Game 3 Preview: Denver Nuggets vs. Portland Trail Blazers
by Dave on Dec 28, 2011 10:00 PM PST
in News
Email
PrintGame Time: 7:00 p.m. TV: KGW
As any good Trail Blazer fan knows, the Blazers are riding high on a two-game win streak, having started their season with back-to-back spirited victories versus the 76ers and Kings, the latter in blowout fashion. Portland's energy and hustle, combined with a couple of heroic efforts by forwards, have carried the day. Denver has also started the season strong. This will be a different kind of test for the Blazers, hardly insurmountable but requiring a new level of cunning and resolve.
The Sixers field a mish-mash of mismatched veterans and kids. The Kings are all young, not even developed enough to know if they fit together yet. The Nuggets are a team: deep, interlocking, and if not experienced together at least smart enough about the game and the league to make it work. They've got big players running down to the bedrock level. Their wing depth isn't as impressive but they field players you've heard of and (mostly) respect. The Blazers talk about playing 9 or 10 players but those last couple are a wink and a prayer. You hope they don't lose too much ground until the real guys can get back. The Nuggets can run 9 guys out there without shame, 10 in a pinch, and not sweat.
That frontcourt that just doesn't quit includes Nene Hilario, long-time Nuggets center now moved to power forward, alongside former New York fan favorite Timothy Mozgov. Nene intimidates you more, obviously, but if they get tired of Mozgov they can always trot out Chris Andersen or move Nene back to the 5 alongside veteran Al Harrington. They're not going to run out of big men who can play.
If Denver has a thin spot it's at small forward where former New York even-more-fan-favorite Danilo Gallinari takes his bows. Gallinari isn't consistent. He'll disappear on you. But when he uncorks he looks like an All-Star with his shooting and all-around stat-stuffing. Behind him come a couple of transplanted shooting guards. Corey Brewer defends while former-Blazer Fernandez plays mini-Gallinari, shooting and scrambling. Both Brewer and Fernandez are capable of manning their natural position, of course, making Denver's backcourt even deeper than the frontcourt. Ty Lawson starts at point backed by another former Blazer, Andre Miller. Denver isn't afraid to play Miller and Lawson together either, providing a heady--if short--guard lineup. Arron Afflalo defends well as the starting shooting guard.
These players don't have the name cachet of Dallas or L.A. and frankly they won't be as good as either. They do provide 48 minutes of capable basketball with enough firepower at targeted positions to given them a chance of winning any night, anywhere.
The problem the Blazers will face against the Nuggets is not so much talent-versus-talent matchups. Portland won't be ashamed to throw Aldridge and Wallace, Felton and Matthews, Crawford and Camby out there. On paper most of Portland's names are better, actually. But Portland's lineup isn't seamless. Reserve center and point guard have been huge concerns. In fact any concentrated bench presence for Portland has been a problem so far this season. That Nuggets lineup is like the ocean. It won't knock you down with one wave necessarily, but over the course of time it's going to seep through any holes in your boat and sink it. That's a glaring concern for the Blazers.
The Nuggets can defend as well as the Blazers. The Nuggets can rebound better than the Blazers. They force turnovers just like the Blazers do. Their guards get back in transition too. The Nuggets don't have an "easy" version of their lineup on which the Blazers can feast and make a run. Nene has bullied Portland before. Ty Lawson is quick enough to give any Portland guard fits. Every guard and small forward they play outside of Miller is good at hitting the deep ball and can't be left uncovered. Size...talent...skill...all there.
It'll be a different world tonight. The Blazers have the obvious advantage of being at home and they still field that amazing forward duo. Aldridge and Wallace should be able to bully guys like Harrington and Gallinari, let alone any smaller players Denver tries to field in the frontcourt. Look for the Blazers to exploit individual post-up matchups more than they have in the two games prior, and that's up and down the lineup. And speaking of...Portland will need more from its guards and wings--Felton, Crawford, Matthews, Batum--in order to survive. All four players have been inconsistent. Inconsistency will kill against this kind of team. Portland needs to weather its non-Camby moments better as well. Chris Johnson needs to have a Chris Andersen-like effect on the game. The deep bench doesn't have to play brilliantly, they just have to not get the Blazers killed.
We've seen the teams the Blazers are supposed to beat. The bar gets higher tonight. This is exactly the kind of game that differentiates a decent season from a good one. How will the Blazers respond?
Check out the opposing preparations at DenverStiffs
285 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
I love....
Coming on here and constantly having new material to read. Thank Tebow that there is actually a season. In all seriousness thanks for all the good reads and hard work you guys put into everything. Thanks for making this a good year and an even better new year. Big ups to everyone that makes all of this glory possible.
Hot sauce in my bag.
by JmarcL4 on Dec 28, 2011 10:14 PM PST reply actions 6 recs
I would rather see Smith in there over johnson
Denver did look good tonight, but that was against utah. Too bad it was too, could have used a tougher matchup leading into our game tomorrow.
On the bright side neither of Denvers opponents have notched a win this season while both pf portland’s have. Portland is the only team who have won both (or all three) of there initial games where each of their oppoenents has notched a win so far this season.
of course that is pretty meaningless, just something i noticed.
"What and how much had I lost by trying to do only what was expected of me instead of what I myself had wished to do?"
— Ralph Ellison (Invisible Man)
by PDXBuckeye on Dec 28, 2011 10:15 PM PST reply actions 1 recs
I prefer more JCraw at PG giving Batum more time at SG.
by 52therim on Dec 29, 2011 6:44 AM PST via mobile up reply actions
Nic at the 2 might be a nice counter to a Lawson-Dre backcourt
not that Wes $ wouldn’t also do just fine in that situation though
"If I had a dime for every basket I made today, you'd still suck!" - from the book 'John Dies @ the End'
Smith’s and Johnson’s making it confusing. Agree on Rhino. Backup PF minutes ought to go to GW when we go small and Rhino with a standard lineup. CJ needs to get his minutes at backup C when quickness is needed. KT when bulk is needed.
by 52therim on Dec 29, 2011 1:43 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
Yeah, Smith is a fighter.
Gonna need some toughness against Denver tonight.
Doers & Makers > Movers & Shakers
by Adam Randall on Dec 29, 2011 10:50 AM PST up reply actions
... then Gerald Wallace will have scored 40??
by Sir.Ludo on Dec 29, 2011 1:34 AM PST up reply actions 2 recs
Don't forget Jermaine!
If he gets 20, Crash has 60!
The Department of Redundancy Department is hiring, maybe I should apply myself.
by SGT Lenny on Dec 29, 2011 6:21 AM PST via mobile up reply actions
Jurrl shows some scrap on that play. And it's not traveling if it's "Lob City" off the glass.
The Department of Redundancy Department is hiring, maybe I should apply myself.
Portland's first 8 is going to carry this team, no doubt
…but that is still going three deep on the bench. The first 8 creates a matchup nightmare for the Nuggets – much more so than the other way around.
Law of Logical Argument
Anything is possible if you don't know what you are talking about.
We have a couple days off after this game
That should allow Nate to be more flexible with minutes for our starters. We’ll probably play 8 or 9 guys max if things get tight. Add Nico, Crawford, Thomas and maybe Smith to the starting 5. I think we can match up with them.
Our guys should be rested and ready to put in 35 to 40 minutes if needed. Resting Camby we just go “small ball” and maybe some Kurt/Craig.
This will be a major test though. There is a chance we get blown out if the Blazers come into this game shooting like they have been.
Both Smiths
I hope Craig starts playing more and more, I think he could really help this team.
