Western Conference Quarterfinals Game 5 Preview: Portland Trail Blazers vs. Dallas Mavericks
by Dave on Apr 25, 2011 12:01 AM PDT
in News
Email
PrintGame Time 5:30 p.m. Pacific TV: NBA TV nationally, KGW(?) locally
The door is open for the Blazers tonight. It's not open wide, but it's open. Scroll down the main page and you will see posts about the Mavericks talking about themselves and posts about the Mavericks talking about Blazer fans and everything but the Mavericks talking about the Mavericks winning this game. If Dallas' doubts and distractions could get higher, I can't imagine how. They'll overcome them but they can also be played tonight in a way unimaginable after Game 2. Worry now rides shotgun, tapping on the shoulders of all of those shooters, riding the wave of whistles, lurking on the scoreboard in the space between the Home and Visitor score no matter what the numbers in those two boxes say. If Dallas wants an easy, carefree win they better go up by 30 in the first period. Short of that, they're going to have a game on their hands...or at least feel they have a game on their hands, which is half the battle if you're the road time looking to steal a win.
Portland has an opportunity tonight to turn this series in a way it could not be turned before, even in the first brace of games in Dallas. For the first time the Blazers have the chance to say, "You need this and we just took it from you." The Blazers have the chance to be the big bully, the dominant team. Even in their home wins the Blazers never looked overwhelming. They were the ones looking over their shoulders at the Mavs when ahead. They were the ones worrying if each enemy basket would provide the final, insurmountable point total when chasing the Mavericks from behind. The Blazers can stick Dallas in those shoes tonight and never look back.
The Blazers have a chance tonight. Will they seize it? This team has always been better when backed into a corner than when faced with the opportunity to succeed. That's their profile in the New Era: scrappy, can never take them for granted, will come up with the most unexpected and outrageous win, but can be handled by good teams because they run away from, rather than claw and scratch tooth and nail for, success. The Blazers were bullied by the Rockets two years ago. The Blazers were outsmarted by the Suns last year. Will the Blazers be outworked, out-hustled, and out-determined by the Mavericks now in a series that is proving more even than either of those other two? They don't have to be outplayed but they will be unless they realize what they have in their hands and fight to keep it until that final buzzer sounds. You know Dallas will fight for it. They've shown that already.
This game is going to be about will. If you don't come in 100% sure you're going to impose yours and 100% ready to do anything necessary to do so, you lose. The Mavericks understand what that is like. Their self-doubt may provide an opening but that same history is no doubt convincing them that they don't want to go down again, not without a hell of a fight. Maybe they overplay. Maybe they lose focus. But even so, the Blazers are going to have to endure their barrage in order to come out the other side intact. The Blazers will have to stay in control while at the same time taking control. It does no good for the Mavericks to fracture if Portland can't provide the hammer to turn those cracks into fatal flaws.
That's not to say X's and O's will be totally absent. I'm going to invoke a paragraph from the Game 4 Preview, one that (much to my shock) did not come to pass:
When in doubt, go to Dirk. Nowitzki has already had plenty of touches, but I expect his presence to be near-overwhelming in this game, particularly in the fourth period again. The Blazers need to be prepared for this. LaMarcus Aldridge could be a huge key for more reasons than one. First, as predicted, the foul situation isn't as dire in Portland as it was in Dallas so you can risk guarding Dirk with LMA more...a decent matchup as far as the Blazers are concerned. Second, LaMarcus has to produce on the offensive end in turn, not only keeping pace with Nowitzki in points but keeping similar pressure on Dallas' defense, sapping the concentration and energy they'd prefer to employ on the offensive end. The best remedy for potential Dirk brilliance is Aldridge's own brilliance.
The Mavericks got cute in Game 4, going through Shawn Marion, letting DeShawn Stevenson do stuff, relying on Jason Kidd and Jason Terry to pull the game out of the fire when Portland made their run. It almost worked, but it didn't work. It also resulted in 82 points for a team more comfortable at 100. If I'm the Mavericks' superstar--having endured multiple early exits from the post-season, having just blown a 23-point lead, knowing the team is fragile, knowing that a loss tonight puts the series in serious jeopardy--I'm having a conversation with my head coach on the plane ride home. I'm saying, "You give the orders and outline the strategic plan, but when the mission starts there's only one guy in control of this ship and that's Captain Dirk." Win or lose, the Mavs can't come with anything less than their best tonight. Nowitzki not only scores, he sets up everything for this team. The Mavericks have probably been coming with him too late. If they don't make him the focal point early and consistently in this game it's a huge blessing, and probably advantage, for the Blazers.
Portland has to realize they'll be judged solely on how they deal with Dirk. If Kidd or Terry or Marion beat them, so be it. That's a good team in blue. But if Nowitzki beats you and you didn't move heaven and earth to stop him, you're not smart. This isn't the time for misdirection. They're going to come right down the middle and you better be ready.
The Aldridge part of that analysis holds true as well. This is a huge opportunity for LaMarcus. Stopping Nowitzki would be a bonus but matching him score for score would be just as big of a help. People are going to say, "Brandon Roy = Points!" here but Roy has done it for two games, Aldridge has done it all year. The Mavericks will have an eye on Roy, creating even more of an opportunity for Aldridge to make a dent. This is his time, his game to shine. This is his chance to load this team on his back and carry them to a place they've not been since they re-emerged in the playoffs: on the brink of actually winning a series. (Not putting in a nice effort. Not being "the team nobody wanted to face in the first round". Winning...a...series.) The Blazers will need their A-game every bit as much as the Mavericks do, and Aldridge is the man. His performance tonight will speak of his maturity, readiness, and ability to be the guy on whom this team relies not only in the next game but in years to come. If there's to be a coming out party, there's no better time for it to begin.
You know the rest: turnovers and run-outs, pressure and rebounding, assault the lane and then hit open jumpers, play strong in and through the fourth period, never give up and never surrender. That's Portland's game. They can match the Mavericks on a good night. Can they overcome them on what Dallas is hoping will be their best night?
They'll have to beat a capable, talented, veteran team to do it. They'll have to re-write their own history as well. But the door is open.
Mavs Moneyball will have another side to the story. Check out our conversation with them in the post right below this one.
Jersey Contest is on the fritz. If we get it fixed before noon I'll update this post with the form link. Playoff participants, check in at noon Pacific. [Update: I got to the form after the noon deadline so in the interest of fairness there will be no Jersey Contest for this game.]
--Dave (blazersub@yahoo.com)
176 comments
|
2 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
i am interested to know
how much Brandon Roy will play and how he will be utilized. There are a few options that could come out of this.
1) Brandon Roy proves he plays for his fans and doesn’t do anything worthy of playing time.
2) Roy is used as a decoy Aldridge gets more open shots because of it.
3) Roy goes iso almost everytime he gets the ball, resulting in the Blazers we saw in the last game in the 4th quarter.
If roy makes his presence felt as soon as he steps on the court, Dallas players will throw Rick's game plan out the window and overplay him
No one in the world can beat me at RBI baseball 3(nes).
His offense, traditionally, doesn't require, tremendous energy.
If he hits a couple things will happen.
"So in a weird way, not getting an answer was the answer."
Brandon Roy 3/9/11
by jiminut on Apr 25, 2011 8:52 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions
I would worry about option 3
He isn’t going to play like that everytime, and you run the risk of getting an offense many of us criticized even last year: Roy going iso everytime he gets the ball while everybody else does what Gerald Wallace admitted to doing: stand in the corner and watch the Brandon Roy show.
