Game 22 Recap: Blazers 84, Knicks 93
by Dave on Dec 7, 2009 9:55 PM PST
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PrintWell, this was the kind of night we half-expected, half-feared coming off of the events of the weekend and the resulting short-handed roster. The Blazers didn't play a terrible game, just listless at some points. They did a decent job attacking where they needed to but the Knicks knew exactly where the Blazers needed to attack too and threw the house at the Blazers' best players. The supporting cast was a mixed bag. That's been OK so far this season as Portland has had enough players to compensate. But with only 9 players remaining pretty much everybody has to be spot on in order for the team to succeed. That didn't happen tonight, thus the loss.
The first quarter news wasn't all bad, as the Blazers actually did many of the things they needed to do in order to succeed against the Knicks. They penetrated on offense. They grabbed offensive rebounds while denying the same to the Knicks. They did an excellent job of keeping New York on the perimeter when the Knicks were on offense. As a result New York scored only 18 in the period. Unfortunately the Blazers had trouble finishing at the rim and escaped with only 18 themselves. Still, it looked promising. It appeared the Blazers could hang close and then maybe pull it out at the finish.
Then came the second period. The offense wasn't that much better for the Blazers. They had decent movement in the halfcourt but New York still had time to set up and overload Portland's biggest threats. This was made easier because Roy and Aldridge got breaks in the period. With only one of them on the floor the Knicks had a pretty good idea who to stop. Each star missed shots and committed turnovers under the extra pressure. They pretty much had to option off to their teammates. The offense ended up looking like the typical bad Portland day: a couple passes followed by somebody creating one-on-one. Offensive rebounds dried up as well, taking away extra opportunities. Portland ended up with 20 for the quarter. Another side effect of the thin bench was the Blazers being forced to go with three guards. Too often those taller, scoring Knicks forwards ended up with a backcourt player on them. To their credit the Knicks moved the ball well. Worst of all, New York was also hitting its threes. After a couple of those went down early in the period the Blazers all but threw their hands up. There were too many places to scramble. The Knicks scored 31 in the period and left the floor up 11.
So many times this year we've seen Portland come out with a strong surge at the beginning of the third, serving notice that they intended to take the game. That surge was all but absent tonight. It looked like the final minute in a half, not the opening minutes of the second half of a game that needed to be taken. The offense was scattered. The defense remained listless, encouraging the Knicks to score up close. Unfortunately they also kept scoring from distance. The Blazers were caught between in no-man's land. The one bit of "oomph" in the quarter came late when Portland started forcing some turnovers and running out but even the break was shaky tonight and frankly New York profited from a faster tempo as much as Portland did. 29-17 Knicks for the period and the game was pretty much done.
The Blazers did make a serious run in the fourth, at one point cutting the 20+ point lead down to single digits. The defense clicked, the rebounding was strong, and the Blazers kept forcing turnovers...this time converting them. It looked like the Knicks had fallen asleep early. But as Steve Jones used to say, everything has to go perfectly to make a comeback like that. The deficit was so big that perfection couldn't be sustained that long. A three at the 6:00 mark and a conventional three-point play off of a layup off a turnover right afterwards sealed the deal. Jerryd Bayless had been a huge part of the comeback but the turnover in question was his. Whether related or not, he went to the bench immediately thereafter and the spark never returned. The Knicks win by 9 in a game that wasn't that close.
Portland did a decent job in a couple areas. They shot 47% on the night and most of the shots came from Aldridge and Roy. That was smart. To their credit they did not attempt many threes against the Knicks, who have problems defending easier shots. Unfortunately the Blazers missed 7 of the 8 threes they did attempt, allowing New York to pack it in with impunity and putting Portland behind the 8-ball in point generation. The Blazers stayed even at the foul line. However they allowed the Knicks too many offensive rebounds. They also suffered in the continuity stats: assists and turnovers. The turnovers in particular killed the Blazers' chances. It looked like everybody was in an unfamiliar situation. The connectivity just wasn't there. Playing with nine guys is bad enough but when the nine guys aren't comfortable together it's a killer.
Click through for Individual Observations, Final Thoughts, Links, and Jersey Contest Scores...
Individual Observations
Brandon Roy did what he could to keep the team afloat offensively. He mixed up his game pretty well, penetrating for layups or pull-ups and drawing fouls (9-10 from the line). He missed all four of this threes though and he was Captain Turnover with 5. To be fair he saw a minimum of two Knicks every time he put the ball on the floor, sometimes three. He scored 27 but it wasn't a brilliant 27...more of a necessary 27 really. But it wasn't enough.
LaMarcus Aldridge had a rough start to the game, a luxury the team can no longer afford. He got right again by rebounding and then poured on the scoring late. He got 19 points and 13 rebounds but, like Roy, he looked isolated out there. At no time did he seem dominant on either end, so the isolation wasn't even a mixed blessing. Not a bad game, but we need more.
Jerryd Bayless provided a really nice spark tonight. He had energy and used it. In 17 minutes he shot 4-5, 6-7 from the free throw line, hit his jumpers, moved his feet on defense, and even got a couple assists. Then again the one-on-one style we devolved into favors him. In fact my suggestion is that if we're going to employ that style we just get Jerryd 20 shots and call it good. He knows what he's doing. Even if that were to happen I have a hard time envisioning the Blazers winning without better teamwork. But Jerryd is a weapon with the ball in his hands and his whole game lifts when he can score it.
Joel Pryzbilla played 32 minutes with only 2 personal fouls. Some of that was the opponent, as the Knick bigs don't play the kind of offense that draws fouls. Part of it is also the refs knowing our changed situation, I'm sure. It's ironic that now that the Blazers can't field a dominant center tandem the whistles are going to ease up, but I bet that's exactly what happens. I'm OK with it, I guess, but I wish the whistles would have eased when it would have done more good. Joel had 8 rebounds and 4 points but also had 3 turnovers and wasn't able to keep a defender near enough ease the pressure off of his teammates.
Martell Webster didn't have much of an offensive night. He went 1-6 for 3 points in 23 minutes. Portland can't afford that. Portland can't afford half of that right now. I didn't notice him on the defensive end much which probably means he wasn't bad but wasn't great either. It was just kind of a disappearing game for him. Memo: We need you. Badly.
Steve Blake played 38 minutes and managed a good all-around game. He was the other guy who brought consistent energy. 4-8, 9 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, 2 turnovers. Blake can do that. It's just needing that much Blake that worries me.
Andre Miller played 26 minutes and looked out of synch also. He had as many turnovers as points (4 each). His offense was basically his offense. It wasn't his best showing.
Dante Cunningham did OK, hitting both of his shots, manning up tight on defense, trying hard. 11 minutes, 4 points, 2 rebounds. I liked the effort, especially defensively.
Juwan Howard had 3 rebounds in 8 fourth-quarter minutes.
Final Thoughts
It's a mark of how much the weekend took out of me that I'm not upset about this game. Had the roster been complete I'm pretty sure I'd be furious right now. But it feels like 2007-08 already. I don't know quite what to think, other than it seems possible that the Blazers could go on quite a losing streak in the near future. They're definitely going to have to get it together or the month will be atrocious. They did the technical things right but the emotion, trust, and continuity were missing. That's just not enough. But we can't find those things for them. It's up to them to figure it out.
Check out the Knicks reaction at PostingandToasting.