By now we know Dave's playing the early season's cards close to the vest;
but I think he over rates the Nuggets. He described the Nuggets on their BEST night.
well they have played two games
and they crushed both of their opponents. Given that it is not surprising it is a glowing write up. I watched that game tonight. Not only did they dismantle Utah, they looked as if they took a certain joy (beyond just loving to get paid to play a game) from that utter destruction.
That joy in humiliating your opponent is a potent motivator. I don’t think the Nuggets are that much better than us overall, but they are dangerous, dangerous team whose bench could take ours out of the game, if not win the game for them outright.
Should be fun to watch.
"What and how much had I lost by trying to do only what was expected of me instead of what I myself had wished to do?"
— Ralph Ellison (Invisible Man)
On the contrary
I think the post-Melo Nuggets are the NBA’s best kept secret. They caught fire after the trade right until they ran up against OKC in the playoffs, and they have started off running again. Glad we’re playing them at home on a back to back for them, rather than the other way around in the Mile High City.
I’m also very curious to see how Nate juggles the rotation at the 4 and 5 tomorrow night after what happened against Sac. Rhino v Birdman? That would be interesting.
by The Cactus Leaguer on Dec 28, 2011 11:56 PM PST up reply actions
hahaha...Rhino would be good against the Birdman.
Isn’t Colorado missing some pretty good players?
Will check the box score to see how many minutes the players played…
Think it will be close but hopefully the Blazers win.
Well none of the Nuggets played a ton of minutes.
Top in minutes actually went to Rudy @ 30. Miller played 28, scored 7 and had 12 assists. Lawson only played 25 minutes. Nene 24. Gallinari 25.
Nobody played a ton of minutes on Monday either. Rudy played 30 minutes on Monday also!! Miller played 27.
Am guessing these guys may not be that tired. Or maybe they will since no one is in tip top shape yet…except those who’ve been playing in Europe!
Just remember Denver wins many games because of their altitude and they don’t usually do all that well on the road.
The Blazers beat them last year in Portland at least once…I think it may have been twice?
Twice!
107-106 OT W (Remember Roy’s 3 to tie!!?)
86-83 W (Very sloppy 4th quart play)
by lawalteral14 on Dec 29, 2011 3:50 PM PST up reply actions
Yeah - there is a reason the statheads are high on the Niggets
They can be dangerous when allowed to play their game…
Law of Logical Argument
Anything is possible if you don't know what you are talking about.
by blacknoiseNW on Dec 29, 2011 12:11 AM PST up reply actions
Best kept secret
Forget the Tebow thing, Denver sports fans are starting to wake up to the exciting Nuggets. Getting Fernandez from Dallas has been huge. He (Portland) beat the Nuggets in OT in a great game last year. He’s looked great so far. Lawson is much improved, too. He’s too quick for most and is dangerous driving and shooting the 3. Watching Nene at power forward has been cathartic. He’s into having more freedom on offense and has been scoring in bunches. The key for the Nuggets against Portland might be Gallinari. He’s very capable on offense, but has to be tough against Portlands load at forward.
We know that Portland is tough, especially with with this Nuggets road game in a back-to-back situation. But, there is a lot of excitement in Denver about these Nuggets. Who is Melo?
I am SO glad you got rid of Caramelo
He is a joke, a me-first guy who has no right being in the division. Sure he can win games, but Denver is a good team without him.
And he’ll still never get a ring…
The Department of Redundancy Department is hiring, maybe I should apply myself.
Sounds like a band name...
Rhino v Birdman
Doers & Makers > Movers & Shakers
by Adam Randall on Dec 29, 2011 10:53 AM PST up reply actions 1 recs
yep, dave's not too positive
don’t know why, but dave seems to be luck warm to this year’s blazers.
Dave seems to take aWHILE to warm up to new members of the cast. Is loyal once his heart is won.
Seems to me he wasn’t the biggest Miller fan for some time.
Also I could feel his pain/denial when Roy’s knees started to affect his game.
Perhaps that's because
Miller’s play stuck out like a sore thumb during his early tenure here, through much of his first season?
Also Roy was one of the best players ever to put on a Portland uniform and talking about his knees was certainly part of that story.
Better than all of this blah-blah-blah about who Dave is and his mental/emotional motivations for this and that—statements which are almost universally inaccurate, as they are here—would be actual talk about the team.
—Dave
I think you should change profile pics every now and again...
Doers & Makers > Movers & Shakers
by Adam Randall on Dec 29, 2011 2:30 PM PST up reply actions 15 recs
Just tried to Rec this, but instead it looks like a flag. Ooops!
"Tom Lawson McCall, Governor or Oregon, invites you to visit . . . Washington, Idaho, Nevada, or Afghanistan." --Pair of bumper stickers on our baby blue 1966 Plymouth Fury III when I was growing up in Portland, BC (Before Championship).
For some reason I just pictured Robin Williams (Live On Broadway I think)
Who loves kitty…
It takes a big man to admit when he's wrong. I am NOT a big man.
Wasn't saying you are WRONG for your opinions.
They are opinions after all.
I do think it’s ok to state mine as well. Wasn’t trying to figure out motivations etc.
Yes you were
I know you, well I don’t at all. Except here, so I guess what I’m trying to say is I know everything and nothing.
It takes a big man to admit when he's wrong. I am NOT a big man.
it's all relative
all the world is an opinion
one blah is the same as another blah
That’s the beauty of sports. You can just blab and blab about nothing and it’s all true because opinion is all there is.
This is my signature. Do you like it?
Hmmmm....
Better than all of this blah-blah-blah about who Dave is and his mental/emotional motivations for this and that—statements which are almost universally inaccurate, as they are here—would be actual talk about the team.
That would be equivalent to limiting ourselves to discussing the plot of a novel without considering the narrative point of view. If my students tried that in my creative writing classes, I’d be pretty disappointed in them, and their grades would reflect that.
No, if we wanted just the plot, we’d read the AP stories (and still have to filter out Anne Peterson’s narrative perspective, no matter how slight it might seem). We read Blazer’s Edge in part because we are invested in a host of compelling characters, led by a pair of pretty likable narrators and filled out by another dozen regulars who have posted frequently enough to allow their personalities to become recognizable.
Here in the Digital Age, the old fences between writers and readers have been torn down in a most unceremonial fashion. The changes readers suppose they detect in the mood of the narrators may only be subplots, but I suspect many of your regular readers find them pretty interesting. Others may find these speculations offensive. There’s room for all kinds in this virtual community, for better or worse.
So what are we to do? (I ask this question in the first-person plural because I have to deal with similar issues in some of my online publications.) If we prefer the old world, where the writers and readers stand on opposite sides of the fence, we’re probably better off simply not reading the responses to our writing. They’ll most often get us wrong, anway. (That works both ways, as we’ve probably both had readers credit us with more insight than our words had attempted to convey.)
If we wish instead to embrace the new relationship between reader and writer, we read their responses and find ourselves influenced by them—either directly or indirectly. The feedback then changes the production in some pretty fundamental ways (whether we merely censor ourselves or find ourselves making changes because we understand and anticipate our audience better). The act of storytelling will never be the same.
I enjoy your narrative presence, Dave, but I can’t pretend it’s not part of the story. In fact, it’s one of my favorite parts—and never more so than right now.
"Tom Lawson McCall, Governor or Oregon, invites you to visit . . . Washington, Idaho, Nevada, or Afghanistan." --Pair of bumper stickers on our baby blue 1966 Plymouth Fury III when I was growing up in Portland, BC (Before Championship).
by VTDuck on Dec 29, 2011 3:07 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
The analogy is misplaced
We are gathered for the purposes of talking about the Blazers, their games, the opponent, the league. All of that is the equivalent of the study material in your class and of course all of that is open for exploration…Nuggets and Blazers in this thread in particular.