The key, the only key, to the Blazers offensive strategy is to pound the ball down low to Lamarcus Aldridge. Do that, and good things can happen. Don’t do it, and be prepared to live off of last second jumpers and desperation shots.
Two things ...first this didn't happen til the 4th (even in the past.)
Roy going iso everytime he gets the ball while everybody else….stand in the corner and watch the Brandon Roy show
second…it didn’t even really happen on Saturday either. Sure Roy was the focus of the offense …but it was not an ISO offense for the most part….it was a drive and dish offense
Me: "I heard the BCS just bought March Madness.......the vote should be out tomorrow and we will see Duke and Kansas in the championship game"
by 92wastheyear on Apr 25, 2011 10:39 AM PDT up reply actions
yeah, Brandon had some nice high percentage assists
and the “high percentage” is key, not dumping out to Rudy for a 3 with 3 seconds.
Jordan's not a bad guy.. he gave us Gerald Wallace.
A combination of 2 and 3 plus
BRoy has been working on his assist. Of course that didn’t work to a great extent in game four because everybody kept missing their shots.
BRoy took over the game only in desperation. Heck when you are 23 pts down you try anything that works to make a dent in the opponents lead. BRoy himself said he wasn’t looking at a chance to win but to play loose and try to look more respectful. BRoy, because of all his adversity was the hero, but there was others that stepped up in the fourth. Batum had a dagger 3 pter, G-Man had a great drive to the bucket, LMA wore himself out playing great D on Dirk, Wesley, kept Kidd under control and The whole team played solid team d throughout the game.
My thought is doing more of the same, make the Mavs the reactionary team again, be proactive as we were in the fourth. The results may be different, but that was our best working formula up to date. We can try out shooting them, but with Dirk and crew on their home court will gladly accept that. We can out muscle them easily, but must worry about fouls doing that.
We just need to go out and play our game without the worry of screwing up, without the worry of Dirk making his shots, without the worry of someone else beating us. Just play heads up D and execute our O, and quit thinking and worrying. Just play Blazer ball
hg
Roy should follow this general rule when he has the ball:
Either make something happen RIGHT AWAY or give it up. He did this well in Game 3, when he either initiated a shot or drive upon getting the ball. I have no desire for Roy to ISO and make something happen last second on the clock. While he came through big time last game, the Mavs will gam plan him better, and our offense will look ugly if he’s not making those tough shots again.
The Blazers have to run the ball through someone else other than Roy, and when the rock gets rotated to him , he needs to make a quick decision with it or pass it off. I fear as well Roy starts holding the ball a long time and the offense stagnates.
2011 NFL Draft - Doplhins
Trade Down from #15
1st - 1a) Colin Kaepernick, 1b) Ryan Mallett (QB)
I think that's true early in the game.
But if it’s the last few minutes of the 4th quarter and Roy has been having a great game (key criteria!), then the Roy 1-4 iso is a solid play to run.
"Either make something happen RIGHT AWAY or give it up"
Erm, that’s NOT his game.
"So in a weird way, not getting an answer was the answer."
Brandon Roy 3/9/11
by jiminut on Apr 25, 2011 8:53 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions
We can't count on Roy pulling off the same type of results as seen in Game 4
Regardless of what happened last game, Brandon has to keep the socrers mentality and not try to hang onto the ball too long in pursuit of setting up teammates. In essence, he’s got to continue with the volume scorer mentality. A) We need the points and B) he’ll dish the rock better by drawing double teams because of his SCORING as opposed to his abiolity to break down the defender. If Brandon isn’t scoring, he isn’t dangerous, and thuse becomes ineffective.
2011 NFL Draft - Doplhins
Trade Down from #15
1st - 1a) Colin Kaepernick, 1b) Ryan Mallett (QB)
This I agree with
he’s got to continue with the volume scorer mentality. A) We need the points and B) he’ll dish the rock better by drawing double teams because of his SCORING as opposed to his abiolity to break down the defender.
Me: "I heard the BCS just bought March Madness.......the vote should be out tomorrow and we will see Duke and Kansas in the championship game"
by 92wastheyear on Apr 25, 2011 10:41 AM PDT up reply actions
Viewers can watch Monday’s pivotal game on NewsChannel 8. Watching the whole game in its entirety is highly recommended.
2 down; 14 to go
by thomasikehara on Apr 25, 2011 3:41 AM PDT up reply actions
GO LAMARCUS!!!!
Make momma proud baby boy.
"You're standing in my sunlight, please move." —Diogenes to Alexander the Great
Best write up of the year, dave
Great take on Aldridge. Roy won us game 4, now it’s Aldridge’s turn to come through in the arena Lamonster was born
No one in the world can beat me at RBI baseball 3(nes).
BRoy didn't win us game four
BRoy was the hero of game four, the whole team playing tough D and executing on O was the formula for success. Don’t forget that LMA played Dirk a lot on offense and that alone is a challenge, without worrying about being the top scorer. Although we do need to keep feeding him the ball to hopefully get double teamed, get Chandler in foul trouble again and find open shooter that will make their shots. The whole team showing up and not riding LMA or BRoy would be the big key to success.
hg
Seriously?
Zers??? The only place I have seen that used for real is O-Live.
by stewmangroup on Apr 25, 2011 7:59 AM PDT up reply actions
Honestly I have said Zers for years, and I never even go to O-Live.
You aren’t the first person to call me out on this and quite frankly it kind of pisses me off. I shouldn’t have to worry about what terms I use to refer to the Blazers. The fact of the matter is I am a Blazers fan first and a blogger who uses terms like Zers second. I shouldn’t come in here and really watch every little thing I say, I would assume fans stick together. Keep calling people out for next to nothing, it is things like this that make me not want to come on here and make comments. GO ZERS!!!!
Hot sauce in my bag.
by JmarcL4 on Apr 25, 2011 11:34 AM PDT up reply actions 3 recs
late night brandon palindrome fun
brandon dawyne roy =
abandoned any worry =
and ye abandon worry =
drown anyone arena =
noonday brawn ready =
wry noon arena baddy.
by williamswonder on Apr 25, 2011 1:02 AM PDT reply actions 2 recs
That's what I thought.
Palindrome is a word spelled the same backwards and forwards, right? Demitri Martin is crazy good at those.
by Needsahome on Apr 25, 2011 6:56 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions
oops... anagram fun.
late night fuzziness.
by williamswonder on Apr 25, 2011 8:21 AM PDT up reply actions
i think we should rename it "emordrome"
by SaveOden on Apr 25, 2011 8:54 AM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
I'm going to now.
"So in a weird way, not getting an answer was the answer."
Brandon Roy 3/9/11
by jiminut on Apr 25, 2011 8:58 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions
more ANAGRAM fun
brandon dawayne roy = darn boy ran, owned ya
andre lloyd miller = mainly droll elder
lamarcus nurae aldridge = a muscular, daring leader
dallas mavericks = mass cadaver kill = evil karma scalds (all in good fun ;)
by williamswonder on Apr 25, 2011 10:39 AM PDT up reply actions
I get the feeling that wallace is going to be a one man wrecking crew
He is a guy that can feast on a scrambling Dallas defense if Roy continues his “mensicuses are over rated” tear. If there is anyone on this team that can smell blood, it’s Wallace. His attack, attack, attack and attack some more mindset is what we need to win this swing game
No one in the world can beat me at RBI baseball 3(nes).
Yeah, now is the time!
