FINAL: Golden State Warriors 101, Portland Trail Blazers 93
by Timmay! on Jan 25, 2012 9:51 PM PST
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PrintThe Portland Trail Blazers ran out of steam in Oakland tonight, as the Golden State Warriors pulled away in the fourth quarter for an 8-point victory. It was a double-dose of frustration for Blazer fans, as the game went sour around the same time the deadline passed to sign Nicolas Batum to an extension.
The Blazers were led by LaMarcus Aldridge (18 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists) and Nicolas Batum (16 points in 22 minutes), with help from Jamal Crawford (16 points, an ugly 6 turnovers) and a rejuvenated Wesley Matthews (15 points on 9 shots).
Mini-Recap
The Blazers jumped out to a nice start, taking an early 10-point lead despite some struggles from Aldridge. The Warriors tightened the defense and started hitting threes, cutting the lead to two after the first.
In the second, the Blazer bench arrived, and the lead vanished. While the bench offense struggled, the defense was a bigger problem, as Golden State found uncontested shots from both inside and outside. However, Craig Smith helped keep the Blazers within 4 as the starters returned. Both Curry and Ellis caught fire from deep, but Aldridge and Batum rallied the team to a 5 point lead at halftime.
So in the first half, the Blazers shot well (45%), passed well (17 assists on 21 FG's) and took care of the ball (3 TO's). The Warriors shot even better, but with more turnovers. Can Portland keep up this pace and win the game?
The Warriors closed to a tie within seconds of the start of the third quarter, then pushed into the lead. The Blazers quickly rallied as Aldridge stayed hot, but defensive breakdowns prevented progress. Here was a recap of the Warriors: Open three. Swish. Open Curry three. Swish. Open Curry three. Swish. OPEN FREAKIN CURRY THREE. SWISH. GET A MAN ON THAT GUY. At one point, the Warriors actually swished an open three-pointer that didn't count due to stepping on the sideline. The quarter ended with an ugly 22-10 GSW run gave them a 6 point lead. Stephen Curry went 6-7 on three-pointers. Guess which one of those was guarded?
David Lee pushes the lead to 10 to start the Fourth as the the Blazer fans start melting down. The Blazers fight back, shutting down Curry, but David Lee heated up in return, including a few lucky bounces. The Blazers closed to within three points, but did not have enough left in the tank to make a final run.
Don't bother reading the box score, but hang out here if you dare. Later, Dave will have a no-doubt very interesting recap. The Blazers get a night off, then are back in action Friday, at home against Phoenix.
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ugghh..it was MATTHEWS who was assigned to Curry?
Matthews also “guarded” Stuckey when he became an all star against the Blazers.
I am getting sick of the way Matthews “DEFENDS”…the Blazers need to call Mr Wesley out on this.
i could not agree more
His defense is overated to a point it becomes more embarassing than him geting beaten off the dribble or passing under the screen permanently.
Hustle is not defense. Or at least, when the blazers have to face pg’s or combo’s who are very fast it should be all batum since he had much more success in that area (not that i am saying that he can cover them all, both struggles against westbrook for instance).
yep nate fail
you gotta ride the hot hands and nate didnt do that tonite
by cavejunctionblazer on Jan 25, 2012 9:53 PM PST up reply actions
Heads up, no pictures in any of the gameday threads
I was entertained enough to let the first one go…
A back-to-back-to-back is far tougher than a 6 game roadie
by Fila429 on Jan 25, 2012 9:55 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Not saying it isn't. Doesn't detract from my point: We needed this win.
Being a Blazer fan is not exactly healthy.
Yeah, this team is an above average, yet fatally flawed squad.
That said, I’ll look forward to anything from a #4/#5 matchup v. the L.A. Lakers to a #1/#8 matchup v. the OKC Thunder.
Though, I think that the Lakers need to shore up its PG spot to ensure a Pacific Division crown over its in-city rivals.
Not only would this would for the Lakers, but it’d also get the Hawks under the luxury tax line: http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=7jow55o
"I Am Mine"
Jason Quick is on fire on twitter:
No other way to say it: Embarrassing minute for Jamal Crawford. Picked clean by Curry, then next possession a wild pass in traffic for TO
Batum and Rhino playing their A$$es off. Batum 15 points, Rhino 7 pts, 6 rebs. Why they haven’t played more is a mystery
For what it’s worth: Blazers president Larry Miller was in attendance watching this debacle by the guards. I know it’s early, but still …
Blazers need to assess what their goal is this season. If anything past making the playoffs, they need to look at getting help at PG
I sent an email to nate.mcmillan@trailblazers.com.
