Game Thread GAME# 80: THUNDER @ BLAZERS - APRIL 6, 2016 - WEDNESDAY, 7:00 PM (PDT), KGW

[BonesJones]

Feast or famine. I warned you guys. The guy is on and off. He slumps like a muthafucka.

I guess he had to follow that hot streak with performances like this lately.

Amazing leader though ill give him that

No shit there's 2 sides to every coin. You just only harp on one side.

Coin flips tails: "Oh my god guys, it's fricken tails!!! Ive warned you guys, this coin comes up tails like a mothafucka! After that stretch of heads the coin had to go famine and go tails lately! It's a shiny coin though I'll give it that"

Coin flips heads: *silence*

 

[BonesJones]

I agree. I been telling everybody too. I don't see what the point of the playoffs is.

But hey we're in the playoffs!!

Everything remotely positive or even nuetral that you say is conditional.

"She's a dumbass, an asshole, and a bitch. But hey she's beautiful" type of thinking

 

[BonesJones]

Soft

What's soft...?

 

[BonesJones]

It's simple odds. Are you winning a championship more likely or hitting a home run with a late lottery pick/trade?? I'll take draft

What's more likely, getting a big name free agent because of making playoffs or hitting a "home run" in the draft? I'll take the free agent.

 

[Sinobas]

Not bad for a team with the lowest payroll in the league.

 

[Natebishop3]

What's soft...?

Me.... right now.... he killed my erection.

 

[Draco]

Great win. 4th in 5 nights is the hardest schedule in the NBA. Playing against the reserves we were almost makes it harder than playing starters; those guys were playing hard. OKC has good depth too; this isn't like playing the Pelicans backups or the 6ers. Kanter is as effective as Cousins on offense; not just against us he puts up huge numbers against the whole league. Problem is he's the worst defender in the game. We were to tired to take advantage.

Aminu has been a beast on offense at PF. He's a difficult matchup. Harkless is so physically dominant as a SF. They can switch on defense. Their so long it almost feels like we have a couple of Rudy Goberts out there on defense at the forward spots. Really stoked to see how our starting lineup plays in the playoffs. Still need a couple things to break right to clinch a date with the Clippers but that certainly seems to be our likely opponent. They are vulnerable. At the same time they have all the pressure to win.

Been impressed how Dame has taken a back seat a few of these games when his shot isn't falling. He needs to keep doing that; trust his teammates, find the open man, take what the defense gives him.

 

[42N8Bounce]

For those supporters of tanking, I've posted this before, but here's my take -

1. I enjoy watching the team win. I have a hard time rooting for them to lose for any reason.
2. Chip and a chair. If you don't make it to the table, you have no chance of winning. I enjoy the playoffs. Yes, that may mean getting our buts kicked, but I still enjoy rooting for my team.
3. I think building a winning culture outweighs tanking.
4. I think the positive news from this team making the playoffs this year will help attract better quality free agents.
5. We lose our pick soon either way. I say get it over with and move on. Yes, I'd rather have the pick earlier than later, but that's a minor factor to me since the development of a draft pick in the late lottery typically takes 3-4 year.

Many teams struggle for years doing everything they can just to make it to the playoffs (see Sacramento). We lose 4 out of our 5 starters, and we never dropped out of the playoffs. I'm excited to be a fan of this team.

 

[oldmangrouch]

What's soft...?

Don't ask dude.....he might SHOW you!

 

[oldmangrouch]

For those supporters of tanking, I've posted this before, but here's my take -

1. I enjoy watching the team win. I have a hard time rooting for them to lose for any reason.
2. Chip and a chair. If you don't make it to the table, you have no chance of winning. I enjoy the playoffs. Yes, that may mean getting our buts kicked, but I still enjoy rooting for my team.
3. I think building a winning culture outweighs tanking.
4. I think the positive news from this team making the playoffs this year will help attract better quality free agents.
5. We lose our pick soon either way. I say get it over with and move on. Yes, I'd rather have the pick earlier than later, but that's a minor factor to me since the development of a draft pick in the late lottery typically takes 3-4 year.

Many teams struggle for years doing everything they can just to make it to the playoffs (see Sacramento). We lose 4 out of our 5 starters, and we never dropped out of the playoffs. I'm excited to be a fan of this team.

