Game Thread 2023-24 GAME #75 - BLAZERS @ MAGIC - APRIL 1, 2024 - 4:00 PM PST - ROOT

[Hoopguru]

Close to a triple double against a good Orlando team isn't a lousy game. Yes, he was inefficient but he did other good things.

That last play he should not have dribbled into no mans land.

 

[blazerkor]

That last play he should not have dribbled into no mans land.

Still got it to an open shooter who happens to be our rotation player with the highest field goal percentage, taking a huge amount of his shots from where he shot it.

 

[UKRAINEFAN]

I don't even know how Portland comes this close. Starting three second rounders and a rookie point guard who has to be considered a major liability.

I forgot that Murray is a first round pick. But the entire bench is second rounder and undrafted.

 

[Hoopguru]

That last play he should not have dribbled into no mans land.

Scoot will be a

Still got it to an open shooter who happens to be our rotation player with the highest field goal percentage, taking a huge amount of his shots from where he shot it.

yeah he did. I dint criticize his game just the last play.

 

[wizenheimer]

close game....too damn close

 

[e_blazer]

close game....too damn close

Brilliant coaching by Chauncey in that last timeout: Give the ball to Scoot; he’ll screw it up.

 

[blazerkor]

close game....too damn close

Either Ayton sits the next two games or we just decide we're going to settle for fifth in the lotto. We can lose to both the Hornets and the Wizards but I don't think it happens if DA plays.

If the Hornets lose to us, there's good reason to believe they can fall into a win in the last week of play, especially to the team that just beat them. The Celtics should have more than enough of a lead for home court throughout and they might rest their rotation guys the last couple of games. San Antonio has games against the Grizz and Pistons both of which I would favor the Spurs in.

We could be looking at the 3rd spot in the lotto either by ourselves or sharing it with one or two other teams.

 

[Hoopguru]

I wonder if Chauncey and the players really give a shit if we get the 4th pick? Really?
I bet they show if so, against the hornets.
I know how fans mostly feel.

 

[Whyachi]

For those saying that was a bad play drawn up by Chauncey... we got what has been the most effective shot for us this season, a middy from DA.

special edition NBA playbook:
PG drives into paint against wall of dudes
PG spins around on pivot foot 3 times
Everyone stand and watch PG in trouble
Ball gets poked loose
PG falls on ball
Scrum for ball ensues
PG passes from deck to open player
Open player takes shot

 

[LayneStaley]

I hope we can get that 3rd spot

 

[Hoopguru]

special edition NBA playbook:
PG drives into paint against wall of dudes
PG spins around on pivot foot 3 times
Everyone stand and watch PG in trouble
Ball gets poked loose
PG falls on ball
Scrum for ball ensues
PG passes from deck to open player
Open player takes shot

he also dragged his foot

 

[Whyachi]

he also dragged his foot

refs were sick of this clunker game, they just wanted to get the hell out of Orlando, as does everyone else in the world.

 

[Cugel]

Serious question: what would it take for DA to be an all nba player? Can he do it?

 

[Whyachi]

Serious question: what would it take for DA to be an all nba player? Can he do it?

65 games, and impact on winning. It'd be tough in Portland without more wins.

 

[blazerkor]

Serious question: what would it take for DA to be an all nba player? Can he do it?

I think he can. We would need to be one of the best teams in the league, he would need to lead the league in rebounds, he would need to be an all defense guy and he'd need to average around over 20 points. I think that as long as they're both healthy that Embiid and Joker are going to be first and second team but I don't see anyone in the league that's a lock for that third spot... if they classify Wemby as a forward. If Wemby is voted in as a C then one of those three need to be injured.

 

[Whyachi]

a bright spot is this close loss dropped the Blazers out of the dreaded -9 point differential. -8.8 looks soo much better in overall standings.

 

[THE HCP]

I wonder if Chauncey and the players really give a shit if we get the 4th pick? Really?
I bet they show if so, against the hornets.
I know how fans mostly feel.