See the Jersey Contest scoreboard here and enter Wednesday's form over here. Maybe site veterans can give us a primer on what it's like to war between common sense and homerism when playing for a jersey. Haven't had to wage that battle in a while...
--Dave
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Multiple sources in the NBA have told me that Jerryd Bayless seems to be the most available player on Portland’s roster. A couple of sources indicated over the weekend that Bayless has asked the team to trade him, because of his lack of playing time. I wouldn’t blame him — young players want, and need, to play. And if he wants out, the team should try to accommodate him. Dwight Jaynes
And Oden, once again, is a rookie, so non-stop fast break basketball is like fast-forwarding a song while he's trying to learn the lyrics.
Not sure this is the place to discuss this, but
Rice said some peculiar things tonight (not a rarity, I know) about Bayless. A couple times he noted that Jerryd had improved in certain areas — shooting, decision-making, playing “high IQ” basketball that could “help an NBA team”. He pointedly did NOT say Jerryd could “help” the Blazers.
Made me wonder if Rice knows something is up, and they are going to trade Rex. If so, I would think that’s just one more nail in the coffin of this season and maybe the team’s rosy future. Jerryd has been showing a lot lately, and like many here on BE, I’d like to see more of him. He’s definitely putting out the effort, and he’s getting results too.
#52
I'd be ok with it
if we were to trade him for Anthony Randolph.
Can’t really think of any other young prospect with as much upside who would be even remotely available.
Come on you gotta listen unto me,
lay off that whiskey and let that cocaine be. ~Johnny Cash
by HurraKane212 on Dec 7, 2009 10:23 PM PST up reply actions
I was just saying on another thread that Bayless is a Don Nelson kind of player
Nellie traditionally likes players who will put their head down, drive into the paint and initiate contact. (Sarunas Marcilulionis comes to mind, not to mention Corey Maggette)
It seems unlikely the Warriors would look to add Jerryd when they already have Monta Ellis and Steph Curry, but you never know with Don. His idea of roster-building is unconventional, to say the least. So, just when you think you can look at his roster and not see any “room” for another penetrating guard, he’ll buck the trend and add a couple more
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
Randolph would be great...
But that would be shockingly stupid even for Golden State.
Why would the Blazers trade Bayless at all? Who is running the point next year or the year after? Miller? Blake? Hello, 4 seed.
The rest of the pieces are there, if they’re healthy. Bayless-Roy-Nic-LMA-Oden can compete for a title in two years. Blake/Miller-Roy-Nic-LMA-Oden-player to be named, probably not.
Why not ship Blake or Trout’s contract if you need to pick up another piece this year? Preferrably Steve. I’m sure it’s just idle speculation from Jaynes and Rice but it makes my blood boil. It is asinine. After Oden going down, I can’t stand the thought of it.
Q: Is Greg favoring his knee?
Frye: He favors dunking on your head, that's what he favors.
I'm pretty much against trading Bayless
for anything short of awesome. Brother Wendell is floating the idea that it may be Rudy looking for a trade:
I’d want a really nice piece back for him as well. Rudy is the better player right now, but Jerryd’s ability to play the 1/2 and get to the line would soften the loss a little. Rudy has the better trade value, but I’d really miss his gun slinging style and fun play.
I just can’t think of who to get for either on of them though, we’d likely have to add a player to get the $ to match, e.g. Blake, Travis, Miller, but for whom?
Can’t we all just get along?
Come on you gotta listen unto me,
lay off that whiskey and let that cocaine be. ~Johnny Cash
by HurraKane212 on Dec 7, 2009 10:45 PM PST up reply actions
Brother Wendell is floating the idea that it may be Rudy looking for a trade:
Just great. Wait until your trade value has dropped through the floor then request a trade? I can see Rudy having serious regrets about coming to the NBA. He left a lot of CSKA money on the table and his skinny body seems better-suited for a Euro schedule where they only play a few games every week. I wonder how much whining it would take before Portland lets him out of his NBA rookie contract?
KP = dutch boy with leaky dike
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
oh, we would not do that
we trade him for value, especially if he keeps his trap shut. I think he (and filler) could bring back Caron Butler, our pickings from GSW, Mike Conley, maybe even Rudy Gay, Thad Young, or similar young talent.
Come on you gotta listen unto me,
lay off that whiskey and let that cocaine be. ~Johnny Cash
by HurraKane212 on Dec 7, 2009 11:02 PM PST up reply actions
that's the plan
but you’ve gotta admit, things haven’t been going “according to plan” for KP since the first week in July, if not further back. Actually, the turning point may have been the last game of the regular season when Portland drew the Rockets in the first round. To quote Han Solo, I had a “bad feeling” about that matchup
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
Anthony Randolph, who's highly overrated, is a weak post defender — which is mainly due to ...
his scrawny physique — and horribly inefficient jump shooter. I honestly don’t get the love affair that some people have with Randolph, who’ll probably never be a major contributor on a championship contender.
Dear Paul Allen:
Fire Nate McMillan & hire Jeff Van Gundy.
Sincerely,
AK1984
over my dead body
bayless leaves over my dead body
Start Andre (in a 2 guard lineup)
"Good defense always beats bad offense."-Al Iannazzone, Yes Network
if you should strike Oden down he will become more powerful than you can possibly imagine
#52
by thomasikehara on Dec 7, 2009 10:33 PM PST up reply actions
If Bayless gets traded...
I will likely need to check out for the rest of the 2009-10 season. That would be a disasterous overreaction IMO. This team is not going to be special this year. Build for the future. Blake/Miller are not a long-term option at the point. You don’t trade the potential point guard for your championship contender in two years for a power forward who might help you lock down the 7 seed.
Q: Is Greg favoring his knee?
Frye: He favors dunking on your head, that's what he favors.
depends on what he's traded for, obviously
but I doubt his trade value is higher than his potential, so it would likely be a mistake.
#52
agreed
especially for his salary.
Come on you gotta listen unto me,
lay off that whiskey and let that cocaine be. ~Johnny Cash
by HurraKane212 on Dec 7, 2009 10:46 PM PST up reply actions
How much longer is the team going to keep holding on to
young players with “potential”? The Blazers missed the boat with Travis, Webster, Frye, heck even Sergio at one point had trade value. I think the team is coming around to the fact the the NBA is not the MLB and you don’t build a contender through your own farm system. You can, however, build the 2001 Clippers.
by Pooh Richardson on Dec 7, 2009 11:03 PM PST up reply actions
Jerryd Bayless is a me-first ball hog and a guy who'll always be ineffective without the ball in his ...
hands. Unless you’re a freak of nature like Dwyane Wade, dudes who pound the rock and don’t help out teammates on offense — as Bayless is, was, and always will be a poor excuse of a distributor — aren’t good fits as role players. That, along with low BBIQ on defense and his inability to fight through screens effectively, are why I don’t envision a long-term role for him in Portland. For Bayless, the best bet for him to further his career is playing for a bad team that’ll let him get away with his god-awful brand of pinball iso scoring.
Dear Paul Allen:
Fire Nate McMillan & hire Jeff Van Gundy.
Sincerely,
AK1984
by AK1984 on Dec 7, 2009 11:41 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Glad to see that you are willing to rethink your position based on actual play......
…….oh wait, this is exactly what you have chanted since the day we drafted Bayless.
