Game Thread 2024-25 GAME #20 - NBA CUP - BLAZERS VS KINGS - NOV 29, 2024 - FRI - 7:00 PM - CHARGE - BLAZERVISION

[bemac]

Ayton was big down the stretch with Ant and Deni.

Ayton, Deni and Toumani make a nice front court option with Ayton scoring.

 

[Freshtown]

we got our 8th win against SAC last year too. but instead of Nov 30, we took til Dec26 to get that, and we were 8-21 last season instead of 8-12.

we are really screwing up our pick in a great draft year

 

[Sheldon Shape]

You haven't answered my question, but ok.

It's pretty clear from what I've already said. He needs to be put in actions where he's finishing plays, not starting them. He's unstoppable going down hill. More of that vs meeting him at the top of a key for an iso.

 

[Tince]

But he was 1-8 and turned it around.

Yes, Sharpe finished the game 3-6. A LOT of NBA players go 3-6 during a portion of a game.

Sharpe is a good player, but it feels like you're forcing a narrative.

 

[SharpeScooterShooter]

Hell yeah! Solid win!!

 

[handiman]

I said a few games into the season that Deni's outside shot had mechanics that didn't look reliable. Sometime after that, he changed it up pretty dramatically, going from a deep squat push shot to a more upright quick flick, and boy have the results been encouraging. I can't think of many (any?) such examples of in-season changes to form and corresponding results, but I'll happily eat crow on that one.

He doesn't have to be a pure shooter to be quite dangerous, since his relentless pace, driving, play making, and rebounding already put a ton of pressure on defenses. Just gotta be a reliable shooter to not let them off the hook.

 

[Blazinaway]

I said a few games into the season that Deni's outside shot had mechanics that didn't look reliable. Sometime after that, he changed it up pretty dramatically, going from a deep squat push shot to a more upright quick flick, and boy have the results been encouraging. I can't think of many (any?) such examples of in-season changes to form and corresponding results, but I'll happily eat crow on that one.

He doesn't have to be a pure shooter to be quite dangerous, since his relentless pace, driving, play making, and rebounding already put a ton of pressure on defenses. Just gotta be a reliable shooter to not let them off the hook.

Deni makes everyone around him better, Ayton really got some nice feeds last might and not just from Deni, it really energizes Ayton. let's keep doin that and boost his trade value

 

[handiman]

Deni makes everyone around him better, Ayton really got some nice feeds last might and not just from Deni, it really energizes Ayton. let's keep doin that and boost his trade value

Ayton is an elite center when used that way. Keeping him fully engaged is always going to be the key. Deni missed him a few times when collapsing the defense and Ayton following, but it resulted in FT's so I don't think Ayton minded. They do seem to like playing that two man game with each other.

 

[SheedSoNasty]

Do we go ultra big and start Deni at PG? Will never happen with Simons on the team, just spitballing.

 

[Blazinaway]

I said a few games into the season that Deni's outside shot had mechanics that didn't look reliable. Sometime after that, he changed it up pretty dramatically, going from a deep squat push shot to a more upright quick flick, and boy have the results been encouraging. I can't think of many (any?) such examples of in-season changes to form and corresponding results, but I'll happily eat crow on that one.

He doesn't have to be a pure shooter to be quite dangerous, since his relentless pace, driving, play making, and rebounding already put a ton of pressure on defenses. Just gotta be a reliable shooter to not let them off the hook.

I think Den can easily average 35% plus from 3, if he does that it forces defenses to play him honestly and that opens up his passing even more

 

[wizenheimer]

I think Den can easily average 35% plus from 3, if he does that it forces defenses to play him honestly and that opens up his passing even more

not sure how 'easily' it will be. Yeah, he hit over 37% last season on 235 attempts. But in his other 4 seasons and 736 attempts, he shot 31%; which is about what's he's shooting this season. Last season could have easily been an aberration.

that said, I'd expect he'll get a little better as he gets more comfortable with his teammates. But all things considered I'd think his 3 point shooting won't be a feature of his game but an accessory

 

[UKRAINEFAN]

This was a nice writeup on the game:
“He played just a heck of a ‘point guard’ game,” Portland head coach Chauncey Billups told reporters after the win.

Billups also used the word “proud” to describe his thoughts of Simons’ performance. He was proud of how Simons stayed the course after a difficult first half shooting. He was proud of his defensive effort, highlighted by two steals and a charge. And he was proud of how Simons remained effective, whether the shot was falling or not.

“I talk to Ant a lot about that,” Billups said. “I’m saying, ‘You can’t be the player that the only time you play well is when you’re scoring.’ He’s so much better than that. He pulls a lot of gravity out there.”
https://www.blazersedge.com/2024/11...-avdija-anfernee-simons-billups-dalano-banton

 

[HailBlazers]

This was a nice writeup on the game:
“He played just a heck of a ‘point guard’ game,” Portland head coach Chauncey Billups told reporters after the win.

Billups also used the word “proud” to describe his thoughts of Simons’ performance. He was proud of how Simons stayed the course after a difficult first half shooting. He was proud of his defensive effort, highlighted by two steals and a charge. And he was proud of how Simons remained effective, whether the shot was falling or not.

“I talk to Ant a lot about that,” Billups said. “I’m saying, ‘You can’t be the player that the only time you play well is when you’re scoring.’ He’s so much better than that. He pulls a lot of gravity out there.”
https://www.blazersedge.com/2024/11...-avdija-anfernee-simons-billups-dalano-banton

I was not proud of the "fans," booing Chauncey at intoductions.

This team is playing great defense and starting to look more creative on O.