Wessy hasn't been playing that well on offense, so he hasn't received very much praise this series. However, if you keep an eye on him during the game, he is an absolute warrior. He is physically battling Harden every single play, on BOTH ends of the court. He's fighting Harden for position in the post. He's bumping, and playing physically on the defensive end. This guy does not quit or let up. Harden is shooting 29% for the series, and I believe Wesley has something to do with that. (yes, Batum deserves some credit too)
Matthews is a warrior, but I truly think it's a combination of all cogs from the wing. They are backing each other up, not giving Harden outlets to pass out of, therefor forcing him to make tough shots.
matthews and lillard are putting 1000% more effort into fighting through pick and rolls then they did in the regular season. good stuff.
Batum and Wessy are frustrating the HELL out of Harden. Wesley especially has been really clever not to fall for Harden's foul-baiting bullshit.
When Wesley strolled past the entire Rockets team for the dagger lay-up, the entire basketball world was like, WTF? How did he get there? Like playing in your own backyard.
I can see him going to sleep, big grin on his face as "I'm the man" plays over in his mind. Sleep well! [video=youtube;fm660vIn8Tg]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fm660vIn8Tg[/video]
Wes is playing nice and smart defense. Not overplaying, but not losing his man either. On offense, I'd like to see more of him attacking the rim when Howard is out of the game.
Wes gets it! It's a team game and he's willing to do the dirty work and guard the tough cover, so is Nico. Both these guys could score 25 a night if they slacked on defense and concentrated on their own stats, they don't, they tire out the shooters they guard. Houston was gassed in the 4th qtr of both games. Rolo is the same way, he alters shots and wears on guys.
Absolutely. Repped. Wes' defense reminds me of a quote from "The 40 Year Old Virgin": "I'm very discreet, but I will haunt your dreams."
http://www.oregonlive.com/blazers/index.ssf/2014/04/quick_the_speech_that_resurrected_the_trail_blazer.html#incart_most-read
I thought Wes played a great offensive Game 1. I could look up the box score to verify, but don't feel like it. I just remember him attacking Harden in the post. Definitely want to see more of that - because that's ultimately what got LMA going in Game 1. Wes missed a couple of those shots in the paint, but LMA was playing garbageman on the weak side. Wes has done a bang-up job so far! Really, all of the starters have.
Since then, he's only averaged 2.5 rebounds per game. Come on Wes, you gotta back up what you preach, man!!
Seems like the Blazers Players are not the only one's who have stepped their game up for the Playoff's.