GW has been holding back, letting the entrenched core get their licks in, like jabs to set up the right cross, and now, just when the Mavs have made their adjustments and think they have Portland game planned, out from the tall grass will spring Gerald “Panther” Wallace to go straight for the jugular!
GW is the rudder
For all the beauty and magic of BRoy’s big night, one player celebrated less than the rest. It’s the guy that is years ahead of the rest in terms of maturity. And that man is Gerald Wallace. As cool as BRoy’s, and the teams night was, the series is now 0-0, best of three. No letting up now, and Don’t assume BRoy is going to save every game. Go out and Take It so he can cruise sometimes on the bench.
completely agree
aside from what we’ll consider a Roy anomaly for now, Crash still has the most game changing ability on this team. For 3 games I have been saying “ok THIS is the game where Gerald will finally make an impact” but I have also been saying “THIS is the game where the mavs stop shooting 40+% from downtown”…so who really knows.
But I will say, if the best version of Crash does show up for a game, we will win that game.
\oo///
Yeah, GW was in there donig the dirty work, defending, grabbing boards,
and we do need to keep the ‘surprises’ comming. Just when they are all busy with Roy and LMA …. CRASH !!!!
Jordan's not a bad guy.. he gave us Gerald Wallace.
crash has been scoring within the flow of the game
In Portland, his main job isn’t to be scorer. His role is exactly like you said, dirty work, hustle and being in the right place
No one in the world can beat me at RBI baseball 3(nes).
That sounds good to me.
Marion has beem a thorn in G-Mans side; it sounds like Marion will be on BRoy, Who will be on Wallace. Dirk? if LMA is playing center. Wallace would eat Dirk for breakfast or wear him out so much his tongue would be hanging out further. But wouldn’t that be nice?
I’m talking of the closing unit not the starting unit
hg
Would be nice to see Lamonster and "The Natural" in the same game
along with We$ Money and RUDY FREAKING FERNANZEZ. Throw in a health dose of Crash, Frenchie and Dre.
It would be simply awesome if we could get clicking on all cylinders again. We’ve seemed a little confused since re-integrating Roy and mixing in Crash Wallace. The 4th quarter defense in game 4 was a good sign.
We always seem to have games where no-one can make a shot. We’ve also had stretches after those games where guys couldn’t miss. Now would be a good time for one of those stretches.
I'm with you on that.
We haven’t seen one of those everybody hitting games. I was hoping that game four would be that. This is the game to do that in. Rudy has a reputation of being a homer only boy, it is time to prove them wrong. besides he likes the lime lights and doesn’t cater to BRoy getting the glory.
I am wondering if it is tough D that stops our shooters from driving? When any team up their D or packs the middle and we need our shooters, that seems to be when they disappear.
hg
If all our guys ever have a good game together...
maybe they are saving that for the ‘world champs’.
Jordan's not a bad guy.. he gave us Gerald Wallace.
i usually predict that if we get good production from our other wing players (batum wallace rudy)
that we’ll win, but last game it seemed like they were uncomfortable partially because aldrige wasn’t there to set the tone offensively. aldridge is the key not only to match dirk but also serve as a base which supports players who have yet to break out offensively this series
I have to disagree with Dave regarding the Dirk match up
Dirk will get his, but the other Mavs players are the back breakers. It’s not Dirk scoring 30 that hurts the Blazers, it’s Kidd and Peja scoring double or triple their season average that hurt the Blazers. The defense has been doing too much scrambling because of constantly shifting the defense toward Dirk or just outright doubling. Show the Mavs a different look in game 5 by staying home on their shooters and letting Aldridge, Camby, Batum or Wallace play straight up.
#52
I am in the same camp
Although, LMA can cut into Dirk’s scoring big time, but it wears him down so he is not as effective on Offense. So staying at home is the key, but assign different players to body Dirk the whole game.
hg
dirk getting calls on each of his 4th qtr touches is what turned games around for dallas in 1 and 2
he the only player on the court that gets those phantom calls benefiting him all the time and that can change a close game in a hurry. think that you have play him straight up and don’t let the others beat you.
look for terry to try to go off quickly in game 5
yep, even Chuck Barkley agrees.
Remember the last time this strategy was used and Peja went off? Guys like Peja, Kidd, and Terry can’t beat you off the dribble. The only thing they excel at is spot up open threes, so why give them that? Play Dirk straight up and let him get his numbers but don’t let the spot up shooters beat you.
Clyde the Glide, the greatest player ever
Cliff Robinson got mad at my brother who was trying to sell him a cellphone when my brother called him Uncle Cliffy. Apparently, he doesn't like that name very much.
by BeaumontTXBlazerFan on Apr 25, 2011 8:39 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions
agree, play him tough though.
give him lots of different defenders and play him physical. make sure that no matter what, if everything’s going through him, he is completely gassed after 3 quarters.
Who causes those other guys to be open?
The occasional Chandler pick, but Portland would probably live with Chandler going off to the best of his abilities and just jump the dribbler wholly after a while. The guy who makes Peja and Kidd (and others) is Dirk.
—Dave
this
similar to how beast mode Aldridge opened up our offense and dragged us into playoff contention.
Dirk is a prolific scorer. If we need a help defender on him to try and keep him shooting 40%- then so be it. If Dirk is allowed to he will just get in rhythm and shoot that impossible-to-stop fade away over and over and over again.
I saw something in Games 3 and 4 that I haven't seen in the past 2 years in the playoffs
Brandon stepped up in game 4 without a doubt but I saw a fight and will and intensity in everybody who stepped on the floor. It seems like in past years when there was a blow out happening the Blazers players just wilted and let it go.
I agree it’s only been 2 games where we’ve seen Brandon shine but Dallas has to seriously consider him as an offensive weapon again and despite what they’ve said publically about planning for him at an all star level all along it doesn’t seem like that’s been the case.
Now you have 2 players that demand double teams with Lamarcus and Brandon. It seems like Batum, Rudy, Andre, Marcus, Wes and Gerald are doing what they can in the situations they’re in and with the roles they have. It seems less about minutes now and more about just winning and truly leaving it all out on the floor.
Andre and Marcus will do the things they’ve always done. Run the offense and vacuum up the boards. I think it will be key to get Nic, Rud and Wes involved as much as possible and even if it’s not point production but things like Rudy playing annoying D like he was on Saturday and Wes bringing his A game on the defensive end and if he can get one of his patented 3 point streaks going that we’ll pull out a victory in front of a very hostile crowd.
G-Man demands a lot of attention also.
If they take Marion off Wallace, what happens?
It has been said over and over again by the experts that it is the defense that wins series, the offense wins games. I saw something in game three and four also, it was regardless of the offense, we kept up the defensive intensity. Could you imagine what game for would have been without our stingy defense? With the way Portland was shooting, they could have easily been forty pts. ahead. LMA lack of offense was staggering for us, but his defense on Dirk the last quarter was staggering for the Mavs. We need LMA’s Offense and Defense in every game, but we can’t ride him to death on both ends of the court while playing 44 to 48 minutes. With the emergence of BRoy, and hopefully at least gman, would go a long way in the production of offense.
hg
If BRoy or LMA demand double teams
It will open up our ofeensive rebounding and therefore GW’s and Maybe Batums offensive contributions
Roy Bashing~ "Blakes gone...Brandon is next alphabetically " ;-}
by Hermistonmelons on Apr 25, 2011 7:39 AM PDT up reply actions
Batum
may get a decent number of open shots if the Mavs double Brandon or Lamarcus. He is capable of knocking down the 3 ball so that may be a key tonight as well if he is to get the open looks.
by Blazers fan for life on Apr 25, 2011 7:47 AM PDT up reply actions
great point, and i think mathews might be a difference maker
miller tries to get mathews going early, and if that happens aldridge’s job suddenly gets much easier.
rootytoot has been the conundrum so far this series for me. he passes up way too many wideopen looks for his position. clearly has little confidence in his shot right now, but he needs to shoot when he is wideopen. he has played some aggressive court length defense which helps
After game 2 all the attention in the series was negative vibes towards the Blazers and Roy.
