Game Thread EARLY/MORNING GAME! GAME# 22: BLAZERS @ KNICKS - FEBRUARY 6, 2021 - SATURDAY, 10:00, NBCSNW

[blazerkor]

Saying “injuries are not an excuse” is literally the dumbest. There is a roster. It has players. Some better than others. Take 2/3/4 top players out. The team isn’t as good. If it IS as good, you need to get rid of those 2/3/4 guys, immediately. The warriors won 3 titles then lost KD Klay Steph and Draymond with injuries or free agency. Guess what! They had the worst record in the NBA! Why?

I totally agree with you that injuries are a good excuse and that's a big problem for this team. I just don't think you win a championship with your top two highest paid players and minute getters being defensive liabilities on the perimeter and also not complementary on offense. I don't think a coach that basically lets his players do whatever the fuck they want and just asks them to get better without anything behind it is going to win a championship.

So while injuries are a great excuse for losing they make it necessary for management to use critical thinking and theory instead of evidence when making decisions. I don't think the concepts of Stotts needing to be moved on and CJ being a bad fit are abstract to the point that the injuries and the losses that result from the injuries are enough to excuse Neil's lack of action and bad judgment.

I'm really glad that if everything goes right, we will have a chance to play around a third of the season and the playoffs with Dame, CJ, DJJ, RoCo, Nurk, Gary, Enes, Hoodie and Melo. That should definitively tell us where this franchise is and if major moves need to be made. I am hoping for speedy recoveries, no more injuries and actually that I'm wrong and we do contend for a title with this team.

 

[Sheldon Shape]

I have nothing against you personally.

If only you knew me better.

 

[Tince]

If only you knew me better.

We'd be best friends, I'm sure! There's still time for that to happen!

 

[blazerkor]

The Blazers looked awful. I know it isn't a popular opinion but I can't stand Lillard anymore, i think he's another Lamarcus that we'd be better without

You're right, it won't be popular but not because of a dogmatic devotions to Dame. It's because when you look at what he does on the court, the energy he puts out, the way he sets his teammates up and how often he is the lone reason we win your take looks preposterous because the numbers which measure him out as a top 5 offensive player in the league don't even do him justice. His defense isn't great but you can look to the coach, not Dame (even if it's his idea) for the stagnant offense and bad defense. The schemes are not on the star player, they're on the coach. Our star player works hard and gets results.

Edit: And how is the Dame situation anything like the LaMarcus situation? Which young potential superstar is Dame holding back and being a premadonna about? That's why we were better without LA. So do you think Dame has a bad attitude? Do you think he wants to be the man and then shies away from the moment when it comes? How does that comparison make any sense?

 

[THE HCP]

Melo should never be allowed to play in the 4th quarter

Actually that's the only time I WANT him playing. He get's whistles for him almost every game that are total BS calls.

 

[THE HCP]

The game wasn’t played in Oregon. A week is plenty of time for your body’s circadian rhythm to adjust.

You are honestly taking the time to bust on somebody because they didn't know what time the game was? What the fuck?

 

[Chris Craig]

Blue is one of the Knicks colors so no surprise, but yeah they must have seen the Rocket and Bucks games.

Though the 76ers wore blue jerseys too. (Blue is one of their colors too) Strange though 4-6 teams we have played on this trip have worn blue jerseys.

Blazers 1-3 against teams wearing blue jerseys on this road trip

 

[calvin natt]

I totally agree with you that injuries are a good excuse and that's a big problem for this team. I just don't think you win a championship with your top two highest paid players and minute getters being defensive liabilities on the perimeter and also not complementary on offense. I don't think a coach that basically lets his players do whatever the fuck they want and just asks them to get better without anything behind it is going to win a championship.

So while injuries are a great excuse for losing they make it necessary for management to use critical thinking and theory instead of evidence when making decisions. I don't think the concepts of Stotts needing to be moved on and CJ being a bad fit are abstract to the point that the injuries and the losses that result from the injuries are enough to excuse Neil's lack of action and bad judgment.

