I wanted to overpay, but gonna throw out how much I wanted to add him in the offseason. RR7 appreciation thread! lol
He has been the difference this year and he deserves a thread for sure but I think this is the 3rd one already.
Early on I thought he was missing a lot of rebounds that should have been his, but he definitely made up for it down the stretch.
Our one-two punch was tired, but our three-four punch came through! Lopez is essential to our success!
The entire team was being outhustled and outplayed, being beat to rebounds, loose balls etc in the first half. Wasn't just him. I think they were fighting fatigue and them losing the streak was enough to get them going in the third. That and the fan base decided to show in the third.
He still has room to grow and is very young. This was an excellent pick. I wanted Bynum. I was wrong.
On this note, I'm not sure why we need to see 'Let's Make Some Noise' to come alive. We as Blazer Fans have enough of an understanding of the game and our team to know when to make noise. Whats astonishing. The base was at a 6 and then the megatron pumped up the 'Let's make noise', they went to a 9 or 10. Not sure why we need that to support a team that went 4-0 on a grueling road trip. Should have been ready to cheer and pump these guys up.
“Robin was fantastic. He obviously was a presence in the paint. He got whatever rebounds he got – 16, but he kept pursuing the ball. Even the ones he didn’t get, he kept balls alive. He just plays hard. He’s a team guy and he wants to do what we need him to do.” - Stotts
Watching Lopez as he comes in with 7:47 in the 2nd down 18 Lopez with 2 offensive boards (missed the 1st shot at the rim) hit a put back Lopez with another offensive board and put back. Solid box out allowing Lillard to secure the rebound Gets back on D and grabs LAs arm to pull him to cover the loose man on the block so he can get back to his man Lopez makes a great cut to the rim, but misses the layin Another solid box out on Noah so another Blazer can get the board. Lopez with a solid rebound on D Gets another offensive board, and put back Lopez gets excellent position for another offensive board (Batum fouled shooting a 3) Lopez blocks Deng’s shot, and secures the rebound Matthews bad pass as Lopez rolls to the rim (half time) 6 points 6 boards 1 block 1 turnover(3 in the key) The guy knows his role, his head is always in the game doing what Portland needs him to do, and he works his butt off. He’s a beast and was key in keeping Portland in this game.
Robin has been a huge upgrade at the 5, but Wes has ratcheted up his play several notches over career averages and the bench upgrade has also been a significant factor. Not many teams in the league feature players at all 5 spots who are at least average NBA starters and it sure is nice not to have the worst bench in the league. staying healthy STOMP
I hope the Rose injury is not as bad as feared, but if it is Noah could also be available as Chi clears their roster and goes for young players and picks.