We managed to overcome it and win one. After game 4 all the attention in the series is negative vibes towards Dallas and the comeback. We cheered Brandon right from the get go and supported our team throughout. If Portland can get an early lead and maybe draw some boos from the Dallas crowd, it would be all she wrote.
Team Aldridge
Oh it's wide open, it's as wide open as it will ever be
This is the chance for the Blazres to advance if ever there was one. Dallas is doubting themselves, they have to be. All the pressure is on them.
What the Blazers can’t do is piddly-fart around for three quarters and then decide to play in the fourth.
As I watched the Blazers scrap and claw during the 4 qtr of game 4, my main thought was “Why don’t they play like this ALL THE TIME???” I mean what is it that they think they can coast through stretches of games and then pull it out at the end? Game 4 aside, that strat’s not very feasible.
The Leeroy Rule: being insistent >>>> being correct
tip time
tip time is scheduled for 5:30 PT. I’ve seen that advertised on NBA TV so I would go with that.
Biggest game of the year by far. I think this is going to have to be a game that Alrdidge leads us in because of Roy’s knees you never know how much he has left. Also need Matthews to step up like he did in Game 3. We have Dallas on the ropes right now after coming back from a 23-point deficit in game 4. Need to come out and hit them in the mouth early.
by Blazers fan for life on Apr 25, 2011 7:34 AM PDT up reply actions
Yeah...that is the time for tonight's game
Me: "I heard the BCS just bought March Madness.......the vote should be out tomorrow and we will see Duke and Kansas in the championship game"
by 92wastheyear on Apr 25, 2011 10:45 AM PDT up reply actions
i cant read
sorry for the confusion. yes tonight’s game is at 5:30 and game 6 is at 7
by Blazers fan for life on Apr 25, 2011 12:58 PM PDT up reply actions
I have not seen anyone else make mention of the round 2 possibilities.
Kobe, really looked to be in a great amount of pain and was just hobbling the last few min of that game last night. He flew home last night with it already swollen up and used crutches to get around. Not a great sign for Laker fans to say the least. Injuries do happen to teams other than our beloved Blazers it turns out. If the Lakers hold on and advance, one has to imagine that the Blazers vs the Lakers with a diminished Kobe got even more interesting in my book. If his hurt so badly that they don’t survive the Hornets, then heck we have HCA so that would be a very winnable series as well (though nothing is certain.) Get through that and OKC will likely be sitting there, and Oden will put some duct tape on the leg and go out and dominate against Durant. Okay, so the last part I made up, a guy can dream right?
Stern would crap his pants if the western 2nd round had okc vs memphis and portland vs hornets
No one in the world can beat me at RBI baseball 3(nes).
by svlittle on Apr 25, 2011 10:32 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
I vote for making him do that
Me: "I heard the BCS just bought March Madness.......the vote should be out tomorrow and we will see Duke and Kansas in the championship game"
by 92wastheyear on Apr 25, 2011 10:45 AM PDT up reply actions
A POTENTIAL LINE UP THAT WOULD WORK....ACCORDING TO STATSCUBE(nba.com)
http://www.nba.com/statscube/lineup-vs-lineup.html#Portland-Trail Blazers-vs-Mavericks|1610612757,1610612742|,
According to ‘STATSCUBE’ from NBA.com, the lineup of :
Brandon Roy, Patty Mills, Rudy Fernandez, Marcus Camby and Lamarcus Aldridge would dominate almost any lineup that Dallas can come with. Their overall offensive and defensive rating are higher than the Mavericks starting lineup’s.
Dude,
Please give up your Mills trolling. There’s no situation I can think of where he should beout on the floor, other than an offensive spark.
2011 NFL Draft - Doplhins
Trade Down from #15
1st - 1a) Colin Kaepernick, 1b) Ryan Mallett (QB)
Yep.
You should try Statscube though. It’s fun!
I don't need Statscube to oserve the obvious
There’s virtually no situation where Mills should in the game in place of Miller, other than normal rest; and with Brandon finally getting it, I don’t see how he gets minutes over him. The only exception would be to put Brandon ar SG and Mills runs the Point.
But more than anything, Mills just isn’t that good.
2011 NFL Draft - Doplhins
Trade Down from #15
1st - 1a) Colin Kaepernick, 1b) Ryan Mallett (QB)
really?
Maybe if that lineup had Matthews instead of Mills it would be a lineup worth trying. There is no way that Mills should be on the floor for any extended length of time. The Blazers are not a fastbreak so to put Mills out there makes no sense
by Blazers fan for life on Apr 25, 2011 8:08 AM PDT up reply actions
Miller is an excellent Fast break PG
He’s always pushed the floor well, and continues to do it with the Blazers when applicable. Mills has more physical quickness, but Miller passes MUCH better and finishes in traffic better. Foot speed in not an issue on a 90 foot court. There’s no reason why Mills should be on the floor even if we were a FB team. Mills should only be on the court to space the floor, but he’s a streak shooter so even that is iffy.
2011 NFL Draft - Doplhins
Trade Down from #15
1st - 1a) Colin Kaepernick, 1b) Ryan Mallett (QB)
Since I have already been bludgeoned about this how about some more.
I have said that I don’t think Batum has been effective vs Dirk. Others have disagreed, check this out.
http://www.nba.com/statscube/player-vs-player.html#Dirk-Nowitzki-vs-Nicolas-Batum|1717,201587;season=p
That's what I have been saying but no one else seemed to see this.
When Batum is able to guard Dirk at the perimeter he does a fine job. It’s those times I have seen when Dirk simply backs Nic down I know we are in trouble. Nic being long and quick matters little when stronger taller players use their advantages over him. Nic can guard some 4’s, and even Dirk at times, but if that 4 is notably stronger and is willing to use that he simply cannot guard them effectively IMO.
Two comments:
1) Sites like statscube are for fantasy league junkies. Fantasy leagues have little to do with reality, which, of course, is why they’re called fantasy leagues. If one looks at a basketball game as a process that can be statistically analyzed in the same way as a manufacturing process, with the goal of making a product acording to customers’ specifications, then the data that one gathers has to have some effect on the end result. In manufacturing, this is easy. But in basketball (or any sport), there are too many things that impact the end result (i.e., wins and losses) that aren’t quantifiable and therefore don’t show up on the stat sheet. For example, how do you measure team chemistry or “heart” or desire?
2) I can’t think of any NBA player who can guard Nowitzki straight up. Batum certainly isn’t alone in that respect. So you double him when he puts the ball on the floor and starts backing in, make him pass out of the double or, worst case, work for his points, then push the tempo in transition, make him run, wear him down and get him off the floor for awhile and try to take advantage of his absence. IMO, the best-case scenario would be for LMA and Dirk to play to a statistical standoff, making it essentially a 4-on-4 game, which to my way of thinking would give the Blazers an advantage.
