Game Thread GAME# 64: BLAZERS @ GRIZZLIES - MARCH 5, 2018 - TUESDAY, 5:00 PM, NBCSNW

[JDC]

I just want to note that this is what frustrates me and leads to threads going off the rails. Myself (and @BonesJones) name specific examples of coaching deficiencies that worry us and the response we get often questions the expertise level of the poster and that this season isn't the same as last season. At least @riverman stated that he thinks the added depth, Nurk improvement, and Mo's health will help in the playoffs. We can then have a discussion about whether or not that will help. Everyone is entitled to their opinion so it's fine for me to then disagree that depth really helps in the playoffs if a team takes Dame out of the equation. Either of us could be right when the playoffs come around so it's fine for people to think differently.

What I don't think is alright is for people to try and discredit someone's opinion citing reasons like "you aren't in every practice", "you're not an NBA coach", "you need to get a life and not waste so much time on the Blazers", or "we don't know what will happen in the playoffs yet". Those comments don't add anything to the discussion.

I think this comes from disagreements in philosophy being characterized as mistakes or a lack of preparation on Stotts. Those are two very different things and anybody claiming differently are blatantly ignoring the limited information we work with as fans where the action on the floor / result of a play or game is nearly all we have to form our opinions of Stotts.

Arguing about and hearing the same shit also gets just as annoying (more imo) than watching it play out in games for those that don't agree with some of Stotts' strategic choices, which imo is the root source of some of the angsty responses people have during these Stotts "discussions".

 

[Hoopguru]

This is to all of us...Wouldn't it be best when you convey an opinion or take, rather than come across like the official experts, and a matter of factly, don't question my expertise, to just preface your comment or opinion by stating, imo or I believe? Or, I don't know about the rest of you, but I feel or see, blah blah blah.

 

[wizenheimer]

This is to all of us...Wouldn't it be best when you convey an opinion or take, rather than come across like the official experts, and a matter of factly, don't question my expertise, to just preface your comment or opinion by stating, imo or I believe? Or, I don't know about the rest of you, but I feel or see, blah blah blah.

hmmmm


in my view, my guess would be, if I'm reading things right, which I might not be, that a 50% increase in qualifiers like 'IMO' & such would result in a net decrease in arguments of exactly 0%....I might be wrong though

shit that was painful

 

[tlongII]

I have it on good authority that if we had played Meyers in the 4th quarter we would not have lost the game last night.

 

[Hoopguru]

hmmmm


in my view, my guess would be, if I'm reading things right, which I might not be, that a 50% increase in qualifiers like 'IMO' & such would result in a net decrease in arguments of exactly 0%....I might be wrong though

shit that was painful

Your probably right...

 

[blue9]

This is to all of us...Wouldn't it be best when you convey an opinion or take, rather than come across like the official experts, and a matter of factly, don't question my expertise, to just preface your comment or opinion by stating, imo or I believe? Or, I don't know about the rest of you, but I feel or see, blah blah blah.

I believe that it's my opinion that Terry Stotts is a turd of a coach. Anyone who says differently can eat a Terry Stotts!

 

[handiman]

We deserve to be bashed constantly. We're inconsistent, subjective, and all-around inadequate. In fact, if people would pay more attention to the poor moderating than to the unnecessarily inflammatory posting, this would be a much better place.

PP just let the cat out of the bag! S2 Moderators are, in fact, NBA refs!

Can we wager on a Mod's game thread, like the over/under until it goes off the rails?

I have been hearing this argument for years all the way back to Adelman who was labeled too rigid, won't change rotations and doesn't make adjustments. It's the same story for every coach the Blazers have had.

As I recall, Dunleavy was the one exception to that rule, being flexible enough to do things like continually put Kobe in the post and expose his defensive liabilities, forcing the other team to adjust. Not surprisingly, that coincided with Trader Bob being the most non-conservative GM we've had. Even Adelman become known as one of the most innovative coaches after Portland. Face it, it's the Portland mindset. This franchise is great at staying relevant, but paranoid about the backlash of bold moves that don't pan out. Like minds get hired.

 

[Hoopguru]

I believe that it's my opinion that Terry Stotts is a turd of a coach. Anyone who says differently can eat a Terry Stotts!

I think feelings are not right or wrong, there just feelings!

 

[CupWizier]

I just want to note that this is what frustrates me and leads to threads going off the rails. Myself (and @BonesJones) name specific examples of coaching deficiencies that worry us and the response we get often questions the expertise level of the poster and that this season isn't the same as last season. At least @riverman stated that he thinks the added depth, Nurk improvement, and Mo's health will help in the playoffs. We can then have a discussion about whether or not that will help. Everyone is entitled to their opinion so it's fine for me to then disagree that depth really helps in the playoffs if a team takes Dame out of the equation. Either of us could be right when the playoffs come around so it's fine for people to think differently.

What I don't think is alright is for people to try and discredit someone's opinion citing reasons like "you aren't in every practice", "you're not an NBA coach", "you need to get a life and not waste so much time on the Blazers", or "we don't know what will happen in the playoffs yet". Those comments don't add anything to the discussion.