If there was a quality player available , sure. This year……not so much

 

[THE HCP]

Didn’t see anybody mention the grab on scoots jersey and his arm being hit 3 times on that last play I replayed from multiple angles. If that had been Dame, sure we would have.

 

[wizenheimer]

I think he can. We would need to be one of the best teams in the league, he would need to lead the league in rebounds, he would need to be an all defense guy and he'd need to average around over 20 points. I think that as long as they're both healthy that Embiid and Joker are going to be first and second team but I don't see anyone in the league that's a lock for that third spot... if they classify Wemby as a forward. If Wemby is voted in as a C then one of those three need to be injured.

Jokic
Embiid
Sabonis
KAT
AD
Wemby
Adebayo
Holmgren
Jarrett Allen
Gobert
Mobley
Sengun
Markkanen

Ayton is a poor rim protector; he's an average paint defender; he's not mobile enough on the perimeter; he doesn't score with elite efficiency; he doesn't hit three's; he's a poor passer; he doesn't draw fouls. There are just too many areas where he's average, or worse, for him to pass all but 2 of those guys. True, some are going to age out; but several are the same age or younger

 

[KingSpeed]

Jokic
Embiid
Sabonis
KAT
AD
Wemby
Adebayo
Holmgren
Jarrett Allen
Gobert
Mobley
Sengun
Markkanen

Ayton is a poor rim protector; he's an average paint defender; he's not mobile enough on the perimeter; he doesn't score with elite efficiency; he doesn't hit three's; he's a poor passer; he doesn't draw fouls. There are just too many areas where he's average, or worse, for him to pass all but 2 of those guys. True, some are going to age out; but several are the same age or younger

You forgot Sengun.

 

[wizenheimer]

You forgot Sengun.

he's there

 

[Whyachi]

Didn’t see anybody mention the grab on scoots jersey and his arm being hit 3 times on that last play I replayed from multiple angles. If that had been Dame, sure we would have.

If that shirt tug happened in LA or Boston, there'd be disturbed people shouting on social media. This game was in Orlando. If it's not news about roller coasters, then it never leaves the city.

 

[illmatic99]

This next game in Charlotte will be must watch tv.

Chauncey has been shameless in his tanking the past three seasons, and this will be yet another notch in his belt.

 

[BBert]

Scoot lousy play

True. But he was also fouled four times on that play, culminating with a downward chop across both his arms jarring the ball loose. He did a great job getting the ball to Ayton, but Ayton wasn't expecting it and rushed his shot with no rhythm. Result = still on track for good lottery pick odds.

 

[BBert]

I don't even know how Portland comes this close. Starting three second rounders and a rookie point guard who has to be considered a major liability.

Obviously it's because the coach sucks...

 

[BBert]

Chauncey sucks at end game plays. Why wouldn't they take it strong to the rack and get at least free throws instead of a rushed midrange jumper. This game was right there for the taking or at least OT if they missed a FT...this game should have been decided at the FT line

Or...he's an evil genius getting the best out of his JV squad while not so secretly plotting for better metaphorical ping pong balls!!1! Also, I can see coach purposely calling a specific play to test and train players for certain situations regardless of wins or losses. Or, he could just be bad at it

 

[Whyachi]

This next game in Charlotte will be must watch tv.

Chauncey has been shameless in his tanking the past three seasons, and this will be yet another notch in his belt.

earlier this year, the Blazers had to set a top 5 worst shooting night in NBA history to lose to the Hornets. (3-32 3pt, 9%). Losing a game in Charlotte will not be easy. Billups will have to find cold shooters to keep on the floor, and sub guys out immediately if they score more then 1 basket.

 

[THE HCP]

This next game in Charlotte will be must watch tv.

Chauncey has been shameless in his tanking the past three seasons, and this will be yet another notch in his belt.

It's been HIS choice?

 

[THE HCP]

Didn’t see anybody mention the grab on scoots jersey and his arm being hit 3 times on that last play I replayed from multiple angles. If that had been Dame, sure we would have.

No replies?

 

[THE HCP]

Blazer fans not losing their minds blaming the refs and the league for not calling 4 obvious fouls on our young inexperienced PG? Wow!