The correct analogy would be your class gathering together to discuss creative writing, you putting out a topic as the class facilitator (say Charles Dickens, for fun) and then having people go, “Well of course he’s putting out that topic…he’s totally biased towards novels that have been made into movies!”
“Well, no, he’s been looking kind of cranky lately. I bet that’s why he’s assigning Charles Dickens, because he’s depressed!”
“Wait…wasn’t his grandma British? I bet that’s why it is. And that means we’re TOTALLY not going to get ANY American writers in this course. He is SO biased!”
Then the whole class gets sidetracked into talking about you instead of about the actual assignment. You’d probably want to bring the focus back around pretty quickly, I assume. Isn’t it possible that Dickens is the assignment because: A. He’s a pretty good example of creative story telling and… B. It’s in the curriculum?
In any case, this isn’t Davesedge or Bensedge or Anybodysedge. We’re here to talk about basketball. That’s the lens through which our comments must be made and viewed if we’re going to succeed. It’s always been that way here. If you disagree with a point made on a subject or have more to illuminate on it, we welcome that wholeheartedly. But you must make your point about—and illuminate us about—the subject, not the person making the comment you’re responding to.
—Dave
Dave...
I didn’t come here to read ha
It takes a big man to admit when he's wrong. I am NOT a big man.
I shortened my reply, there was too much reading above for my tiny brain to handle.
But on a serious note, I agree with the statement that was created above.
It takes a big man to admit when he's wrong. I am NOT a big man.
Of course
as we all should! But in my mind the solution to something one finds incomplete or mistaken is to bring up the alternative point of view about the subject, in effect filling in the gaps and enlightening everyone with alternatives. That’s totally cool and happens often around here. For instance if I left out something about rebounding and someone brings up the rebounding stats the hole is filled and we’re all wiser and better informed even if we don’t agree that rebounding carries the same weight that the comment suggests. But just saying, “This is biased or a product of point of view” doesn’t fill the hole and, at least in my experience, is usually an incorrect guess.
In other words, if I fall short in something and someone wants to make that point…well and good. I’m not infallible. But you have to show that through a concrete counter-point about basketball, not a point about me. The same is supposed to be true about fellow community members. It’s one of the foundations upon which our conversation is built.
Hope that makes sense.
—Dave
geeze dave, all i said was you're not too positive on this team
i didn’t think this would solicit such a response. It just seemed to me (maybe incorrectly) that you were luke warm to the team so far.
just an observation. you may be correct in that when all is said and done the blazers will not be very good. but so far, so good.
and ditto the positive comments from others. there is a reason why i come to this site every day.
I'm not mad at all
This is a good discussion to have.
I’m excited about the team so far, actually. But there’s a long way to go and it’s probably fair to call me lukewarm compared to some who are seeing the new Renaissance of the team. I don’t think that’s happening probably. But I’m having fun watching these guys.
—Dave
Awesome Dave
You can talk us all down from the ledge after our first major loss.
Fair enough: you're the facilitator, not the topic
But I have a tough time distinguishing between my motives in reading BEdge. It’s not where I come looking for more information about the team, necessarily; it’s where I come to hear from a couple close of observers whose opinions I respect, and then—for even more fun—to see the rest of the gang pile on with their own opinions (well informed and otherwise). As much as I enjoy your writing, Dave, which I admire for its wit and grace, I’m also here to watch the tussle between the statheads and cynics and homers. (I guess we can add “pop psychologists” to that list lately.)
Because we’re here primarily to read your opinion, it makes sense that folks would be curious about what they perceive as a change of tone. Granted, what’s going on behind your words on this page is none of their business, but I understand the desire to better understand the perspective of the person whose opinions we’re gathering to hear. I also understand your desire to draw a line there, and hold it. I look forward to seeing how that plays out, and I hope my interest in how you navigate this process doesn’t encourage any invasion of your privacy.
More than ever, when we use this technology in a public way, there are mutiple narratives going on: those we intend, and those spinning off somewhere beyond our control. What a wacky time we live in!
"Tom Lawson McCall, Governor or Oregon, invites you to visit . . . Washington, Idaho, Nevada, or Afghanistan." --Pair of bumper stickers on our baby blue 1966 Plymouth Fury III when I was growing up in Portland, BC (Before Championship).
His play only stuck out because the rest of the team
wasn’t accustomed to playing with a real point guard.
Yes...
…but in my opinion when you evaluate an opponent? You want to evaluate them as if they are going to play at their best. Prepare for the worst, hope for better…
"Mother Nature started this fight, I think it's about time we ended it!"
by Krang on Dec 29, 2011 10:13 AM PST up reply actions 2 recs
Yes, I think that's right
Everything everyone said is right,t but I think this Blazer team too is much improved and the Nuggets don’t know it. In the short season every game won against division rivals is worth gold so we really can’t afford to let a home game against Denver get away from us. I expect to see tempers flare tonight and I’m waiting to see who withers at the end of the game.
We know Dre's and Rudy's weaknesses quite well
There shouldn’t be a problem exploiting those weaknesses.
Porter, Drexler, Kersey, Williams, Duckworth. The greatest starting 5 ever.
Dre should not be able to find an easy post up against us too often
"What and how much had I lost by trying to do only what was expected of me instead of what I myself had wished to do?"
— Ralph Ellison (Invisible Man)
Since J Crawford and Miller both come into the game off the bench, I think Dre will back him down easy
lets see. should be interesting.
And do we we cheer or boo Rudy? I would boo him. Sucked bad and always made demands
WITH ODEN ON OUR SIDE
Sit on your hands for Rudy
Cheer like hell for Dre.
"Per John Hollingers twitter - Over the final 12:45 of today's game, Brandon Roy's PER was 84.98" GM 4 vs Mavs
by blazinagain on Dec 29, 2011 12:27 AM PST up reply actions
yeah...it is kind of sad that Miller isn't a Blazer anymore.
I do like Felton, but miss Miller’s wily curmudgeonlyness.
I can't imagine
having the luxury of your back up point guard being Andre Miller. Wow.
by JeffePortland on Dec 29, 2011 8:23 AM PST up reply actions
yeah...well you know that is what Nate thought also.
by Natsthecat on Dec 29, 2011 10:45 AM PST up reply actions 5 recs
haha, ouch, yes, good one.
But it’s been alleged that the Blazers told Dre he’d start before he signed. Not proven fact, though.
And Blake? I mean we’re talkin’ ‘bout Blake. Not Afflalo. We’re talkin’ ’bout Blake…
His alleyoop gamewinner from the sidelines last year
was one of the best passes I’ve ever seen.
Maya: "What are your first impressions of Denver?"
Mozgov: "I must break you..."
I wouldn't be surprised if Dre comes out with a chip on his shoulder
wanting to make us regret giving up on him.
"Tom Lawson McCall, Governor or Oregon, invites you to visit . . . Washington, Idaho, Nevada, or Afghanistan." --Pair of bumper stickers on our baby blue 1966 Plymouth Fury III when I was growing up in Portland, BC (Before Championship).
aside from cheering just because I really like him and miss him as a Blazer...
there is THAT as well. Bring the house down and he may not have such a chip.
Also, maybe he will want to come back here and play as a back up point guard.
LMA may take Chad Buchanan aside and put a word in for Andre.
How do you think rudy and dre will be welcomed?
i Think Dre will get some cheers, but hopefully rudy gets booed. Not so much because i hate him, but because knowing him it would ruin his night. He gets so off mentally i think the RG itself might have a chance to take rudy out of his game, not that he has one. He has been getting minutes with George Karl, and he ’s in good favor with him… soo….