Your schtick has gone from an interesting critical evaluation, to a provocative minority view, to now just looking like intransigence.
Bayless has an Assist % that is just below Blake and above Rudy. Given that he is only playing PG for less than half the minutes he is on the floor, that is pretty darn good.
Bayless has a PER of 18.95, good enough for 9th among all PGs in the league.
Bayless has a TS% of .634, third highest in the league among all PGs behind only a couple of obscure guys named Chris Paul and Steve Nash.
“Ball hogs” are guys who hurt their teams by jacking up low percentage shots. Next to Oden, who is third in the league in FG%, Bayless has been the most efficient scorer on the team. His usage rate of 24.3% is on par with most scoring PGs in the league and is third on Blazers behind Roy and Trout. Given his efficiency and the difficulty Portland has getting bench scoring with all the injuries, are you really going to criticize Bayless for doing exactly what the coaching staff asks him to do?
Whether or not Bayless goes on to become a good distributor is still an open question. I would argue that he has already shown himself to be a quality combo guard. He has lowered his TO rate and increased his Assist % substantially. He is not being used as a true PG, so criticizing him for not generating true PG numbers seems pretty ridiculous.
His defense is definitely a work in progress, but he already does a better job of staying in front of his man than either Blake or Miller. His team defense awareness is not fully developed, but given that he is 21, and given the number of minutes he has played, that is not surprising.
At some point, AK you need to admit that there are some very large cracks in the facade of the caricature you have constructed of Bayless. The sooner you wipe your face, the less egg you will have on it.
by upper left corner on Dec 8, 2009 7:00 AM PST up reply actions 8 recs
Me first?
What basis is there for saying that?
If “me first” means playing hard and looking like you give a crap instead of jogging around the court giving up open threes, then I agree with you.
Bayless isn’t a good distributor at this point in his career, but that doesn’t mean he’s “me first.” You want him to shoot less? He’s the most efficient scorer on the floor. Attacking is team first.
AK, here’s what you need to figure into your B-Rex analysis at some point: Bayless is an assassin. Yeah, he’s a little hyperactive on both ends of the court sometimes, but it’s borne of aggression. Brandon Roy and Lamarcus Aldridge NEED that energy. Obviously, they have some trouble generating it themselves, especially now that their bank accounts can’t help.
Bayless must play. I like Steve. He helped Brandon realize he can be one of the best players in the league. He tries his butt off. But right now he’s not a rotation caliber NBA player, and Bayless is. Kid needs to be on the court as much as possible.
Q: Is Greg favoring his knee?
Frye: He favors dunking on your head, that's what he favors.
Ditching Rex means Blake, Blake, Blake, and more Blake for this season — which is about 4 times more Blake than I feel like watching...
If Bayless gets traded…
I will likely need to check out for the rest of the 2009-10 season.
Dittos.
"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
Dwight Jaynes has had a burr up his fanny about Bayless from Day 1......
……he has been one of Bayless’ biggest critics next to AK and Gavin Dawson.
Jaynes has been predicting that Bayless will be traded since the day KP signed Miller.
I don’t have any idea how reliable his sources are, but I know that Jaynes is not an objective observer
by upper left corner on Dec 8, 2009 7:04 AM PST up reply actions
Celine Dion is an amazing singer.
One of the best in the last 50 years no doubt.
If you like over-singing times infinity
Celine Dion- the icon of pop divas who have to wiggle the crap out of every freaking note they sing, just because they can…
celine dion sucks
cash rules everything around me CREAM get tha money dolla dolla bill yaaaaallll
by staceyaugmon4HOF on Dec 7, 2009 10:40 PM PST up reply actions
I'm willing to believe that.
It’s just that I never spent any time listening to pop music from the 80’s through today. I don’t know any of her songs. I DO know what “tradeblake” describes above since you can’t avoid hearing a lot of that stuff on TV. Not my fave, for sure …
#52
maybe but i still dislike her
Blazer Fan
by leeroyjenkins on Dec 8, 2009 7:53 AM PST up reply actions
I can't flag this comment with a clear conscience...
…so I will just say how much I want to flag it.
I’ll take Terrence & Phillip over Celine Dion any day of the week. :-P
OK, I'll make the first comment about the game
Yuck!!!
I was born in '52, and I believe in #52. Hang in there, GO.
Seriously, Dave: this one had me thinking lottery
I dunno if Batum, Rudy, & Outlaw will arrive early and strong enough to make a difference.
I was born in '52, and I believe in #52. Hang in there, GO.
The silver lining (maybe)
After spending the last 3/4 of the season getting all the touches his heart desires—while absorbing loss after loss and bruise after bruise—Roy will be motivated to play with Greg Oden.
I was born in '52, and I believe in #52. Hang in there, GO.
I love the fact that Baytless works so tirelessly that he could also become excellent off the ball and balance his iso nature out.
It's a tune-out fest.
I liked his playmaking today. He is doing a better job of taking what the defense gives him. Solid effort from Bayless.
get well soon, big guy.
#52
Until Jerryd Bayless does all that on a consistent basis, I'll continue to look down on his style of play.
Dear Paul Allen:
Fire Nate McMillan & hire Jeff Van Gundy.
Sincerely,
AK1984
He already has....
PER 18.95, TS % .634
It is hard to see with your eyes shut.
by upper left corner on Dec 8, 2009 7:07 AM PST up reply actions
AK, how is he supposed to do it on a consistent basis when he doesn't get consistent minutes?
Three of our biggest problems right now are as follows:
1) We’re not generating easy looks in the paint, putting pressure on the defense or drawing fouls;
2) Our perimeter defense stinks like week-old cheese casserole;
3) Our Intensity could kindly be described as “lacking”.
Given all that, and given that Blake has been lousy right now, how the heck do you justify not giving Rex more minutes at the expense of Blake?
"One of the bright spots of the young season has been rookie point guard Jonny Flynn, whose name sounds like he should be the lead character in a Broadway Musical. "What are you doing here, Jonny Flynn?" "Why I'm here to court trouble, and woo a girl, and build the most fantastical contraption the world has ever seen!" -- Dave, Game 7 Blazers versus Timberwolves preview
by BlazersOrBust on Dec 8, 2009 9:11 AM PST up reply actions
Well now we will find out who can bring it
I’ve never had a great feeling about Webster but this game may have sealed it for me- he just can’t bring it when you need it. The Beatles, He’s a Real Nowhere Man, seems like it will be his legacy in Portland.
Blake never fails to underwhelm me.
Miller is trying to fit in, but I’m starting to wonder if the game is getting just too fast for him to be effective.
Aldridge has his moments, usually at insignificant times.
Joel is Joel, which most teams know and can almost ignore him.
Roy is almost always now 1 on 3 – amazing he can get anything, but the amount of effort and number of shots is likely to be severe.
Bayless was the lone bright spot – too bad coach pulled him.
Looks to be a long, cold road trip…
this was an awful game
Roy and LMA finally showed up for garbage time (aka the 4th quarter). That was nice of them. Bayless was our best player out there today. A passing PG he is not, but he at least brings energy and scoring to the table. He needs minutes.
Whatever. When Roy and LMA start resembling a max guy and a 65 mil guy before garbage time, we’ll be competetive again. Until then, not so much.
