Lets look at a few things that stand out from the box score of last game.
First- Cj was back and like a few posters predicted he was on a limited minutes type situation. He played just over 26 mins. He started and looked to be moving well. Made a couple shots. He did tire quickly and it was obvious to me he will have to play his way back into shape. Don't expect to see the same CJ they had at the beginning of the season for about 2 weeks i would think? I hate the +/- stat but he was only out done by Nassir Little on that issue.
Stotts quickly pulled CJ when he looked winded in the second half for Trent. It was obvious CJ couldn't stay in front of anyone and the Pels were going right at him. CJ did do a 4-5 min stretch in the 4th but that was when the teams were trading baskets. The Blazers needed defense as well as offense so back came in Gary Trent who was able to switch and he went 3 of 4 FG's in the 4th quarter making 1-2 from 3 point. CJ did play spot minutes at the very end for possessions in and out.
Overall it was not a bad first outing for CJ but against this team the Blazers will need more Gary Trent than a "Trying to get back into shape" CJ.
Second- Enes Kanter was obviously overmatched by the Pelicans. He had a bad game that could have been a bunch better had he made a few layins he usually makes. Also he was not getting any love from the Refs? Some games are called different and he gets some calls. When he does he usually makes his free throws. Last game he only got one call and he did make the two shots. Still Kater was 4-6 from the field but when Damian Lillard out rebounds you for the game you got to be better. He ended up with 5 rebounds. Zero offensive rebounds? That is unlike Enes Kanter? SVG was placing Steven Adams in to mitigate what Kanter brings and it worked very well. Nurk if healthy and in shape is a better option against Adams.
Third- 3 point shooting. The Blazers ended up shooting 41% from 3 but it was elevated by a 55% 4th quarter. If they shoot well it has an effect on defense. Lots of times people say defense leads to offense. I believe this as well. When you get a stop and the other team has to hustle back quickly then watch a pull up three splash then gather against a defense that is set only to have it happen again it is absolutely demoralizing and it drains the energy right out of them to get back a second and third time only to have Lillard throw another dagger!
On the flip side making the three gives them as much as another 2-3 seconds to get back and communicate on defense so offense can also lead to defense. The Blazers need to make open looks to get back on defense because they are not a great defensive team as it is. They need all the help they can get. If they come out shooting lights out games like this can be over quickly. Problem here is the overall schedule will not permit the kind of rest it takes to be "lights out" from three like we have seen in the past.
Here is the Two Minute report on the last game which a bunch of Pels fans are complaining about. Not just the foul on Lillard but the non call with .6 second left.
https://official.nba.com/l2m/L2MReport.html?gameId=0022000614
This games pick is Kanter. If he can get some traction and get some calls he could make a difference. They need a better game from Enes Kanter.
Go Blazers!
Kjironman is a fan!!!