If you don't like readingv my posts and you don't think i add anything, ignore my posts and move on rather than trying to stir the pot. I do it quite often with your posts. Especially the ones that are laced with fuck almost every other word. You are far from perfect.

 

[CupWizier]

You guys are obviously missing my point. We are making the same mistakes that have plagued us in the playoffs. It's not about berating the players, it's about continuing to play a style that falls apart when teams take away Dame on the pick and roll and a failure to try a different pick and roll scheme on defense when an opposing player is going off hitting shot after shot in his comfort zone.

How many playoff series do we need to see before realizing the current approach isn't the best for post season success? What leads you guys to believe this year will be different?

The last 3 years we have played 3 different teams in the playoffs and one of them has been NBA champs twice in the past and lost only 1 game the year we got swept by GS. The other team is out of the playoffs and only a shell of what they were last year so do we really know how we will compete this year? And the 3rd we beat in the 1st round. I don't think so. It seeems there is a faction in this f ch orum that works way to hard in discrediting this team. I'm having a blast watching this team. Learn to enjoy the team rather than nitpicking the negatives and dwelling on them.

 

[kjironman1]

My answer is we are not the same team and that very few teams that will be in the playoffs aren't the same team. Pelicans are significantly different and won't even make the playoffs. We also don't know who we will face and who has home court Too many variables.

There are many differences.
First- Mo Harkless is not a week out of surgery.
Second- They have implemented as many as four different looks out of the PnR using not only Liillard but also Layman
Third- Nurk is playing and passing better.
Fourth- Aminu, Harkless, Layman, are all a threat to actually hit a three.
Fifth- Curry is a better shooter than Pat Con
Sixth- They have added a guy that can create a bit in Rodney Hood
Seventh- Kanter can score. Anyone who thinks different isn't watching the games.

Yes i can come up with more. But honestly why? People trying to bash this team and the coach are going to continue to do so.

Hope you all enjoy the season.

 

[kjironman1]

The last 3 years we have only played 2 different teams in the playoffs and one of them has been NBA champs twice in the past and only lost only 1 game the year we got swept by GS. The other team is out of the playoffs and only a shell of what they were last year so do we really know how we will compete this year? I don't think so. It seeems there is a faction in this f ch orum that works way to hard in discrediting this team. I'm having a blast watching this team. Learn to enjoy the team rather than nitpicking the negatives and dwelling on them.

I'll add to that because they will most certainly try to make you look bad.
The last three years they played 3 teams. They beat the Clippers in the first round but don't want to talk about that because Paul got hurt so it doesn't count in their book.

 

[kjironman1]

Then of course Steph Curry was hurt for the game they beat GS. So that doesn't count either. Right?

 

[Orion Bailey]

I have a book he can borrow if needed!!

A book? It's the 21st century. You tube baby.

Beat me too it.

 

[bobf]

I don’t know much about the Xs and Os of basketball like many of you. But I know for sure that if they are taking away Dame and CJ down the stretch the solution is NOT for Dame and CJ to force the issue. The solution is to take what they give you. If that means Aminu and Harkless have to win the game then that’s what it means. A 37% three from Aminu is better (way better) than Dame or CJ trying to beat multiple defenders who are locked in and whistles are hard to come by. This kind of decision to take what they give you should be routine and taken with in your face confidence.

 

[CupWizier]

I'll add to that because they will most certainly try to make you look bad.
The last three years they played 3 teams. They beat the Clippers in the first round but don't want to talk about that because Paul got hurt so it doesn't count in their book.

Oops thanks for the correction. I always love how some of "our" fans give other teams injury excuses, but down play it when we have injuries and follow it up with "injuries are part of the game". It's almost like 2 different set of rules

 

[Hoopguru]

Dame:
“That’s easy for somebody who doesn’t have to go out there and play to say,” Lillard said. “First of all, we’ve been out on the road for about three weeks (counting the all-star break), traveling city to city and playing tough teams, and then we came here to play an NBA team. We didn’t come here to play the Washington Generals. They’ve got good players. I think that’s more disrespectful to them than anything.

“(Fans) don’t understand it. They don’t have to do what we do. I don’t expect anything else – for somebody to say, ‘Oh, we lost. We crashed.’ I don’t think we crashed. We lost. They played well.”

 

[Orion Bailey]

Omg. I cant read this anymore. Second to last page and its like a gradeschool for a few.

I dont know if i have ever seen one person stir up so much shit and then deny it.....

I was gonna say more but its sooo not worth the time knowing it will go in one eye and out the other.... like usual....


@BonesJones i see the truth. You make a statement, someoen else disagrees, you debate back and then you are the one who causes arguments.....

Its all you and never those who disagree and insult you simultaneously....

 

[kjironman1]

Oops thanks for the correction. I always love how some of "our" fans give other teams injury excuses, but down play it when we have injuries and follow it up with "injuries are part of the game". It's almost like 2 different set of rules

Last year not only Mo was hurt but Turner was gimpy and dame was dealing with a new baby. But none of that counts.