I am kind of numb right now. Disappointed in everyone and every aspect of this team, from our “stars” to Andre and Martell to the coaching staff (who I hope gets replaced) to our training staff to Greg Oden’s knees. It feels like Murphy’s Law right now. I’ll repost my list from teh JD.
our owner has cancer.
our assistant coach— a beloved member of our title team has cancer.
our coach is injured
our star center is injured
our star SG has regressed dramatically
our above average PF has regressed
2 SFs are hurt for the year, or close
our key reserve SG is hurt, and possibly wants out
our key free agent signing is pissed off and playing poorly
our starting PG has regressed
our young PG with potential possibly wants out
two rookie draft picks are hurt
i mean goodness gracious.
#52
I've been around for a while and can never remember a season like this
where the team has been hit on multiple fronts injury-wise and so much seems disorganized or poorly designed. When Walton went down, we still knew what the team’s basic strategy was, and there were no questionable decisions re playing time — and the players under Jack Ramsay played as hard as they could.
What’s going on now saps a fan’s morale.
ignacio
Jack Ramsey can in with a strategy and was a great teacher
Jack knew what he wanted to do and made the team play his way. Attack the basket as soon as possible, take advantage of mismatches, be in great shape.
This current team? Never have been able to figure out the vision. Lots of standing around on offense and a very odd man-to-man defense that never double teams the ball at the start of a play.
other than that...
how did you like the play, Mrs. Lincoln?
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
I'd like to return to last February
back when KP had RLEC and the possibilities were endless
now there is only an icy winter wind blowing through leafless trees
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
They say it is how you face adversity that shows your true character.
I’d say that also holds true for us fans.
How we stick with the team and stay positive will be telling over the next few months.
hakkaa päälle !
you know who bayless reminds me of?
Tony frickin Parker.
Give the man some PT. And QUIT yankin him after every turnover.
by CleBlazer on Dec 7, 2009 10:15 PM PST reply actions 2 recs
draft John Wall
and all will be forgiven
Come on you gotta listen unto me,
lay off that whiskey and let that cocaine be. ~Johnny Cash
with a PG like that
you play them or move the coach.
Floor spacing or not, Wall > Blake.
Come on you gotta listen unto me,
lay off that whiskey and let that cocaine be. ~Johnny Cash
by HurraKane212 on Dec 7, 2009 10:38 PM PST up reply actions
Portland could use Cole Aldrich more than John Wall.
Yet, Aldrich is more of a back-to-the-basket guy like Andrew Bogut rather than a face-up guy Brook Lopez, so I don’t think the big guy from Kansas could coexist effectively with a pure center like Greg Oden on offense.
Dear Paul Allen:
Fire Nate McMillan & hire Jeff Van Gundy.
Sincerely,
AK1984
Yep, when experiencing hard times ...
… escape into fantasy land.
It is beyond doubt that an 18 year old who has never stepped foot in an NBA game is the answer.
hakkaa päälle !
Ugly, ugly, ugly defense
I can’t believe what I saw out there tonight: Brandon Roy, face of the franchise, casually jogging to wide-open three-point shooters. Wow.
I agree that Bayless needs more run. It’ll help the perimeter defense a lot. And why didn’t Cunningham get more minutes tonight? Only in Portland (er, NY tonight) can you be short 4-5 guys and still see first- and second-year guys being underused because they “need time to develop.” Meanwhile, Blake and Miller look completely awful. Blake can’t guard a baby in a stroller, and Miller has the ugliest jumper for a guard in the league. (But at least Miller can D up a bit.)
I know the injuries are bad, but the coaching has been equally troubling this season. I’ve never been on the Hate Nate Wagon, but man, what’s going on in his mind? It’s getting to the point where I don’t blame Bayless and Rudy if they want out, considering what’s going on with Blake and Miller.
Do you think Nate was texting Kaleb during the game
and Canales was relaying the instructions to Demo and the assistants?
I’ll say it again, Blake played 37 minutes tonight, and Nate was 3000 miles away. Steve is not a Nate problem, the whole Blazer coaching staff has caught the S2B2 virus.
And KP is not immune to it, either
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
think positive
On the bright side, every Knick victory pushes the Jazz farther from John Wall and Derrick Favors…
Come on you gotta listen unto me,
lay off that whiskey and let that cocaine be. ~Johnny Cash
I came back here to read the post-game comments after seeing the debacle on my DVR.
Most negative, downer comments I can remember seeing on BE.
That is not to say that people weren’t expressing valid points of view. It does seem eerily like the good ship Blazetanic just ran into something that’s not going to be conveniently patched up. There is the sense that a series of mistakes, bad decisions, poorly planned contingencies, injuries, and spells of rotten luck are stacking up here and may just continue to the ultimate tipping point.
I am beginning to be more than a little bit concerned. But what to do? I have no clue.
#52
Or try this angle...
The Blazer team not wanting to show how little they missed McMillan intentionally tanked the game tonight to make Nate feel good that only he can guide this team to the promised land.
Step away from the bong
Nate has lost the trust and respect of at least half of the team.
by southern oregon on Dec 7, 2009 10:37 PM PST up reply actions
Unwatchable
Anyone that watched that game in its entirety is a better fan than me. I’ll admit it and give you that honor willingly. I just have better things to do than watch an effort like that.
I hope the Blazers can get it together.
PoliSam, can you do some advanced statistical analysis on why Bayless has to play?
Something along the lines of the decreasing utility of Blake when playing next to low usage, low efficiency scorers like Martell and Przy and DC and Howard.
We need to spread the word so that it will trickle up the organization. It is ridiculously obvious that Blake isn’t the right guy to get PT with this depleted roster.
Q: Is Greg favoring his knee?
Frye: He favors dunking on your head, that's what he favors.
I see what you are trying to do...
Sucker me into paying more attention by making me feel useful…
Yeah, I could only really manage to pay attention to the game when Bayless was in… It’s not that he is the best player on the team, but if a team is so obviously headed for a loss, it’s nice to see someone with an aggressive, attacking attitude on the floor.
To be fair, I watched the Blazers right after watching the Tim Donaghy 60 Minutes interview (on DVR). That’s a depressing interview… The most depressing part is the FBI investigator and a non-corrupt official saying, “yeah, NBA refs play favorites.” Honestly, on the heels of the Oden injured it had me questioning why I was fan of NBA basketball.
i say give bayless meaningful run
to see if he has what it takes be this teams pg of the future.
the season is pretty much lost at this point, with the ceiling being a first second round exit. so whats the risk.
bayless leaves over my dead body
Start Andre (in a 2 guard lineup)
"Good defense always beats bad offense."-Al Iannazzone, Yes Network
if you should strike Oden down he will become more powerful than you can possibly imagine
#52
bad game
watching brandon roy rotate late and half hearteldy throw a hand up as a knicks guard nails an open three pointer makes me think maybe these guys spirits are broken a tad.
cash rules everything around me CREAM get tha money dolla dolla bill yaaaaallll
by staceyaugmon4HOF on Dec 7, 2009 10:44 PM PST reply actions
I don't know how to feel about this team anymore.
My favourite player is now out for the season whilst my second favourite is playing well but is somehow mired behind a mediocre starter and a slow-starting (or declining) vet. The franchise player I came to know and trust last year is missing and our uber-talented power forward is either incapable of or unwilling to make the necessary improvements which would make him an all-star. This is especially strange seeing as he had already shown so much after all-star last season. Our French Mister Fantastic, who I thought was just a nice surprise/great find last year, goes down and leaves us with no good perimeter defenders. Travis Outlaw, who was considered an inefficient player who hurt the Blazers by a number of people (me included), breaks his foot and we immediately fall apart as a team. The rest of our guys have either regressed or are under performing and don’t seem to be giving 100%. The coaching staff has no clue and while Nate has developed a strange bond with the term “scrappiness” he still refuses to play the most consistently scrappy player on his roster.