I can agree with #1,2, and 5.

 

[Draco]

For those supporters of tanking, I've posted this before, but here's my take -

1. I enjoy watching the team win. I have a hard time rooting for them to lose for any reason.
2. Chip and a chair. If you don't make it to the table, you have no chance of winning. I enjoy the playoffs. Yes, that may mean getting our buts kicked, but I still enjoy rooting for my team.
3. I think building a winning culture outweighs tanking.
4. I think the positive news from this team making the playoffs this year will help attract better quality free agents.
5. We lose our pick soon either way. I say get it over with and move on. Yes, I'd rather have the pick earlier than later, but that's a minor factor to me since the development of a draft pick in the late lottery typically takes 3-4 year.

Many teams struggle for years doing everything they can just to make it to the playoffs (see Sacramento). We lose 4 out of our 5 starters, and we never dropped out of the playoffs. I'm excited to be a fan of this team.

Funny thing is we did try to tank. Neil Olshey opted for more home back to backs when the NBA gives the option to have an easier schedule. We started Noah Vonleh for two thirds of the season. This roster and these coaches are too damn good for the tanking to take hold.

 

[BlazerCaravan]

Funny thing is we did try to tank. Neil Olshey opted for more home back to backs when the NBA gives the option to have an easier schedule. We started Noah Vonleh for two thirds of the season. This roster and these coaches are too damn good for the tanking to take hold.

The best thing about a tank job is that, if you do it right, it's win/win: if you lose a bunch because you're putting bad talent out there, you get a pick. If you put talent out there and they thrive, you win games and get to keep the apparently good talent you assembled.

 

[Strenuus]

The best thing about a tank job is that, if you do it right, it's win/win: if you lose a bunch because you're putting bad talent out there, you get a pick. If you put talent out there and they thrive, you win games and get to keep the apparently good talent you assembled.

But they might cost more. That might be the only argument.

But damn, I don't mind paying Hark some money!!!

 

[BonesJones]

Lol hey man I'm just listening to what the homers are saying. I been telling them for awhile the season has been a success already let's keep our asset Bc our defense is beyond trash and the playoffs is pointless

So what do you tell the guys? Hey, you've had a great season, but we really value an 18 year old late-lottery rookie over the hard work you've put in for the past 6 months, so we need you guys to throw it away because we need this kid and you guys are hopeless in the playoffs anyways?

You're so out of touch its insane. Your ignorance is really starting to piss me off.

 

[BonesJones]

how good is Lillard without the guys he played with his first three seasons, is Lillard a leader or will he just get his. And for the record ive always LOVED his leadership but this seaosn was going to be a true test. He's easily passed that.
...
Everybody knows my stance on the lottery thing, I would rather they not make the playoffs but I have always assumed they would get the pick this season and I would have nothing to worry about. I can still clinically say that there is a lot of season left to play out and this game is just one game in a long series of games. But I am pretty sure I will be pacing again on Sunday. So I guess I do want that playoff spot now. It's worth it at this point to root for all the wins possible this team looks ready to become a contender soon.

You also claim to be the one to see the game fair as a "non homer" except you have immense bias in the form of "what have you done for me lately".

 

[kjironman1]

I agree. I been telling everybody too. I don't see what the point of the playoffs is.

But hey we're in the playoffs!!

There are always lots of reasons to play well and make the playoffs. That isn't really my point. This team has played and earned the right to be there. Therefore i certainly hope they continue to have a winning attitude and play the best they can. I just don't see the way the team is built being very successful at this point.
For the most part the point for me is the fact that they made them in the first place.
Yes i will get to at least one of the playoff games and support them.

 

[kjironman1]

but honestly doesn't every team really struggle to win a game in the playoffs? It's kind of the point of the playoffs

This is most certainly true. They have earned the right to be there and honestly not many felt they would do that. Certainly not me. I am seeing most possibly the Clippers as the first round opponent. That match up does not look real good but i do believe they can get a game if the shots fall and for some reason the Clips do what the Clippers do and melt down on occasion.

 

[kjironman1]

You are focusing on the wrong part. I have no problem with you stating it. It is how you are stating it. You want to claim you were right if it happens that way but if it doesn't then that is fine too because you purposely left yourself an out.