Asked if he’d been getting any sleep lately…and mentioned Nic’s playing time in tonight’s game…sent before the end of the game.
wow--i said pretty much that same stuff all game long
so did like fifty other people on here—-we need to make some changes
by cavejunctionblazer on Jan 25, 2012 9:55 PM PST up reply actions
Occupy?
Occupy the rose garden? Lol #joke
by comptoncory on Jan 25, 2012 10:23 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
He's a decent coach but my God he is sooo slow to make adjustments in his schemes, or even in real-time perhaps.
I understand he wanted Wallace for the post-ups because that’s been the plan in last few games, but c’mon, it’s clear Nic had it going and Gerald, not so much. Adjust coach, adjust!
by Stryder9 on Jan 25, 2012 9:57 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
wallace cannot post up
We should only start him during home games
The tensions are so high because the stakes are so low!
by tylercomp on Jan 25, 2012 10:58 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
They're really not a bad team
Just look at how they dismantled the Bulls and how they beat the Heat. They play to the level of their competition.
Yeah, point differential shows them to be below average rather than flat-out putrid.
The worst team by far in the Western Conference this season is the Sacramento Kings.
"I Am Mine"
Kings are bad...
But have you seen the hornets? I think they are worse
by comptoncory on Jan 25, 2012 10:23 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
Are you kidding?
Hornets are 3-15 on a 9 game losing streak. Kings have twice as Many wins and twice as much talent. But I digress.
by comptoncory on Jan 25, 2012 10:26 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
Record
Only stat that matters in the end
by comptoncory on Jan 25, 2012 10:35 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
Nola has better players, and they've lost a lot of close games
They’ll win a few down the road. But the Kings just keep getting blown out. Not a good sign.
Phase 1: Collect underpants
Phase 2: ???
Phase 3: Profit!
Yeah, that sums it up.
Entering tonight, NO had a pythag record of 6-11 & Sac. had a pythag record of 3-15.
Reason being the Hornets have lost some challenging games close and the Kings get frequently pummeled by the opposition.
"I Am Mine"
What you your college professors say if they caught you using Wiki?
Phase 1: Collect underpants
Phase 2: ???
Phase 3: Profit!
Politely disagree
They have young players with potential
by comptoncory on Jan 25, 2012 10:27 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
They should have won their last game but they fell apart late
And it was a great time to catch the Blazers.
yeah this
just to have a chance in the 4th was awesome
i dont care if this is a rebuilding year
but the felton and crawuful experiment needs to end
PHILLY!
I get the rebuild comment
But overall we are doing better than last year at this time
by comptoncory on Jan 25, 2012 10:28 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
i love watching crawford play
He is streaky though like all our gaurds, like most in the nba…
The tensions are so high because the stakes are so low!
by tylercomp on Jan 25, 2012 11:02 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
Seems like Crawford and Felton have the same problem
They penetrate recklessly and then have no idea what to do with the ball.
For some reason what Crawford does..doesn't bother me..it's what he DOES.
However..Felton..I compare him to Miller and then just miss Miller more..Felton suffers by comparison.
I feel the same way about Crawford
we signed him to shoot and not stop shooting. NOT to play PG, however. That’s where our problem lies.
Johnson, Johnson, Smith, Smith, Thomas, Williams, and Babbitt: the Blazer's law firm.
by Doctor Worm on Jan 25, 2012 10:06 PM PST up reply actions
Eh... it's only our annual loss in GS.
I think Nate is baffled by the Warriors.
I think Batum must of read Dave's Grizzly's recap.
It was obvious to everyone in the arena that Nic was on a mission (or at least contract hungry). Dang you Nate. You screwed that one tonight.
No PG can make Felton,Crash,and Wes actually show up on the road . They just cant !!!
How many games does it take before the starters actually come out focused and play well on the road ?
Left with bad feeling in mouth
Blazers basketball? Just basketball you say? More like a way of life
hehehe
Blazers basketball? Just basketball you say? More like a way of life
by dyshooter182 on Jan 25, 2012 9:57 PM PST up reply actions
serious question
but does anyone else see the seattle bias with nate’s irrational confidence in jamal?
PHILLY!
Ridiculous!
Like a coach in the NBA would care about a player’s hometown.
Johnson, Johnson, Smith, Smith, Thomas, Williams, and Babbitt: the Blazer's law firm.
do you recall that first article quick wrote where nate thought
that jamal should play well enough to have his jersey retired here?
PHILLY!
Nate will say what's necesary to get a player to perform?
We all knew Jamal’s jersey would never be retired.
Maybe it's because Jamal
is actually a pretty good basketball player (or has been before he came here).
Johnson, Johnson, Smith, Smith, Thomas, Williams, and Babbitt: the Blazer's law firm.
by Doctor Worm on Jan 25, 2012 10:03 PM PST up reply actions
he's always been a generally good, if streaky, sixth man
never ever been a player that would get his jersey retired on any self-respecting team.
