FINAL: Houston Rockets 103, Portland Trail Blazers 96
by Timmay! on Feb 8, 2012 9:26 PM PST
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PrintCall it tired, call it a hangover, call it lazy, it doesn't matter, it's still an embarrassing loss. The Portland Trail Blazers struggled to stay close to the Houston Rockets all night, raising hopes with a second half comeback only to collapse in the fourth quarter. This was a night where the Rose Garden crowd probably felt they didn't get their money's worth, as the Blazers slide further down the conference standings.
Gerald Wallace led the team with 20 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists. LaMarcus Aldridge, knowing we'd recently discussed his consistency, struggled to 13 points on an off-night. Jamal Crawford, Wesley Matthews and Nicolas Batum also scored in double figures.
Let's keep the first half recap short: It was ugly. The Rockets short nearly 60% from the field, including (often open) three-pointers. The Blazers shot 51% themselves, but those 12 turnovers added up fast. Houston looked like a playoff team, and the Blazers did not, losing 60-46 at halftime.
The third quarter started with a turnover, and it didn't get better from there. By the time Nate took a timeout, another Houston three pushed the lead to 17. The lead reached 19, when the Blazers changed moved their defense past the half-court line and attempted a comeback. Soon, a Crash layup cuts the lead all the way to 7, which remained the deficit at the end of the quarter.
The fourth quarter opened with a bang, as Portland scores the first 7 points, completing the comeback with a nice Crawford pass for an Aldridge dunk. However, they ran out of steam, as Houston quickly took an 8 point lead again, leading to another Nate timeout. Portland made another push, as a Crash three-point play cut the lead to 4 with 4:30 left. However, they promptly gave up an open three-pointer, then a three-point play, to stop the run. No more comebacks remained, just the pain of watching repeated fouls, while the Blazers kept shooting two-pointers, until the Rockets steal one last pass to put the remaining fans out of their misery.
Read the box score, then stay tuned for Ben and Dave. The next game is Friday in New Orleans, a game that takes an increasing level of importance after a disappointing turn in the season. -- Tim
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So do you think they will make a trade at the or b4 the deadline?
Or are we gonna hold out with the guys we got and finish the season with this team as it is?
by cavejunctionblazer on Feb 8, 2012 9:28 PM PST reply actions
It's really hard to say
If this was several years ago, it would be Pritch time.
"Luke is our go-to Chalupa man," Matthews said. "Designated."
I honestly don’t think LMA is a leader. He disappeared tonight. This team is too weak without something to take control of games…
Being a Blazer fan is not exactly healthy.
he was due for a bad game
and looked hurt at the end. i deliberately turned off the game for much of the second half to study, but i wouldn’t put too much blame on him.
PHILLY!
I'm not taking this out on LMA
He’s been amazing for a while, bad nights happen. If anything, it’s a reminder of his importance right now.
Performance is one thing but I just dont see him being a vocal leader. It's never been an attribute of his
and I know he’s learning but these are the games where you gotta embrace that role. You can’t let emotions and being afraid override it.
Being a Blazer fan is not exactly healthy.
He was sick. People get sick. And guess what? When they are, they don't tend to
play NBA basketball very well.
So it would be nice if people would give the guy a break.
He is not the only player on this team.
The Houston BENCH beat the Blazers.
I had to remind myself of the same thing.
Everybody is entitled to an off night. It’s just an indicator of what this team can’t do when LA is off. Nobody can pick up the slack consistently.
"Luke is our go-to Chalupa man," Matthews said. "Designated."
I don't think it's that.
I don’t think there is anyone that is truly leading this team.
Being a Blazer fan is not exactly healthy.
it's a problem this time every year (check out how similar our records have been)
i know we have a huge turnaround of players and not everyone has been year for nate’s entire tenure, but he keeps on dragging about with the same things every game.
then, someone gets injured and the team responds by playing their asses off. then they get to the playoffs and die in the first round. im getting tired of it. PA has to be as well.
PHILLY!
One would think he would be sick of this, as well...
I don’t know if PA has just given up (e.g. not hiring a GM) and is just waiting to sell the team, or if he is totally in love in Nate, or what. The ONLY way to know if the problem is Nate is to let him go and see if the team plays better for the new guy. At this point, I don’t think we have much to lose.
we've lost to some BAD teams this year
lack of talent definitely is an issue, but there are deeper problems.
PHILLY!
Well, one could argue that the "deeper problem" is wayward ownership.
That’s not changing, though.
"I Am Mine"
How much deeper can you get than lack of talent?
"Luke is our go-to Chalupa man," Matthews said. "Designated."
leadership issues
coaching staff misusing the talent they have, bad team chemistry on the floor, etc, etc
PHILLY!
I don't know if chemistry on the floor is the right way to say it
Poor guard play and bad fit seems to cover that aspect. As well as the other things you mentioned.
Phase 1: Collect underpants
Phase 2: ???
Phase 3: Profit!
And houston has talent?
You might be right, I love the new LMA but he isn’t a superstar go-to player or leader this team needs. But to say we don’t have the talent to beat some of the teams we’ve lost to is asinine.