As far as dre, he’s a good guy
Yeah, I can definitely see Dre getting some cheers
Porter, Drexler, Kersey, Williams, Duckworth. The greatest starting 5 ever.
by Bib Fortuna on Dec 28, 2011 11:00 PM PST up reply actions
I hope he doesn't do to LMA
what he did to Blake Griffen.
LMA doesn't take cheap shots like Griffin did
on the prior two plays before Dre submarined him…
Griffin got what he deserved…
"What and how much had I lost by trying to do only what was expected of me instead of what I myself had wished to do?"
— Ralph Ellison (Invisible Man)
that was one of the best highlights ever...in any sport
in this era of the pre and post-game love fest between opponents.
Griffin knew something was coming too, he took it like a man
by breakerfall on Dec 29, 2011 11:59 AM PST up reply actions
That is what made me completely fine with Dre's play
Griffin knew precisely why he got what he got
"What and how much had I lost by trying to do only what was expected of me instead of what I myself had wished to do?"
— Ralph Ellison (Invisible Man)
Yeah, it was beautiful
Total nut-less move by the NBA to suspend Dre for that, and break the iron man streak. Did they also suspend Griffin? I don’t remember.
Dre: Your referees were repeatedly negligent, so BOOM….problem solved.
He would need a security escort to the airport to get out of PDX alive
Porter, Drexler, Kersey, Williams, Duckworth. The greatest starting 5 ever.
by Bib Fortuna on Dec 28, 2011 11:19 PM PST up reply actions
Yeah, he had the whole city of Portland behind that shoulder.
by solid_soup on Dec 29, 2011 9:47 AM PST via mobile up reply actions
I will cheer for him.
He is the first former Blazer who I think is really good..so it will be kind of weird to cheer for someone who might just win the game for Denver.
maybe a huge ovation will take away any "I'm going to show them what they are missing"
kind of attitude Dre may have…
I’ve heard that in the past he plays really well against former teams.
Rudy's welcome home will sound similar
to a Justin Bieber concert opening.
I'm guessing both will come in at the same time...
to cheers…, and very scattered boos for Rudy. Portland doesn’t even consistently boo true villians like Kobe, so their far too nice to boo Rudy loudly enough to take him out of the game.
It will be a good game.
Both teams or 2-0.
Both teams play tough D
Both teams can have hot streaks and cold.
So we just need to get in there and play our game. Be Proactive and let them be the reacters
We will have to play 48 hard minutes.
hg
Both teams will play hard
by heybabydrinkyourmilk on Dec 28, 2011 11:04 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
Both teams wear uniforms.
OSU '06
GForce Crash Wallace FTW!
by TyboOSU on Dec 28, 2011 11:52 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
Would be so funny If Fernandez went for 30
by heybabydrinkyourmilk on Dec 28, 2011 11:03 PM PST via mobile reply actions
it would be because
given his recent fg% he would take every shot in the game and the nuggs would end with 30 points.
by AR-15 on Dec 28, 2011 11:10 PM PST up reply actions 3 recs
"reserve center and point guard have been huge concerns..."
I don’t know… I am most concerned about our starting point guard. Felton has been terrible in the first two games. At this point, I am more comfortable with the ball in the backup’s (Crawford’s) hands down the stretch.
As for backup center, I’m comfortable with Thomas and Johnson, with the Aldridge-Wallace combo for stretches. Seems like a good mix to me.
Felton hasn't been terrible at all.
He is NOT in top condition and wears out…true. But he definitely hasn’t been terrible. He will be much better as the season progresses.
And he and LMA will work better together also.
Yeah, he's been reasonably good.
A couple of inopportune TOs may have made a stronger impression on some than is warranted. He’s fitting in. It’s tough when your coach is a former PG himself and there’s been so little practice time.
ignacio
I agree
I loved Dre, but this current team is better with Felton than they would have been with Miller. I usually agree with Dave, but it seems he is being a bit to hard on Ray.
I thought everyone loves Raymond
Or was
This is my signature. Do you like it?
by scaredcow on Dec 29, 2011 10:44 AM PST via mobile up reply actions
One element missing from Dre are the easy ally oops though.
Especially to LaMarcus. I’ve been missing those this season. It seemed like when LA got a few of those early, it would energize him. I hope Felton will develop this two man game with LaMarcus soon.
aldridge was quick to credit andre with helping move to the next level
have always thought that miller’s single biggest skill was ability to get a player the ball where he can do the most with it. now that doesn’t always mean a basket, but it generally means a decent percentage shot.
Yeah Felton's mistakes are conditioning mistakes
He knows what he wants to do and when he flubs it’s a physical gaffe not a mental gaffe. If he plays himself into shape he’ll be fine. While his gaffes have looked really ugly, his assits to turnover ratio is just fine and his +-(not a good sample size) but has been reasonable.
He’s helped on defense. The team is running a lot more and the whole team has been involved on offense when he’s in. If his turnovers had been facepalmingly ugly everybody would be praising him.
Will this replay on csn later in eve?
OSU '06
GForce Crash Wallace FTW!
by TyboOSU on Dec 28, 2011 11:37 PM PST via mobile reply actions
I don't think the KGW games replay on CSN
it would be nice though.
"You can walk away from someone who doesn't love you. And you can walk away from someone you don't love. But when the love is mutual," Roy said. "The hardest thing is to walk away."
-Brandon Roy as told to Jason Quick of The Oregonian
I'm not looking forward to Crawford playing PG again
He did that for a little in the last game at I wasn’t a fan. It just ended up with him taking a bad shot each time down the court. Batum should be a major scorer in the lineup where Crawford plays point, but he was forgotten most of the time.
I thought Rudy would be the perfect 6th man. Come back Ruuudy!
Streaky player. Always has been. He looked good at PG in 1st game.
by 52therim on Dec 29, 2011 6:48 AM PST via mobile up reply actions
I like him as a shooter
but when he was pg, there was little ball movement. I think the lineup was Crawford, N. Smith, Batum, Johnson, and Thomas. In that lineup Batum should get plenty of shots as well as Crawford.
I thought Rudy would be the perfect 6th man. Come back Ruuudy!
by llamaiguana on Dec 29, 2011 12:51 PM PST up reply actions
Batum has to get open
he can’t just get the ball anywhere.
You didn't like the lineup of Crawford, Batum, Wallace, LMA and Camby?
That lineup destroyed the Kings!
#7
I think I'm thinking of a lineup in the 2nd quarter.
Wallace and LMA weren’t in. The only scorers were Crawford and Batum and Crawford was having an off night. I’m ok with him when he’s “on”, but he’s a shooter, not a pg.
I thought Rudy would be the perfect 6th man. Come back Ruuudy!
Crawford as 8 assists in 45 min
He seems to be doing fine as the back up PG.
Red means run, son, numbers add up to nothin
by Biph on Dec 29, 2011 2:18 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Will be a fun game
Should be high scoring and it’s nice to see a few recent Blazers back. I harbor no animosity to either. Both were part of above 500 playoff teams, excited the fanbase and left due to decisions made by the organization. I’d clap them for their contributions, knowing that we’ve moved onto better players.
I expect the Blazers to win at home and with the Nuggets being on the end of a back to back. If it wasn’t for those circumstances, I wouldn’t be sure at all. They’ll be high up in the West conference due to their depth. It will dismantle a lot of teams in a condensed schedule. They have looked great so far, especially their ability to turn defense into fast breaks.
I’m predicting that Wes Matthews will bounce back in a big way for the Blazers.
The old Gambler's falacy.
by Oden Mad, Oden Smash! on Dec 29, 2011 11:46 AM PST via mobile up reply actions
I think Matthews would have made up for his crummy shooting in the first game
with the 2nd game..but did something to his back…..