There were a lot of scenarios I thought about before this season began. I couldn’t in my wildest dreams have seen this team becoming an undermanned squad that was not giving the requisite effort night in, night out necessary to win games. I’m lost.
Chad Ford on Oden, "He's definitely a defensive force... I don't think he'll ever put up the big numbers that Shaq did. But he could be the best big man defender in the league... frankly, having a 7 footer that can do that will produce more rings than a 6-11 small forward who can score 30 ppg. That was the thinking all along why GMs preferred Oden to Durant. KD is the sexier player and as an offensive player there is just no comparison. KD is great. Oden is aspiring to average. But defensively, Oden could be dominant. KD ... not so much."
Could have said it better myself. Thanks Mr. Ford!
I'm tired of rooting for this team
I’m becoming a Laker fan from this day forward.
I don't know
About becoming a Laker fan. That may be a bit drastic. But it is becoming increasingly difficult to watch Steve Blake miss shot after open shot and get consistently murdered on defense. Dude played 38 minutes and he couldn’t stop Chris feeakin Duhon!!!! Prior to this game I thought Duhon was the worst starting pt in the NBA. Boy was I wrong! Meanwhile, Bayless has to sit and watch Blake get killed, and I can only imagine what Bayless does in practice since he gets to go against the worst pt defender in the league. This entire organization’s infatuation with Steve Blake is the most frustrating thing in a season of frustrations, ok 2nd most frustrating after Oden being hurt.
If we are forced to continue to watch this garbage, and by garbage I mean Blakes defense and “solid play”, then maybe becoming a Laker fan won’t be going to far.
PLEASE PLAY BAYLESS!!! And for the love of all caring fans please bench Blake!!!
Get at me. I'll be the one rockin' the game worn Rudy jersey baaaaybeeee!!!!!!!!
I got love!!!!!
##
by Sir-1 on Dec 7, 2009 11:48 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
I’m trying to be careful not to over-defend Blake, but point guards are going to explode past other point guards in this league — that’s just how it is. The rules are set up this way to keep the game more fluid and exciting. Taking into account the level of athletes in the league and the way the human body works, wing defenders are going to get beat. Defenders should always try to stay in front of their man, but mostly you’re going to try to force players to their weaker areas and guard as a team. Can’t just blame the PG.
In 37 minutes, Chris Duhon was 2-7 for 6 points tonight.
by Chadillac5000 on Dec 8, 2009 2:11 AM PST up reply actions
And while I’ll agree that Steve should play less minutes and that Dre starting might do wonders, Miller wasn’t exactly lighting it up out there. Blake went 4-8, had 5 rebounds and 4 assists to his 2 TOs. Give the guy a break.
by Chadillac5000 on Dec 8, 2009 2:16 AM PST up reply actions
The Lakers are fun to watch, if you can just put out of your mind as a Blazer fan that they are the Lakers...
Easy for me to say since I grew up in Northern California, but I can appreciate that it’s probably too much of a leap for most of you…
"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
I'm adding Danillo Gallinari to the list of point guards who can explode past Blake.
I don’t know if this is worse than watching Brent Barry cross him over last year.
First time caller
First, Dave and Ben: I really enjoy your posts and highly encourage you to keep up the good work. You are known around the basketball blogosphere for the quality of this site.
To the rest of you out there in BE-land, I often read your posts with a mixture of amusement, head-nodding, and sympathy, and I wish I were moved to come on board in the spirit of these sentiments.
Instead I speak to expel a distinctly foul taste in my mouth, one that comes not from the play of our team (which has no doubt fallen below expectations), but from the complete trashing of our team, the team we claim to love.
I understand your frustrations; in fact, I share a lot of them. But how can a slumping season turn you away from this team? This team that has gone 21, 32, 41, 54, this team that has time and again lifted our spirits and given us a vicarious sense of victory and elation? This team that, even in defeat, often shows you some pretty miraculous things? Changes need to be made, sure. I as much as anyone want to see more motion in the offense, hands in faces on defense, better rotation, better anticipation, less hesitation. I as much as anyone want to see Miller get a shot at the starting shot (yes, in a two-guard lineup) and for Bayless to get quality run. But when Steve Blake is in the game, I am not foaming at the mouth for a trade, I am not calling for heads, I am hoping he makes his shots and connects on his passes and moves his feet. I am cheering for him.
This team has been beset on all sides with misfortune. It has experienced a natural sort of confusion in this stage of its evolution, and the finger-pointing can go wherever you like it to. As Dave mentioned earlier last week, anyone can point the finger anywhere. Spouting to the universe how you would run the team is fair game; I do it all the time, and I hope you all continue to discuss what you would like to see. But in the end, we must remember that we don’t run the team, we have a very limited view on what is actually going on, and we aren’t under any pressure at all. Our Blazers have been dealt some serious — what some might consider back-breaking — blows this year, and spirits are very low. This game is as much psychology and emotion as it is x’s and o’s, and the most important thing we can do as fans is to stand behind our team, believe in them, and infuse them with positive energy and support. If you want them to play with heart, then you have to give them a reason to.
Thanks for reading, and keep up the good work. GO BLAZERS.
by Chadillac5000 on Dec 7, 2009 11:36 PM PST reply actions 3 recs
The problem is
That no matter how hard I cheer for Blake to make his open shots, move his feet on defense, and make effective plays on the break; and Lord knows I am cheering my butt off, Blake inevitably still misses shots, gets killed on D by Chris Duhon, and kills multiple fast break chances with horrible plays.
After cheering so hard and to no avail, my throat hurts and Blake is still playing 38 MINUTES!! That is when the anger and bitterness that you are dispopinted in takes hold of me and causes my mouth to foam a little. I want to be a positive fan who supports our players through thick and thin. And I think Blake is an awesome dude. I have always loved Nate but the fact that Blake plays so much and so ineffectively while Bayless is playing so well and so little, is asinine. I can not continue to blindly cheer that particular form of insanity.
Get at me. I'll be the one rockin' the game worn Rudy jersey baaaaybeeee!!!!!!!!
I got love!!!!!
##
by Sir-1 on Dec 8, 2009 12:04 AM PST via mobile up reply actions
I’m totally in agreement about Blake’s limitations, and I think Miller should start. When he runs around in a circle looking for an open man I don’t know whether to laugh or pull my hair. When he hesitates at the open 3 until his man is on him, then dribbles and steps in to take a less open jumper, I get frustrated. When he threw that ball out of bounds in Houston last year, fourth quarter, I shouted very bad things, which was very bad, because I was visiting my parents and they were sleeping.
