Blazers vs Grizzlies Pregame
Wednesday finally got here Blazer fans. It would seem that the last game has been poked and prodded in just about any way possible. The thing is, I actually did go back and watch that game a couple more times. Some people said i must have a few masochistic tendencies to do such a thing However, I found that through all the reports and stories that I read in the last couple days the people who truly watched this game all came up with the same concept. The first person I listened to was Terry Stotts on his post game interview. It's here.
http://www.oregonlive.com/blazers/i...land_trail_blazers_head_coach_terry_stot.html
Then I listened to what Dave Joerger had to say but unfortunately i cant't find a link to it anywhere?
Both of these guys watched this game from the best seat in the house and pretty much came up with the same thing.
"
The Blazers missed a LOT of shots"
There are a few differing ideas as to why ranging from "Great Memphis Defense" to "Poor Offensive philosophy" to "Damian Lillard just sucks" to "Wesley Matthews is a GOD!" I don't really prescribe to much other than Memphis did what they were expected to do and the Blazers simply didn't. Here is what i watched and came up with...
The Blazers as a team average 45% shooting. But Sunday they shot 33.7%
No these were not highly contested shots. Aldridge missed 6 of his first 7 shots to start that he usually makes. They were not flailing 20 foot jumpers away from his sweet spot. These were shots in his zone and with a soft touch or right at the rim. To LaMarcus's credit. He has come out and publicly said that missing some shots in the beginning of the game kind of put some added pressure on the team. Aldridge shot 38% 13-34. His average again is 46%. If he just hits his average he goes 16-34. This is an additional 6 points. (Difference +6). You realize that is a 40pt game right?
Lillard had a horrific shooting game. 5-21 23% with a crazy 0-6 from 3. His average is 43%. If he shoots his average he goes 9-21. Lets say he makes 2-6 from 3. Again Lillard had plenty of wide open looks from 3 that very likely could have gone. He also missed multiple drives to the rim and possibly due to home court preference did not get a few touch calls his counterpart did. Altogether if you add it up with two 3 pointers he scores about 10 points more in that game if he just plays an average game. (Difference +10)
Nicolas Batum showed up for that game. He nearly played exactly what we have all been wanting to expect from Nic. 15 pts with 7 rebounds. His postseason stats last year are 15.2 pts with 7.6 rebounds. This is exactly the game the Blazers needed from Mr. Batum. Sure they want more but we are doing averages here. so i kind of have to say this is a wash. (Difference+-0)
Robin Lopez went 0-2. Not the kind of production we need from Lopez. he only played 19 minutes but Stotts made reference to that in his post game. Kaman came in and the team was more mobile and by that time in the game adjustments were starting to be made. Blazers needed somebody, anybody, to start scoring and Kaman did make a few shots. This is where the problems really started. By the end of the first quarter it was painfully obvious the Blazers were not making shots. the pressure was mounting and the Grizzlies started to FEEL IT! The crowd was into the game and the Blazers had to start looking for a way to score. Remember by the end of the first quarter they were down 10 but some adjustments and the beginnings of a huge rebounding advantage held the Blazers in the game. Scoring only 39 points in a half you will rarely see from the Blazers. Lets give Rolo 1-2. He averages 9.6 but he just didn't get looks. He did get 2 at the line. Fair to give him maybe difference +2 if he makes another shot.
CJ was thrust into a starting lineup on a postseason game and he played like it. This is a 3rd stringer at this point but he actually played pretty good. Just again didn't make his shots. He went 1-8 for 2 pts 12%. This kid usually shoots 43% so lets say he goes 3-8 Difference +5 if he gets to the line once. The Grizzlies pounded him into submission with play after play directed at CJ. He was simply hammered. If it wasn't Allen posting him up they ran Conley right through him. This was a tough game but he will be better prepared next time. Do not look for Afflalo to return today.
The end score of that game was 86-100. Altogether if this team plays just an average game you add 23 points to the score(109). To be fair you have to go for averages with Memphis which is about 98 pts. If you shave the Blazers down to their team average they still win that game going away. There have been so many opinions thrown out there in the last 2 days it's crazy. Some want "Switches on defense", Some want "Zone defense" , My opinion on this game is that using much of the same systems and defense will work. Yes better screens and more energy on defense will help. I would also look to exploit the Leonard advantage a bit more. Kaman was tough for them to handle. Continue to crash the boards. The Blazers outrebounded the Grizz 56-48 with a 16-8 offensive rebound advantage. I would rather see them simply match on the offensive boards and make some shots.
I know this is not the change everything approach most want after a bad loss in the playoffs but it is the truth. The Blazers can and will beat this team using much of the same game plan. Stotts sees it and so does Dave Joerger. He can't just wish the Blazers continue to miss everything.
Tonight's refs are Leroy Richardson, Tony Brothers, Bill Spooner.
Alt is Tony Brown.
GO BLAZERS!
Kjironman is a fan!!!
[
- VS –
BLAZERS' OFFICIAL GAME NOTES 