"Send lawyers, guns and money; the sh*t has hit the fan." - Warren Zevon
I think his point is made
Through four games, Dirk has done significantly better when Batum is on the floor and significantly worse than his normal averages when Batum is sitting.
I don’t like it. I’m actually shocked, but that’s just a report on what has happened in this series so far.
Wallace
is the best option to guard Dirk. He is obviously is not as big as Dirk but he has proven that he can guard bigger players, especially guys who play away from the basket such as Dirk. He is also stronger than Batum, making him an even better otion. Dirk is going to get his, but thats the best chance we have of slowing him down, IMO
The guy we have to worry the most about anyway is Jason Terry
by Blazers fan for life on Apr 25, 2011 1:02 PM PDT up reply actions
Batum has been effective in spurts
when he can:
A. Front and deny the ball. OR…
B. Get immediate help when Dirk catches.
That’s not happened enough to rely on Batum shutting down Nowitzki though.
—Dave
For LMA to have a good game
the Blazers need to post him off the pick and roll. If they isolation post LMA where he has to back his guy in, the Blazers will struggle to score 90, again. Ditto for any other Blazer. It isn’t what they do best.
How the Blazers post with success is setting it up with good picks/screens and timely passes where the post player catches the ball with a ready made advantage. Asking LMA, Miller, Wallace, Roy or Batum to simply isolate a defender – even Barea – and then make back to the basket moves simply plays into the hands of the defense.
Law of Logical Argument
Anything is possible if you don't know what you are talking about.
Paradigm Shift:
Being the better team, knowing it, and proving it, start to finish.
Concentration and Execution, that’s what I would refer to as a ‘good day to be a Blazer.’
HIT THE BOARDS! HIT THE BOARDS! HIT THE BOARDS!
If the Blazers want this series, this is the game to win. Play every quarter like you’re down twenty! EVERYBODY REBOUND ON DEFENSE! GO BLAZERS!!!!!
by BangDownLow on Apr 25, 2011 9:05 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
How about adding
Actually making shots to this as well. That 3rd Q in particular was awfully hard on my eyes and on the RG rims. I was honestly worried there for a while whether we would make one lousy basket in the Q.
Yes making shots would be good.
I think we’re a lot more likely to make shots if we up the hustle. Our half court game has been pretty sucky against the Mavs. Get steals and rebounds and get out on the break; get them on their heels before they set up the zone, and we’ll get more open shots.
by BangDownLow on Apr 25, 2011 12:58 PM PDT up reply actions
Our rotation is more talented than Dallas.
For all Terry’s brought, We$ has matched for three games. Dre is in rhythm. Wallace and Aldridge have both been playing excellent ball but not attracting much attention. If either one of them to steps it up tonight that should be the difference.
"So in a weird way, not getting an answer was the answer."
Brandon Roy 3/9/11
by jiminut on Apr 25, 2011 9:13 AM PDT via mobile reply actions
here's a fresh thought
For the first time this series, how about EVERY player on our team step it up, and leave it all on the floor.
We have been very fortunate to win 2 games in which not all our players were at their best. Depending on heroics from one player is not a sure path to victory.
Some have been no-shows for long stretches of time. Others have just seemed out of sorts.
Not the time to call anyone out. We have a great set of players. Every player needs to bring it tonight, and Thursday, and we are in the 2nd Round!
Win the day!
Coffee is for Closers!
Always Be Closing!
by Blzr fan on Apr 25, 2011 9:27 AM PDT via mobile reply actions
Wouldn't that be something
Imagine how well we would be doing if each player played to the max ability each game. It would be certainly enjoyable to watch. I have seen a few games like this (seemingly so anyway) and they are a thing to behold.
Help!
My school’s newspaper deadline is tonight, and everyone on the staff wants to be able to watch the game (whenever it tips off). None of us have an NBA TV account and as far as I can tell, it’s too late to sign up for one to get this game. I can’t figure out any other way to stream it…any ideas?
The "Bill Simmons" of ATQ
Call your tv provider and bump to the package with nbatv
Then go back down tomorrow, they’ll prorate you a day
No one in the world can beat me at RBI baseball 3(nes).
Who is your provider?
NBA tv is a pretty standard channel. You might have it and not know it
No one in the world can beat me at RBI baseball 3(nes).
Great preview Dave
Kings fan here. My son and I have been pulling for Portland in the playoffs. It was great to see the team play to win game 4 , as opposed to playing not to lose. I see alot of fire in the hearts of your players , and they have been fun to watch . GO BLAZERS !!!
Top notch coverage!
I’m a Dallas sports enthusiast and Mavs fan, so believe me when I say that your coverage of this series has been top notch. The Mavs blog on SB Nation is far too often lacking in the depth and quality of coverage you guys have here.
While I’m not cheering for your team, I am enjoying your blog. Keep it up!
by Daniel Dessinger on Apr 25, 2011 9:50 AM PDT reply actions
greetings Mavs fan
Yes, the folks who run this blog really put out a quality product. The quality of the information and conversation here is truly first rate.
Win the day!
Coffee is for Closers!
Always Be Closing!
by Blzr fan on Apr 25, 2011 9:56 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions
not to mention the
unsurpassed humility evidenced throughout.
by williamswonder on Apr 25, 2011 10:45 AM PDT up reply actions
When I first came on this site
and saw that you couldn’t curse or attack people, I was like “WHA!?” but soon enough I realized that these rules really raise the level of conversation. Check out the comments on espn.com for the other side of the spectrum.
Keys to the Game:
1. Guard Dirk 1-1. Let him score 50 on us if he can. STAY WITH THEIR THREE POINT SHOOTERS, especially Terry. Matthews should be superglued to that guy’s ass.
2. Be physical. Whenever the Blazers have established post position down low, Chandler gets himself into foul trouble. Grind it out!
3. Run run run!
"You know, when you are in the game, you hear 20,000 people behind you, you don't feel anything."
- Nicolas Batum on playing through his shoulder injury during the 2010 playoffs.
Be relentless and play as though this is a must-win game for our team
Win the day!
Coffee is for Closers!
Always Be Closing!
by Blzr fan on Apr 25, 2011 9:57 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Dallas has no need and no intention of allowing this to happen
Guard Dirk 1-1
Law of Logical Argument
Anything is possible if you don't know what you are talking about.
by blacknoiseNW on Apr 25, 2011 10:28 AM PDT up reply actions
I agree with your number 1
Pulling the celtic recipe of letting a superstar go for 50 if no on else gets off. I can live with a 35+ night from dirk if kidd, peja and marion don’t break double digits
No one in the world can beat me at RBI baseball 3(nes).
I've got a good feeling about all the role players having breakout games
With all of Dallas’ attention on LMA and Roy, I can totally see Wes/Nic/Rudy/GWall all going off. This is the game to bring all of the intensity. Turnovers, run outs, alley oops … attack at every turn.
I think it would be a huge mistake...
…for The Blazers on any level believe they have an advantage over Dallas tonight based on the outcome of game 4.
3 minutes of good play for Dallas on their own homecourt with their own fans cheering will erase any sting left over from Saturday. Dallas knows where they are at, and they know where they have been. They know they STILL have homecourt advantage.
I disagree with the premise that there is any door open in a tied series. There’s only opportunity. The Blazers have the opportunity to open the door…for themselves. And It will be The Blazers that have to open it for themselves. Dallas will not faulter or do it for them.