Our shooting woes seem real and perminent
It has been said many times that it is hard to play tough, trapping and sometimes lock-down, smothering defense and still have enough energy to make buckets.
My QUESTION is as the team gets in better shape will our close in shots start falling better or is this something we have to look forward to? We are primarily winning our games with D. Well of course by outscoring our opponents. Do we sacrifice our D to have more energy on Offense?
I don’t think we will ever be a great shooting team as long as we are going all out on D, but if we keep winning games, I can live with that.
hg
maybe perminent but not permanent...thank goodness!!!
Just think of it this way. If they don’t get better at the close in shots, they can always go out for the varsity volleyball team.
The Celtics used to be pretty good at winning games with defense first.
And the Bulls now.
Conditioning will be key.
I am sure Booby will be right on it.
Dave: "This will be a different kind of test for the Blazers... requiring a new level of cunning and resolve."
That jumps out as especially nice.
ignacio
odds are favoring the Blazers.
65.1% to 34.9. +/- 5.5
And the highest % (32) goes to Portland for a BIG WIN…MORE THAN 10 POINTS.
hope they are right!
That honestly surprises me
nice to have the gamblers on our side at least.
yep, surprised me as well.
Must know something I don’t know!
Maybe Wallace does really well against Denver.
Did the Blazers win against Denver in PDX both times last year? I can’t remember.
Seems to me they did.
looked it up.
Blazers won both games but they were close. 86-83 in November and 107-106 in OT on Feb 25th.
The OT one was a BRoy game winner
sadness…
I guess it was actually the shot that forced overtime
Felt like a game winner though lol
It was for overtime...and then in overtime he faded into oblivion....
me sad.
Go to Heaven for the climate, Hell for the company.
Sactown, too - if their win over LAL means anything
Law of Logical Argument
Anything is possible if you don't know what you are talking about.
by blacknoiseNW on Dec 29, 2011 3:42 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
Rip city
Call me a homer but this team is better 1-5 if you think about it outside of Wes and Aron its going to come down to the bench blazers by 10
One thing that stands out from the box scores of Denver's previous 2 games
They racked up lots of steals against the Jazz and Mavs (17 and 15) and are clearly generating points from those turnovers (24 and 26) on the fastbreak (27 and 20).
Not so bold prediction:
The team that forces more turnovers (and converts them into points) wins the game.
Make Denver beat you with its halfcourt offense and not its transition offense. They’ve got good players but no one who overwhelms 1v1 like when the had Carmelo so don’t make it easy for them by being careless with the ball.
#7
"The team that forces more turnovers (and converts them into points) wins the game."
I, too, think that turnover differential will be big in this game. Denver is also powerful on the defensive glass, so second-chance opportunities might come at a minimum for Portland. Because of that, the Trail Blazers must hit its shots at a higher percentage than against Philadelphia and Sacramento.
"I Am Mine"
Yeah, rebounding will be key as well.
I hope our hustle on the boards is up to snuff; and that Camby is energized.
68 to 45 against Utah. 40 to 34 against Dallas.
You know the 2 wins that Denver have had are not that impressive.
They won AT HOME against Dallas. Probably would have won IN THE MILE HIGH CITY against ANYONE given the amt of practice/pre-season time this year.
And then they won against Utah. When Utah was on a back to back. And Utah is probably not as good as Sacramento is this year…Utah lost against the LAKERS…who had lost their previous 2 games and were on the 3rd of a back to back to back.
So this may be why the Blazers are favored by the gamblers.
I'm wrong about the first game. It was in Dallas BUT
Dallas was on the 2nd night of a back to back after playing Miami in their season opener.
So there is THAT.
And Dallas is probably still reeling from losing Tyson Chandler.
I say its the fast break points...
If we can get out and run on them, we won’t need to hit as many shots from outside, where we’ve struggled so far this year..
Sure wasn't turnover differential...
Might have been a contra-indcator…
im waiting in anticipation for what great fat jokes ben is gonna roll out with this time for felton.
< /sarcasm>
by Devyn on Dec 29, 2011 3:59 AM PST reply actions 1 recs
Fat or not, dude can outrun plenty of thin people
Gives people something to complain about I guess.
The Department of Redundancy Department is hiring, maybe I should apply myself.
by SGT Lenny on Dec 29, 2011 6:23 AM PST via mobile up reply actions
But he won't outrun our Ty Lawson
Nuggets fan here, this should be a good game, mainly because our Nuggets are a bit tired, but if you guys keep it close and gritty, you should be able to win. You guys are not used to playing at the high pace your team is set out to do this year, but we’ve been doing it for years so if you are going to try to out run us, you’ll be making a big mistake.
Good luck anyways though!
Atheist for Tebow!
"I do not threaten, I merely state facts"
"Your Agonizer please, Al Harrington"
I'll take a track meet
Considering who runs for Portland (watching Gallinari try to keep up with Wallace is going to be amusing)….
Law of Logical Argument
Anything is possible if you don't know what you are talking about.
by blacknoiseNW on Dec 29, 2011 8:37 AM PST up reply actions
I think the best way to beat the Nuggets is to slow them down and force them to create offense in the half court. In the open court the Nuggets have more scorers and playmakers, but in the half-court LA could do them in.
i keep dancing on my own.
someone was saying that today...caught the tail end of an interview but
didn’t catch the speaker. Said the Portland offense is NOT going to be run and gun like the media is trying to suggest. The Blazers are to concentrate on getting out in transition and defense.
Not run and gun, but not halfcourt slow down either.
You need to push on every opportunity. Not so recklessly that you have careless turnovers that leads to opponent fast breask, but you push first, and then analyze. If nothing presents itself, execute the halfcourt, crash the boards, and hustle back on D. Repeat until you’re tired, then let the next guy do the same…
It helps that Denver ran and flew in to Portland.
But unlike seasons past, the Blazers are much more inclined (and built) to run. I don’t think many opposing teams are aware of that yet, but they will soon find out.
I’m a big fan of Lawson, I wanted to see Portland draft him but that obviously didn’t work out. He takes chances in the passing lane, and Felton should be able to exploit that plenty. Dre, on the other hand, is a very smart PG and has at least 10 sets of eyes and can see into the future.
Looking forward to the game, good luck Nuggets fan you’re gonna need it! Kidding, should be a fun matchup.
The Department of Redundancy Department is hiring, maybe I should apply myself.
by SGT Lenny on Dec 29, 2011 10:26 AM PST via mobile up reply actions
No one will outrun Gerald Wallace in the open court
He could’ve been an olympian. He’s got the body of a sprinter and the explosive speed to match. Just saying. Don’t hold your breath waiting for that slow half court game you’re familiar with; it’s not used much anymore.
I think Felton and Wallace and Crawford have been doing it for years also.
Batum has been doing it in France.
The main reason the Blazers WHO ARE BUILT TO RUN…haven’t in the past is that Brandon Roy preferred the slower paced game.
All of the teams are tired. Lakers were probably a bit tired when they beat Utah on their 3rd of a back to back to back…after losing 2 games. So Denver beats Utah on the 2nd night of their back to back. And Denver beats Dallas in the mile high city for the season opener…
I think Denver will be up against a bit more competition this time around.
Exactly Nats...
BRoy always slowed the pace down, dramatically. Loved his clutch shots, loved the guy. Didn’t love the slowdown game.
THIS is the kind of game I love. Frenetic and agressive on Defense and Offense. Fast paced. Wear out the other guy and beat ’em with your depth.