"Wide, girthy. Just like a Rhino. Sometimes my horns are visible."
No not at all
I’ll chalk that up to some encouragement from Nate.
Johnson, Johnson, Smith, Smith, Thomas, Williams, and Babbitt: the Blazer's law firm.
by Doctor Worm on Jan 25, 2012 10:07 PM PST up reply actions
The only ones who have confidence in Jamal are... Nate and Jamal
But this is all on Nate having Jamal play the 1 n try to make decisions like a PG when Jamal himself said he wants to play off ball
Its not irrational its common sense when your starting guards cannot play AT ALL on the road
If Wes and Felton show up jamal doesnt play much down the stretch point blanks its simply basketball 101
by Willie Beamon on Jan 25, 2012 10:00 PM PST up reply actions
question remains..why would Nick re-sign here?
by unclechicken on Jan 25, 2012 10:02 PM PST up reply actions
We were basically playing with house money anyway.
Only Chicago and Miami have actually swept a BBB this season. That and the Oracle curse are enough extenuating circumstances that this loss just gets a shrug from me.
Johnson, Johnson, Smith, Smith, Thomas, Williams, and Babbitt: the Blazer's law firm.
OKC and Chicago sorry.
Johnson, Johnson, Smith, Smith, Thomas, Williams, and Babbitt: the Blazer's law firm.
Felton's outside shooting actually makes me long for the days of Rudy Fernandez last year
Not really but he’s really that horrendous. He actually anti-stretches the defense
Henne is the greatest and the Dolphins will go 14-2 this year and win the SB
Of Felton's 37-something FG%
If we were just to take his FG % on all shots outside 12 feet, his actual percentage would be like 25%. And thats no lie.
Henne is the greatest and the Dolphins will go 14-2 this year and win the SB
And I'm going to keep harping all year until
Nate stops playing Crawford at the 1. I can accept his streakiness at the 2, but with the ball constantly in his hands its a disaster.
Henne is the greatest and the Dolphins will go 14-2 this year and win the SB
Would you rather
have Nolan Smith in the game?
Johnson, Johnson, Smith, Smith, Thomas, Williams, and Babbitt: the Blazer's law firm.
by Doctor Worm on Jan 25, 2012 10:00 PM PST up reply actions
Yes
Yes I would. I would rather Nolan Smith take his lumps and be FORCED to develop, The problem is, I’m not sold on Nolan Smith at the PG position period, which is why Portland shouldnt have drafted him. But better a meh Nolan Smith than Crawford dominating the ball out of position.
Henne is the greatest and the Dolphins will go 14-2 this year and win the SB
Oy.
Alright then.
Johnson, Johnson, Smith, Smith, Thomas, Williams, and Babbitt: the Blazer's law firm.
by Doctor Worm on Jan 25, 2012 10:04 PM PST up reply actions
Matthews may have found his shot...
But his defensive rotation was awful. Several of those 3’s were because he didn’t cover curry. I would have like to have seen Nic guard curry much more.
by JamesInDigital on Jan 25, 2012 10:00 PM PST reply actions
I'm sure Nic would have guarded curry MUCH more than Matthews did. Matthews has not
been playing good defense for awhile now. And he doesn’t put pressure on the person who is defending him either…
It's weird he is so much more mobile with the healed ankle.
But I feel like his defense has been way less consistent. It was good last game when he still couldn’t shoot. Shoots well this game, but I don’t remember seeing him hit any rotation right, and doubled of Curry all damn night!
by JamesInDigital on Jan 25, 2012 10:12 PM PST up reply actions
Maybe we could trade Felton for Bayless?
by heybabydrinkyourmilk on Jan 25, 2012 10:00 PM PST via mobile reply actions
it took crawful 14 shots to make 16 points and 10 shots were for 3s!
thats is terribly inefficient
by cavejunctionblazer on Jan 25, 2012 10:01 PM PST reply actions
he took more shots than everyone except LMA
that is just stupid
by cavejunctionblazer on Jan 25, 2012 10:02 PM PST up reply actions
Honestly, he get put into situations where Nate wants him to shoot last second 3s
It’s not surprising his low FG%. He ends up shooting a lot of half court shots too.
Being a Blazer fan is not exactly healthy.
i dont wanna rely on Jamals up and down offense
id way rather let Batum win or lose it for us if your gona put that in the hands of someone coming off the bench
by cavejunctionblazer on Jan 25, 2012 10:04 PM PST up reply actions
What I'm saying is to take his FG% with a grain of salt.
In close games he will continue to shoot the 3 because he can hit them. That’s what he does. I’m surprised people don’t realize this.