If The Blazers can keep this game close? Or even take a lead? If there is 3 minutes left and it’s anyones game? THEN maybe there starts to be some creeping doubt in the minds of Dallas players…but it’s dangerous to count on that being an allie…
But I’m expecting a flat out battle. In many ways these two teams are very similar, as far as the psychology of where they are at, and where they want to be…
This whole series Dallas has “played the wounded duck”…when I’ve thought they have had the advantage…now they are playing it again…but if you believe it? To quote a famous Star Wars character….“It’s a Trap!”…..
The door to winning this series for Portland will be open, if we can win this game and come home with homecourt…until then? There is only opportunity….
"Mother Nature started this fight, I think it's about time we ended it!"
by Krang on Apr 25, 2011 10:05 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
agree absolutely
Our team has got to enter this game hungry and steal the steak right off the Mavericks plate. Our team has struggled in Dallas. Anyone who thinks the Blazers have the upper hand in tonight’s game is delusional. Everyone on our team has got to step it up!
Win the day!
Coffee is for Closers!
Always Be Closing!
by Blzr fan on Apr 25, 2011 10:23 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions
I disagree
I think the only way to win anything is to first believe it in your guts that you are tougher, more resolved and better!!
Me: "I heard the BCS just bought March Madness.......the vote should be out tomorrow and we will see Duke and Kansas in the championship game"
by 92wastheyear on Apr 25, 2011 10:48 AM PDT up reply actions
Where In my post...
….did I say The Blazers shouldn’t believe they are tougher, more resolved and better? But the trick is to translate that belief into results.
My focus is more on the danger of believing Dallas is in any way mortally wounded. You can’t win a series without homecourt advantage. This series is tied, and last time I checked we still don’t have homecourt advantage.
Yeah, I believe The Blazers are tougher, more resolved and better, but you still have to win the games.
Dallas, like almost any playoff caliber team, is NOT going to give Portland this series, even in the glow of a historic and emotional comeback…
Tonight you have the opportunity to turn “belief” into results…and it’s results that will get you to the second round…
"Mother Nature started this fight, I think it's about time we ended it!"
Hopefully
BRoys comeback game inspired Rudy. It would be nice if he could come off the bench with BRoy tonight and go 4-4 from three like his rookie year….but who knows, Rudy hasn’t done much in the playoffs.
Rudy was a Huge factor in the last game:
Mike Tokito, The Oregonian:
Rudy Fernandez has been missing in action offensively for the Trail Blazers, but anyone who says he has not contributed has not been watching closely enough, McMillian said. “I thought he was the difference in the ballgame last night,” McMillian said.
“I thought his defensive pressure at the end of the third and going into the fourth really got us going. Brandon started to make some shots, but the pressure that got started from Rudy, I thought, changed the game, changed the momentum. We got out, got some easy baskets.”
"Hopefully"
is by definition wishful thinking. Yes, it would indeed be nice if Rudy could finally pull his head out of whatefver orifice it’s been lodged in lately, but, as you said, he hasn’t done anything so far this series to indicate that he will. “Hopefully” tonight’s game will be different.
"Send lawyers, guns and money; the sh*t has hit the fan." - Warren Zevon
It depends on Roy
Portland doesn’t have anyone else who can assert his will in the 4th quarter except Roy. Aldridge is a good player but he disappears in the 4th quarter in clutch situations, and no one else has the ability to take over. Teams that win playoff series need to have at least one player who can elevate their game, Roy is the only player Portland has that has demonstrated that ability. If Roy can continue his play the Blazers can win the series, if not, then they will go home, it’s as simple as that.
I disagree with this in the sense that it is inherently tougher for post players to score in the 4th
Aldridge is a good player but he disappears in the 4th quarter in clutch situations
They typically cant create there own shot…the shot takes longer to set up …and the other team defends that play harder. Wings have it easier
Me: "I heard the BCS just bought March Madness.......the vote should be out tomorrow and we will see Duke and Kansas in the championship game"
by 92wastheyear on Apr 25, 2011 10:51 AM PDT up reply actions
This series has convinced me that Mike Rice is right when he says it's hard for a post player to be your closer
They can’t come to the ball on the inbound and start their offense from beyond the 3 point line
No one in the world can beat me at RBI baseball 3(nes).
yeah this
which makes it even weirder that Aldridge has managed to dominate so many 4th quarters this season. I’m hoping he gets his legs under him tonight.
His ability to hit the 20-22 footer (that everyone bags on him for)....
…may partially explain that
Me: "I heard the BCS just bought March Madness.......the vote should be out tomorrow and we will see Duke and Kansas in the championship game"
by 92wastheyear on Apr 25, 2011 12:07 PM PDT up reply actions
he is a tough cover
If we could get him scoring at will in the 4th and a guy like BRoy dismantling the defense at the same time it would be truly fun to watch.
if he spent this summer perfecting a baseline counter move, he'd be close to unguardable
his midrange, his jump hook and a counter with his lobs, put backs, fast break finishes and dribble drives would be the best arsenal in the league
No one in the world can beat me at RBI baseball 3(nes).
Yes....two things for you to do this summer, LMA
Perfect that spin to the baseline …..and get better at the dribble drive (see what Dirk is doing)
Me: "I heard the BCS just bought March Madness.......the vote should be out tomorrow and we will see Duke and Kansas in the championship game"
by 92wastheyear on Apr 25, 2011 12:59 PM PDT up reply actions
I just don't agree that Roy is the 'only guy who can elevate his game'
Jordan's not a bad guy.. he gave us Gerald Wallace.
Wallace, Matthews and Batum have been good on the offensive end, but not great
We won’t talk about Rudy, maybe him and Patti are in a rough patch
No one in the world can beat me at RBI baseball 3(nes).
This should be an easy win for Dallas if they up-tempo it
and utilize their much deeper, better handling and shooting roster. If they play around and allow Portland to dictate terms it’ll be another close one, which still gives Dirk the advantage.
The least conceivable scenario is a Blazer victory by blowout, which, considering their methodical pace and weak depth at bench seems highly unlikely. Stranger things have happened though.
Basically, my position is that Dallas needs to choke for the Blazers to win, and as we know, Dallas NEVER chokes…
wha??
by Hipster Olympic Team! on Apr 25, 2011 10:35 AM PDT reply actions
Aldridge
Ever since Wallace got here Aldridge has returned to his reluctant superstar self. We need more than 16 shots from this guy, and we need more than 6 rebounds. We need him to put his head down, and get to the rim, or the line when they’re not double teaming him. They haven’t been doubling him a lot this series and it’s because he hasn’t been responding to it when they don’t. That’s the biggest reason the team is shooting so poorly.
Aldridge has always been a disgustingly lazy player, content to ignore the his tremendous athletic advantages and settle for shooting over people from distance. The signs we all saw of him becoming a power forward when Roy went down this year (before Wallace got here) and he knew the team needed him only serve to make me angrier now that he’s resorted back to being so passive. If Aldridge doesn’t return to that same form the team doesn’t stand a chance.
by heybabydrinkyourmilk on Apr 25, 2011 10:49 AM PDT reply actions
Not true....one of the hardest working players and has been for many years
Aldridge has always been a disgustingly lazy player….
And he is posting approximately 22 and 7 for this series.
You preconceived notions are shining thru
Me: "I heard the BCS just bought March Madness.......the vote should be out tomorrow and we will see Duke and Kansas in the championship game"
by 92wastheyear on Apr 25, 2011 10:58 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
"Disgustingly lazy?"
Kind of a funny way of phrasing things. Hasn’t he played more minutes this year than any other player in the NBA?