Being a Blazer fan is not exactly healthy.
by dpnim on Feb 8, 2012 9:32 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
LAMARCUS WAS SICK TONIGHT.
So I think it’s kind of asinine to say he’s not a superstar. He is very very talented and has managed to get better each year DESPITE Nate McMillan.
He said in an interview the other day that McMillan STARTED to trust him when he had that break out game in Dallas LAST YEAR.
Now how in the world are any of the OTHER players going to play well/develop under this clown? If LMA has to play for 5 years under Nate before he earns Nate’s trust????
UGGGGHHH…McMillan needs to go somewhere else, along with his chums Bernie and Osiepka. Keep Caleb. He seems intelligent.
by Natsthecat on Feb 8, 2012 11:27 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
I do think talent is a problem, but they're still underperforming with the talent they do have
It’s like it’s a D-League team here.
In this year's NBA, they're over .500 talent, especially led by LMA
However, they’re just plain awful right now. There are simple lazy and boneheaded plays going on out there, by players who have shown they know better.
Except for Felton and Crawford, who have proven time and time again that they really don't know any better.
Phase 1: Collect underpants
Phase 2: ???
Phase 3: Profit!
Crawford did
Manage 21 pts and 6 dimes. Could be worse from a stat perspective but the offense as a whole looked terrible
"Luke is our go-to Chalupa man," Matthews said. "Designated."
by Vorlauf on Feb 8, 2012 10:03 PM PST via iPhone app up reply actions
he was stat padding for much of the game
not taking late quarter heaves, driving in for layups when we needed threes at the end, etc ,etc
PHILLY!
"In this year's NBA, they're over .500 talent, especially led by LMA"
Disagree. As it is, this is a .500 to marginally above .500 team talent wise. I just think a lot of folks had inflated expectations heading into the season, which happens often around here.
"I Am Mine"
I think everyone does that with their favorite team
Except Jake. I’m not counting you, because you’re an NBA orphan.
Phase 1: Collect underpants
Phase 2: ???
Phase 3: Profit!
I don't feel that seeing the team above .500 is inflated expectations
Seeing these guys as going to the WCF? Wayyyy inflated expectations.
But then I also accept the season for what it is: Transition, letting contracts expire before the rebuild.
But how much above .500?
In this shortened season, 4 or 5 games above .500 at most. 38-28 was the absolute max this team could pull off, while 33-33 was more probable than the 40+ wins some folks were yammering about.
"I Am Mine"
I expected around 37, give or take (more likely take)
If they don’t turn it around, they won’t reach that. If they finish at 33 wins or less, I will definitely feel they underperformed, barring injuries of course.
True, they have 48-win(82 games)/38-win(66 games) talent.
That’s still not a whole lot above .500, though.
"I Am Mine"
Closer to 60% than 50, I think that's a reasonable assessment of the talent here
Give or take of course.
Suffice it to say, I feel a team that could reasonably win 57% of their games...
…can’t play a lot of games at a level like tonight, if they want to reach that goal.
some of it was Camby being sick AND LaMarcus also being sick.
And the fact that they can’t run a fast break, or move the ball or have more than one offensive set or have a point guard who can play AT ALL.
For whatever reason…who knows..maybe his foot still hurts.
Crawford did ok..only played 28 minutes.
But hey Felton could you get the ball to BATUM once in awhile.
And Matthews..could you play defense EVER??
Why don't we just face it?
Nate’s got to go because he’s the one critical piece that can be changed in order to see if it makes a difference. Why people seem to need to defend him to the death, I don’t know.
Oddly, I think Nate's below average coaching hurt Portland the most back in 2009.
Nonetheless, turnover is badly needed throughout the entire organization. Not just the coaching staff, but also the front office and the roster.
"I Am Mine"
the summer of george....
july, 2012. blazers gonna be remade completely. from GM to coach to the players
PHILLY!
It'll be a three year plan at least.
There’s just not enough out there in 2012, unless they’re miracle workers with trades and the draft.
if we land deron
then we go all in in 2012-2013.
if not, then i’d be okay with a semi-long term, but still competitive rebuild. team just needs an identity, a plan, and good eyes for talent at the GM position.
PHILLY!
The roster MAY well need to be changed...
but I, for one, don’t want to entrust a new crop of players to Nate.
by kuhnsmith on Feb 8, 2012 10:08 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Yes, bring in a new voice, and new philosophy and a new plan...
and see how far this group can go. THEN, if that doesn’t work, change out the players with the input of the new coach.
The obvious question is WHO to bring in...
Personally, I wouldn’t wait until the season is over-even if it means using an interim coach.
How about one of the assistant coaches from San Antonio.
Are any of them aside from Budenholzer good?
the grass is always greener but who comes in?
What coaches are available that aren’t mediocre to take over the reigns? I wanted Adelman back but that was bad timing. Minny got him. Sloan come out of retirement? JVG? Mike Fratello?
Being a Blazer fan is not exactly healthy.
Sloan is not coming out to coach even younger guys
I don't give a damn for a man that can only spell a word one way.
