Game Thread GAME# 48: BLAZERS @ BUCKS - JANUARY 31, 2015 - SATURDAY, 5:30 PM (PST), CSNNW (2 Viewers)

[KingSpeed]

On the bright side at least we didnt waste another big lma performance. I dont blame him for going out of his way to do more

He had a very good performance tonight.

 

[oldmangrouch]

This isn't a "slump" - this team is busted up. LMA won't be 100% recovered until the off-season. Batum looks like a shell of himself. If Dame is healthy, I'll eat my Blazers hat! Wes always seems to be battling minor injuries.

Since the team can't survive shutting anybody else down for an extended period - what can they do?

 

[KingSpeed]

I haven't even watched a game in awhile. Just not interested right now. This team just needs to get into the playoffs. This is looking very similar to last year, great start, went into a free fall....played .500 ball for awhile, then we finished the season strong. We are now definitely in our free fall stage.

Exactly. We played sub .500 ball for a 32 game stretch and still played very well in the playoffs. How we played at the end of January won't matter much when we're playing in May.

 

[Strenuus]

EXACTLY. Be glad for our cushion. We worked really hard for that so that we could sustain these tough times and not fall out of the playoffs. We had almost no injuries last year, 4 starters played every game, and we are playing almost as well this year with TONS of injuries. Every single one of our starters has a major injury right now. Yet, they are soldiering on and giving it their best. You guys KNOW I'm a big fan that lives and breathes this team and I'm telling you, relax. We have a LOT to be happy about.

That's why I'm glad Memphis won against OKC... because that may be the only way we get the 4th seed. lol.

 

[KingSpeed]

This isn't a "slump" - this team is busted up. LMA won't be 100% recovered until the off-season. Batum looks like a shell of himself. If Dame is healthy, I'll eat my Blazers hat! Wes always seems to be battling minor injuries.

Since the team can't survive shutting anybody else down for an extended period - what can they do?

Welcome to February. 21 days of rest. 6 home games. Only 3 games on the road. The perfect time to recover and get some wins back up on the board.

 

[Strenuus]

Exactly. We played sub .500 ball for a 32 game stretch and still played very well in the playoffs. How we played at the end of January won't matter much when we're playing in May.

I do vaugely remember you telling me last year to sweat out every game because they are huge. Interesting.

 

[KingSpeed]

That's why I'm glad Memphis won against OKC... because that may be the only way we get the 4th seed. lol.

OKC has New Orleans and Phoenix to worry about before they even think of catching us.

 

[Strenuus]

OKC has New Orleans and Phoenix to worry about before they even think of catching us.

Then we do, too.

 

[KeepOnRollin]

Speed can be so bipolar. One night the sky is falling and he says season over and the next he is the only one defending the team from everyone else jumping off the cliff.

 

[KingSpeed]

I do vaugely remember you telling me last year to sweat out every game because they are huge. Interesting.

I never say to sweat but I've definitely evolved as a fan. During our collapse last season, I was MISERABLE. Not gonna do that this year. We made it to second round after all was said and done last year. And we lost to a team that no one could beat. This year, our defense is MUCH improved especially when Lopez gets back.

 

[KingSpeed]

Speed can be so bipolar. One night the sky is falling and he says season over and the next he is the only one defending the team from everyone else jumping off the cliff.

I've never said "season over" this year or that the sky is falling. I'm different this year. I see the total picture.

 

[PDXFonz]

This has nothing to do with my Rockets thread or me for that matter though the Rockets did lose to Detroit tonight.

Took it too far bro. Now the crow is out to get you!!

 

[KingSpeed]

Then we do, too.

No, we don't. We dominated NO twice and nearly beat Phoenix in Phoenix without Lopez and Aldridge. We are going to be a playoff team.

 

[Strenuus]

I never say to sweat but I've definitely evolved as a fan. During our collapse last season, I was MISERABLE. Not gonna do that this year. We made it to second round after all was said and done last year. And we lost to a team that no one could beat. This year, our defense is MUCH improved especially when Lopez gets back.

Fair enough. I can respect that.

 

[KingSpeed]

Took it too far bro. Now the crow is out to get you!!

Since that thread, Detroit has played better and Houston has played worse.

 

[KingSpeed]

Fair enough. I can respect that.

 

[KingSpeed]

Welcome to February. 19 days of rest. 6 home games. Only 3 games on the road. The perfect time to recover and get some wins back up on the board.

Edit: 19, not 21

 

[Strenuus]

I LOVE YOU MAN! Bring it in!

... that was damn good beer!

 

[BigGameDamian]

We had a 14-18 stretch last season and we still got the 5 seed and made it to the second round and lost to a team that no one could beat. Teams have bad stretches. We have a better record than the champs. We've been one of the most injured teams in the entire league. Batum, Aldridge, Lopez, and Freeland have missed lots of games. Even CJ and Crabbe had injuries. And we're still 32-16. Why can't you appreciate what we HAVE done?

Aldridge hasn't hasn't missed a lot of games and Batum is just playing like shit. But for the most part I do agree with you. It's probably not as bad as some people make it out to be. With that said I think the Blazers could definitely use some bench help.