I'm really glad that if everything goes right, we will have a chance to play around a third of the season and the playoffs with Dame, CJ, DJJ, RoCo, Nurk, Gary, Enes, Hoodie and Melo. That should definitively tell us where this franchise is and if major moves need to be made. I am hoping for speedy recoveries, no more injuries and actually that I'm wrong and we do contend for a title with this team.

Big picture I agree and we have said in here numerous times that a coaching change is fine with I think everyone. Small picture - a game vs the Knicks, in NY, at 1/10am pst, with massive injuries at the end of the longest road trip of the season, is what I’m talking about. There is no reason anyone could say this was a disappointment. Or the trip was. They went 3-3, can’t complain. And these are “excuses”. They are “reasons”. Different to me fwiw.

 

[illmatic99]

Exactly. So the feed is leaving the arena fine. It's your ROKU device transmitting the NBA feed.

That app has been trash all year. multiple users have pinpointed that it's the APP that's the problem, and it's similar for people using the NBA App on playstations as well. It's trash. Even the LP support guy I managed to get on the phone said they're having tons of bugs with these apps because the software is so poorly coded, and they have no immediate remedies.

My bigger issue is with NBA.com. The game was well into the second quarter but it kept saying no streams are live. I had to go thru various different browsers/logins to get it to trigger on. And afterwards, it kept freezing and the audio kept cutting out and the ads were lasting well past the timeout, etc etc. And no, it's not my internet. I have well over 200mbps and can stream 4k content multiple apps just fine, outside of NBA stuff.

Just a shit product altogether that I have no choice but to keep using because I want good karma and not rely on the million illegal streams that are readily available.

 

[THE HCP]

The Blazers looked awful. I know it isn't a popular opinion but I can't stand Lillard anymore, i think he's another Lamarcus that we'd be better without

WOW!

 

[OneSport3]

You are honestly taking the time to bust on somebody because they didn't know what time the game was? What the fuck?

Did you even read the previous posts? How do you function as an adult human being in society?

 

[THE HCP]

It's frustrating. If we were an up and coming team with a bright future I would be happy with this record but this team is supposed to win now and right now we're not favorites even against the Knicks.

You DO understand why we weren't favorites right? Had we rolled out our opening night roster, do you think we win this game? Honestly? Have you ever played sports? You understand when you are missing MOST of your best players, you might not be as good as if you had them. That's usually how it works.

 

[THE HCP]

Did you even read the previous posts? How do you function as an adult human being in society?

Pretty well actually. How would judge how a person functions? I consider myself successful in many aspects of life. You?

 

[THE HCP]

Dame could be better if he didn’t need to have the ball so much. Even the coach said it last time. They move the ball better without Dame

Stop! We are a better team with Dame. Please stop!

 

[THE HCP]

That app has been trash all year. multiple users have pinpointed that it's the APP that's the problem, and it's similar for people using the NBA App on playstations as well. It's trash. Even the LP support guy I managed to get on the phone said they're having tons of bugs with these apps because the software is so poorly coded, and they have no immediate remedies.

My bigger issue is with NBA.com. The game was well into the second quarter but it kept saying no streams are live. I had to go thru various different browsers/logins to get it to trigger on. And afterwards, it kept freezing and the audio kept cutting out and the ads were lasting well past the timeout, etc etc. And no, it's not my internet. I have well over 200mbps and can stream 4k content multiple apps just fine, outside of NBA stuff.

Just a shit product altogether that I have no choice but to keep using because I want good karma and not rely on the million illegal streams that are readily available.

Thats so strange. Must be the combo of apps you are using or something. If it was the actual NBA LeaguePass signal, EVERYBODY would have problems and glitches. Comcast/DISHNet/DirecTV/ etc. Hope you get that situated.

 

[PCmor7]

The game wasn’t played in Oregon. A week is plenty of time for your body’s circadian rhythm to adjust.

I wasn't saying it was played in Oregon. I said it was 10 a.m. by the time their bodies are used to. I don't care about circadian rhythms or even a cicadian rhythm, it's not like they were playing at what would normally be 1 p.m. or 4 p.m. for them. It was the freaking morning by what they're used to.