Wiggada Wiggada Zers!
it doesn't do the team any good if he's not scoring or getting rebounds while he's playing them
if he’s getting pushed out of the way, or leaking out down the court when the other team puts a shot up. aldridge should be running towards the hoop when dallas puts a shot up, not leaking out the other way. they’re not even double teaming him.
by heybabydrinkyourmilk on Apr 25, 2011 11:29 AM PDT up reply actions
He covers DIRK one on one most the time which takes him away from the basket
Since wallace and camby are elite reboundersfor their position, I’d rather have aldridge with 6 rebounds and 4 to six fastbreak points then aldridge with 10 rebounds and 0 fast break points. Even when he doesn’t finish a break, running the floor lets him get early good position and it forces haywood and chandler to run back on defense, tiring them out and keeping them away from the offensive glass
No one in the world can beat me at RBI baseball 3(nes).
In minutes played this season, LMA was second behind Monta Ellis.
"They say it has no memory. That’s where I want to live the rest of my life. A warm place with no memory."
In that case, he's just ahead of Luol Deng by a total of 6 minutes.
"They say it has no memory. That’s where I want to live the rest of my life. A warm place with no memory."
I thought that he has been doing a good job at trying to get at least 20 shots off in this series
No one in the world can beat me at RBI baseball 3(nes).
Agreed
If leading the NBA in minutes played and dunks off lob passes, and carrying the team during times of adversity while leading it scoring and rebounding is “disgustingly lazy,” well, I’ll take that kind of laziness any day.
"Send lawyers, guns and money; the sh*t has hit the fan." - Warren Zevon
6 of 16 with 6 rebounds in a must win game 4 at home doesn't lie
the guy disappeared, again, and i’m calling him out on it.
by heybabydrinkyourmilk on Apr 25, 2011 11:38 AM PDT up reply actions
He had an off shooting night, no doubt.
Are you calling Lebron out for missing his last minute shot? How about Kobe? Are you going to call him out for going 0-7 in the first half last night? Players have off nights. Even great ones. If 16/6 is an off night, you’re a pretty good player.
wha??
by Hipster Olympic Team! on Apr 25, 2011 11:45 AM PDT up reply actions
4 steals and 4 blocks don't either
Would you have taken 4 shots from roy in the fourth quarter to bump him to 20
No one in the world can beat me at RBI baseball 3(nes).
haha, okay
i guess i have been off on an island somewhere by myself watching some other series. it wouldn’t be the first time.
i’m not happy with his effort in the series. it’s a far cry from how he was playing when he wanted to go to the all star game. that isn’t the way he’s playing in this series. i haven’t seen anybody disagree with that point yet?
lamarcus is playing okay, but okay from our best player isn’t going to get anybody to the second round. guys are expected to step up in the playoffs, and if lamarcus remains content shooting from 18 feet, and not drawing any double teams, than the offense is going to remain as pitiful as it has been, and dallas will advance because they shoot the ball a lot better without an interior presence on offense than we do.
by heybabydrinkyourmilk on Apr 25, 2011 12:17 PM PDT up reply actions
Guy is wiped out
He’s had the team on his back the whole season. He’ll probably come out firing tonight though.
Also should note that our season would be long over without LMA’s disgusting laziness.
Shoot everyone was having a tough night
until Brandon put on his cape
Me: "I heard the BCS just bought March Madness.......the vote should be out tomorrow and we will see Duke and Kansas in the championship game"
by 92wastheyear on Apr 25, 2011 12:08 PM PDT up reply actions
And unless I've been halucinating since Saturday
the Blazers won that “must win” game. LMA did enough to help get the win. That’s not exactly “disappearing”, and given the situation, that’s enough for most of us.
BTW, I’ll assume that you played hoops at some time in your life, in which case you will be aware that for every player who is trying to score, there is at least one player from the other team who is trying to stop him, right? You don’t win the matchup every time.
"Send lawyers, guns and money; the sh*t has hit the fan." - Warren Zevon
Reply fail
Meant for the milkman
"Send lawyers, guns and money; the sh*t has hit the fan." - Warren Zevon
another thing to disprove your disappearing theory
Aldridge was one for 10 until there was a 1.31 in the third, 5-6 after that
No one in the world can beat me at RBI baseball 3(nes).
You can't just put your head down and go to the rim
when the other team has 2-3 guys set and ready to take a charge or contest your attempt. Dallas’ interior D, while lacking in shot blocking, is actually some of the best in the league. Lamarcus rarely has an open paint because his teammates stink from 3. He does, however, duck to the middle for lobs with regularity. IMO a lob, catch and finish is a much more efficient play than bumbling into 3 defenders and hoping for a call. I’d say his production is the best thing the organization has going for it. He’s also been incredibly durable in his career.
While Griffin and Love are terrible defenders, LMA has shown a lot of versatility this season. He moves his feet and is generally in decent position when switched onto a smaller player. He’s also made some clutch defensive plays at the end of the game. So while he hasn’t taken over games at the end and scored 40+, which bigs in the NBA playoffs have? The end of the game is generally favorable for ball handlers like Rose, Wade, or Kobe.
All-in-all, LMA is deservedly the team MVP.
wha??
by Hipster Olympic Team! on Apr 25, 2011 11:43 AM PDT up reply actions
Aldridge Playoff stats: mins:43.5 FG%:48% rebounds:6.5 blk:2 stl:1.5 ast:1.5
Shot chart breakdown:
Distribution:FG%
restricted area – 27%:65%
In the rest of paint – 24%:39%
Midrange – 49%:43%
That is a about as perfect as you can get when it comes to playing an all around offensive game
In the clutch(last 5 minutes and game within 5):
His defrtg, offensive rebounding, and total rebounding jumps 10%
His usage rate does drop by 8%, so if that what you mean by “disappears” you can argue that
Aldridge’s defense is tough to figure cause we switch Batum and Wallace on him so much but here’s dirk’s regular season stats compared to this series:
Reg season:Playoff
FG%-52%:41%
3fg% – 39%:57%
fta- 6.1:10.3
Shot chart
shot distribution:fg%
restricted area – 13.8%:36%
rest of paint – 21%:35%
mid range – 56%:42%
3 pointers – 9%:50%
His offensive numbers in the clutch are crazy, to no surprise. we hold Dirk to 10% less in FGA put in all other shooting percentages are up 10.%.Another no surprise stat, his reb% assist ratio, blocks and steals are all down 10% in clutch situations
No one in the world can beat me at RBI baseball 3(nes).
to people saying he isn't playing well this series I'd say that his numbers have been 2nd tier superstar
No one in the world can beat me at RBI baseball 3(nes).
okay, now i'm frustrated with myself for agreeing with you earlier...
i’m not quite sure i understand those statistics in the way you’re presenting them.. i understand the 6.5 rebounds a game part. and the overall FG% dropping from 52% to 41% in the playoffs.
let me ask you this, and be honest with me. when chandler elbowed him in the face did you not think to yourself ‘thank god, now maybe that will light a fire under him?’ i certainly did, and i can’t believe i was alone at that moment?
had roy not stole the headlines by bringing the team back the way he did, and were everybody laying blame on how the team could get blown out like that in a must win game 4 at home, i have to believe that lamarcus’ less than inspired play would be called into question as a primary reason.
by heybabydrinkyourmilk on Apr 25, 2011 12:42 PM PDT up reply actions
And if your uncle
had been born with breasts, he’d be your aunt.
