Blazers: 4th best defense in the NBA
- Thread starter KingSpeed
- Start date
Welcome to our community
Be a part of something great, join today!
Boise Blazer
Thread Lightly
- Joined
- Dec 12, 2008
- Messages
- 7,265
- Likes
- 2,592
- Points
- 113
Re: Blazers: 4th best defense in the NNA
We are 7th in Def Eff at 97.6
We are 7th in Def Eff at 97.6
Mediocre Man
Mr. SportsTwo
- Joined
- Sep 23, 2008
- Messages
- 44,954
- Likes
- 27,842
- Points
- 113
Re: Blazers: 4th best defense in the NNA
I thought they played great defense last night
I thought they played great defense last night
BlazerCaravan
Hug a Bigot... to Death
- Joined
- Sep 20, 2008
- Messages
- 28,071
- Likes
- 10,384
- Points
- 113
Re: Blazers: 4th best defense in the NNA
I can't wait to watch the game on replay. It's killing me that I'm unable to watch them live this week.
I can't wait to watch the game on replay. It's killing me that I'm unable to watch them live this week.
Natebishop3
Don't tread on me!
- Joined
- Sep 17, 2008
- Messages
- 94,247
- Likes
- 57,517
- Points
- 113
Eastoff
But it was a beginning.
- Joined
- Jun 17, 2009
- Messages
- 16,098
- Likes
- 4,102
- Points
- 113
Strenuus
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Aug 9, 2013
- Messages
- 51,033
- Likes
- 36,426
- Points
- 113
Re: Blazers: 4th best defense in the NNA
repped! this song always reminds me of winterhawks games.
repped! this song always reminds me of winterhawks games.
blue9
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Nov 25, 2012
- Messages
- 10,729
- Likes
- 7,169
- Points
- 113
Re: Blazers: 4th best defense in the NNA
If we're in the Top 10 in OppFG% by the AS break then I'll believe.
I do think that the simple additions of Blake/Kaman have a lot to do with our improved defensive stats throughout the course of a game, because they at least understand the concepts of individual defense unlike anybody coming off the bench last season. So when our bench goes in our OppFG% no longer skyrockets. But I haven't seen enough to know if we're actually implementing better defensive schemes.
If we're in the Top 10 in OppFG% by the AS break then I'll believe.
I do think that the simple additions of Blake/Kaman have a lot to do with our improved defensive stats throughout the course of a game, because they at least understand the concepts of individual defense unlike anybody coming off the bench last season. So when our bench goes in our OppFG% no longer skyrockets. But I haven't seen enough to know if we're actually implementing better defensive schemes.
Hobbesarable
Cartoon Character
- Joined
- Aug 31, 2012
- Messages
- 6,773
- Likes
- 5,490
- Points
- 113
Re: Blazers: 4th best defense in the NNA
That song was usually played after Pippen fouled out of games against the Blazers in Portland.
That song was usually played after Pippen fouled out of games against the Blazers in Portland.
riverman
Writing Team
- Joined
- Nov 15, 2013
- Messages
- 68,709
- Likes
- 68,089
- Points
- 113
Nikolokolus
There's always next year
- Joined
- Sep 19, 2008
- Messages
- 30,704
- Likes
- 6,198
- Points
- 113
Re: Blazers: 4th best defense in the NNA
The focus on defense in training camp maybe took root? Hopefully the trend holds up; they can do some really good things (especially in a year like this one) if they can improve enough in that area.
The focus on defense in training camp maybe took root? Hopefully the trend holds up; they can do some really good things (especially in a year like this one) if they can improve enough in that area.
magnifier661
B-A-N-A-N-A-S!
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2009
- Messages
- 59,328
- Likes
- 5,588
- Points
- 113
Re: Blazers: 4th best defense in the NNA
Defense wins championships. I'm a firm believer of this concept. We don't have to be "lock down" like we were, but somewhere in the middle. If we can still be a top 4 offense and maybe a top 10 defense, I really like our chances come playoff time.
Defense wins championships. I'm a firm believer of this concept. We don't have to be "lock down" like we were, but somewhere in the middle. If we can still be a top 4 offense and maybe a top 10 defense, I really like our chances come playoff time.
- Joined
- Jul 2, 2013
- Messages
- 21,056
- Likes
- 10,366
- Points
- 113
Re: Blazers: 4th best defense in the NNA
I love that we are playing really well in the halfcourt, I just wish we could get more steals and get a fastbreak going.
I love that we are playing really well in the halfcourt, I just wish we could get more steals and get a fastbreak going.
riverman
Writing Team
- Joined
- Nov 15, 2013
- Messages
- 68,709
- Likes
- 68,089
- Points
- 113
Re: Blazers: 4th best defense in the NNA
I don't think we'll see as much gambling for steals this season. It leaves open lanes and causes defensive lapses. Crapshoot style of basketball unless it's an easy pickoff without much risk
I don't think we'll see as much gambling for steals this season. It leaves open lanes and causes defensive lapses. Crapshoot style of basketball unless it's an easy pickoff without much risk
PDXFonz
I’m listening
- Joined
- Jul 2, 2013
- Messages
- 20,379
- Likes
- 17,106
- Points
- 113
Re: Blazers: 4th best defense in the NNA
I'm one of the biggest optimists when it comes to this teams defense. So believe me when I say that our defense (currently) is not even in the same league as the Grizzlies, or Spurs.