Being a Blazer fan is not exactly healthy.
and yet our STARTING BACKCOURT only scored 4 more points on 7-19 shooting
Its the NBA at what point do you start asking the starters to actually show up and stop playing the blame game with bench guys ?
by Willie Beamon on Jan 25, 2012 10:04 PM PST up reply actions
The guard play is going to haunt us all year unfortunately
PG in particular. Ray was gassed about 2 quarters before the rest of the guys ran out of steam. At this point we may need a trade somewhere.
Jamal is ok in his role and We$ is fine but both starting and backup PG just don’t seem workable. We need to take a good look at Armon/EWill/Nolan and just see if there is any workable starting PG available anywhere.
Mo Williams? Someone? Play maker that can take care of the ball, shoot, make plays and generally stay around his man on defense.
I think we’re stuck technically but I hope the FO comes up with something.
He does. But the problem with him at the one is that he doesn't set anyone else up. It's clear to the defense that he's going to shoot.
Being a Blazer fan is not exactly healthy.
He's looking for his shot too much at the 1
And he turns the ball over too much – doesnt create well enough. Crawford is astrictly a 2. Period.
Henne is the greatest and the Dolphins will go 14-2 this year and win the SB
agreed
someone else needs to play PG off the bench. Scorer should be Crawford’s only role
Hahaha, that's a perfect justification, for me.
Phase 1: Collect underpants
Phase 2: ???
Phase 3: Profit!
This one is on Nate
The starters played the first eleven minutes of the third quarter. And played them badly! No defensive rotations at all. Ya think batum might have helped there? Plus he is way more of an offensive threat than anyone other than Aldridge on the starting unit. Just really bad.
#52
by blazermaniac32 on Jan 25, 2012 10:03 PM PST reply actions
Nate didn't want to let Batum audition
for other teams tonight. That’s really the only explanation for not playing the guy who improved us every time he was out there tonight. He sacrificed the game to make sure that Nic did not impress other teams too much.
by Benny A La Vikings on Jan 25, 2012 10:03 PM PST reply actions
that may be the case but any way you slice it, that’s weak, and further more weak!
by unclechicken on Jan 25, 2012 10:09 PM PST up reply actions
i wish Elliot could get some PT
and say we dont resign wallace? who can we sign in place of him? while keeping batum of course.
/cambyfive
Andre Miller's line for the night
FG – 7-9
3pt – 0-1
Ast – 10
TO- 2
Reb – 4
Steals – 2
I hated the Felton trade when it happened and I hate it even more now.
Congratulations!
Johnson, Johnson, Smith, Smith, Thomas, Williams, and Babbitt: the Blazer's law firm.
by Doctor Worm on Jan 25, 2012 10:11 PM PST up reply actions
The right to be smug.
Johnson, Johnson, Smith, Smith, Thomas, Williams, and Babbitt: the Blazer's law firm.
by Doctor Worm on Jan 25, 2012 10:17 PM PST up reply actions
listen to marc jackson
he sounds like a smart coach
“im not gonna rely on history,i look, i watch, i make adjustments”
Nate are you listening, you should be
by cavejunctionblazer on Jan 25, 2012 10:10 PM PST reply actions
he is listening but then forgetting...I swear the guy has a sleeping problem.
He corrected it last year and I think it is back.
Mama, there goes those guys that let Stephen Curry shoot open 3's.
Luke Babbitt: Trending worldwide.
by IsWesleyMatthewsForReal? on Jan 25, 2012 10:14 PM PST up reply actions
Mark Jackson is an idiot. A complete and utter dolt.
Watching Golden State get a five-second call on it coming out of a timeout was pure hilarity.
"I Am Mine"
an idiot dolt who can make adjustments on the fly hmmmmm..
by cavejunctionblazer on Jan 25, 2012 10:24 PM PST up reply actions
What adjustments?
Mark Jackson and his hack-a-Dwight was some of the most doltish crap I’ve seen in years watching the NBA. He’s an absolute moron who can’t coach his way out of a paper bag. I don’t like Nate, but I hate Jackson. Flat-out hate him.
"I Am Mine"
well then
just hate marc why dont you?
: )
by cavejunctionblazer on Jan 25, 2012 11:15 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
BATUM NEEDS MORE MINUTES!!!!!!
I like Gerald but I have been calling for Batum all season.
Hot sauce in my bag.
I like gerald too.. at home
dunno how you can keep playing him this much when hes consistently terrible on the road. cant really bench him, either. need a trade
yeah the plus minus stat really doesnt make sense
epke udoh was a plus 18! LMA was a zero and our best shooter of the night Wes was -11
by cavejunctionblazer on Jan 25, 2012 10:32 PM PST up reply actions
Watching our guard play
I feel like we may need to inquire into that Devin Harris talk from last week. Utah was supposedly interested in offloading him for cheap.