Mark Twain
Read more: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/m/mark_twain_4.html#ixzz1IE4sPu16
by Tyler Durrden on Feb 8, 2012 10:13 PM PST up reply actions
At this point, I don't really care who comes in...
I would have taken Adelman, too. But that didn’t happen.
The main thing for me by taking Nate out is that it sends a big time message to the team that it’s now on them. If Nate can go, anyone can. They either get their stuff together or they’re playing in New Orleans or wherever. That message can do wonders!
I would have loved to have Adelman back, but based on past history PA has never re-hired someone he's fired
so I figured it was pie in the sky
I don't give a damn for a man that can only spell a word one way.
Mark Twain
Read more: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/m/mark_twain_4.html#ixzz1IE4sPu16
by Tyler Durrden on Feb 8, 2012 10:16 PM PST up reply actions
agreed. But my point is, who's available to take the reigns that could take us to the next level?
Being a Blazer fan is not exactly healthy.
Maybe no one right now...
thus, the interim. After the season is over, however, we could see who’s out there.
Typically we don't know the next good coach until he's arrived
Most casual fans didn’t know the guy coaching Chicago (saavy fans did of course), but now everyone does.
But some are a ware of the capabalities. So i ask the few that are informed.
Thibadeau was highly credited being Boston’s defense backbone. And many saw that more valuable than the other options.
Being a Blazer fan is not exactly healthy.
Indeed, like I said, saavy folks knew him
There are other assistants around from successful franchises. There are a lot of replacement coaches that could be good that just don’t come up daily.
grass doesn't have to be greener
i just want a different shade of brown than it is now. getting boring here, and i think the players might be feeling the same way.
but ive always like JVG. the spurs have an assistant that is apparently a hot commodity. another guy i like but who has flaws is larry brown.
it all depends on what our roster looks like, and id hope the team builds a roster, then gets the coach to best optimize the talent because im getting tired of nate and his idea of making guys play his way when they would best be suited otherwise.
PHILLY!
Watching the post game interviews...
Wallace and Crawford look shell shocked. I think they honestly don’t know what to do next. They badly need new leadership and new hope and inspiration!
Larry Brown is a coach who i've heard works best with vets.
Would this be too similar to Nate?
Being a Blazer fan is not exactly healthy.
slower offense
I don't give a damn for a man that can only spell a word one way.
Mark Twain
Read more: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/m/mark_twain_4.html#ixzz1IE4sPu16
by Tyler Durrden on Feb 8, 2012 10:24 PM PST up reply actions
larry brown's teams play slow on offense
but they play much better defense.
and they work hard.
but he would be a rental as he would lose interest in a few years.
PHILLY!
I wish we had Doug Collins.
I’m a sucker for the 76ers this year.
Being a Blazer fan is not exactly healthy.
living in philly
im so freaking jealous of the few fans that care about bball here.
doug collins is a masterful coach.
PHILLY!
Stay away from Larry Brown.
If you want a down-tempo, defensive-minded vet coach who isn’t a flighty vagabond, then hire Mike Fratello.
"I Am Mine"
If Portland looks to rebuild, then a younger coach makes sense.
Michael Malone could be a realistic get.
"I Am Mine"
The guy calling the plays for Golden State.
Before that, he’s been an assistant under Monty in New Orleans, Mike Brown in Cleveland, et cetera.
"I Am Mine"
Aside from Monty, that's not a great pedigree
the important thing is, did he work for San Antonio or Seattle ever?
Phase 1: Collect underpants
Phase 2: ???
Phase 3: Profit!
You side stepped the important question, though...
Phase 1: Collect underpants
Phase 2: ???
Phase 3: Profit!
I think that Cleveland played a lot of isolation
with LeBron…wasn’t all that impressed with Mike Brown.
I don't think I can say for sure
that this is a playoff team anymore. I had never really questioned it before, but it’s a legitimate concern. Been inept on the road and no longer invincible at home. These are the types of games you have to win in the battle for those 5-8 spots.
Right, last week we were talking about regression to the mean meaning more road wins, but it looks like it really
means more home losses. Uh oh.
id take tanking over mediocrity
every day of the week.
being a middling team with a crappy pick and a lotto appearance is the most undesirable place to be in the nba.
PHILLY!
Portland shouldn't miss the playoffs.
When it’s all said and done, it should be a crappy seed that gets booted in the opening round.
"I Am Mine"
We sure can make Drajic look like an Allstar sometimes.
That guy is always really aggressive. Reminds me of Danny Ainge or somebody.
i still remember ben killing him on this site his rookie year
man, i wish we had that guy instead of the garbage we have at PG.
PHILLY!
that was a steaming pile of canine fesces
Tell me again why we traded Miller?
by RenoBlazerFan on Feb 8, 2012 9:32 PM PST via mobile reply actions
Well bummer again
I wish it was better but it is what it is. Try to have a good night yall. Stay positive! Catch ya soon.
: )
by cavejunctionblazer on Feb 8, 2012 9:35 PM PST reply actions
What team plays consistently well without solid point guard play?
No one that I can think of. Felton and Crawford running the most important position on the floor is laughable.
Yeah, that's really true.
A PG upgrade would work wonders.
Phase 1: Collect underpants
Phase 2: ???