I think with that example, I was mostly reacting to times I’ve been watching the game in a roomful of people openly hating on the dude every time he touches the ball. I trust the front office to make the decisions it needs to and for players to work things out. In the meantime, if he’s spotting up wide open behind the line, I’m hoping for him to get the ball, to pull the trigger and make it. The Blake-hate, the Nate-hate, and all the other player-hate (ha ha) is just kind of wearing on me the more I read this thing.
by Chadillac5000 on Dec 8, 2009 12:31 AM PST up reply actions
also, with all the player-hate, we tend to forget all of the great things that players have done for us, the things that make us love the game. I guess it’s just the kind of fan I am — I trust the organization, and I cheer for what we’ve got. Sorry for the long-winded debut…
by Chadillac5000 on Dec 8, 2009 12:34 AM PST up reply actions
If Blake were relegated to the end of the bench, do you honestly think that would make any difference
Come on: we hear this every season. Taurean Green won a championship: give him some burn. Play Sergio! Bench Sergio and play Blake! Trade Sergio! Trade Jack—he steps out of bounds too much! Start Andre Miller! The three-guard starting line-up is the problem! Etc., etc., ad nauseum.
Blake is stinking it up this season, for sure, but the team’s problems go much, much deeper than that. The best point guard in the league wouldn’t turn this squad into a winner at this point. Give the “I hate Blake” posts a rest—please.
I was born in '52, and I believe in #52. Hang in there, GO.
I thought the quality of effort from Portland sucked most of the evening.
However Steve Blake deserves less of a share of it than almost any Blazer other than Bayless. Whatever problems Portland had, Steve Blake was not a major contributor to them.
This is why I believe that most fans are nowhere near as knowledgable as they believe they are. You don’t like Blake. There is more than one aspect of his game you can rightfully point to as not being league leading. His performance to start this season is below what we have seen from him in the past. However a fan immediately disqualifies himself from the list of knowledgeable observers when he (or she) rants against a player they don’t like even when they perform reasonably well. (See AK above regarding Bayless.)
hakkaa päälle !
Statistically, you are right. Emotionally, it's another matter...
Right NOW is the time to find out what Rex can do. And if that means Blake never sees a minute on the floor as a Blazer (which this DOES more or less imply), then I’m good with it.
The fact that Blake is still getting 30+++ minutes a night is downright galling…
"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
Blake played well last night
He was responding to a silly comment. Blake got killed by Duhon last night? Duhon was 2-7 for six points. And we’re griping about Blake, who was 4-8 and one of only 3 players that more than once in the entire game actually penetrated into the paint and scored?
Last night, Blake deserved minutes and Andre was pathetic. The game before, it was reversed.
I just wish they’d play whichever PG happens to be playing well and give Jerryd the minutes of the guy who can’t do a thing that night. We never have a game where both Blake and Miller are playing well.
#52
We never have a game where both Blake and Miller are playing well
There must’ve been a few during that 7-2 stretch…
We’ll soon be looking back on the 3-guard starting lineup as the halcyon days of the 2009-2010 Blazer season
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
They played D well together
I don’t recall them both having an effective offensive game at the same time.
#52
I too think Bayless is showing he deserves more minutes.
At least I do based on what I can see. I also recognize that no matter how much basketball I watch, I’m probably never going to recognize even 70% of what is going on and why. Therefore I try to limit my comments to agreeing with the opinion that Bayless should get more minutes, but not going so far as to criticize other players or the coaching staff, since I realize there could be some significant factor in the 30% I am missing that influences the decisions of the staff.
hakkaa päälle !
Appreciate the comments.
I keep telling myself that there are a large number of BE readers who don’t normally comment here and they generally are more supportive of the team. It fits with human nature. People are usually more likely to be vocal about something they don’t like, then they are about something they do like. That’s why we see a heavy dose of criticisim on this site.
hakkaa päälle !
In retail we always remembered that one customer compliment ....
….really equaled the equivalent of 10 happy customers….human nature
" Welcome to the Bedge....where good, is never good enough"…Rudiculous
by 92wastheyear on Dec 8, 2009 11:04 AM PST up reply actions
One reason I try to make a point of letting people know that I appreciate their efforts.
People might be surprised how much good will it buys you by sending a letter or email to someone’s Supervisor telling them what good service you receive from one or more of their people.
(And people wonder why my stuff gets done or I pull off apparent miracles on a frequent basis with my projects. A good deal of it is luck, but taking care to recognize the contributions or good work of others comes into play all the time.)
hakkaa päälle !
I always felt a letter (a real old fasioned letter) equated to 50-100 happy peeps
there is just that much more effort involved
" Welcome to the Bedge....where good, is never good enough"…Rudiculous
by 92wastheyear on Dec 8, 2009 11:46 AM PST up reply actions
its the apocolypse!
No…its growing pains. We just need to put Blake down like a horse with a bum leg and we will be fine. Do it at the beginning of the next home game at mid court. We can play the national anthem and then get on with our lives. It has to be done, for the good of the team and for the good of Blake. I hate watching him suffer out there. Somewhere a town of a thousand people is missing a Rec Center Captain. He’d be great on a community college team…but I digress.
Either way, put in Miller and/or Bayless. Sell miller for a biscuit and play Bayless 48 minutes a game. We might lose but at least it will be fun to watch. Watching Blake play is like listening and watching a zombie drag a rake across an amplified chalkboard for 30 minutes a game. It’s like watching Nixon give a speech on health care. I find myself going for the butter knife to stab out my brain to make the pain stop. please make the pain stop Blake…
#52. Get well soon.
by Eat Politicians on Dec 7, 2009 11:52 PM PST reply actions
"He’d be great on a community college team......"
Or a NCAA National Championship team
" Welcome to the Bedge....where good, is never good enough"…Rudiculous
by 92wastheyear on Dec 8, 2009 11:05 AM PST up reply actions
I wonder....
if steve blake would have gotten drafted at all in the league had he not won a national championship. I mean. no one ever says anything about him being a steal after being drafted 38th overall, and people usually say that when there is a player starting and getting as much playing time as him.
The only reason i shoot 3's is cuz there ain't no such thing as 4's.
by cpt.morgan.ahoy! on Dec 8, 2009 12:35 AM PST reply actions
Hey Lamarcus, its called a pick and....
ROLL.
I should count how many open lanes he rejects in favor of standing there for the low-percentage jumper.
"im a buffet of goodness"-Channing Frye
Nobody hits him when he rolls
so what’s the point.
#52
Because they know he can't finish inside
I don’t blame them
Blazer Fan
by leeroyjenkins on Dec 8, 2009 7:59 AM PST up reply actions
it is also called a "pick and pop"
" Welcome to the Bedge....where good, is never good enough"…Rudiculous
by 92wastheyear on Dec 8, 2009 11:06 AM PST up reply actions
doesn't change the terminology
" Welcome to the Bedge....where good, is never good enough"…Rudiculous
by 92wastheyear on Dec 8, 2009 11:27 AM PST up reply actions
the OP was simply pleading with LMA to roll instead of waiting for the long jumper.
get well soon, big guy.