Their top notch defense is the reason the Grizzlies were able to get to the WCF a few years ago, and why come playoff time no one wants to see them. Defense often gets overlooked this early in the season.
I'm one of the biggest optimists when it comes to this teams defense. So believe me when I say that our defense (currently) is not even in the same league as the Grizzlies, or Spurs.
Their top notch defense is the reason the Grizzlies were able to get to the WCF a few years ago, and why come playoff time no one wants to see them. Defense often gets overlooked this early in the season.
Last edited:
magnifier661
B-A-N-A-N-A-S!
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2009
- Messages
- 59,328
- Likes
- 5,588
- Points
- 113
Re: Blazers: 4th best defense in the NNA
It doesn't have to be really. Just top 10
It doesn't have to be really. Just top 10
PDXFonz
I’m listening
- Joined
- Jul 2, 2013
- Messages
- 20,379
- Likes
- 17,106
- Points
- 113
Re: Blazers: 4th best defense in the NNA
I agree, but it could be, so why shouldn't it be?
If we are capable of playing Portland level offense while also playing Spurs level defense then not even a King and his henchmen could stand in our way.
I agree, but it could be, so why shouldn't it be?
If we are capable of playing Portland level offense while also playing Spurs level defense then not even a King and his henchmen could stand in our way.
magnifier661
B-A-N-A-N-A-S!
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2009
- Messages
- 59,328
- Likes
- 5,588
- Points
- 113
Re: Blazers: 4th best defense in the NNA
We are the only team to keep Golden State at bay
We are the only team to keep Golden State at bay
PDXFonz
I’m listening
- Joined
- Jul 2, 2013
- Messages
- 20,379
- Likes
- 17,106
- Points
- 113
OneLifeToLive
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Jul 25, 2012
- Messages
- 5,620
- Likes
- 517
- Points
- 113
Re: Blazers: 4th best defense in the NNA
What I'm most impressed with is just how focused, commtted and dialed in they are to this one area of the game and it's almost a mere flip of the switch that it's happened. Who who have thought a team that was coached by a offensive mind who of come in and produced these kind of numbers immediately?
it makes you understand why they are not as potent so far offensively. If you have to lose a series the way they lost the Spurs series, you hope they take something away from it. And I think they did.
What I'm most impressed with is just how focused, commtted and dialed in they are to this one area of the game and it's almost a mere flip of the switch that it's happened. Who who have thought a team that was coached by a offensive mind who of come in and produced these kind of numbers immediately?
it makes you understand why they are not as potent so far offensively. If you have to lose a series the way they lost the Spurs series, you hope they take something away from it. And I think they did.
Last edited:
mook
The 2018-19 season was the best I've seen
- Joined
- Sep 16, 2008
- Messages
- 8,309
- Likes
- 3,944
- Points
- 113
Re: Blazers: 4th best defense in the NNA
The big keys have been Damian and Kaman.
Last year we had a really tough time defending PG's. Even when we hid Lillard on the other team's worst wing, that guy would go off on us. It's night and day now. Lillard is fighting through screens and really putting in a lot more work out there. Maybe it comes from practicing with Steve Blake (a so-so defender in absolute terms, but a fantastic defender if you factor in he has basically no athleticism or speed). Maybe he's finally getting used to defending NBA players instead of Big Sky players. Maybe he's pissed off about getting cut from the World team. Maybe a little of everything. But we no longer have a massive weak link in our starting lineup's defense. He's gone from utterly terrible to reasonably competent, which is just huge.
And Kaman. Holy shit. It's almost like Rolo gets to play 48 minutes now. Kaman just swallows up the paint. He's just so damned big--sometimes it seems like he's the one high school guy playing with grade schoolers. I've never thought of the guy as even a good defender, but maybe much like Dame he's just out there playing with a chip on his shoulder (and feasting on other team's generally smaller and less skilled second units).
I guess Blake also should get some recognition for just not being Mo Williams. Blake's basic defensive competence allows Batum and Matthew's pretty good defense to shine just because they aren't constantly adjusting from the PG's mistakes.
I had Portland pegged for 60 wins, and I think it's optimistic, but I'm sticking with it.
The big keys have been Damian and Kaman.
