GAME THREAD: MAGIC @ BLAZERS - JANUARY 8, 2014, WEDNESDAY, 7:00 PM, CSNNW

[VenomXL]

Rebound!

 

[KeepOnRollin]

This has to be the low point of the season, if we lose back to back games to 10 win teams. It's remarkable how we can go from one of the best teams in the NBA to the crappy team many pundits expected in the offseason.

I don't see us losing this game but I also don't see us blowing them out which we should. Magic have been getting killed by teams lately. Our defense is just horrible lately.

 

[BrianFromWA]

this Lillard-Mo-Wes-LMA-Freeland lineup also hasn't been played.

 

[Darkwebs]

Down 12. Wow

 

[Strenuus]

Playoff team? Perhaps. Getting out of the first round with this defense and not getting rebounds that hit the floor? Nope.

 

[VenomXL]

Here we go again.

 

[TBpup]

Down 12. Wow

Inexcusable!

 

[BrianFromWA]

I know it's a bit farcical, but every Blazer is between a +1 and -6 in +/- except for Mo, who's -13.

 

[Strenuus]

Yuck.

 

[BrianFromWA]

yes. Now the starters are back in and Damian is taking good shots.

 

[SlyPokerDog]

Blazers should just play four 4th quarters a game.

 

[VenomXL]

Crash the boards.

 

[Hobbesarable]

Big Baby looks like he's flopping all over the place.

 

[Natebishop3]

I just think it's effort. We haven't had the intensity the last few games at all. We got to a point where we thought we could coast on shitty teams and we're finding out that this is simply not the case. When you're at the top of the conference, teams will bring their "A" game every night and you can't coast. We thought we could just turn it on, but you hit a point where you can't turn it on late in every game and expect to win. That's why we've been losing so many close games lately.

 

[KeepOnRollin]

I know it's a bit farcical, but every Blazer is between a +1 and -6 in +/- except for Mo, who's -13.

Mo this year is like JJ Hickson last year. His stats look good and he can produce but his guy produces just as much or more then he does and in the end he is just hurting the team.

 

[BrianFromWA]

BDL

 

[Blazer Fanatic]

I don't get that. Baby falls all over himself and LA gets the foul? I guess we (the refs) are gonna make sure the momentum stays with Orlando.

 

[Darkwebs]

Nice drive by Lillard!

 

[LuckyShot]

Blazers should just play four 4th quarters a game.

If just Damian did he'd be MVP.

 

[VenomXL]

Are they going to give up sixty first half points to the Magic?

 

[Natebishop3]

I just don't like those turn-around jumpers from that far out by LA. He can hit them, but they aren't high percentage shots.

 

[Blazer Fanatic]

I think it's absolutely ridiculous that no one suggests that the Blazer starters play MORE. I am a huge proponent of them playing more. Giddy up.

 

[illmatic99]

They have 0 shot blocking presence. I wish LA would stop with that difficult fadeaway and attack the rim

 

[Sinobas]

God, LaMarcus has grown back his vagina. Reverting back to his turn-around fade away crap instead of going inside.

Why isn't Lillard shooting more

 

[BrianFromWA]

I'm actually willing to give the team a bit of a pass this game, especially on D. Aside from the starters (who played 6 minutes in the 1st and the last few of the 2nd), there hasn't been a lineup that's played together all year (CJ or not). Not that we were the Bad Boy Pistons on D anyway, but that lack of cohesion and ability to know what they guys you're playing with are doing is tough to get the first time you're on the court together in real life.

 

[LuckyShot]

I just don't like those turn-around jumpers from that far out by LA. He can hit them, but they aren't high percentage shots.

If he gets within 10-12 feet, it's like a free throw for him and he's really effective. When he settles for them at 15-17 feet, he's hurting us more than helping.

 

[Sinobas]

I don't see us losing this game but I also don't see us blowing them out which we should. Magic have been getting killed by teams lately. Our defense is just horrible lately.

We are sure on pace to lose this game.

 

[Hobbesarable]

I'm actually willing to give the team a bit of a pass this game, especially on D. Aside from the starters (who played 6 minutes in the 1st and the last few of the 2nd), there hasn't been a lineup that's played together all year (CJ or not). Not that we were the Bad Boy Pistons on D anyway, but that lack of cohesion and ability to know what they guys you're playing with are doing is tough to get the first time you're on the court together in real life.

That's a genuine Stotts coaching criticism.

 

[Blazer Fanatic]

Bad basketball?

Please don't encourage them. Thanks - Management

 

[LuckyShot]

I think it's absolutely ridiculous that no one suggests that the Blazer starters play MORE. I am a huge proponent of them playing more. Giddy up.

That leads to injuries and players running out of gas by the time playoffs come around. We need the bench to be at least somewhat capable.