He can be as fat as he wants as long as he can lead the team
He could quit being selfish and share some of his weight with CJ LOL.
hg
Felton is not FAT !
He is THICK, and moves incredibly well with a great wing span. Don’t hate Blazer fans, he can eat cupcakes and share with CJ.
We should see tonight just how much better our guards D is now. <3 Dre, but Felton/Crawford/Smith is an upgrade. Put length on Lawson to slow him down.
Go Blazers !!!!
just win baby !
whatever it is he’s gotten considerably fatter (or thicker) since his Charlotte and UNC days.
i keep dancing on my own.
Felton is 6'1 205
While Andre is 6’2’’ 200. How come noone calls Andre fat?
by Countless512 on Dec 29, 2011 9:46 AM PST up reply actions
because listed weights are bunk:
compare:
’
Felton does look in worse shape than Miller. And it’s not like this is something he doesn’t recognize:
In New York I was right on it. In New York I was in my best shape. When I got to Denver, just dealing with a lot and with the trade and stuff, I kinda got off my eating diet a little bit and kinda gained a little bit, but I was still only like maybe between 208 and 210. I wasn’t 230 or something like that they were trying to make it seem like. That’s all it really was.
I get the feeling his ideal playing weight is in the 195 range. The fat jokes are overdone and not very funny, but he also isn’t exactly in perfect shape.
i keep dancing on my own.
Also muscle mass and bone density come into play.
It’s like when people say they need to lose weight, and (without starving themselves) spend a bunch of time at the gym to realize they aren’t losing much weight. Felton seems to be more muscular, where’s the out of shape picture of Dre? I know he showed up a step slow for Portland too.
The Department of Redundancy Department is hiring, maybe I should apply myself.
by SGT Lenny on Dec 29, 2011 10:19 AM PST via mobile up reply actions
the concerning thing is less that Felton showed up for camp out of shape than that he was chunky during the last 20 games of the season.
i keep dancing on my own.
Yeah
It’s not like this was the Dre offseason diet, but not irreversible by any means. Even keeping the same diet and team workouts/game schedule he will get back in due time.
The Department of Redundancy Department is hiring, maybe I should apply myself.
by SGT Lenny on Dec 29, 2011 10:29 AM PST via mobile up reply actions
yeah dude
Like the obese person who claims he is just big boned.
This is my signature. Do you like it?
by scaredcow on Dec 29, 2011 10:50 AM PST via mobile up reply actions
I thought it was glandular
The Department of Redundancy Department is hiring, maybe I should apply myself.
But he IS getting the job done !
just win baby !
by FrenchieFan on Dec 29, 2011 10:19 AM PST up reply actions
till he falls flat in the 4th
As many of us have noticed, as you age, you just can’t live on burgers and fries, pizza, and ice cream (or fatty variants thereof) any more, unless you accept being virtually handicapped with fat. I had to ‘revolutionize’ my diet in my 30s to get lean again. Like they say, the first part of solving the problem is admitting there is one. And there are foods that are more ‘performance’ oriented. The Blazers should definately have someone who knows sports nutrition, or even, COOKS for some guys.
by Berkeley on Dec 29, 2011 10:50 AM PST up reply actions 2 recs
Felton needs to go to Booby Medina and find out how HE keeps in such great shape.
by Natsthecat on Dec 29, 2011 11:16 AM PST up reply actions 1 recs
In the 4th quarter is when,
Nate will pull out the dagger line up :
Crawford/Wes$/Nico/GW/LA, and finish teams off !!
Me personally, I blame my gut on childbirth, but whatever works for you guys is cool. It is only the 3rd game of the season. Luckily Blazer fans never have to worry about running out of guards if one gets tired :D
just win baby !
by FrenchieFan on Dec 29, 2011 11:35 AM PST up reply actions
Felton's got a stout body and chubby face and it works against him
even when he was in his best shape his neck still absorbed his chin
"If I had a dime for every basket I made today, you'd still suck!" - from the book 'John Dies @ the End'
by sammymohawk on Dec 29, 2011 10:59 AM PST up reply actions
true
I think Felton will be fine, but he was out of shape after the trade last year, even if it was sort of overstated.
i keep dancing on my own.
It just got to the point of rediculous on the threads (during the lockout when there was no news)
I like a good joke, but the horse was already 6’ deep and people were running around with baseball bats.
The Department of Redundancy Department is hiring, maybe I should apply myself.
I haven't seen his weight be a problem
so I’m not worried about it.
I thought Rudy would be the perfect 6th man. Come back Ruuudy!
by llamaiguana on Dec 29, 2011 12:53 PM PST up reply actions
I know the Felton fat jokes are getting old.
But I rewatched the Sacramental game and it is kinda funny watching Felton dart around so quickly. You don’t even see a guy anymore, just a round something running all over the place.
I think I'll have to bring out the '49 GE "Locomotive"
Picture is going to be SWEET, as long as I just listen.
The Department of Redundancy Department is hiring, maybe I should apply myself.
If Felton were a tad lighter I bet he would finish at the rim better though.
That’s a pretty big deal over the course of a season.
/s
by Hipster Olympic Team! on Dec 29, 2011 10:50 AM PST up reply actions
yep, if Andre, no jump Miller can do it, Felton should be able to as well.
With the current schedule, Felton WILL lose wht. I don’t know how he could NOT lose wht.
He can lose weight by not eating steaks and BBQ every night,
but that’s a choice on his part. Seeing as an NBA player can afford to eat that way I see no reason Felton can’t go out every night for high calorie, saturated fat-laden meals and maintain his current body fat %, if not add to it.
Americans are obsessed with calories, but its the quality of food that makes a person’s ability to burn fat most efficient. Felton looks like an athletic guy with poor eating habits.
/s
by Hipster Olympic Team! on Dec 29, 2011 11:47 AM PST up reply actions
I hate to sound insensitive btw.
Food is a big deal to a lot of people. It’s a very emotional thing. Giving up the things you want to eat, like several steaks and some delicious brisket ends dipped in fat juices (oh, god), is a real bummer, no mistake. If I could eat like that I’d be tempted to scoff at every salad from here to Orlando. I’d use humus as window paste. I’d collect pieces of actual fruit, but only to throw at the rookies for dancing too much after making three point shots. If I were Felton, I’d look like Gary Coleman by.
OR, I’d take my job as a world class athlete seriously enough to be the best physical shape possible. I’d look up “gravity” on wikipedia, and see that it pulls larger objects back to earth faster, and with more ferocity, which makes things like layups and elevating toward the hoop a bit more difficult. My competitive spirit to vanquish my foes would manifest itself on my dinner plate as veggies, fruits, and high-protein items NOT wrapped in bacon.
/s
by Hipster Olympic Team! on Dec 29, 2011 12:00 PM PST up reply actions
Ochocinco eats McDonalds every day since he was at OSU
by breakerfall on Dec 29, 2011 12:02 PM PST up reply actions
McDonalds isn't even food.
In fact, I think “food” should be defined as something your body actually absorbs and utilizes in building and maintaining structure on a cellular level. Cellulite shouldn’t count either.
Not to mention cramming chemical preservatives into your system. Disgusting.
It’s different when you’re 15-25, but it’ll catch up with Chad if he keeps up his foolish, self-destructive routine.
/s
by Hipster Olympic Team! on Dec 29, 2011 12:14 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
check out the Doc Ellis video
quite possibly the greatest sports feat on “chemical perservatives in your system” in the history of sports
by breakerfall on Dec 29, 2011 12:56 PM PST up reply actions
". I’d look up "gravity" on wikipedia, and see that it pulls larger objects back to earth faster"
It doesn’t, actually.
by raoulduke on Dec 29, 2011 12:58 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
I was being poetical...
