FanPost

Overreacting to Game #1: Portland 128, LAL 119

OK, OK. IT WAS A NICE WIN, BUT IT WAS ONLY 1 OF 82. NOT THAT BIG A DEAL. False. I wrote already about the national narrative that Portland was headed to be the odd man out. In the last few days it was getting worse. 39 or 40 wins sounded about right, even using the vaunted and highly scientific CARMELO system. Portland was the after-thought to the TNT coverage, with the LeBron debut getting the headlines. With the spotlights shining and the red carpet rolled out, the Blazers could have validated all of the doubters with a face-plant in the opener. Portland does not buy into this, most fans don't buy it. But a loss here under the glare of national TV would have continued the hangover of the play-off sweep.

One of the keys to this season is Portland's record against SA, OKC, Minnesota, Denver, Utah, NO and, of course, the Lakers. Especially at home. There is no room for a stumbling start to this season. Portland has to plant a flag in the sand and declare that teams will not come into the Blazer's house and steal any wins. It wasn't easy. It was basically expected. But Portland needed this 9 point win in a big way.

PORTLAND WON, SO EVERYTHING WAS FINE. False. Portland surrendered 70 points in the paint and 34 fast break points. That is enough to lose 2 games. The Blazers allowed 48% shooting. The starting forwards were a combined 2-14, and for most of the game CJ and Dame weren't much better. Portland's starters had a grand total of 5 assists on the night.

Here are the 2 general frustrations with the game: While the Lakers are definitely NOT a good defensive team, they managed to force Lillard and McCollum to take tough shots and have 5 turnovers to go with their measly 5 assists. The Blazers got to a great offensive total (128) and this was the type of game that Portland would usually lose in the past when the backcourt was misfiring. The new look offense benefitted everyone but the stars.

Defensively Portland allowed the basket to be attacked at will. Rondo tore them apart. He had 11 assists and it felt like 20. Portland needs better rim protection and paint coverage to be the defensive team they hope to be.

WOW. SO NOTHING WENT ACCORDING TO PLAN? Wrong. Here is what was awesome:

Shabazz and Pat who? We know the hope was that Curry and Stauskas would be an upgrade. We just didn't know how much. Curry had 5 points and 5 boards and missed a couple of easy runners he will usually make. We haven't seen anyone explode on the scene like Nik since …… last year's season opener when Pat had 24 points with 4-7 shooting from deep. Stauskas was ridiculous tonight. When no one could hit a 3 in the first half, Nik went OFF! He tied his career high in his first game as a Blazer.

ET had one his best games as a Blazer. He showed a fine balance between dishing for others (a team-high 6 assists) and choosing when to attack on his own. Whether he was paired with CJ/Lillard or running the 2nd unit on his own, this was a glimpse of a whole new Turner. Maybe the 3rd year's the charm. Altogether the bench accounted to a grand total of 55 points tonight and ET is going to be the captain of that crew.

Nurk was solid, then Collins destroyed the Lakers down the stretch. McGee had some spectacular blocks for the Lakers, and he ended up with 3. Collins' blocks were more subtle, but how fast did he pile up 6 blocks? When Nurkic went to the bench with 4 fouls, Zach said "no problem" and took care of the rest of the game. Clearly, clearly this was a defensive effort he could not have pulled off last season.

Here is the overview: Portland's defense was not outstanding, but the combination of decent 3 point defense (or dreadful Laker shooters) and the Zach and Mo block party were good enough. The Blazers held LA to only 23% from deep (7-30) and most of those came in desperation time late. The offense teased us with how many options they had. Rondo knew from the play-offs that you frustrate Dame and contain CJ and you win. With ET, Curry and Stauskas added to the mix there were always 3 play-makers on the court. Portland's offense was very good on a bad shooting night for its stars. This offense has a chance to be great.

WHAT DID WE LEARN ABOUT THE LAKERS? ANYTHING? Nope. They are an enigma wrapped in a conundrum. We will not know or understand this team for a while. LeBron will still be looking for his 2nd banana. At this point it is just James and 4 plantains. In many ways playing with LeBron is great as he draws massive attention from the defense. But Bosh and Love found it very difficult to adjust their games when sharing the court with the King. In the West, it is not enough to have one top scorer. You better have 2 or 3 capable of piling on the points. Ingram had his moments, as did Kuzma and Hart. Along with Lonzo, all young players struggle on the road. The Lakers might have won this game at home. Between the NO series and tonight, my respect for Rondo has increased a ton. He is becoming Lillard's kryptonite. I like Ball a lot, but it will not surprise me a bit if he is shipped out when the Lakers try and add talent near the trade deadline. I think Hart's game is a better fit with LeBron. Make no mistake about it, LBJ already is making judgments on who he can or can't play with. James was spectacular early and then coasted to a surprisingly quiet night for the rest of the game.

FINAL GRADE: One play that stood out for me occurred late in the game: Nursing a lead in the last few minutes, Dame threw a pass ahead to Nik in the corner. Stauskas attacked the rim and then found CJ in the opposite corner for a wide open 3. Lillard never would have thrown that ball ahead like that in a crucial time in the past. Nor would Portland have had a play-maker like Nik to make it work. This was a night when Portland earned a solid 9 point win and still teased us that they can be better. THAT'S how you start a season. B+