Honestly, we'd be alot better with Dre at the point, Batum starting at SF
and trading Wes/Crawford/Wallace for either a center or a different shooting guard who can get to the rim. Batum would be happy/developing (and probably playing way better), dre is one of the smartest PGs in the league and has the game & mindset to play at a good level till hes 40 (at least), and we’d have just as much flexibility + probably better trade assets & a better team.
Yeah, I'm getting to the point that I'd be ok with moving Wallace at the deadline
if he and Batum keep playing the way they’re both playing. And I like Wes, but……
Phase 1: Collect underpants
Phase 2: ???
Phase 3: Profit!
Well Eric Gordon didn't get resigned today
I would love to swing a sign and trade for him. Kind of a pipe dream though.
by Sheed'sTowel on Jan 25, 2012 10:17 PM PST up reply actions
Stat of the night, courtesy of Mike and Mike
Blazers are 7-3 vs teams over .500; 3-5 vs. teams under .500….
Law of Logical Argument
Anything is possible if you don't know what you are talking about.
Bahahahahahaha
That makes me want to cry and laugh at the same time. But that’s probably due to our road woes.
Phase 1: Collect underpants
Phase 2: ???
Phase 3: Profit!
I feel so conflicted
I’m actually glad that the Lakers won against the Blake and Chris Whine Patrol. Should I go to confession of something?
Johnson, Johnson, Smith, Smith, Thomas, Williams, and Babbitt: the Blazer's law firm.
Telling Stat
Reviewed some stats tonight and one very telling stat. Of the top ten teams in POINT differential, of which the blazers are 8th, the blazers are the only team with a NEGATIVE FG% differential. The difference is not huge but will be made much worse after tonight’s game.
Opponent FG% has consistently been a malady for the blazers. They simply do not force teams to shoot poorly. Im guessing teams that go deep into the playoffs all have a + FG% differential.
I think improving our own EFG% would help with that, too.
Phase 1: Collect underpants
Phase 2: ???
Phase 3: Profit!
Portland has a poor eFG% allowed due in part to all the switching off of picks.
The Blazers do above average in overall defensive efficiency (i.e., points allowed per possession) by forcing turnovers and hitting the d-boards, which is in spite of opponents shooting too high of a percentage against them.
So yeah, you’re right.
"I Am Mine"
Wallace for Okafor, Wesley Matthews for OJ Mayo, and actually play Nolan Smith at the backup point
See what happens
turn back time and bring back dre, i forgot that part
realistically tho, i don’t know what else we could do at the point guard position.
elliot would look terrible at backup point.
Wonder if we could get some sort of backup point guard for Jamal? obviously no one very good , but maybe a temporary fix in the form of someone who’s at least competent?
Could definitely get Ridnour
Minny was interested in Crawful during free agency, and they need help at the 2.
Phase 1: Collect underpants
Phase 2: ???
Phase 3: Profit!
Of course, Nate and Ridnour didn't mesh well in SEA
Phase 1: Collect underpants
Phase 2: ???
Phase 3: Profit!
You'd have to ask someone else for more deets.
Phase 1: Collect underpants
Phase 2: ???
Phase 3: Profit!
wow did you just hear the post game interview with Nate..specifically the ‘guard play’ question…was that Quick?
I did and I Love it
These guards need some time to adjust. It is especially hard this season when you need to limit practice because of the schedule. It will come around and Nic will get his minutes
Trust and look for each other
by Hermistonmelons on Jan 25, 2012 10:39 PM PST up reply actions
he was asked about the guard play and about putting Nic in at the two..and not having to rely on Crwford. Nate said “..and what bury Crawford?”. Whoever asked the question said “..no just getting more playing time for Batum”. Nate sounded very defensive.
please BURY jchuck
just gonna start calling him Chuckie
the evil little sucker
by cavejunctionblazer on Jan 25, 2012 10:34 PM PST up reply actions
Somebody needs to bury Crawful before he buries the team!
Phase 1: Collect underpants
Phase 2: ???
Phase 3: Profit!
well said
i don’t mind him shooting off the catch and going one on one on occasion. But for god’s sake take him off the PG spot and shackle his hands together or something if he takes more than 10 shots a game.
PHILLY!
Somehow GS shut LMA off the second half.