Because, you know, the bigger you are the higher jumping you aint.
/s
by Hipster Olympic Team! on Dec 29, 2011 1:15 PM PST up reply actions
No but if it doesn't leave Earth at the same distance
The Department of Redundancy Department is hiring, maybe I should apply myself.
Maybe. I don't know.
It doesn’t explain how Batum (who is rather skinny) can blow so many layups either. It could be just a skill thing. For Andre Miller it seemed like an underrated thing. He was almost automatic with his layups. Better than even Brandon I thought.
biggest challenge for felton will be guarding lawson
watched jazz-nuggets last night, and was stunned by how fast lawson moves on the court. lawson a good finisher at the rim for a little guy, and he seems to work well with miller when both are in the game.
felton isn’t strong enough to guard miller effectively, but should get plenty of help on any postups.
rootytoot seems to be having fun in denver, and has passed the ball well. his shot still inconsistent as hell.
big chance for Felton to show up Lawson
would be great if he outplayed him
"If I had a dime for every basket I made today, you'd still suck!" - from the book 'John Dies @ the End'
by sammymohawk on Dec 29, 2011 11:00 AM PST up reply actions
Felton made a quote last year that Denver was not big enough....
…. for the two of them. He seemed to know that Lawson was a legit starter and that he wasn’t going to win the job.
Maya: "What are your first impressions of Denver?"
Mozgov: "I must break you..."
I think blazers win by 5, behind big nights from LMA and Wes.
A displaced Sonics fan that has somehow emerged as a Blazers fan (and loves it).
by anitachampionship on Dec 29, 2011 8:48 AM PST reply actions
i hope Nate warns the new guys about Dre's fake timeout move.
by solid_soup on Dec 29, 2011 9:44 AM PST via mobile reply actions
I remember that...that was soooo crafty. He did that at least twice.
We don’t have anyone on the team as crafty and smart as he is.
Go to Heaven for the climate, Hell for the company.
Camby is just as smart. And probably just as crafty. Just don't notice it as much cuz
he is a Center…so doesn’t have the ball as much.
KT fits that too.
Maybe even more so because he has to overcome the height disadvantages he meets playing the 5. So far, he has shown a lot of heads up ball, making the fast and right decisions. How many charges has that guy taken?
I like the Felton/Dre trade, and I am glad we picked KT and have Camby to fill that craft vet. void.
If Dre tries the fake time play,
Nate will just use the 6 man play : D
Go Blazers !!!!
just win baby !
by FrenchieFan on Dec 29, 2011 10:26 AM PST up reply actions
6 man play works 100% of the time.
The Department of Redundancy Department is hiring, maybe I should apply myself.
by SGT Lenny on Dec 29, 2011 10:32 AM PST via mobile up reply actions
The margin for error just got much, much smaller.
I don’t think the team is ready to win this one. Not with Felton and Wes missing shots in close and with Crawford missing everything. Not with Lamarcus looking tired and Camby meeting a true scoring bruiser inside.
I expect Nene and Denver’s shooting to be too much to handle tonight. Miller is scoring 30 points as well, so there’s that…
/s
by Hipster Olympic Team! on Dec 29, 2011 10:25 AM PST reply actions
Yeah but Rudy will score -15.
(Points off turnovers)
The Department of Redundancy Department is hiring, maybe I should apply myself.
by SGT Lenny on Dec 29, 2011 10:33 AM PST via mobile up reply actions
I didn't bother mentioning our bench.
That might not be pretty as our bench has looked hapless and unorganized in their brief stints.
We’ll see what Nate does tonight. Going down by 12 in the second quarter isn’t a good idea though. I predict a return to earth for the Blazers, followed by two straight road losses. Just my gut.
/s
by Hipster Olympic Team! on Dec 29, 2011 10:48 AM PST up reply actions
I can't think of the last time going down by 12 was a good idea, but I'm sure with enough research there is one.
There will be a letdown, there ALWAYS is a letdown. I think if this game is close, the home crowd will help will a win. Losing the next 2 is definitely a possibility given it’s the Clippers (pretty beatable), and the Thunder who are pretty dang good.
The Department of Redundancy Department is hiring, maybe I should apply myself.
Haha. Fair enough.
This would be a BIG win, is my point. I’ll be pretty excited if the starters and bench perform well enough to get it.
/s
by Hipster Olympic Team! on Dec 29, 2011 11:50 AM PST up reply actions
if one is down by 16, is it not a good idea to go down by 12?
by williamswonder on Dec 29, 2011 12:24 PM PST up reply actions
Ding ding ding!
Of course that isn’t “in-depth” research that uses numbers and random decimal points and percentages. But simple logical logic is good.
The Department of Redundancy Department is hiring, maybe I should apply myself.
I agree whole-heartedly, my good man.
Logical logic is one of the highest forms of logic.
/s
by Hipster Olympic Team! on Dec 29, 2011 12:38 PM PST up reply actions
As long as it's scrappy logic.
The Department of Redundancy Department is hiring, maybe I should apply myself.
Yeah.
Real logic should get some things done.
/s
by Hipster Olympic Team! on Dec 29, 2011 1:07 PM PST up reply actions
scrappy logic
Absolutely – great call.
by ThisNotThat on Dec 29, 2011 5:51 PM PST via iPhone app up reply actions
You found the wrinkle in the theory.
Hehe.
Similarly, one could deduce that if going down by 12 were “bad”, going down by 16 would be “extra bad”. “Extra bad” is always worse than “bad”, in my book, unless we’re talking about albums by Michael Jackson and LL Cool J, which, as we know, couldn’t be any better, or in the case of the intended meaning of the word in this context, neither could be any more “bad” than they already are.
IE—-you can’t ‘top’ perfection:
/s
by Hipster Olympic Team! on Dec 29, 2011 12:37 PM PST up reply actions
yes, but one is badder than the other, clearly
by blazerblaze on Dec 29, 2011 12:39 PM PST up reply actions
And each with a hand near the crotchular region
And each person’s intentions were completely different.
The Department of Redundancy Department is hiring, maybe I should apply myself.
And shouldn't both of those had a parental advisory sticker on them?
Hey-yo!
The Department of Redundancy Department is hiring, maybe I should apply myself.
Too soon, Sarge.
Too, too soon.;)
/s
by Hipster Olympic Team! on Dec 29, 2011 1:07 PM PST up reply actions
I uhh meant umm uhh that he was BAD
yeah that’ll do
The Department of Redundancy Department is hiring, maybe I should apply myself.
Aw, no worries. Time smooths all rough edges.
Yes, time, like Sandusky through the hour glass. Wait. I meant SAND through the hour glass. Yeah, that’s the ticket…
/s
by Hipster Olympic Team! on Dec 29, 2011 1:43 PM PST up reply actions
Sandusky through what?
I see what you did there. I will use that one a week before it’s ok. Officially in the memory bank, and like my bank account, will be gone and I won’t know when or how it disappeared.
I’ve already forgotten what I was writing…
The Department of Redundancy Department is hiring, maybe I should apply myself.
by SGT Lenny on Dec 29, 2011 1:55 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Check out who Denver played and when.
Opening game was IN DENVER. Against a fairly old Dallas team. I’d say given the altitude, Denver wins after virtually no training camp/pre-season..against anyone.
Then they go on to beat the JAZZ. Who LOST to the Lakers IN UTAH…the Lakers were on the 3rd night of a back to back to back .
So while your gut tells you that the Blazers haven’t looked to be playing stellar ball…they have beaten the 76ers who did seem to be very good on defense…and have since routed Phoenix; and Sacramento WHO DID BEAT THE LAKERS…in the Lakers FIRST game of the season.