Phase 3: Profit!
you are spot on. I cringe when either of them are driving to the hole or if they have the ball in their hands for over 5 seconds.
by blazerbeliever on Feb 8, 2012 9:37 PM PST up reply actions
It is definitely the weakest link
Obviously the 5 needs shoring up as does the 2. But Felton is a middle of the road PG at best and being backed up by Crawford is just terrible.
"Luke is our go-to Chalupa man," Matthews said. "Designated."
the lakers for about a decade
orlando
miami
atlanta as well
How many teams that don't have LeBron, Wade, Kobe, or Dwight?
Atlanta. And they have Johnson, Smith, and Horford, who are capable of running an unconventional motion offense. But they are also inconsistent, and win with defense that is more consistent that Portland’s, not offense.
Phase 1: Collect underpants
Phase 2: ???
Phase 3: Profit!
you just made my point for me
for that i thank you. the idea that the point guard position is pivotal is just off. what’s critical is having talent. you don’t have to have a great point guard if you have great players at other positions.
the blazers issues are just as much a lack of talent at shooting guard and center as they are point guard.
OMG!!!!!!!!!! BLOW IT UP!!!!!!!!!!!!
Trade EVERYONE!!!!!!!!!
Phase 1: Collect underpants
Phase 2: ???
Phase 3: Profit!
Sarcasm aside, this comes to mind.
http://www.blazersedge.com/2012/1/19/2719044/trade-drawer-hypothetical-rebuild
Oh, and from an earlier thread, Marshawn Lynch was nominated for an ESPY — which he’d’ve won if not for Abby Wambach’s soccer heroics — and has an endorsement with skittles. Lynch, unlike LMA, has national appeal. Not a lot, but some.
"I Am Mine"
I was totally being sarcastic
And yes, Lynch had a great play. It was truly amazing. I’m not taking that away. But let’s be honest: people only cared because they won a playoff game despite their regular season record. And the Skittles.
It has nothing to do with national appeal. Very few people aside from Seahawks and Saints fans are going to remember that play when his career is over. Because neither Lynch nor Aldridge will ever be good enough to transcend their respective sports.
Phase 1: Collect underpants
Phase 2: ???
Phase 3: Profit!
Do people still remember the Ickey Shuffle?
I’d venture to say yes, so people will remember Lynch’s run. It’s etched in stone.
"I Am Mine"
the ickey shuffle was done multiple times though and the dude was named Ickey
I don't give a damn for a man that can only spell a word one way.
Mark Twain
Read more: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/m/mark_twain_4.html#ixzz1IE4sPu16
by Tyler Durrden on Feb 8, 2012 9:56 PM PST up reply actions
well I don't even follow football
the ickey shuffle though I’ll never forget, I had to look up the Marshawn Lynch thing
I don't give a damn for a man that can only spell a word one way.
Mark Twain
Read more: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/m/mark_twain_4.html#ixzz1IE4sPu16
by Tyler Durrden on Feb 8, 2012 10:04 PM PST up reply actions
The Ickey Shuffle is also a pop culture thing
Lynch’s run is widely considered one of the greatest runs in playoff history. We are a short term memory society, but his run also registered an ‘earthquake’ which is also talked about.
It takes a big man to admit when he's wrong. I am NOT a big man.
by SGT Lenny on Feb 8, 2012 10:22 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
his run registered an earthquake? Or an earthquake happened while he was running?
I don't give a damn for a man that can only spell a word one way.
Mark Twain
Read more: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/m/mark_twain_4.html#ixzz1IE4sPu16
by Tyler Durrden on Feb 8, 2012 10:23 PM PST up reply actions
The reaction from the stadium was picked up as an earthquake
I just learned of this today.
Phase 1: Collect underpants
Phase 2: ???
Phase 3: Profit!
wow, that's pretty sweet
I don't give a damn for a man that can only spell a word one way.
Mark Twain
Read more: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/m/mark_twain_4.html#ixzz1IE4sPu16
by Tyler Durrden on Feb 8, 2012 10:29 PM PST up reply actions
Pretty sure it was attibuted to the whole city, including everyone in their houses.
But either way, a very memorable story.
I dunno, there was only one sentence in the Wiki article.
Phase 1: Collect underpants
Phase 2: ???
Phase 3: Profit!
"but his run also registered an ‘earthquake’ which is also talked about."
Which adds to the story.
"I Am Mine"
Meh
I’d forgotten until you linked to it earlier
by ZenGarden on Feb 8, 2012 10:03 PM PST via Android app up reply actions
If you quizzed the average casual sports fan -- such as an online poll on ESPN.com -- I ...
bet you’d see an overwhelming vote in favor of Marshawn Lynch being more well-known than LaMarcus Aldridge. Whether it’s the “Beast Quake” run, his documented love of skittles, and even his Pro Bowl appearance, he’s on a larger scale nationally than Aldridge.
"I Am Mine"
he went from one 'Canada' to the other
It takes a big man to admit when he's wrong. I am NOT a big man.
by SGT Lenny on Feb 8, 2012 10:23 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
When did this become LMA vs. Lynch?