#52
The terminology is there for a reason
They are probably calling pick and pops …which would explain why LMA is not rolling
" Welcome to the Bedge....where good, is never good enough"…Rudiculous
let’s remember that Lamarcus shoots a remarkably good percentage from 20 feet. He loves that shot and there’s good reason for it. I didn’t think it was such a bad idea when you had Greg posting up, because a high-percentage, jump-shooting PF draws a banger out of the lane. Now that the big guy’s down, we’d certainly like to see Lamarcus roll a little more and for the team to look for him to finish, because on the contrary, he has some beautiful moves to the rack as well. I agree with those who say we don’t look to finish the pick and roll nearly enough. Greg, especially, was great at getting into position for those.
by Chadillac5000 on Dec 8, 2009 3:16 PM PST up reply actions
like to see Lamarcus roll a little more and for the team to look for him to finish, because on the contrary, he has some beautiful moves to the rack as well
It’s time for LMA to go back to operating in the post, like he did during the 2nd half of the seaosn last year. But will he? We’ll be watching
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
OMG
Reading these posts makes me sad and laugh at the same time, a living soap opera. As much pain and suffering as us fans are going through now with all of the injuries, Oden’s was the one that broke the camel’s back. As a fan, we are angry at the cruel fate of this year’s team, and sad for the players who have to sit and wait another year to develop.
I bet the players feel even worse. Every player and staff member on the team had high expectations this year. It will take some time for them to recover from this.
Now is not the time to over react and trade players.
Give them time to adjust. I hope the team use this time to play everyone and see who the star players are and want to keep, Getting a shot at Wall in the lottery would be a nice consolation prize.
The worse thing for me would be to barely get the 8th seed and get spanked in the first round. .
Just so you know it
I HATE PEOPLE SAYING THEY HATE ANY OF OUR PLAYERS.
And Blake played a decent game. And Webster played good defense, but his shot isn’t going. When guys are out a year, they tend to be rusty for a while.
And the defensive effort was good for much of this game, but NY shot the lights out from the three point line. Otherwise, we hold them to 20 under their average.
And our problem was poor offensive execution, and failing to move the ball quickly to the open man, and failing to attack the basket except when Bayless was in.
#52
by jscot on Dec 8, 2009 5:48 AM PST up reply actions 1 recs
It sounds like Portland is just flat broke
And we did a lot of things last night that we couldn’t afford. Its gonna be a long, hard year, but these are the trials and tribulations you need to go through before you reach the promised land. Our “window” is just starting to open and should stay open for years. Next year will be better!
This could be the beginning of the end
I didn’t want to say that but judging from the effort last night, this is a lottery team. Lottery teams aren’t cool in Portland and when you aren’t the ‘cool thing’ in Portland you won’t sell tickets. Casual fans are already gone, now you risk alienating even the die-hards. Not selling tickets means not having revenue. Not having revenue means not remaining competitive.
It may be time to blow this entire thing up save Roy and LMA who you just overpaid for.
This is what happens when you mail it in, Portland Trailblazer players.
Blazer Fan
Leeroy, do you really believe that anyone, even you, can make a reasonable ...
… determination based on one game?
I know you are a glass half empty type when it comes to the Blazers (even though you seemed to make great strides towards the end of last season). But now you are sounding like you are a glass is shattered on the floor kind of guy. Next thing you know, you will be calling for a kitchen remodel.
hakkaa päälle !
nearly 90 sellouts in a row
jus sayin’
" Welcome to the Bedge....where good, is never good enough"…Rudiculous
by 92wastheyear on Dec 8, 2009 11:08 AM PST up reply actions
when we were winning. If we continue to give no effort on the defensive end, fans will probably stop showing up.
get well soon, big guy.
#52
If,probably, maybe, might
" Welcome to the Bedge....where good, is never good enough"…Rudiculous
by 92wastheyear on Dec 8, 2009 11:26 AM PST up reply actions
wow, take your meds all
I’m almost always positive, but Oden’s injury was a real bad stroke of luck. I’m still down and imagine the team is too. I’ll snap out of it and will the team. They’ll play better and will make the playoffs. There still a very good team, they just need to adjust between the ears.
As for the negative throw the baby out with the bath water folks in here, patience and lowered expectations.
Negativity
not realism
" Welcome to the Bedge....where good, is never good enough"…Rudiculous
by 92wastheyear on Dec 8, 2009 11:09 AM PST up reply actions
I was at the game, and while it was embarrassing to lose to the Knicks...
…it wasn’t as if the Blazers were thoroughly outclassed. There were two major factors that I saw.
1. The Knicks were getting way too many offensive rebounds. I can’t recall how many second-chance points they got off those rebounds, but that’s where they need Martell Webster to step up on the defensive end. He was completely invisible on the court except for his own missed three pointers, and the Blazers really needed some help on the glass and on defending the three point line.
2. The Knicks’ 3s were dropping. There was a point in the 3rd when the lead started opening up that I looked and the Knicks were something like 11 of 18 from distance, and it hadn’t seemed like they’d missed that many. Sometimes you play defense and the ball still goes in.
If the Blazers could’ve done a better job on the defensive glass, coupled with perhaps 3 or 4 missed 3s in the 2nd and 3rd periods, I think they’d’ve won the game. Every potential momentum-swinging Blazer bubble was burst with a three pointer. Every one of them.
It just wasn’t their night out there.
Lack of effort leads to giving up offensive rebounds and not closing out on shooters
But I’m sure they gave a great effort in their 20 point loss to a 7 win team
Blazer Fan
by leeroyjenkins on Dec 8, 2009 10:07 AM PST up reply actions
Offensive rebounds
NY had 12, Portland 8. 3 or 4 of those 12 came on one possession, and Aldridge finally came away with it.
Yes, they got more offensive rebounds than we would want to see, but our defensive rebounding percentage was 73% — certainly not good, but not horrible. Their defensive rebounding percentage was 76%.
We didn’t lose this game on the offensive boards. We lost it on three pointers (theirs were going, ours weren’t) and on turnovers. The stats say we had 18 turnovers, but we had at least two “heave it up, the shot clock is running out” possessions that don’t count as turnovers on the stat sheet, but should. We seem to be trying to lead the league in possessions that use more than 20 seconds of the shot clock. Maybe we’re practicing our clutch end-of-game shooting by working against the shot clock in the first quarter or something.
#52
(theirs were going, ours weren’t)
We were not contesting open looks! On the CSN highlight package, they were marveling at every shot on the video being taken without a Blazer running to contest hard. LMA had one spectacularly bad contest when he kinda jumped where he was instead of running out at Gallo.
Contesting threes dramatically affects how much they go in.
get well soon, big guy.
#52
Beating a dead horse here.
But why isn’t Bayless getting rewarded for his hard work? I could totally understand it if the team was playing well but that’s not the case. If they were trying to showcase Bayless you would think he could get more playing time, especialy in a game like last night. I’m not saying Bayless is the guy that will turn this team around but I’d rather watch a player who hussles and has that killer instinct than someone who runs around the court dribbling until the 24 shot clock is up and either heaves a 3 or passess to a gaurded teamate. Infact, I’d rather watch bayless drive the ball to the basket, over and over and over again than watch the crap basketball we’ve seen lately. All I want for Christmas is my Blazer team back…… :(
Ever think they might be showcasing Blake so they can trade him at the deadline?
by Blodgett on Dec 8, 2009 10:05 AM PST via mobile up reply actions
yeah, and I dismissed the notion
there’s no GM in the league that would be “more inclined” to acquire Blake based on Steve playing 37 minutes instead of 27
the scouting book is closed on #2, everybody in the NBA already knows who/what he is
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
Living in the Past
I think Dave was being nice. I saw a team that had no heart and no pride, just hanging their heads and looking like they couldnt wait until the final buzzer. Individual observations:
Roy: Still thinks it is 2008 and that teams dont know how to stop him. Also, still doesnt seem to understand that he needs to lead in the defensive end as much as the offensive end. There is no way he comes close to Kobe/Wade/Lebron company until he dedicates himself to defense. His career is trending dangerously close to someone like Michael Redd.