This forced more outside shooting
Trust and look for each other
by Hermistonmelons on Jan 25, 2012 10:42 PM PST up reply actions
Smith was able to score inside..It had more than guard shooting going on
Trust and look for each other
by Hermistonmelons on Jan 25, 2012 10:44 PM PST up reply actions
I'm always so surprised when he gets a pass and shoots it
I’m like,’ who’s that guy?’. 5-14, with 6 turnovers, and a -9. Maybe the team needs to get together and tell him not to be so much of the player he was before he got here. Haha. What are we doing?
by heybabydrinkyourmilk on Jan 25, 2012 11:04 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
Actually, i think JC needs to come in a bit earlier for Wesley.
Get his licks in at his comfort position. Also, If Wes knows he’s getting pulled early, maybe he will focus on defense.. Encourage him to play all out.
Once JC has some sweat and rhythem, i think he can handle a few minutes speling Felton
Just my opinion
Trust and look for each other
by Hermistonmelons on Jan 25, 2012 10:41 PM PST up reply actions
As much as Jamal Crawford sucks, Nic can't play the 2.
This is a personnel problem, for sure. It must be remedied.
"I Am Mine"
by AK1984 on Jan 25, 2012 10:42 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Nic works at the 2 as a surprise gimick occasionally
He isn’t one to play lots of minutes there
Trust and look for each other
by Hermistonmelons on Jan 25, 2012 10:43 PM PST up reply actions
Those short surprises are fun
But watching his handles for extended periods is torture LOL
Trust and look for each other
by Hermistonmelons on Jan 25, 2012 10:47 PM PST up reply actions
Yeah, he can't create for himself.
Because of that, it’s just not feasible playing him at the 2.
"I Am Mine"
Jamal can't create for anyone but himself
and what he creates for himself, he can’t hit.
Phase 1: Collect underpants
Phase 2: ???
Phase 3: Profit!
True, although he's slightly better at putting the ball on the floor.
It’s just that he drives into traffic wildly and doesn’t have the vision to kick it out.
"I Am Mine"
The intriguing question is whether it's more or less viable than continuing to let
Crawford chuck shots
Phase 1: Collect underpants
Phase 2: ???
Phase 3: Profit!
Depends on how he is used
Nic can guard 2’s, shoot over 2’s, post 2’s, pass over 2’s, and won’t turn the ball over vs. 2’s.
What’s not to like? Dribble drive? Dribble drive isn’t the only definition of 2-guard sustainability – just look at Mathews.
Law of Logical Argument
Anything is possible if you don't know what you are talking about.
by blacknoiseNW on Jan 25, 2012 10:50 PM PST up reply actions
But Thabo is an elite defender, which Nic isn't.
By many metrics, Nic is a below average defender.
"I Am Mine"
Many metrics?
Law of Logical Argument
Anything is possible if you don't know what you are talking about.
by blacknoiseNW on Jan 25, 2012 10:52 PM PST up reply actions
Defensive +/-, Synergy, et cetera.
Even his box score stats (i.e., steals) aren’t that great.
"I Am Mine"
+/- currently has a high Standard Deviation
But more importantly – is unit dependent. Batum’s Defensive +/- looks good when on the court with Aldridge and/or Wallace – not so good when he is not.
Plus, Batum has an identical DRtg to Sefalosha, this season – and has DRtng and DWS equivalent to Sefalosha’s over his career. Sefalosha a couple season’s ago had a standout season – but that is only one of many.
Finally – Sefalosha doesn’t compare to Batum as an overall player – and it isn’t close.
Law of Logical Argument
Anything is possible if you don't know what you are talking about.
by blacknoiseNW on Jan 25, 2012 11:04 PM PST up reply actions
"+/- currently has a high Standard Deviation"
Even when looking at regularized adjusted +/-, he grades out poorly.
http://stats-for-the-nba.appspot.com/ranking11
However, the most interesting +/- is the one that’s done on coaches: http://stats-for-the-nba.appspot.com/coaches
"I Am Mine"
Use Basketballvalue.com
Have no idea what the context is for the link you used – but with good databases, you can drill down and understand the data and the analysis…
Law of Logical Argument
Anything is possible if you don't know what you are talking about.
by blacknoiseNW on Jan 26, 2012 1:18 AM PST up reply actions
Sure, 82games.com and Basketballvalue.com have adjusted +/-.
I was just showing a site with regularized adjusted +/- to add to the discussion.
"I Am Mine"
That is the most cited and least available report
Synergy did on the worst defenders. Can you point me to the criteria they used? I can’t find it.
by heybabydrinkyourmilk on Jan 25, 2012 11:09 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
so you don't know the criteria either
nobody seems to. when i search for the report all i get are posts about people being surprised Batum was on the list.
by heybabydrinkyourmilk on Jan 26, 2012 8:48 AM PST up reply actions
If you have to rely
on stats to get your point, it kinda shows that watching him play does not convince you that he is such a bad defender.