The point was that no one remembers the Beast Quake, because no one outside of Seattle cares about the Hawks, just like no one outside of Portland cares about the Blazers.
Phase 1: Collect underpants
Phase 2: ???
Phase 3: Profit!
"The point was that no one remembers the Beast Quake,"
That’s 100% wrong.
You’re wrong about this.
"I Am Mine"
Yeah, I definitely exaggerated, I'll give you that.
But it’s definitely not a big deal outside of the NW.
It’s not in the same tier as The Shot, or one of Brady’s many clutch playoff passes.
Phase 1: Collect underpants
Phase 2: ???
Phase 3: Profit!
What's Tom Brady's single great clutch throw?
There might’ve been one, but I can’t recall off the top of my head.
As a singular moment, Eli to Tyree is a better example. For Brady, the “Tuck Rule” always comes to mind; however, that’s more of a negative toward his narrative.
"I Am Mine"
Seriously? Tom Brady has a highlight reel of "moments"
That’s not even debatable. You want just one?
I must say, I’m really relishing your homerism right now.
Phase 1: Collect underpants
Phase 2: ???
Phase 3: Profit!
I’m a casual NFL fan, and am aware Brady’s an incredible QB, but I can’t think of a signature moment of his.
I would go with the final drives of the 2001 and 2003 Superbowls
Though both set up game winning field goals, they were still pretty amazing.
But the individuals are irrelevant. Let’s just replace the Brady comparison with The Catch that Joe Montana threw to Dwight Clark, or Kobe’s 81 point game, Jordan’s Flu Game, or Wilt’s 100 Point Game. The point is that the “Beast Quake” is no more of a “moment” than LA’s block would have been if it hadn’t been called a goal tend.
Regardless, I’m not sure that it matters, since that’s not what Dave was talking about in his original post. The Beast Quake and LA’s block are more or less (more less than more, in LA’s case) on par with Kevin Love’s 30-30 game last year or Roy’s shot against Houston.
Phase 1: Collect underpants
Phase 2: ???
Phase 3: Profit!
I’d have to disagree. A buzzer beating 3 from 30 feet or a statistical line not seen since Moses Malone are far more newsworthy than a tremendous block with 7 seconds left in a game, while Lynch’s run was a game clincher in the playoffs.
Yeah, LMA's goal tend would've been a non-story.
Nobody outside Portland would’ve cared one bit about it.
K-Love’s 30-30 game, however, catapulted him into star status — as well as helped him shed that dumb label of being a one-dimensional rebounder — across the country.
Right now, Portland’s narrative is that it’s a one-and-done playoff team. That’s the narrative. So, until Portland wins a playoff series or misses the playoffs altogether, not a darn thing can be done about it.
"I Am Mine"
"The point is that the 'Beast Quake' is no more of a 'moment' than LA’s block would have been if it hadn’t been called a goal tend."
Again, that’s 100% incorrect. The “Beast Quake” run is a moment that garnered national attention.
There’s no argument to be had, either. This isn’t debatable.
Back to Tom Brady, those game-winning field-goals for New England @ Super Bowl XXXVI and Super Bowl XXXVIII were Adam V’s moments.
Is Brady a future Hall of Famer and all-time top-five QB? Yes, but his singular moment was a moment of luck with the tuck rule: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tuck_Rule_Game
"I Am Mine"
Alright, I concede
Lynch had a huge moment, and it was bigger than LA’’s would-be block.
I could get into the nuances of what I think a “moment” is, but let’s be honest, any definition we can come up with is purely subjective, unless it’s something like the Catch or the Shot, which everyone can agree is moment, even if we can’t agree on what moment is.
Phase 1: Collect underpants
Phase 2: ???
Phase 3: Profit!
Sorry, I kinda forgot to use articles in that past paragraph.
Phase 1: Collect underpants
Phase 2: ???
Phase 3: Profit!
I'm not arguing that he doesn't have a highlight reel.
All I’m saying is that he doesn’t have a signature moment.
Also, those game-winning Super Bowl drives with FGs at the end are Adam V’s moments. Vinatieri has milked that into receiving the clutch kicker label.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/writers/jim_trotter/02/01/late.game.kicks/index.html
"I Am Mine"
I was going to respond
But I’ll let Zen and Tyler’s comments stand on their own.
Phase 1: Collect underpants
Phase 2: ???
Phase 3: Profit!
I need to stop getting so emotionally invest into this team. The highs are great but the lows are really hurting my stress levels...
Being a Blazer fan is not exactly healthy.
Always important to stay balanced as a fan, IMO
Makes a world of difference over a long season, and you still enjoy the good just as much as you would otherwise.
I hear ya. I really believe as a fan that I can take a loss, but when it's clear I don't see the effort or the desire from the team
I feel it’s so much wasted talent. And I hate wasted talent.
Being a Blazer fan is not exactly healthy.
Watching games like this are even frustrating for me, and I try to stay balanced
The Blazers looked awful out there tonight, and a lot of it was unforced.
i had the same problem
but with brandon getting hurt last year, and greg going out with a MF again, ive been sensitized to meaningless regular season losses like this. ive been resigned to the fact that this team is going nowhere, so there’s no point to getting to excited about wins or losses.
