Game Thread GAME# 43: BLAZERS @ MAVERICKS - JANUARY 17, 2020 - FRIDAY, 6:30 PM, ESPN & NBCSNW

[Neil O. Shyster]

Is it just me or are teams always playing us not at full strength?

That’s why I hate using injuries as an excuse... you are telling me Finney-Smith, Howard, and Kleber are better than CJ, Melo, and Whiteside?! We have a terrible coach!

 

[BonesJones]

Lamar Hurd even trying to figure out a nice way to say how dumb it is to play a zone against this team.

Stotts could hedge pick n rolls, but nah, he goes to a zone against a team killing us from 3. What a genius.

 

[BonesJones]

Lillard has been absolutely horrible on some key plays. He needs to get his head out of his ass.

What the fuck? Dude was questionable with the flu and has come out and balled out...

 

[KSF-ERIC]

Memphis has won 7 in a row

Good for them. They are young. I doubt they’ll win more than 34 games. Which won’t be enough.

 

[BonesJones]

We went in a zone but they didn't play the zone right.

It doesn't matter if we do play it right... The weaknesses of a zone are:
1.) It gives up open 3s
2.) It gives up driving lanes if the offense moves the ball
3.) It gives up offensive rebounds
4.) In the NBA, it's easy to pick up defensive 3 second calls

Please tell me how that makes any sense to run in this game.

 

[Chris Craig]

There should be a injured team exception.

 

[kjironman1]

If that would've happened CJ probably wouldn't have gotten hurt though so yeah.

You do realize Dame was on the bench when CJ got hurt right?

 

[Tince]

That’s why I hate using injuries as an excuse... you are telling me Finney-Smith, Howard, and Kleber are better than CJ, Melo, and Whiteside?! We have a terrible coach!

I'd take Dallas' three conidering they would have a one man advantage. Most NBA players should be able to win 3 on 2.

 

[James lamphear]

I don't understand Mario guarding Luka from the side when he not getting help. To me useless playing D like that.

 

[hoopsjock]

You do realize Dame was on the bench when CJ got hurt right?

But everything that happened from warmups to starting lineups and after the tip would've been different.

 

[DUB]

I’m with Luka there, I thought that was a charge.

 

[illmatic99]

Bazmore is worse than Aminu. Anytime he gets in the break, we turn it over

 

[illmatic99]

I’m with Luka there, I thought that was a charge.

moving

 

[VenomXL]

Strong move from Dame.

 

[DUB]

Yeah Dame! Great fight!

 

[kjironman1]

They are playing Bazemore, Mario, and Trent with Dame and Whiteside without rest.
Lillard will end up playing 40 mins sick and Whiteside will most likely foul out.
Melo has to at least rest a couple mins.
The Mavs will wear them down.
Blazers need to find a way to keep it close?

 

[hoopsjock]

Please, please, please, please, please have the player guarding the screener hedge a pick when Luka has the ball. Our defense is literally saying here Luka take this open shot!

 

[hoopsjock]

They are playing Bazemore, Mario, and Trent with Dame and Whiteside without rest.
Lillard will end up playing 40 mins sick and Whiteside will most likely foul out.
Melo has to at least rest a couple mins.
The Mavs will wear them down.
Blazers need to find a way to keep it close?

And they play tomorrow night, lol.

 

[VenomXL]

Wow. Big shot by Baze to get it to single digits.

 

[kjironman1]

Defensive intensity is gone.

 

[Tince]

I'll probably get ripped for saying this, but for Portland to play Dallas even that quarter under the circumstances is very impressive.

 

[Neil O. Shyster]

This 1st possession is important... cut it to 6-7 and it’s a ball game

 

[DDolla]

Don’t worry guys, we will win this one on Dame last second shot

 

[James lamphear]

Dame didn't even try to get around that last screen. He might little tire but if not going to hedge against that pick there going continue have open shots.

 

[DUB]

moving

Doesn’t matter if you’re moving, as long as you’re first to the position.

 

[kjironman1]

Please, please, please, please, please have the player guarding the screener hedge a pick when Luka has the ball. Our defense is literally saying here Luka take this open shot!

You guys keep saying hedge the pick. But the Blazers don’t have a player strong enough and mobile enough to do it. Exactly who do you want on the floor doing it?

 

[KSF-ERIC]

You do realize Dame was on the bench when CJ got hurt right?

Every play and rotation would’ve been different if Dame didn’t play.

 

[wizenheimer]

Portland doesn't have a chance if Lillard sits, but they can't play him 44 minutes

 

[James lamphear]

I’m with Luka there, I thought that was a charge.

He move little sideways so it was correct call.

 

[kjironman1]

So now we want Melo to start hedging picks? Give me a break?