Well the way i see it they will be hard pressed to get a game. The match i see coming is the Clippers. They will have Jordan and Griffin with CP3 and of course the Blazers killers Crawford and Barnes, Paul Pierce and JJ Reddick. Too much fire power and way more experience. It's a terrible match up. I'm not claiming i am right about anything. What i am claiming is the Blazers simply did not instill any confidence in me that they can compete in the playoffs.
The one thing that they can do is score in bunches when the shots fall. So just like any prize fight they have a punchers chance to get a game. That is why they play them afterall right?

 

[KingSpeed]

Well the way i see it they will be hard pressed to get a game. The match i see coming is the Clippers. They will have Jordan and Griffin with CP3 and of course the Blazers killers Crawford and Barnes, Paul Pierce and JJ Reddick. Too much fire power and way more experience. It's a terrible match up. I'm not claiming i am right about anything. What i am claiming is the Blazers simply did not instill any confidence in me that they can compete in the playoffs.
The one thing that they can do is score in bunches when the shots fall. So just like any prize fight they have a punchers chance to get a game. That is why they play them afterall right?

Matt Barnes plays for the Grizzlies.

 

[illmatic99]

CJ's 3pt shot is just automatic. He's in some sorta rhythm right now.

If he's open and has his feet set, it's over.

 

[BonesJones]

They will have Jordan and Griffin with CP3 and of course the Blazers killers Crawford and Barnes, Paul Pierce and JJ Reddick.

Matt Barnes plays for Memphis now, and Paul Pierce is having a horrible season. Jamal Crawford could help us as much as he might hurt us depending on if his shots are falling or not.

The Clippers will only be 5 or 6 games better than us on the season. I know they were missing Griffin but they played just as well without him. Meanwhile we lost a lot of games we should've won at the start of the year because we were young and lacked chemistry. If the regular season is any indication, then we're even.

Our backcourt and our bench is better. Jordan is overrated. Our guards are good at bother floaters/runners/pullups and dishing out of drives, which will neutralize his shot blocking. We don't have a low post scorer for him to try and lock down either. Combined with him, a hurting Griffin, the lack of depth behind them, and how well Aminu and Harkless have been playing, our frontline could easily outperform theirs.

 

[kjironman1]

Matt Barnes plays for the Grizzlies.

That is right forgot about that. Not much solstice in that however.

 

[kjironman1]

Matt Barnes plays for Memphis now, and Paul Pierce is having a horrible season. Jamal Crawford could help us as much as he might hurt us depending on if his shots are falling or not.

The Clippers will only be 5 or 6 games better than us on the season. I know they were missing Griffin but they played just as well without him. Meanwhile we lost a lot of games we should've won at the start of the year because we were young and lacked chemistry. If the regular season is any indication, then we're even.

Our backcourt and our bench is better. Jordan is overrated. Our guards are good at bother floaters/runners/pullups and dishing out of drives, which will neutralize his shot blocking. We don't have a low post scorer for him to try and lock down either. Combined with him, a hurting Griffin, the lack of depth behind them, and how well Aminu and Harkless have been playing, our frontline could easily outperform theirs.

I'm glad you are so positive that the Clippers all suck. Them having a terrible series pretty much is the Blazers only hope. "No Good Clippers!"

 

[Eastoff]

Man, give Stotts and Dame some serious credit for this accomplishment. Well, toss in a bit of credit for CJ too -

I had to read that twice. Initially I interpreted first time Portland has done it. Then it clicked, first time anyone has done it.

 

[Draco]

CJ's 3pt shot is just automatic. He's in some sorta rhythm right now.

If he's open and has his feet set, it's over.

He doesn't take poor quality 3 point attempts either. I think it helps that his attempts are always from a similar distance with similar rhythm.

 

[illmatic99]

He doesn't take poor quality 3 point attempts either. I think it helps that his attempts are always from a similar distance with similar rhythm.

In 26 games after all star, he's shooting 48.3% from 3. On 5.6 attempts a game.

In 4 games this month so far, he's at 56.7% on 7.5 attempts!

That's Steph Curry level. Good lord. Why aren't we talking more about this? He's become a MAJOR weapon.