He is in no way iguodala, but he is versatile and that is his main force. No one can pretend he can stop anybody in 1/1, but he can cover pretty well several positions. And i pass on his help defense, fouling when it’s necessary (something that our guards never do while they should be the ones considering how many times they get beaten, generate help defense and open guys regulary).
I do like the idea of having him play at the two as a glue guy, but honnestly i am not sure it would work right now because of felton. Nic needs someone in the backcourt that can score in the perimeter to be able to play agressively, and as well he needs good picks (/mourn przy for that).
Offensively, nic is too often caught with the charges when he plays his defender, so all in all for me the best solution would be to trade wallace for a real threat at the 2, as i suggested and others, a gordon like type of player.
Eyeballing Nic, he's easily taken out by screen setters; thus, he's bad ...
at defending the pick-and-roll ball handler. In isolation, he’s got long arms and can cause some problems; yet, he doesn’t possess the foot speed to stop great dribble-drive artists from blowing past him. When switched onto bigger players, his length is negated and his lack of strength is exposed. I also see him take plays off on defense, too, which is a killer.
"I Am Mine"
Funny
…he doesn’t possess the foot speed to stop great dribble-drive artists from blowing past him.
This is more like Weird Science for the perfect defender (because your definition of an adequate defender doesn’t exist in real life)…
Law of Logical Argument
Anything is possible if you don't know what you are talking about.
by blacknoiseNW on Jan 26, 2012 1:21 AM PST up reply actions
Find the video where Iguodala doesn't get get by a "great" dribble drive artist one on one
and then you will have something….
Great offense will beat great defense one on one – it’s a fundamental law of basketball.
Law of Logical Argument
Anything is possible if you don't know what you are talking about.
by blacknoiseNW on Jan 26, 2012 6:59 AM PST up reply actions
His lack of strength
Is only isolated by elite teams/PFs like when Dirk got isolated aginst him. I would agree he struggles to keep a quicksilver 1 in front of him but what Blazer does better? I would have put him in tonight with the role of guaring Kurry once he started shooting so well.
Defensive metrics are pretty crappy
Nic’s definitely been solid this season, and his rebounding/shot-blocking would make up for it.
Phase 1: Collect underpants
Phase 2: ???
Phase 3: Profit!
How did Batum get knocked down to 9th man anyways Nate?
Hes the only guy that actually worked on his game all summer and came here ready in game shape looking to start……..and HES 9th MAN OFF THE BENCH? It doesnt make any sense at all.
by cavejunctionblazer on Jan 25, 2012 10:36 PM PST reply actions
So we can get two other guys who need to become familiar with our players and system?
In a short season
I think a simple wrinkle in the rotation where JC comes in at the two first and earlier helps
Trust and look for each other
by Hermistonmelons on Jan 25, 2012 10:46 PM PST up reply actions
Of all the recent ideas, something like Ray Felton and Vic Claver for J. Jack could work immediately.
"I Am Mine"
He's been decent with Nola the past couple seasons
And he has a great rapport with other guys around the league.
Phase 1: Collect underpants
Phase 2: ???
Phase 3: Profit!
His number have been stellar
Not that it’s reasonable to think that would continue, and, yeah, he’s always going to be JJ. But it’s better than Felly Tubby and Crawful
Phase 1: Collect underpants
Phase 2: ???
Phase 3: Profit!
Yeah, that'd be good
But I dunno that we have what ATL wants. I mean, would they want Felton?
Phase 1: Collect underpants
Phase 2: ???
Phase 3: Profit!
Yeah, Atlanta and Portland aren't good trade partners at the moment.
If Atlanta moves Hinrich, it’d be to pinch pennies without hurt itself at the same time.
"I Am Mine"
Problem with Kirk Hinrich is he fit with this team when B-Roy was here.
Not only that, but Hinrich is on an expiring and Portland probably needs a two-year rental instead of a two-month one. For Hinrich, Los Angeles is his best bet. Since the Lakers have a trade exception at its disposal, the Hawks want to get under the luxury tax, and Captain Kirk is expendable because of Jeff Teague’s emergence, I can see that happening.
"I Am Mine"
he was just a name i threw out
but i bet dj augustin is available as a long term solution.
mo williams is definitely available.
nash might be available. (something like gerald/felton for nash/hill/lopez would be perfect for us)
PHILLY!
What does Portland have to offer for Mo Williams?
Looking at the Clippers roster, they need size in return. Portland can’t offer that.
"I Am Mine"
Tell 'em Armon is 6'11"
By the time they realize the truth, grab the trade paperwork from their hands, say “yoink!” and run off.
by Timmay! on Jan 25, 2012 11:12 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
this is a lost season
i just want to get better for the future. and the less influence felton and crawful have on guys like nic, wes, nolan, etc, the better for their futures with this team.