Opening game was in Dallas. Reaming any team like that on the road is not easy.
i keep dancing on my own.
yeah, you are right about the opening game. I was wrong.
Not sure why I thought it was in Denver.
But Dallas had played Miami the night before.
And Dallas is a fairly old team.
And NO TYSON CHANDLER.
If you really want to go behind the results, Denver could have won both those games by 50 had they wanted to, and that’s only a slight exaggeration.
i keep dancing on my own.
yeah this
I’m not sure the Mavs would have allowed it to get that bad but the final scores probably don’t accurately describe how badly the Nuggets’ first two opponents were beaten.
I'm predicting big nights from Crawford and Batum.
They’re due a breakout, and a tough opponent will amp them up enough to push through their shooting woes.
Doers & Makers > Movers & Shakers
by Adam Randall on Dec 29, 2011 11:08 AM PST up reply actions
He just needs to throw it down
He is getting to the rim – just needs to start finishing with authority
The tensions are so high because the stakes are so low!
Maybe it has something to do with being scared some NBA player is going to jump
on his extended arm.
He had no problem dunking in Europe.
11am, game 3 of the season...
BlazersEdge’s game day comment thread lighting up. Damn it’s good to be a Blazer fan! (And Nuggets fan for the rival fans that check in today).
The Department of Redundancy Department is hiring, maybe I should apply myself.
FROM the Denver Blog:
We should be cautiously optimistic about this squad. While the Nuggets have looked impressive in their first two games and I know many more blowouts are on the horizon, we did play two teams on the second of back-to-backs that looked dreadful in their first games to begin with. Let’s get excited after the Nuggets beat the Trail Blazers in Portland on Thursday night.
So excited for this game...
… to see if Denver can meet its first real challenge.
Andre Miller has really seemed like a better fit with Lawson than Felton did, and the 2nd quarter when Denver played Andre and Lawson together is when Denver blew both of its games open. Harrington has been the surprise of the year after he was strongly considered to be amnestiable. AAA is still rusty, so once he gets going, Denver should be even better.
While it’s a road game on a b2b, the starters and main reserves sat each of the last 2 4th quarters, so no excuses for Denver. Should be a great game!
Maya: "What are your first impressions of Denver?"
Mozgov: "I must break you..."
I dare Denver to run a 2 PG lineup against the Blazers...
Miller vs. Mathews/Batum? Yes, please!
Law of Logical Argument
Anything is possible if you don't know what you are talking about.
by blacknoiseNW on Dec 29, 2011 3:48 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
George Karl will oblige you. Don't worry...
He LOVES small ball.
Maya: "What are your first impressions of Denver?"
Mozgov: "I must break you..."
Worried a bit about this game. Denver is riding some serious mojo from their first two games.
That said, it’s usually it’s when I’m CONFIDENT in our chances that we don’t deliver. We also generally find a way to dispatch the Nuggets on our home floor. In any case, should be a good matchup and I look forward to seeing how it plays out!
Hello Blazers fans!
Nuggets fan here.
Want to say that I’m really looking forward to a good game tonight. I’ve always been a fan of the Blazers (when not playing the Nuggets, of course) and it helps that all the Blazers fans posting at DS are cool and classy folk.
Any of you guys also Timbers fans? Cos I wish Denver could support its soccer team like that. Blah blah blah respect, etc.
Anyway, here’s to some good basketball.
"Rollin' in the club / HAPPY MEAL"
Back-atcha and thanks for stopping in.
It’s Miller time. Yes, indeed. But unfortunately for the Nuggets, we tend to brew up something even better around here and lots of it. Should be a tasty game;)
/s
by Hipster Olympic Team! on Dec 29, 2011 4:05 PM PST up reply actions
One of my favorite things about Portland
Is the brew scene. My buddies there would take me to all the spots, and when they’d come to Denver, I’d take them to all my favorite breweries. Oh man! Some of the best times!
Also: Some damn fine rock ‘n’ roll chicks in Portland. They got that granola / hippie / punk rock vibe down pat. I love it.
I guess what I’m saying is, tell your sisters I say hi.
"Rollin' in the club / HAPPY MEAL"
Sure thing.
I’m sure the ladies of Portland will say “hi” back;)
/s
by Hipster Olympic Team! on Dec 29, 2011 4:53 PM PST up reply actions
Haha.
The best times, indeed!
Does Birdman stick out like a sore thumb? Colorado hasn’t seen that much color since the ski suits in Dumb and Dumber.
///
((())) llbdll
///
ed: bumped to front page
by Oh. Em. Gee. on Dec 29, 2011 5:36 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
Looking forward to the game too
I’ve never had any problem with the Nuggets (or the fans) except for one guy. Melo. I couldn’t stand his shenanigans!
It takes a big man to admit when he's wrong. I am NOT a big man.
same
When Melo left Denver the Nuggets became watchable for me again.
He never bothered me. Birdman grates me.
"There is nothing shrewd about running a red light and later finding out it kept you from being hit by an asteroid." - philofthenorth
by KeepItCopacetic on Dec 29, 2011 5:46 PM PST up reply actions
Off topic, but
Dang. Dallas is killing OKC in the 1st.
///
((())) llbdll
///
ed: bumped to front page
by Oh. Em. Gee. on Dec 29, 2011 5:31 PM PST via mobile reply actions
Welp— not anymore.
///
((())) llbdll
///
ed: bumped to front page
by Oh. Em. Gee. on Dec 29, 2011 5:44 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
It sounds odd to call a game this early in the season a must-win, but Dallas really needs this one.
"There is nothing shrewd about running a red light and later finding out it kept you from being hit by an asteroid." - philofthenorth
by KeepItCopacetic on Dec 29, 2011 6:04 PM PST up reply actions
Does anybody know if League Pass blackout rules prevent you from getting audio as well?
I live in Denver’s blackout area.
"There is nothing shrewd about running a red light and later finding out it kept you from being hit by an asteroid." - philofthenorth
by KeepItCopacetic on Dec 29, 2011 5:44 PM PST reply actions
Cool, thanks.
"There is nothing shrewd about running a red light and later finding out it kept you from being hit by an asteroid." - philofthenorth
by KeepItCopacetic on Dec 29, 2011 5:49 PM PST up reply actions
You don’t want to tune in to Cruisin’ Oldies or whatever and get Denver’s idiot announcer?
i keep dancing on my own.
I live in a Kansas City suburb, on the Kansas side.
There just happens to be one provider here that picks up the Nuggets games for the entire state for some reason, which is enough to trigger a blackout.
"There is nothing shrewd about running a red light and later finding out it kept you from being hit by an asteroid." - philofthenorth
by KeepItCopacetic on Dec 29, 2011 5:50 PM PST up reply actions
batum
So much is written about Batum. We wait for this talent to materialize. But seriously. He just missed two finishes against Denver. Great ones don’t look like this this far into their career.
by drexdays on Dec 29, 2011 7:40 PM PST via iPhone app reply actions
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
NBA Playoffs Content Module
Related FanPosts on Blazer's Edge
Related FanShots on Blazer's Edge
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
FanShots
Quick hits of video, photos, quotes, chats, links and lists that you find around the web.
Recommended FanShots
Recent FanShots
In Association With
Ball Don't Lie - NBA - Yahoo! Sport
- Behind the Box Score, where the Boston Celtics are moving on to the conference finals
- NBA Playoffs Fan Fiction: San Antonio Spurs vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
- The Indiana Pacers? Gone till November
- Shaquille O’Neal is in a Chinese beer commercial, too (VIDEO)
- ‘Deep Thoughts’ and Cheap Thoughts: San Antonio Spurs vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