 

[B-Roy]

In 26 games after all star, he's shooting 48.3% from 3. On 5.6 attempts a game.

In 4 games this month so far, he's at 56.7% on 7.5 attempts!

That's Steph Curry level. Good lord. Why aren't we talking more about this? He's become a MAJOR weapon.

I'm going to C/P what I posted from another thread. It's related:

Here's a cool stat, it's not totally related but it kind of is.
Since February, CJ has been shooting the 3 ball at around a 46-47% clip. Prior to that, he shot 35% in Jan, 42% in Dec and 38% in Nov. 40% is good don't get me wrong, but the difference between 40% and 47% at the volume CJ shoots is the difference between a plain good shooter like Wesley Matthews and an elite shooter like JJ Redick or Kyle Korver.
So I went on the NBA stats site (awesome site by the way) and I got this:

Check out the % of threes that CJ was assisted on in Oct-January versus the % assisted on in Feb-March (April is a small sample size buffed by his 6/6 game against Miami). The correlation seems pretty telling. Two hypothesis:
1.) CJ is working off the ball more and Lillard/the team is looking to get CJ open more.
2.) CJ has improved his shot selection by not taking as many off the dribble threes.

Now here's Dame's:

Nearly half of his 3s are unassisted. We all know Dame loves taking threes off the bounce. It's also no secret that unassisted 3s are less accurate than assisted 3s. Even in CJ's worse months, a majority of his 3s were still assisted.
I think what I'm trying to get at is this: Dame is a better shooter than his percentages indicate. The difference is probably not as big as the 37% - 42% difference between Dame and CJ's 3PT%, but he needs to pick his spots better. He really should improve his shot selection, at least a little bit.....as good as he is, he's not a Steph Curry like shooter.

Just for kicks, here's Steph:

Even Steph's unassisted 3pt% is less than Dame's. A lot of that has to due with having a great playmaker like Green, but the point stands.

 

[Draco]

Well the way i see it they will be hard pressed to get a game. The match i see coming is the Clippers. They will have Jordan and Griffin with CP3 and of course the Blazers killers Crawford and Barnes, Paul Pierce and JJ Reddick. Too much fire power and way more experience. It's a terrible match up. I'm not claiming i am right about anything. What i am claiming is the Blazers simply did not instill any confidence in me that they can compete in the playoffs.
The one thing that they can do is score in bunches when the shots fall. So just like any prize fight they have a punchers chance to get a game. That is why they play them afterall right?

The Clippers will certainly be a favorite. The spot I think they have the biggest advantage is with CP3. It's odd because that's the spot with our best player. But he has always dominated Dame. He plays great defense. Our defensive schemes are so terrible at guarding midrange guards. Against any other opponent Dame would have a much easier time scoring. I think these playoffs will be a test for him in that he needs to show restraint and let teammates shoot. CJ will have a huge matchup advantage. They don't have players to guard our forwards. Hendo and Crabbe can exploit their bench. Does Dame try and force difficult shots when his stats are bad? Can he embrace others leading our team in scoring? It will be a new role for him and one he's never had success with against this team.

Our bench and our physical wing players are a huge advantage. We certainly have a chance to win this. Game 1 will be the key; teams that win that game get the series 70+% of the time.

 

[illmatic99]

Clippers are fucking scary if they ever decide to give Blake the ball and let him create in the 4/5 P&R with Deandre. Combine that with CP's abilities, and JJ's shooting, and its deadly group to play against.

But they also are a lightning rod for drama, and that trickles down from Doc. Given how much rust Blake has, and how terrible they seem to be under pressure, they are in serious trouble if the series is tied, coming back to POR for Game 3. I'm really hoping we lockdown that 5 seed.

 

[kjironman1]

Clippers are fucking scary if they ever decide to give Blake the ball and let him create in the 4/5 P&R with Deandre. Combine that with CP's abilities, and JJ's shooting, and its deadly group to play against.

But they also are a lightning rod for drama, and that trickles down from Doc. Given how much rust Blake has, and how terrible they seem to be under pressure, they are in serious trouble if the series is tied, coming back to POR for Game 3. I'm really hoping we lockdown that 5 seed.

NO GOOD CLIPPERS!