"Send lawyers, guns and money; the sh*t has hit the fan." - Warren Zevon
and lamarcus would still be getting 6.5 rebounds a game in the series
and shooting 10 percentage points less in the series, as our man svlittle was kind enough to dig up for us.
by heybabydrinkyourmilk on Apr 25, 2011 12:51 PM PDT up reply actions
You read that wrong, the second set of numbers are Dirk's
Aldridge is shooting 48% in the playoffs compared to his 50% regular season. averaging 22.3 ppg playoff average compared to his 21.8 regular season. Hi is also getting half a steal and a full block more per game in the playoffs. Pretty impressive considering he is going against a 57 win team every game in the playoffs compared to the mix of bad teams you play in the regular season
No one in the world can beat me at RBI baseball 3(nes).
okay
one could also say that against dallas specifically this year aldridge has scored:
35
28
20
and 18 in 35 minutes.
i’m a numbers guy myself, but you can chose to look at them a lot of different ways.
also, i would argue that dallas is a 57 win team (in a top-heavy watered down league) that everybody wanted to play in the first round specifically because they are viewed as a soft team, that is content trading baskets.
if we can get a 28 and a 35 out of him in two of the next three games they have a good chance of winning the series, if he doesn’t i don’t think they will.
by heybabydrinkyourmilk on Apr 25, 2011 1:17 PM PDT up reply actions
I won't take anything away from Aldridge's first two games, but it was him against the mavs by himself
The magic are showing that no matter how dominating your big is, it’s hard to win in the playoffs without good play from your perimeter players. Those games were amazing but ended up with being loses. I think if aldridge has those type of games, we will win no question. This game will be intersting because in the first two games, dallas was commited to letting anyone but Aldridge beat them. Now that Roy has shown that he can beat them too it’s now going to have to be a different defensive strategy for dallas
No one in the world can beat me at RBI baseball 3(nes).
the main point of those stats is that he is still shooting more shots in the paint and finishing in there at an incredible rate
I agree LA didn’t come out strong in game 4, but his second half was pretty strong. The old Aldridge would disappear on offense, defense and rebounding if we had a slow start. The new one doesn’t. He had 2 big hook shots and 2 big dunks in that comeback run, plus outstanding defense one of the best clutch players in the game
No one in the world can beat me at RBI baseball 3(nes).
fair enough
maybe i am focusing too much on the negative. i saw flashes of brilliance in his game earlier this year against good teams, and i am expecting the same kind of effort/results now. i don’t disagree with much of what you guys, especially you, are saying. i think we can all agree that lamarcus is still on the fence as to whether or not he will finish with a good series, or not. so far it’s been fair and the teams are even. it will be interesting to see how he comes out from now on.
by heybabydrinkyourmilk on Apr 25, 2011 12:59 PM PDT up reply actions
he's been having a pretty good series, but a monster game five would push him to superstar status
compare his post season to Amare, Bosh, Horford, Boozer,Gasol, Duncan, Garnett Brand and he is playing like a top 3 power forward. Zbo and dirk are having better offensive efforts, but LA defense has been better then theirs for sure
No one in the world can beat me at RBI baseball 3(nes).
link fail
http://www.nba.com/statscube/player.html#LaMarcus-Aldridge
No one in the world can beat me at RBI baseball 3(nes).
Blazers have not played their best ball - yet
Not sure if it is the big stage or what Dallas is doing but EVERYONE needs to grow up a little if we are to pull this series out. I don’t want to hear players talk about “stealing” a game at Dallas. Knock the door down and take it!
LA has been tremendous but I think he is showing a little strain in carrying the team so much. GW really needs to step up his O-game – in addition to the rest of the supporting cast. If we can continue through the playoff’s would be nice to see our best players in Miller, LA, GW and Roy compliment each others play.
by LicketyBrindleDowntheMiddle on Apr 25, 2011 11:16 AM PDT reply actions
My plan
play Roy ~25 minutes tonight in effectively the same rotation.
On Thursday, Game 6 – to either take the series or stave off elimination – start B-Roy. don’t let it leak… just let the RG crowd show their appreciation and get the energy in the arena UP
M, period. Fresh, comma.
Brandon's breakout out game was so huge
not just for the big win, but for subsequent strategic threat against the opposition. That level of dominance was just not shown for so long as to be but a memory…. until Saturday. This is a weapon for Nate to use in his offensive planning and in his exploitation of the opposition response to the ‘Roy threat’.
As usual, effective adjustments and balance in producing a multi pronged attack are what I am hoping for. And, as usual, the key is in how Nate utilizes the valuable asset that is Brandon Roy.
And it is so nice to have that ‘scoring machine’ potential when you really need it. Just don’t wear it out or lose the rest of the team.
Jordan's not a bad guy.. he gave us Gerald Wallace.
Could this day go by any slower?!
Checking the clock every 15 minutes, not checking at all, staring at the clock…. Nothing helps. 5:30, please come quickly.
"Jumper-free throw-free throw-alley oop-jumper-post move-oh please stop hurting us LaMarcus!" -Dave 2/14/11
POR played like crap for 3 quarters and STILL won game 4.
Put together even a good 3 quarter game and they could steal a win. …I can’t believe this game isn’t on TNT or ESPN! I expect this game to be EPIC!
Go to Heaven for the climate, Hell for the company.
guess it was our turn
They already put spurs-grizzlies on NBA tv for game one
No one in the world can beat me at RBI baseball 3(nes).
Ok, this is what we know
Brandon can be a beast-
LaMarcus can be a beast-
Brandon is fragile in the ego department. Not a bad thing. Before you get on me, realize its true.
LaMarcus is fragile in the leadership department. Admit this to. Before Roy went down, everyone wondered if he would ever shape up to be the L.A. we have come to know and love.
That is what we know- they are both fragile beasts.
What we still dont know is if they can play together in a way that allows them both to be the elite players they are individually.
This is my own observation, but it feels like they are at a disconnect. I hope iam proven wrong because if both can play like they are capable of while on floor together, we will win this series. If not, and one or the other shys away because of the other, we will lose.
My point is that, while Brandon and L.A. have been teammates for awhile now, rarely have they been a team that can wreck teams like we know they can do on their own.
If there gonna prove me wrong, tonights the night. If not, were in for another year of trying to figure out this teams identity.
i, too, have continued to notice
a relative lack of synergy between lma and roy.
by williamswonder on Apr 25, 2011 2:26 PM PDT up reply actions
LMA will roll with Dre/Rudy
Which sometimes provides the super effective lob/dunk chances. He seems to prefer to pop with Roy which results in a long jumper.
not liking wallace starting when camby does
he doesn’t spread the floor for aldridge, he just stands out at the three point line, and misses when he shoots from out there. even if aldridge can command a double team, or at least “attention” form someone who isn’t his man, wallace is not going to be the guy to make dallas pay for that, batum might – and he’s another guy to run off screens besides matthews to further keep the defense honest off aldridge.
i like wallace coming in at the four, sliding aldridge to the 5 about the 5 or 6 minute mark in the first when camby sits down, then run. then he can stay in and play the four when aldridge goes out. wallace can then take over in the post and give the bench an presence there also. batum is not getting much time with aldridge on the floor and it’s hurting both their games.
by heybabydrinkyourmilk on Apr 25, 2011 3:32 PM PDT reply actions
I have a feeling
That LMA is going to have a real big game tonight.
by Jonathan Wright on Apr 25, 2011 3:56 PM PDT reply actions
I just don't understand are terrible shooting slumps?
Doesn’t matter who’s on this team, we have them way too often.
#52
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