 

[CupWizier]

Dame:
“That’s easy for somebody who doesn’t have to go out there and play to say,” Lillard said. “First of all, we’ve been out on the road for about three weeks (counting the all-star break), traveling city to city and playing tough teams, and then we came here to play an NBA team. We didn’t come here to play the Washington Generals. They’ve got good players. I think that’s more disrespectful to them than anything.

“(Fans) don’t understand it. They don’t have to do what we do. I don’t expect anything else – for somebody to say, ‘Oh, we lost. We crashed.’ I don’t think we crashed. We lost. They played well.”

Dame just simply gets it and always has a level head about himself.

 

[CupWizier]

Omg. I cant read this anymore. Second to last page and its like a gradeschool for a few.

I dont know if i have ever seen one person stir up so much shit and then deny it.....

I was gonna say more but its sooo not worth the time knowing it will go in one eye and out the other.... like usual....


@BonesJones i see the truth. You make a statement, someoen else disagrees, you debate back and then you are the one who causes arguments.....

Its all you and never those who disagree and insult you simultaneously....

Cute. BJ has plenty off issues in the forum and he is the one that plays victim and blames others.

 

[TBpup]

I'll add to that because they will most certainly try to make you look bad.
The last three years they played 3 teams. They beat the Clippers in the first round but don't want to talk about that because Paul got hurt so it doesn't count in their book.

Some guy named Griffin also got hurt. Take two all-stars off of a team.....and you BETTER damn well beat them. They really struggled to win game 6 even without those two. Glad they won....but not going to ignore the reality of the situation.

 

[CupWizier]

Some guy named Griffin also got hurt. Take two all-stars off of a team.....and you BETTER damn well beat them. They really struggled to win game 6 even without those two. Glad they won....but not going to ignore the reality of the situation.

Injuries are a fact of life and unless you are new to the NBA on any given night any team can beat another. There are so many examples avaible for you.You have to give credit to teams that remain relatively healthy throughout a season and in the playoffs as well.

 

[kjironman1]

Some guy named Griffin also got hurt. Take two all-stars off of a team.....and you BETTER damn well beat them. They really struggled to win game 6 even without those two. Glad they won....but not going to ignore the reality of the situation.

Totally agree taking two all stars off any team would make a huge difference. But it does stand to be noted that they had 3 of them. and the Warriors had a few also.

 

[hoopsjock]

I'll add to that because they will most certainly try to make you look bad.
The last three years they played 3 teams. They beat the Clippers in the first round but don't want to talk about that because Paul got hurt so it doesn't count in their book.

Actually, I've been one of the only people both on here and on O-Live that has said time and time again that the Clippers series would have been winnable even without the injuries. We were up big in game 4 when both of those guys got hurt so the series would've been likely tied 2-2 anyway and the Clippers were notorious for choking series away.

So no, you're 100% wrong by implying that people who bash Stotts only think we won that series because of injuries. Nice try though.

 

[hoopsjock]

If you don't like readingv my posts and you don't think i add anything, ignore my posts and move on rather than trying to stir the pot. I do it quite often with your posts. Especially the ones that are laced with fuck almost every other word. You are far from perfect.

Gee this post added so much to the conversation about basketball. Good job Cup, thanks for proving my point.

 

[TorturedBlazerFan]

Actually, I've been one of the only people both on here and on O-Live that has said time and time again that the Clippers series would have been winnable even without the injuries. We were up big in game 4 when both of those guys got hurt so the series would've been likely tied 2-2 anyway and the Clippers were notorious for choking series away.

So no, you're 100% wrong by implying that people who bash Stotts only think we won that series because of injuries. Nice try though.

One of the only people?
I don't know if they would've won it but when the injuries occurred it looked like Portland had figured them out a bit. I'm glad you say that, I agree 100% they were at least going to make that a really tough series even if Paul and Griffin didn't get hurt.

 

[THE HCP]

What does his life/job have to do with the Blazers?

I ask myself the SAME thing when 2, USED to be 3, certain posters (ironically who liked your post) say the same thing about me. Claiming that because I work for the team I should do things a certain way. Or because of who I work for, I am treated a certain way. What you do on here shouldn’t matter.
I’m actually curious what all these self proclaimed experts actually do for a living. It would be interesting to know.

 

[kjironman1]

Actually, I've been one of the only people both on here and on O-Live that has said time and time again that the Clippers series would have been winnable even without the injuries. We were up big in game 4 when both of those guys got hurt so the series would've been likely tied 2-2 anyway and the Clippers were notorious for choking series away.

So no, you're 100% wrong by implying that people who bash Stotts only think we won that series because of injuries. Nice try though.

That was a response to cup because he said two teams. The Clippers were the team they beat and of course i got a response almost immediately about them losing two all stars. No biggie. I know where you have stood Hoops.

 

[TorturedBlazerFan]

I ask myself the SAME thing when a 2, used to be 3, certain posters (ironically who liked your post) say the same thing about me. Claiming that because I work for the team I should do things a certain way. Or because of who I work for, I treated a certain way.
I’m actually curious what all these self proclaimed experts actually do for a living. It would be interesting to know.

Do the Blazers treat you well because you work for them? heh