PHILLY!
I don't see Nic as part of the problem
But I did see overpaying Nic as being part of the problem. They can’t overpay for Nic, it’ll hurt them later.
I agree
I hope Nic shows he is worth more than we offered as it means he will finish strong. He has been pretty up and down this year. Not a good read on where he is at as a player. Flashes of great things and disappears
Trust and look for each other
by Hermistonmelons on Jan 25, 2012 10:52 PM PST up reply actions
it's also hard to say with Nic without him ever being a starter..
he’s way overdo for the “do-or-die” part of his career as a starter, he’s earned it. i think overpaying him could be a mistake, and i’m not even necessarily in the “he could be a star” group, but it’s hard to even say what overpaying is when you don’t even give him a consistent chance to show what he can do.
I still suspect Crash is gone at midseason and Batum rejoins the starting lineup.
That way they get something for Wallace, and Batum’s playing time jumps before they had to commit to him.
Nope, it isn't
Even when one of our guys hits outside decently we are better. I think a comfort level will come and we will be ok… Last year it happened just before the All Star break. We were below 500 last year at this time I believe (Number of games, not date)
This team has more potential to be good shooting than last year IMO. It comes with comfort. Comfort comes with time
Trust and look for each other
by Hermistonmelons on Jan 25, 2012 10:51 PM PST up reply actions
I will try and keep this rant as brief as possible
the GDT was unusable,it jumped 20 comments back anytime I tried to reply and then would not scroll back
why do I have to sign in every time I come here?
mostly I am pissed at Nate and his absurd man crush on the lazy D 30% gunner fountain of turnovers aka Jamal,its hurting my team and I dont like it,in fact I hate it
by southern oregon on Jan 25, 2012 10:55 PM PST reply actions
why are so few teams in the west winning on the road?
Blazers are still +2 road wins v home losses. I think they are behind only Denver and OKC.
I think its time to do some major research on Rays stat history and do a fanpost on it
I personally dont think his ceiling is much higher than it already is. He is barely playing below his career #’s. He seems to play poorly in systems like ours, and better in systems of uptempo style. I know we are supposedly playing faster, but in Nates historically super slow system, faster only bumps you up to medium speed at best, which is not enough speed to let Ray shine. Sorry guys, no more excuses, Ray is not our man. Its no longer “early” in the season. This is what hes got to give us, no more no less. Trade Ray and Wallace or Batum for a great PG or Ray and Wallace or Batum and Camby for a good center. Ive always been a fan of Nate even though i diagree with him sometimes and this is a joke but the only other trade id vote for is Nate for Dantoni!
by cavejunctionblazer on Jan 25, 2012 11:08 PM PST reply actions
clarification
trade Ray, Camby and Wallace or Batum for a good center
by cavejunctionblazer on Jan 25, 2012 11:10 PM PST up reply actions
Who is your PG out of this?
Trust and look for each other
by Hermistonmelons on Jan 25, 2012 11:16 PM PST up reply actions
well if we got a center by tradin Ray, Wallace and Camby
then trade wes, and chuckie aka crawful and whatever else for a decent pg like Nash, DWill or a Mo Williams, Devin Harris, Ramon Sesions.
How about this: Varejao and Sessions for Ray, Camby, Wallace.
by cavejunctionblazer on Jan 25, 2012 11:24 PM PST up reply actions
But you already traded them for a center....
Trust and look for each other
by Hermistonmelons on Jan 26, 2012 7:47 AM PST up reply actions
From what I've seen of Crawford he's exactly as advertised
I have no real issue with him playing the 2 off the bench. Crawford is being forced to play the 1 though and it’s terrible to watch. The problem is amplified when Nate plays him as a 1 with the starters because Felton is blowing the game.
Swap Ray out and drop in Dre and Rudy as PGs. Unfortunately, it would be a massive improvement. There’s got to be some way to fix this. It’s almost getting bad enough that I’d rather have someones bench PG as our starter.
I think you bring JC in earlier for more initial minutes at the two
I truly think if he had 4-5 minutes at the two, he’d be more comfortable playing and then be more effective at the one
Trust and look for each other
by Hermistonmelons on Jan 25, 2012 11:22 PM PST up reply actions
night everyone - you're all crazy
Go blazers! Still a fun team to watch, after some rest we will get our confidence back!
The tensions are so high because the stakes are so low!
by tylercomp on Jan 25, 2012 11:21 PM PST via mobile reply actions 1 recs
We were competitive on the road on the last night of Back to Back to Back
Like Dave’s red on this game a lot
Trust and look for each other
by Hermistonmelons on Jan 25, 2012 11:23 PM PST up reply actions
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