull the win out tonight. I’d like to see more easy baskets – either transition or through the half-court, it just seems like this team is working way too hard on every possession to get something up. Hopefully, he growing pains last closer to 10 than 20+ games, this is a good team, but you never want to dig a hole for yourself in terms of seeding.
I hate Comcast.
Card carrying member of Team Bayless
I believe in Greg Oden
by blazeraddict on Nov 1, 2009 8:42 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Joel isn't happy with the defense so far either according to his comments in the Oregonian. Good sign.
"Same (stuff) as last year," center Joel Przybilla said, his cheeks red from agitation.
"It’s not one guy, as a team we weren’t on the same page," Przybilla said. "We have to get it together as a team."
But slowly things happen that they cannot help and the Blazers Fellowship of the Ring begins to break apart
by Norsktroll on Nov 1, 2009 9:08 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
The key word is team
they have been anything but….and would be surprised to see them get it right away and keep it as an identity…..
I really think that only the veterans like Pryz truly understand it…it seems to be a hard concept for young, individuals to understand let alone commit to ……this would rest on the shoulders of coaches first and then translated onto the floor by leadership players (typically a point guard) but in this case, maybe Roy…..It has to be someone that the players have respect for……
by WyEast on Nov 1, 2009 12:00 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
It has to be frustrating for Pryz and Oden
They are picking up a lot of fouls covering for other players getting beat to the rim/the continued problems with pick and roll defense. Batum’s absence is really being felt on that end (he’s our best on ball defender and even better as a help defender, imo) but the Blazers have a lot of length and defense is Nate’s strong point as a coach, although I think his pick and roll philosophy works much better in the context of the international game/National Team personnel (Howard was the only legit C and is a freak athlete, and having LeBron or Melo switch from a 4 to a guard is much easier than Pryz or Oden doing the same).
I hate Comcast.
Card carrying member of Team Bayless
I believe in Greg Oden
by blazeraddict on Nov 1, 2009 12:26 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
true dat
Batum’s absence is really being felt on that end (he’s our best on ball defender and even better as a help defender
KP2 needs to adjust his 0.8 “without Batum” projection. The Blazer’s perimeter defense “misses” Nic
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
by two4larue on Nov 1, 2009 2:25 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Tonights game plan
Feed the ball to Oden, let him beast.
Put LA on KD, his length may bother him.
Put Bayless in to guard Westbrook and to take the ball into their mushy middle.
Get Fernandez more shots, he is hot.
I'm a little confused by your tactics
by oderiferous emanations 74 on Nov 1, 2009 11:14 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
no la on kd. lol. kd will dribble around him.
by mandoman10 on Nov 1, 2009 1:43 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
There were multiple occasions last year
when LA switched onto a PG during a pick n roll and did a more than respectable job containing a PG on the perimeter. If he has the lateral quickness to stay with a PG on the perimeter then he would be a logical option with his size, length and athleticism to guard KD. Who on our team would do better?
I'm a little confused by your tactics
by oderiferous emanations 74 on Nov 1, 2009 2:32 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Get Fernandez more shots, he is hot.
If 3-9 (1-6 from 3) is “hot” then I don’t wanna see cold
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
by two4larue on Nov 1, 2009 2:32 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
When I heard that Batum was going to miss most of the season
I thought that the Blazers were in trouble. Well, we’ll see. It’s very early. The fouls on Oden are particularly discouraging though after preseason games when this didn’t occur.
ignacio
by ignacio on Nov 1, 2009 11:42 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
hahahahah
the thunder are weak
we’ll crush them
23 wins last year… it won’t be much more
number one in the hood G
by tedloc on Nov 1, 2009 11:53 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Nugs fan here.
Just sayin’, OKC is not to be trifled with. They are an up-and-coming team and it took two Melo buzzer beaters last year for us to pull it out.
Durant is for real and is showing that he’s budding into a true star. Westbrook is maturing into a great PG. OKC is still missing a good paint presence, but Durant and Westbrook are extremely skilled.
I agree with the strategy that Oden and Pryz should be used for most of the game, but to open up the paint enough for them to really score Roy and Fernandez have got to make some consistent jumpers.
I would think that a LMA-Oden-Pryz would be enough, but you really never know which OKC is gonna show up. Best of luck.
Swats.
by BeefySwats on Nov 1, 2009 1:25 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
appreciate you stopping by
always nice to get a nuetral observation other then AK’s. I doubt the PTB are going to take them lightly, more so, they’ll go into OKC with something to prove. I think depth is going to make a big difference tonight as the PTB got it, and OKC doesn’t. Stop by anytime BS.
World's phoniest apology-- "I'm sorry."
by bow4meow on Nov 1, 2009 1:50 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Also, for the last BEdger asking what a "Beefy Swat" was, check my profile picture.
That’s me, performing a beefy swat. So that’s what that is.
Swats.
by BeefySwats on Nov 1, 2009 1:56 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Will this be the first game
our bigs don’t get into foul trouble? If you made an over/under for Greg and Joel’s combined fouls 10.5 I don’t know what I’d pick. Between Durant and Westbrook, our bigs may be covering up a lot of penetration. I was officially in the “Westbrook is a 2 guard why didn’t they draft Rubio” group, but if he keeps putting up assists like he has been I shall be proven wrong (and there may be hope for Bayless). If Webster can muscle Durant a little (which he wasn’t able to do against Melo) we should at least be able to keep him off the boards reasonably well. I’m very confident Roy and LMA can get their shots tonight, but we need a third musketeer to step up. I’d like to see Oden to some damage, but as I said earlier he may be too busy on defense.
Your confusing thesis has captured my attention. Tell me more.
by terryisntbald on Nov 1, 2009 2:50 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
If we had Batum, I would be confident about winning this game
Unfortunately we don’t have Batum. Will this be game #3 lost due to Batum’s shoulder injury?
by trk on Nov 1, 2009 3:12 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Stay the course
Roy’s just about had enough. As soon as he starts really getting after his teammates to pick up the intensity (and HE turns it up a notch on D himself), this team’s gonna start steam rolling the competition.
1st stop, OKC!
by mabulati on Nov 1, 2009 3:16 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
stream
anyone know where i can find a stream of the game? I’m out of town and can’t find one :-(
by bamboomer on Nov 1, 2009 4:38 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
sorry to do this..
any online streams for the game?
Numerically Blazers Edge is #25
by Outlaw is Rejector on Nov 1, 2009 5:30 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
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