PHILLY!
It's tough. I'm a fan, who lives vicariously in the success and failure of the team.
So sue me.
Being a Blazer fan is not exactly healthy.
Couldn't agree more...
…I love the Blazers but they’re just too inconsistent to hang my hopes on this year. I’m tired of being this ticked off every other game and just need to step back of the ledge.
#7... GO BLAZERS!!!
at least we're out of the rut
Instead of WLWLWL we now have LWLL
Does this mean we get to start blowing teams out on the road now?
Seriously though. Looking a lot like a team that needs to hustle like mad to compete. When Aldridge and the defense aren’t there we’re always going to look sub par.
We need another star
it’s time to either trade anyone except for Aldrige for a star or try to move up in the draft
IT'S PRETTY SAD WHEN
You look at the standings and realize if the pathetic T’Wolves won tonight the Blazers would be in last in the division, tied with the doormat team from Minnesota.
Dropped 2 in a row at home after goign 11-1, if we are goign to struggle at home we are helpless.
LMA better start getting on the phone with home town buddy Deron Williams…
Being a Blazer fan is not exactly healthy.
all star game in ORL
i hope he gets close with someone on either team to recruit them to portland
PHILLY!
I want LMA to be more familiar with the salary cap and CBA system.
That or have an agent who he can discuss things like this with. Create our own big 3 through free agency.
Being a Blazer fan is not exactly healthy.
Hey, c'mon
No one has any insight whatsoever on various players and their motives.
But yeah….you’re totally right.
Phase 1: Collect underpants
Phase 2: ???
Phase 3: Profit!
Yeah, although I actually think Deron may very well stay with the Nets.
That hinges entirely on whether or not the Nets get Dwight Howard, though.
"I Am Mine"
Yup
It’s basically one of those two teams, most likely.
But you never know. We were on CP3’s short list at one time. It was never going to happen, and he probably wouldn’t have signed an extension once it became clear that Roy had taken an arrow through the knee, but, we never know….
Phase 1: Collect underpants
Phase 2: ???
Phase 3: Profit!
To play with who?
An aging roster? If Deron Williams is attracted to going home to play it will only be because of that, to be home. Which would be really disappointing to see.
Being a Blazer fan is not exactly healthy.
I actually agree that adding Deron Williams might not be enough to get Dallas back on track.
Especially if it costs Jason Terry, who’s one of the more underrated #2 options in recent memory.
"I Am Mine"
I still don't think Crash has all that much value in a trade.
Well, unless Otis Smith truly is a mentally incompetent fool.
"I Am Mine"
It wouldn't be great but Orlando has very good shooters and passers.
Wallace would do well with the space.
Being a Blazer fan is not exactly healthy.
I think the bigger point that AK was trying to make is that there aren't really any teams that he fits
He’d be great on a team that needs an extra little “umpf” in the next 1-2 years. But you also need to have a hole at the 3; that narrows his market a lot. Then you look at the assets those teams that might want him actually have, and it looks pretty bleak for Portland.
Phase 1: Collect underpants
Phase 2: ???
Phase 3: Profit!
It was at the trade deadline last season.
I don’t expect to get any more in return than we gave out.
the return of steve blake?
I don't give a damn for a man that can only spell a word one way.
Mark Twain
Read more: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/m/mark_twain_4.html#ixzz1IE4sPu16
by Tyler Durrden on Feb 8, 2012 10:10 PM PST up reply actions
god I'm kidding I hope
I don't give a damn for a man that can only spell a word one way.
Mark Twain
Read more: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/m/mark_twain_4.html#ixzz1IE4sPu16
by Tyler Durrden on Feb 8, 2012 10:10 PM PST up reply actions
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!
WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT?
I don't give a damn for a man that can only spell a word one way.
Mark Twain
Read more: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/m/mark_twain_4.html#ixzz1IE4sPu16
by Tyler Durrden on Feb 8, 2012 10:15 PM PST up reply actions
that's it, if that happens I'm smashing my Dairy Queen Clyde Drexler and Cliff Robinson commemorative pint glasses
and burning my blazermania book.
I don't give a damn for a man that can only spell a word one way.
Mark Twain
Read more: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/m/mark_twain_4.html#ixzz1IE4sPu16
by Tyler Durrden on Feb 8, 2012 10:17 PM PST up reply actions
Steve Blake would improve this team right now...
…I like Blake but that’s more a knock on our PG play than an endorsement of Steve.
#7... GO BLAZERS!!!
I honestly think Orlando could use a guy like Wallace. He'd fit pretty well there depending on who they give up.
Probably do pretty well even without Howard.
Being a Blazer fan is not exactly healthy.
I don't think it's worth it for them without Howard and Anderson
And there’s no one they can really send out that we’d realistically want to limit our cap flexibility for.
Phase 1: Collect underpants
Phase 2: ???
Phase 3: Profit!
Getting Crash was all part of the master plan
Once we targeted Hedo, we were going to do whatever we had to do to get him. This is our big chance!
We should bring in more scrub big men; they make good curse fodder.
