Game Thread GAME# 29: RAPTORS @ BLAZERS - DECEMBER 14, 2018 - FRIDAY, 7:00 PM, NBCSNW

[wizenheimer]

WTF happened in 2 days. Pretty sure they didn't even have practice between the MEM game and this one.

well, first of all, Portland has a rotation filled with inconsistent players. That probably includes at least 4 of the starters. Inconsistent players can have a wide variance, game to game, and week to week, in their production & efficiency. Typically, some of those players will be hot and confident, but about the same number will be cold and hesitant. Last night was nearly a perfect storm for Portland. Everybody was wicked hot but CJ and Nurk; and Nurk chipped in with 7 assists, 6 offensive rebounds and some defensive intimidation

it was a confluence of positive circumstance, and it's unrealistic to expect it to be a nightly event. That doesn't mean that Portland has to, or will, drop back into the dumpster-fire they were in over the last month. But it could be that the 'lessons' learned from the game will last a while and the momentum will carry forward

also, as mentioned, Toronto was missing some players, Lowry and Valunciuas particularly, and Siakam left after the hard foul. And Portland was at the Moda...that sure helped

another thing that helped, a lot, is that Portland cut way down on turnovers. they have been averaging over 14 (and over 15 in December) and last night had 8. On a night when Portland shot 51% on FG's and 48% on three's, those 6-7 extra possessions were the difference between winning and losing. That's especially true when Toronto shot 56% on FG's and 58% on three's (which kind of makes me question the claims Portland was playing good defense)

 

[tester551]

well, first of all, Portland has a rotation filled with inconsistent players. That probably includes at least 4 of the starters. Inconsistent players can have a wide variance, game to game, and week to week, in their production & efficiency. Typically, some of those players will be hot and confident, but about the same number will be cold and hesitant. Last night was nearly a perfect storm for Portland. Everybody was wicked hot but CJ and Nurk; and Nurk chipped in with 7 assists, 6 offensive rebounds and some defensive intimidation

it was a confluence of positive circumstance, and it's unrealistic to expect it to be a nightly event. That doesn't mean that Portland has to, or will, drop back into the dumpster-fire they were in over the last month. But it could be that the 'lessons' learned from the game will last a while and the momentum will carry forward

also, as mentioned, Toronto was missing some players, Lowry and Valunciuas particularly, and Siakam left after the hard foul. And Portland was at the Moda...that sure helped

another thing that helped, a lot, is that Portland cut way down on turnovers. they have been averaging over 14 (and over 15 in December) and last night had 8. On a night when Portland shot 51% on FG's and 48% on three's, those 6-7 extra possessions were the difference between winning and losing. That's especially true when Toronto shot 56% on FG's and 58% on three's (which kind of makes me question the claims Portland was playing good defense)

2 things

1) Everyone was 'hot' last night, but it was much more the STYLE they played. I liked that approach much more than the usual game.

2) I forgot to mention CJ's foul on Saikam. It reminded me of Quick's(?) comment about CJ play boarding on cheap & dirty. He wasn't wrong.... Last night was at least the 2nd if not 3rd time this season I thought CJ had a questionable play.

Let me be clear, I know there's no malicious intent... just poor decision making that could really injure the opposing players.

 

[blue9]

Raps shot 56/58/86 and lost

wow

I think that shows just how much of a fluke this win was for us - that sort of shooting will never happen on a consistent basis.

6/8 from Collins
+
5/9 from Turner
+
5/8 from Curry

Good luck replicating that again! Let alone combining it with a 5/11 Aminu and 8/10 Dame. Maybe we see that happen two more times this season? Maybe not at all?

 

[Orion Bailey]

At 220 left in the third brooke mentioned she spoke with Stotts aBout the pace of game.
He said he liked the fast pace. “The less plays we have to run, the better. “

I couldnt help but think the reason is because he doesnt have any plays...

 

[oldmangrouch]

At 220 left in the third brooke mentioned she spoke with Stotts aBout the pace of game.
He said he liked the fast pace. “The less plays we have to run, the better. “

I couldnt help but think the reason is because he doesnt have any plays...

Wow. That is a telling comment. A team of players in their physical primes would normally benefit from a faster pace.

 

[tykendo]

The Raptors got hot from 3 at the end , but a great defensive play by Dame ended the run.

 

[Lanny]

Meh. We're playing terribly. I'll be shocked if we dont lose our next two games.

May I administer the electricity?