Blake and Przybilla: While I still do not like Blake as starting PG, at least he and Przy are consistent.
LMA: Like Roy, I think he is living in the past and needs to learn how to pass better out of the double team.
Bayless: Say what you want, but at least he cares and puts in effort on both ends of the floor.
Webster: looks clueless at times. I think it has to do with scheme (where SFs are put in corners), but mostly because teammates dont even seem to look for him AT ALL. I think they lost confidence in him at some point and his confidence followed.
Miller: Pretty much got publicly dissed by McMillan and Roy from the get go and doesnt seem so motivated. Really, I dont blame him. Wrong offensive scheme. I think they should have done more to change scheme for him rather than stick to the scheme that everyone has scouted and defends better than last year (again, sensing a team living in past). I was okay maybe with putting him in with 2nd unit but once Batum, Outlaw and now Rudy went down, he is pressured into creating his own offense.
McMillan: while he likely gets a pass because of injuries, look at someone like Adelman that has changed his schemes on both offense and defense to fit his personnel and get the most out of his players.
Webster: looks clueless at times. I think it has to do with scheme (where SFs are put in corners), but mostly because teammates dont even seem to look for him AT ALL. I think they lost confidence in him at some point and his confidence followed
I think he’s missed 17 of his last 22 shots. I wouldn’t “look” for him, either—unless he was wide open under the basket
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
Hold Tight
I wouldn’t change anything in a panic mode. While I have reservations about Nate’s ability to coach this group…….too many missing pieces. If this season goes down in flames…..so be it. We need to put the majority of our players on the court, let them practice and work together for a meaningful time period…….then reassess.
agreed
Even with my complaints about effort and scheme, we certainly will not get fair value for any assets at this point in season. The only reason to change is if (I hope this doesnt sound callous) Mr. Allen wants to see something before his health fails.
by merseykersey on Dec 8, 2009 10:23 AM PST up reply actions
Watching last nights game ...
…. one thought kept running through my mind.
The only performance worst than that of the ref’s was that of the Blazers.
I missed the 1st quarter and part of the 2nd. When I got home and turned on the game, the Knicks were halfway into their first 12-2 run. I thought that sort of sucks, but teams have runs and no big deal. But it got worse and what I kept seeing was poor play and generally a lack of effort. The only bright spot, besides Bayless trying to pump some life into the team, was the fact that Portland didn’t quit completely and at least tried to increase they effort level in the 4th quarter. Of course by then it was too late.
Yet even though I was thoroughly disappointed with Portland’s performance, I can’t believe the level of whiny, gutless, complaining and hand wringing here at BE. As I posted to jake above, it is during times of adversity that one learns their true character. Based on what I’m seeing here, whiny faithlessness seems to be an apt description for a lot of Blazer fans.
hakkaa päälle !
Couldn't agree more!
The negativity bothers me and I am considering not reading the comments anymore. Not that I contribute much more than sarcasm interspersed with adoration but I kind of take the stance that the players (or their friends) could read BE and would wonder if we (fans) are just bandwagoners. When we are up we’re up, but when we’re down we are REALLY down…I highly doubt they do read BE but dang if some people aren’t vindictive towards some of our players!
I also agree about effort. It is always about effort and as long as I see some I’m happy even if we lose. The last few seasons reflect that. We were always coming back when we were down and our records at least showed improvement. Last night, ee gave real effort for about 12 min. total. The rest of the time it looked like we were just going through the motions. And that I can’t stand….
Let's do it for the big man!
Not whiny faithfulness
I think most people posting here are like myself, trying to pinpoint what is wrong with team. If they didnt have faith, I dont think they would be posting or care that much. Why I “whine” is because I dont see effort and because I dont think we will see improvement unless certain things are addressed. When the team has struggled in the past, I have always been patient. When I see the same problems over and over again, I get a little more vocal.
I am sick of hearing people say that people posting critiques of team are whiny or come from wannabe blazer fans.
by merseykersey on Dec 8, 2009 10:45 AM PST up reply actions
It is the lack of critical thinking I think timg56 is getting at and has always made a point of....
It is the lack of any serious substance in a post that Dave continually reminds us about. And the repeat posts in the sidebar all saying basically the same negative thing…
Let's do it for the big man!
it is during times of adversity that one learns their true character.
Well, I sure hope that this isn’t Roy and LMA’s true character.
get well soon, big guy.
#52
we have twenty games of sample size right now. They both need to get their act together.
get well soon, big guy.
#52
They have a bunch more than 20 games ....
….in my book. Part of what I get tired of on these types of sites is that guys will have 3 years of great play on their resume …and as soon as there is a short stretch of poor play ….blam!! They are selfish…or they suck … or whatever
" Welcome to the Bedge....where good, is never good enough"…Rudiculous
my original point was that adversity can bring out the worst in people at times. I don’t believe that Brandon is permanently stuck in the mode he’s been in so far, but it’s easy to see that he is in a funk and not nearly the player he was last year.
get well soon, big guy.
#52
And I'm cranky
But you did mention the sample size as 20 games (although you are not the only one) …..I contend that only counting the last 20 games for some sort of indictment of Roy (and LMA for that matter) is inherently unfair. They have both provided 3 seasons of solid, if not spectacular, play and leadership and judging them based on some up(they have both had some good games too) and down play during the last 20 games (which works out to well less than 10% of their total careers) is a faulty premise. The adversity has just started ……and based on their past play (all of it, not just the last 7.9%), I expect them to come through with flying colors.
" Welcome to the Bedge....where good, is never good enough"…Rudiculous
I attended this game. What I saw was:
1 – NY was really hitting their threes. 13-26 for the game. a more convention 40% 3pt clip puts them at 10-26 and a tie ballgame. Couple that with a pedestrian 3-8 from behind the arc for Portland, and it’s a ho-hum road win.
2 – ALOT of defensive breakdowns – At least 4 or 5 times where the Blazers switched leaving, say, Blake on Gallinari or even David Lee, in the post, with whichever power forward somewhere far, far away. Easy 2 pts.
3 – Brandon Roy decided to be clutch, scoring something like 4 straight buckets of the “unstoppable” variety in the 4th quarter. Brandon’s gameplan this season seems to be let his teammates play until he is needed and then step it up, hoping that the extra attention on him gives them better opportunities. I think it’s time he starts establishing himself early and get his teammates chances when the other team is really queing off of him.
4 – Dante Cunningham and Jerryd Bayless – It’s time for Bayless to move into the #2 Point Guard role, which will hopefully happen in the Sacramento game once we get rid of Miller. Sidenote, including Greg Oden’s injury, I blame everything on Miller. The guy’s been a cancer from the second he was signed, questioning the bench role on a team where Rudy, Martell, Oden, Przybilla, Outlaw, Blake, etc. would accept a bench role. If Nate asked Roy to come off the bench, he would. Miller’s not a part of the team, and I can’t wait until he’s gone.
5 – Regardless of if he is or is not soft, LaMarcus plays soft. With Oden out, Przybilla can’t lay the lumber like he has so far (amazing – with Oden, Joel was fouling basically every minute he was on the court. Without him, a foul every 10 minutes. Aldridge needs to put a couple dudes on the line and protect Joel.
M, period. Fresh, comma.
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