It's Hedo/Blake Time!!!
http://espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=79cmarl
Buchanan will dip into KP’s bag of tricks. By “bag of tricks,” I mean bag of dog blank.
"I Am Mine"
aww, hell nah
I don't give a damn for a man that can only spell a word one way.
Mark Twain
Read more: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/m/mark_twain_4.html#ixzz1IE4sPu16
by Tyler Durrden on Feb 8, 2012 10:17 PM PST up reply actions
it would be worth it just for Kristen Blake’s twitter reaction when the Blazers trade Stevie again a few months later.
you know, Blake isn't my big problem with this trade
I don't give a damn for a man that can only spell a word one way.
Mark Twain
Read more: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/m/mark_twain_4.html#ixzz1IE4sPu16
by Tyler Durrden on Feb 8, 2012 10:20 PM PST up reply actions
He'd probably request a buyout so he could sign in a "more metropolitan" city
Phase 1: Collect underpants
Phase 2: ???
Phase 3: Profit!
I dunno if he went to apizzascholls or Ken's artisan he'd probably ink a long term deal
I don't give a damn for a man that can only spell a word one way.
Mark Twain
Read more: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/m/mark_twain_4.html#ixzz1IE4sPu16
by Tyler Durrden on Feb 8, 2012 10:22 PM PST up reply actions
hahaha
Not if Barracuda is the best nightclub we got…
Phase 1: Collect underpants
Phase 2: ???
Phase 3: Profit!
there's a nightclub called Barracuda? How lame is that?
I don't give a damn for a man that can only spell a word one way.
Mark Twain
Read more: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/m/mark_twain_4.html#ixzz1IE4sPu16
by Tyler Durrden on Feb 8, 2012 10:25 PM PST up reply actions
Super lame
It’s not like McMenamins, where you can where whatever you want. I don’t think you can even wear a hat.
I almost went there once. The bouncer let the hot girls in our group in, but the guys and the homely dames were sent back to Kell’s and Thirstly Lion.
On second thought, that must be a great club!
Phase 1: Collect underpants
Phase 2: ???
Phase 3: Profit!
that team is built around shooting 3's
i’m not sure how wallace fits in in orlando at all
wow the bench got absolutely crushed tonight
and that’s with Crawford getting 21
I don't understand why this team doesn't rebound better.
I’m also tired of Felton. I’ve waited long enough and it’s not even that he has sucked this season, it’s the way he carries himself. The man has zero passion and constantly is hanging his head. I haven’t seen him happy or passionate since I saw him staring down that cupcake.
Yep.
Off the record, the dude has been making repeated accounts for a while. It’s the worst way to handle a ban…
If I were coaching the Blazers, I’d play him at the 4 a lot. LA isn’t a “true” C, but he’s effective there, and it allows you to get Batum on the floor at his natural spot.
Yeah, he's more suited to play the 4.
Whether he likes it or not, it works far better on offense and makes no real difference on defense.
"I Am Mine"
how would you feel about making the small ball lineup the starting lineup?
It really doesn’t look like it could hurt at this point. Might get killed on the boards but that’s been happening anyways.
Crawford, Wes, Nic, Wallace, Aldridge
Play Camby, Kurt, Ray, EWill, Nolan and Craig off the bench. Split minutes at the 3 with Nic and Wallace.
Something bold because the way things are have about a 70/30 chance of looking like a complete train wreck each night.
I’m no fan of Felton, but I’d start him at the 1 over Crawford. I was in favor of Felton-Wes-Nic-Crash-LA being the starting lineup from day 1. Camby’s been better than I expected, but I’d still be fine with playing that lineup for long stretches. I’d also be fine with benching Wes, but that’s another matter.
As I noted below, I'd be open to giving Jamal a shot with the starters.
He’s shown signs he’s willing to defer in that situation, and it’s a side of him we hadn’t seen previously.
I’d be ok with that, but as bad as Felton’s been, I’d still bench Wesley for Jamal long before I’d put Crawford at the 1.
Wesley on the bench is a reasonable thought too.
Honestly, other than Camby and LMA, I think any other player could reasonably be moved to the bench and replaced by someone.
Ima take that as an indication of awesome flexibility
rather than overall roster terrible-ness.
I like the Jamal-Nic-Wallace-LA-Camby, line-up though. I’d play that one more minutes and see if it can hold up.
Phase 1: Collect underpants
Phase 2: ???
Phase 3: Profit!
that actually sounds like the better option
that’d give us two “legit” ball handlers and allow Crawford to play his natural position. It might get the offense in gear.
the blazers rebounding woes
would only get worse if camby’s minutes went down.
there’s no fix for the blazers right now. i’d argue the team is over-achieving given how little talent they have.
if i were coach
id make some changes to the starting lineup just to shake things up. like putting nic at 2 for wes, or LA @ 5 (and nic in place of camby) or jamal @ 1.
team needs a change of pace right now, not more yelling about how they should scrap more.
PHILLY!
look maybe if they could do some things when Nate asks them to we wouldn't be getting outhustled
I don't give a damn for a man that can only spell a word one way.
