Game Thread PLAYOFFS: ROUND 1, GAME 1: BLAZERS @ LAKERS - AUGUST 18, 2020, TUESDAY, 6:00, TNT & NBCSNW

[KSF-ERIC]

Good friend of mines clothing line. Support him!
https://www.instagram.com/p/CEC9R_-h3xz/?igshid=3wrfrk16oevu

I’ll get one of those if we win the series. I have a Warriors/Blazers WCF shirt and it’s pretty much unwearable.

 

[AldoTrapani]

I still can't believe your still harping on this and I think we got your point. Anyway he got drafted in the NBA what pick was you. Oh I am sorry you didn't so as long as he is better then you and he is a Blazer I will be on his side of the game.

That’s not saying much but I guess he’s better than me so it’s a win lol

 

[ehizzy3]

Just got done golfing. Can’t figure out what I want for dinner but I need to order it soon

 

[wizenheimer]

No hard feeling, I hope. I just gave a flippant answer to what I consider a flippant answer. It is all good with me, hope it is with you as well.

no problem

 

[bobf]

So, are the Fakers going to go all out to stop Dame (and dare somebody else to beat them), or will we see a lot of straight up D? Will they hold Dame under 30? ( I predict they will)

My guess (and that's all it is) is that they let AD smother Nurk and throw multiple bodies at Dame. CJ may get some stats, but he won't effect the outcome.

Anybody else want to toss out their wild-ass guesses?

I think mostly straight up and keep blitzing Dame in reserve. I think Dame will get 30+.

 

[illmatic99]

ain't no way this game is starting at 9. this okc-hou game is taking forever

 

[bobf]

This game / series will be determined by Portland 3 point shooting.

I think it will be determined by Portland’s defense or lack thereof. If we can just play average defense we have a good shot.

 

[SharpesTriumph]

ain't no way this game is starting at 9. this okc-hou game is taking forever

They are on different courts I believe. Would the Blazers game start on TBS?

 

[bobf]

Gabriel has definitely led more of a journeyman's career so far. But honestly, how many times have you said to yourself, "Thank god Zach is coming back in for Gabriel"? Because I don't think I ever have.

The stats kind of follow the eye test...

Here is my eye test:
When the camera zooms in on Zach’s eyes I see lack of confidence.
When the camera zooms in on Gabriel’s eyes I see rabid intensity.

 

[BigGameDamian]

 

[Wade Garrett]

They are on different courts I believe. Would the Blazers game start on TBS?

It's on local NBCSN....

 

[Darkwebs]

 

[wizenheimer]

I think it will be determined by Portland’s defense or lack thereof. If we can just play average defense we have a good shot.

the worst defensive team in the league was the Washington Wizards with a defensive rating of 115.5

in the bubble, Portland's defensive rating was 122.1...they crushed it!

 

[bobf]

the worst defensive team in the league was the Washington Wizards with a defensive rating of 115.5

in the bubble, Portland's defensive rating was 122.1...they crushed it!

I know but I can hope can’t I?

 

[illmatic99]

Houston is hitting every open three that they bricked against us. So much variance in this team either being world beaters or ridiculously mediocre.

Maybe they will finish on time

 

[DDolla]

Just Win Baby!

 

[illmatic99]

one of those nights

 

[Labinot41]

We need big game from hezonja

 

[Hoopguru]

Houston is hitting every open three that they bricked against us. So much variance in this team either being world beaters or ridiculously mediocre.

Maybe they will finish on time

Thats the way we need to push the ball against the Lakers. We need to outscore them as our D wont stop them.

 

[Hoopguru]

76/77 playoffs we matched up with the Lakers super team I believe in the semi finals. Guess what?

 

[GoBlazersGo]

LET'S GO, BLAZERS!

 

[chris_in_pdx]

76/77 playoffs we matched up with the Lakers super team I believe in the semi finals. Guess what?

Interesting comparison. Lakers had the best player in the NBA at the time, but their backcourt was decimated by injuries. Davis and Hollins ran circles around the Lakers.

Dame, CJ, Melo, and Nurk all have to have big games every night for the Blazers to have a chance.

 

[DDolla]

With our defense, watch the Lakers tonight. They won’t miss a shot from 3’s.

 

[UKRAINEFAN]

We need big game from hezonja

If that's true; we just might be in trouble.

 

[SharpesTriumph]

It's on local NBCSN....

I dont get that channel, only national ones like TNT.

 

[UKRAINEFAN]

I'm more excited about playing the Lakers in a series than I would be for any other team. I shout at my family: "You know what happens in 24 hours? Blazers play the Lakers!; then "Only six more hours and it's Blazers against the Lakers!" And so on... They don't really give a shit, but I don't really give a shit that they don't.

 

[crandc]

I'm a nervous wreck and the game hasn't started yet.

 

[Chris Craig]

I'm a nervous wreck and the game hasn't started yet.

Me too

 

[Chris Craig]

I need a drink

 

[blazerkor]

So, are the Fakers going to go all out to stop Dame (and dare somebody else to beat them), or will we see a lot of straight up D? Will they hold Dame under 30? ( I predict they will)

My guess (and that's all it is) is that they let AD smother Nurk and throw multiple bodies at Dame. CJ may get some stats, but he won't effect the outcome.

Anybody else want to toss out their wild-ass guesses?

Of course they're going to try and double Dame, they also might put AD on Nurk... that all makes sense. However if they have a double on Dame that is a weak double, lets say it's any combo of KCP/Green/McGee/Howard/Kuzma/Morris/Waiters, Dame will split those guys getting free from three, getting to the hoop or drawing a foul. If the Lakers bring one of those guys and LeBron then their defense will be left bare and Dame will find Melo, Trent or CJ for the easy shot or drive or he'll find Wenyen, Hassan or even Rio open underneath for an easy layup or hopefully a dunk. As far as AD stopping Nurk, I don't think he can. Nurk will beat him through brute strength in the low block and if Nurk is facilitating from the top of the key AD isn't going to break up Nurk's hand offs or screens. I don't think they will have a great answer for our offense. The problem is I don't know if we'll have any answer for theirs. Expect two teams trying to outscore each other but struggling mightily on defense.