Last year we had a really tough time defending PG's. Even when we hid Lillard on the other team's worst wing, that guy would go off on us. It's night and day now. Lillard is fighting through screens and really putting in a lot more work out there. Maybe it comes from practicing with Steve Blake (a so-so defender in absolute terms, but a fantastic defender if you factor in he has basically no athleticism or speed). Maybe he's finally getting used to defending NBA players instead of Big Sky players. Maybe he's pissed off about getting cut from the World team. Maybe a little of everything. But we no longer have a massive weak link in our starting lineup's defense. He's gone from utterly terrible to reasonably competent, which is just huge.
And Kaman. Holy shit. It's almost like Rolo gets to play 48 minutes now. Kaman just swallows up the paint. He's just so damned big--sometimes it seems like he's the one high school guy playing with grade schoolers. I've never thought of the guy as even a good defender, but maybe much like Dame he's just out there playing with a chip on his shoulder (and feasting on other team's generally smaller and less skilled second units).
I guess Blake also should get some recognition for just not being Mo Williams. Blake's basic defensive competence allows Batum and Matthew's pretty good defense to shine just because they aren't constantly adjusting from the PG's mistakes.
I had Portland pegged for 60 wins, and I think it's optimistic, but I'm sticking with it.
mook
The 2018-19 season was the best I've seen
- Joined
- Sep 16, 2008
- Messages
- 8,309
- Likes
- 3,944
- Points
- 113
Re: Blazers: 4th best defense in the NNA
I'd also add that Portland seems to be changing their defensive philosophy some. Because we run 2 bigs nearly always, there seems to be a lot more switching (since our bigs just aren't going to get over the top of screens). Seems like there are a lot more shots from the other team taking 3 pointers with a seven footer throwing up a hand at them. Seems to work so far.
Also, I really like the quick blitzing double teams they are throwing in more. Portland had a philosophy last year that they basically never double teamed ever. I understand the general idea (double teams leave weak side guys wide open) but when you were as extreme about it as Portland was, the opponent's defense gets very relaxed. They know they can run whatever they want, and as long as their one individual guy beats our one individual guy, they'll score. The new philosophy of blitzing a double team almost at random seems to keep opponents off guard much more. Even if you only do it once every 4 or 5 possessions it throws off the other team's rhythm.
Kudos to Stotts for making these adjustments.
I'd also add that Portland seems to be changing their defensive philosophy some. Because we run 2 bigs nearly always, there seems to be a lot more switching (since our bigs just aren't going to get over the top of screens). Seems like there are a lot more shots from the other team taking 3 pointers with a seven footer throwing up a hand at them. Seems to work so far.
Also, I really like the quick blitzing double teams they are throwing in more. Portland had a philosophy last year that they basically never double teamed ever. I understand the general idea (double teams leave weak side guys wide open) but when you were as extreme about it as Portland was, the opponent's defense gets very relaxed. They know they can run whatever they want, and as long as their one individual guy beats our one individual guy, they'll score. The new philosophy of blitzing a double team almost at random seems to keep opponents off guard much more. Even if you only do it once every 4 or 5 possessions it throws off the other team's rhythm.
Kudos to Stotts for making these adjustments.
illmatic99
formerly yuyuza1
- Joined
- Sep 16, 2008
- Messages
- 57,773
- Likes
- 56,294
- Points
- 113
Re: Blazers: 4th best defense in the NNA
I underestimated the impact of having a 7' center in the middle at all times. And Rolo's timing on blocks has been markedly better this season so far.
I underestimated the impact of having a 7' center in the middle at all times. And Rolo's timing on blocks has been markedly better this season so far.
B-Roy
If it takes months
- Joined
- Oct 14, 2008
- Messages
- 31,926
- Likes
- 25,177
- Points
- 113
Re: Blazers: 4th best defense in the NNA
http://espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/teamstats/_/sort/defensiveEff/order/false
After last night we're tied in 7th for offensive efficiency (with GSW) and 5th in defensive efficiency. All while playing some really good teams.
Again, only 5 games but some promising signs.
http://espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/teamstats/_/sort/defensiveEff/order/false
After last night we're tied in 7th for offensive efficiency (with GSW) and 5th in defensive efficiency. All while playing some really good teams.
Again, only 5 games but some promising signs.
Draco
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Sep 22, 2008
- Messages
- 9,315
- Likes
- 3,004
- Points
- 113
Very promising indeed. I agree the additions of Kaman and Blake have been huge. Our bench has been night and day better this year; and I think it not only improves the production for the minutes the bench is on the court but allows the starter to exert more energy on defense while in the game.
The Blazers success the last 3 years really illustrates how beneficial it is to keep a core of players and coaches together. They have been able to make significant improvements each year. Stotts has the freedom to build upon the good aspects of the previous year and correct the faults. Contrast that to superstar teams thrown together such as the Lakers with Dwight or even this years Cavs.
The Blazers success the last 3 years really illustrates how beneficial it is to keep a core of players and coaches together. They have been able to make significant improvements each year. Stotts has the freedom to build upon the good aspects of the previous year and correct the faults. Contrast that to superstar teams thrown together such as the Lakers with Dwight or even this years Cavs.
Similar threads