Mark Twain
Read more: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/m/mark_twain_4.html#ixzz1IE4sPu16
by Tyler Durrden on Feb 8, 2012 9:55 PM PST up reply actions
scott skiles syndrome
team getting tired of hearing the same things again and again. yelling louder is not the way to hit home with the players right now.
PHILLY!
by CleBlazer on Feb 8, 2012 9:58 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Solution: put in a call to Matt Foley, Motivational Speaker
Phase 1: Collect underpants
Phase 2: ???
Phase 3: Profit!
They need some toughness
Give a call instead to Mick Foley, Motivational Brawler.
by Timmay! on Feb 8, 2012 10:04 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Yeah
Nate: Crawford, If I see you dribble the ball to the hole again, with 3 wide open teamates only to lose the ball, you’re gonna LIVE in a VAN…DOWN BY THE RIVER!
by blazerbeliever on Feb 8, 2012 10:12 PM PST up reply actions
not enough talent syndrome
is a lot more accurate.
why should anyone expect this blazers team to be more than a fringe playoff team? they have one all-star level player and little else.
Pretty sure alot of the reason they played like they did tonight is the obvious reason -
they were deflated from the lose yesterday. You can go ahead and label the team as “soft” or “unprofessional” for that if you so wish, but personally I think it’s a hurdle that they can, will, and needed to get over. Not gonna call for the coaching staff’s head, question LMA’s leading ability, call to trade the whole team/blow it up or anything else ridiculous when there’s such an obvious reason sitting right there.
In that case, you would hope they wouldn't have had to have a sit-down early in the season about how they were being "too nice" to eachother,
that the chemistry was “too good” and they weren’t holding eachother responsible, either. It’s along the same lines. Personally I’m not so harsh on that myself for various reasons, but that’s a different discussion :)
Trade for 2nd all star, or start batum at 2.
OSU '06
GForce Crash Wallace FTW!
by TyboOSU on Feb 8, 2012 10:03 PM PST via mobile reply actions
Since we're all talking changes with the existing lineup
I can’t remove Camby out of the starting lineup, because rebounding would be a killer. That prevents Crash moving to the 4 to start.
So bump Jamal Crawford into the PG spot (and make it clear he’s there to facilitate first, shoot second), move Batum into the SF position, and make Wallace the sixth-man who plays big minutes when he’s “on”. Felton and Wallace run with the “second unit”, which is a relative term now.
Just thinking out loud.
Where was campy in q4?
Nate is absurd
by Sonic Phantom on Feb 8, 2012 10:10 PM PST via mobile reply actions
Bronchitis
As I said in my pregame post, Bronchitis is really rough, his minutes were probably forced down.
Let's be honest about this team
It is not going to do much in the playoffs, and as a season ticket holder I would rather see us cash in our chips and build for the future. We should really move GW, Camby, and Ray Felton at the deadline if possible. All three may not be back anyway. Get some picks and young players.
!!!o o!!!
OMG I just jizzed in my France
OMGrandpa
Maybe so but Jordan is such an evil person that the virus wasn't able to fully penetrate his hide.
#52--------I believe in Greg Oden
Sick of his team being crappy?
We should bring in more scrub big men; they make good curse fodder.
by dan_the_man on Feb 8, 2012 10:19 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
dude seriously though.
If I felt like puking towards the end, then how do you suppose everyone on the TEAM feels.
by blazerbeliever on Feb 8, 2012 10:20 PM PST up reply actions
I'm out of here. Too much to deal with. Good night everyone.
Being a Blazer fan is not exactly healthy.
Very, very dissapointing loss at home tonight.
Getting very grouchy with Wes lately, don’t get me started with the 1.
A ton of tossing it to, and standing around and looking at LMA like he’s gonna save the day like Brandon.
Where’s the plays – which I guess means coaching, which…
Campaigning to remove "Free-throw Guy" from the Rose Garden.
it's not coaching
it’s a complete lack of talent beyond lamarcus aldridge. you can’t blow drafts for 5 years and expect to be anything other than mediocre at best unless you’re bringing in studs in free agency. the blazers haven’t done that either.
people can blame nate all they want, it makes them feel better, but red auerbach couldn’t do anything with this team, it’s untalented and thin on top of that.
you're saying this after
goran dragic, chandler parsons, and chase budinger did us in?
PHILLY!
by CleBlazer on Feb 8, 2012 10:39 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
that's one game
the blazers issues go far beyond this game. even very good teams have off nights. should the thunder have fired scott brooks and traded durant & westbrook after losing to the wizards?
the blazers have also played better than you’d expect in many instances ( both games against okc , 11 – 3 road record ) when you add it all up though you have what you have, a mediocre roster, delivering mediocre results. no coach would change that.
the similarly mediocre houston rockets also have a mediocre record and will also be a complete non-factor in the post-season.
I'm just bummed the Blazers lost on my birthday.
this has been a crappy week for blazer basketball
I don't give a damn for a man that can only spell a word one way.
Mark Twain
Read more: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/m/mark_twain_4.html#ixzz1IE4sPu16
Well, happy birthday!!!!!
Go celebrate! Get messed up!
Phase 1: Collect underpants
Phase 2: ???
Phase 3: Profit!
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