Yeesh.

I swear I think some of you guys WANT to have reasons to bash the team and anyone that disagrees with you gets bashed along with it.

 

[Tince]

I wasn't saying it was played in Oregon. I said it was 10 a.m. by the time their bodies are used to. I don't care about circadian rhythms or even a cicadian rhythm, it's not like they were playing at what would normally be 1 p.m. or 4 p.m. for them. It was the freaking morning by what they're used to.

Yeesh.

I swear I think some of you guys WANT to have reasons to bash the team and anyone that disagrees with you gets bashed along with it.

Some people are only happy being unhappy.

I really dislike when my teams lose, but not to the point where I feel the need to use hyperbole and fake quotes to bash people in the organization.

 

[OneSport3]

I wasn't saying it was played in Oregon. I said it was 10 a.m. by the time their bodies are used to. I don't care about circadian rhythms or even a cicadian rhythm, it's not like they were playing at what would normally be 1 p.m. or 4 p.m. for them. It was the freaking morning by what they're used to.

Yeesh.

I swear I think some of you guys WANT to have reasons to bash the team and anyone that disagrees with you gets bashed along with it.

That’s great that you don’t care about circadian rhythms, but sports teams, especially NBA teams care deeply about it. In fact, Portland is one of the teams that care most about it (due to its geographical location they log the most travel miles in the NBA) and have invested time and money to best optimize sleep and disruptions in circadian rhythm when traveling. They consulted with a world renowned “Sleep Doctor” that specializes in sleep disruption and circadian rhythms to figure out the best way for their bodies to adapt to the time zone changes on road trips.

In fact, east coast teams that travel west should feel the affect more as most games are played at 7pm when it’s 10pm for their circadian clocks. The Blazers are 43-14 all-time vs. the Knicks in Portland.

 

[PCmor7]

That’s great that you don’t care about circadian rhythms, but sports teams, especially NBA teams care deeply about it. In fact, Portland is one of the teams that care most about it (due to its geographical location they log the most travel miles in the NBA) and have invested time and money to best optimize sleep and disruptions in circadian rhythm when traveling. They consulted with a world renowned “Sleep Doctor” that specializes in sleep disruption and circadian rhythms to figure out the best way for their bodies to adapt to the time zone changes on road trips.

In fact, east coast teams that travel west should feel the affect more as most games are played at 7pm when it’s 10pm for their circadian clocks. The Blazers are 43-14 all-time vs. the Knicks in Portland.

I'm not disputing that. I'm saying this is not a 3-hour difference from normal. This is about a 9-hour difference from normal. It's nowhere close to what the players are used to.

It's also not saying it's the end-all, be-all of why the team lost today. However, when a team that shoots 83% from the line shoots 50%, that's certainly not normal and has absolutely nothing to do with game-planning or the opposing team. To dismiss the start time as a contributing factor simply because you think it shouldn't have been a problem is short-sighted.

We missed 10 shots within 3 feet of the hoop.

 

[kjironman1]

They consulted with a world renowned “Sleep Doctor” that specializes in sleep

This guy?

 

[wizenheimer]

I'm not disputing that. I'm saying this is not a 3-hour difference from normal. This is about a 9-hour difference from normal. It's nowhere close to what the players are used to.

the Knicks don't make a habit of playing at 1 in the afternoon either. So, the game was 6 hours earlier than their normal; this wasn't just the Blazers dealing with a different start time

in other words, 6 of the 9 hours are a wash...both teams were dealing with it. The 3 hour time zone difference was mitigated by the fact the Blazers arrived in Houston on the 27th. They've been in the central or eastern time zones for 10 days. They have adjusted, or at least they should have by this morning

 

[KSF-ERIC]

I saw dame feeding wide open shooters who are brickin it

That’s why Melo has to be on the floor at the end of games.

 

[blazerkor]

Hey @GaryTrentSupporter do you care to back up your historically horrible take on Dame needing to go or do you just put bullshit like that out there to trigger people or are you in agreement that it was one of the worst takes in the history of this forum and that's saying a lot?