 

[Kontrarian]

Well, one way or another, we'll see if Biebs starting is a disaster or if a bunch of forum posters know more than our offensive genius coach.

I assume Biebs = Leonard?
Coach pulled him too early I think, about 7 minutes in.
He didn't get the jump ball but he was 2 of 3 for 4pts and got 1 dreb in 7 minutes.
Then he gets pulled and is glued to the bench until there is 1 minute left in the game and the coach throws in the towel.

Our rotations were pretty ugly tonight.
It kind of looked like Stotts didn't know who to put out there so he was just winging it and seeing if anything worked.
Example, Stotts started Leonard instead of Kaman (worth a try), but then he brings Kaman in with CJ instead of Blake.
We need to see the Blake/Kaman combo more in the second unit.
In the end Leonard and Kaman combined for 18 minutes but some how T. Rob got 24 minutes.
T. Rob did have the best +/- for the game, but being out there with good minutes along with the starters can do that.

I love T. Rob, so I'm not hatinig, I'm just pointing out how odd our rotations were.

 

[HailBlazers]

Rolo can't come back soon enough.

 

[Strenuus]

I assume Biebs = Leonard?
Coach pulled him too early I think, about 7 minutes in.
He didn't get the jump ball but he was 2 of 3 for 4pts and got 1 dreb in 7 minutes.
Then he gets pulled and is glued to the bench until there is 1 minute left in the game and the coach throws in the towel.

Our rotations were pretty ugly tonight.
It kind of looked like Stotts didn't know who to put out there so he was just winging it and seeing if anything worked.
Example, Stotts started Leonard instead of Kaman (worth a try), but then he brings Kaman in with CJ instead of Blake.
We need to see the Blake/Kaman combo more in the second unit.
In the end Leonard and Kaman combined for 18 minutes but some how T. Rob got 24 minutes.
T. Rob did have the best +/- for the game, but being out there with good minutes along with the starters can do that.

I love T. Rob, so I'm not hatinig, I'm just pointing out how odd our rotations were.

Yeah. His roations were awful tonight. Beibs (Yes, Leonard) did fine, then no more playing time. How can any bench players feel like they can produce and get solid minutes if the only way to get ANY minutes is by an unfortunate injury or being on a b2b? Ugggh. Stotts is just not going to cut it at the 'next level'. (Past 2nd round, etc.) As the head coach, he can't, at least. I hope he proves me wrong, but there are strong doubts.

By the way, I heard Beibs started because it was a B2B.

 

[stampedehero]

We need balanced scoring with our starting 5. That is what they were all about last year was how balanced our scoring was. Of course, it is fun when LMA or Dame goes off for a huge scoring night and I'm not saying it won't result in wins, but this is getting pretty stupid that LMA had two huge games while the rest of our players can barely score in the teens. Our play resembles that of a lottery team wondering if we will get the number 1 pick in the draft.

Sadly our balanced scoring really is dependent on three guys now and days: Aldridge, Wes, and Dame. Batum sucks and should fuck off to rest and Kaman is better suited for his 6th man role. And now that Wes and Dame are MIA we are no better than Philly or the Knicks.

Oh No Don't say the Knicks or Sixers I live in the midst of these two franchises and they are far worse off then the Blazers. I agree the team lost its balanced scoring and can't finish at the end. Apparant;y Batum is the whipped prisoner lately. What a bashing !

 

[stampedehero]

Need rolo for a win streak rebound

 

[stampedehero]

If you have the creeps from the losing streak of 8 of 10, don't feel bad the Spurs (World Champs) have less wins then we do Since we beat the Wizards they are 31-17 as well

 

[MAS RipCity]

Stotts is a good coach, but his rotations are abysmal. Leonard has been playing well lately, earns the start, and only logs seven minutes? Why do players like Wright and Barton only get time in the second-half? It seems like he's throwing anything at the wall and seeing if it sticks ... which I guess happens when you lose 8 of 10. But I feel like he's had these poor rotations his entire stay in Portland.

Our bench may not be the most productive, but the inconsistent playing time for the second unit (aside from Blake and Kaman) won't make anyone better. Pick a fucking rotation and stick with it. Lastly, what the hell is up with Allen Crabbe's playing time? It's like he either starts or sits ... I just don't get it.

 

[stampedehero]

Rotation is vital. Many people do not realize player chemistry and roles are integrated into a game. You know..

 

[stampedehero]

Yeah. His roations were awful tonight. Beibs (Yes, Leonard) did fine, then no more playing time. How can any bench players feel like they can produce and get solid minutes if the only way to get ANY minutes is by an unfortunate injury or being on a b2b? Ugggh. Stotts is just not going to cut it at the 'next level'. (Past 2nd round, etc.) As the head coach, he can't, at least. I hope he proves me wrong, but there are strong doubts.

By the way, I heard Beibs started because it was a B2B.

> Blake/Kaman makes sense. Both guys are Basketballers not GQ material. even tuxedos could not improve their looks However, Defense and timely threes are what we really need.