Anyway, good luck trying to understand the game and feel free to follow any team other than the Blazers. Bye the way, I'm all for different points of view, it's what makes the world great but I'm against destructive nonsense and although this isn't destructive to the world it is to our world as Blazers fans. The above questions are not rhetorical, so I'd love answers.

 

[blazerkor]

Actually that's the only time I WANT him playing. He get's whistles for him almost every game that are total BS calls.

I don't mind that idea. I just need Melo to realize that he isn't all NBA Melo or all-star Melo or even effective starting Melo anymore. When he's in the game he should get shots that role players take not shots like fade away turnaround Js . He needs to use bully ball/old man game and his ability to hit open spot up shots. If he does these things and breaks off his defender every once in a while, he's a great offensive weapon off of the bench who is really giving good effort with his bad defense... that makes me want him in during the 4th when we need scoring.

 

[kjironman1]

That’s why Melo has to be on the floor at the end of games.

I understand the idea but when the roster gets a bit healthier i would rather not have Melo out there in the fourth other than specific end game situations. Usually defense needs to get tighter in the fourth.
One thing Melo does do well is inbound the ball which is a huge help when the inbounder can catch and shoot.

 

[hoopsjock]

Bad loss? We were the underdogs! Don't let facts get in the way of your narrative my friend!

Have fun spinning a short-handed 3-3 road trip as a negative!

Fun fact: Blazers were actually 1.5 point favorites at tip and lost by 11.

Underdogs? LMAO.

The Knicks 2nd unit knew how to break a trap with a new coach, young roster, and same limited practice time. 9 seasons later and Stotts still hasn't bothered teaching his team a way to beat it even though we all know its coming.

 

[SIeepwalker]

Played Lillard 38+ minutes even though he could barely move just so we could catch a double digit loss.

Amazing.

 

[PCmor7]

the Knicks don't make a habit of playing at 1 in the afternoon either. So, the game was 6 hours earlier than their normal; this wasn't just the Blazers dealing with a different start time

in other words, 6 of the 9 hours are a wash...both teams were dealing with it. The 3 hour time zone difference was mitigated by the fact the Blazers arrived in Houston on the 27th. They've been in the central or eastern time zones for 10 days. They have adjusted, or at least they should have by this morning

Actually, it's already the fourth 1 p.m. or earlier Eastern time start the Knicks have had this season. In fact, it's the second Saturday in a row they've tipped off at 1 p.m.

Their home game with the Heat today is a 1 p.m. tip.

 

[PCmor7]

Another interesting stat about the Knicks playing early game is that they're 3-1 this year in noon or 1 p.m. starts. They beat the Celtics by 30 on Jan. 17 in a 1 p.m. tip. The only loss was against the Clippers and that was a two-point game in the fourth quarter before LA eventually pulled away at the end.

 

[kjironman1]

Fun fact: Blazers were actually 1.5 point favorites

Actually right up to about 15 mins before the game most had the Knicks as favs. But a late surge put Portland up. Probably due to Lillard and DJJ coming off the Injured list.
But yes at the beginning of the game the Blazers were favored.
You can see the line movements here.
https://www.vegasinsider.com/nba/od...ement/trail-blazers-@-knicks.cfm/date/02-6-21

Still i don't see this as a "Bad Loss" in that situation where they got 11 straight shots and 6 clean open looks from 3 at the end that didn't fall. How many times does that happen? Certainly not on a 3-3 roadie as undermanned as they have been with Lillard playing at 50%.

Not sure where the "LMAO" comes from? If you watched and actually paid attention you are fully aware of where 11 points came from. Could very easily been a win. Dame and Gary don't miss those shots often. Melo had a couple clean looks as well.
Why aren't you praising the defense for 6 straight stops to end the game? Guess that doesn't fit right? Didn't the Blazers "Break the Trap" getting all of those clean looks at the end?

Now if you were saying something like "Why did Stotts have Lillard in the game at all?" Now that i could agree with.

Missed your podcast yesterday so not sure if you had asked those questions or gave credit for those defensive stops. I apologize if you did bring those issue up?