Game Thread PLAYOFFS: ROUND 1, GAME 2: PELICANS @ BLAZERS - APRIL 17, 2018, TUESDAY, 7:30 PM (PDT), TNT & NBCSNW

[Darkwebs]

2017-18 REGULAR SEASON RECORD
NEW ORLEANS PELICANS
48 - 34
(24-17 Road)
PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS
49 - 33
(28-13 Home)

_____________________________
---------PROBABLE STARTERS---------

PG

RAJON RONDO VS DAMIAN LILLARD

SG

JRUE HOLIDAY VS C.J. McCOLLUM

PF

E’TWAUN MOORE VS EVAN TURNER

PF

NIKOLA MIROTIĆ VS AL-FAROUQ AMINU

C

ANTHONY DAVIS VS JUSUF NURKIC

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------- JERSEYS -------

WHEN: 7:30 PM, TUESDAY, 4/17/2018

WHERE: MODA CENTER, PORTLAND, OR

TV BROADCAST:

AND

RADIO BROADCAST:

​

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--------------BENCH--------------
NEW ORLEANS PELICANS

DREW II , CLARK , COOKE

CRAWFORD , LIGGINS , HILL

MILLER , DIALLO , OKAFOR

PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS

NAPIER , BALDWIN IV , CONNAUGHTON

LAYMAN , SWANIGAN , COLLINS

DAVIS , LEONARD , PAPAGIANNIS

INJURIES
PELICANS
DeMarcus Cousins (Left Achilles Rupture): OUT
Alexis Ajinca (Right Knee Injury): OUT
Frank Jackson (Right Foot Fracture): OUT
TRAIL BLAZERS
Moe Harkless (left knee arthroscopy): QUESTIONABLE
C.J. Wilcox (G LEAGUE): OUT



HEAD COACHES

- VS –

ALVIN GENTRY --- TERRY STOTTS



PELICANS' OFFICIAL GAME NOTES
TRAIL BLAZERS' OFFICIAL GAME NOTES ​

SEASON SERIES NOTES
• Portland and New Orleans split the season series 2-2, with each team winning once on the road.
• The aggregate final score of the four-game series was 439-438, Trail Blazers, with all four games being decided by 10 points or fewer.
• LAST MEETING: Damian Lillard scored 20 of his 41 points in the fi nal period in the Trail Blazers’ 107-103 comeback victory in New Orleans on March 27. Anthony Davis had 36 points, 14 rebounds and six blocks for the Pelicans.
• Lillard led the Trail Blazers in scoring vs. New Orleans this season, posting averages of 26.5 points (42.7% FG, 25.6% 3-PT, 77.8% FT), 7.3 assists, 5.3 rebounds and 2.25 steals in four games.
• Lillard has scored at least 25 points in seven of his last nine games against New Orleans.
• Six Trail Blazers averaged double digits in scoring vs. New Orleans this season (Lillard, 26.5; CJ McCollum, 17.5; Jusuf Nurkic, 15.0; Al-Farouq Aminu, 11.0; Evan Turner, 10.3; Shabazz Napier, 10.0).
• DeMarcus Cousins led the Pelicans in scoring vs. Portland, averaging 33.7 points, 13.3 rebounds and 2.00 blocks in three games.
• Anthony Davis also played three games vs. the Trail Blazers, posting averages of 24.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 3.00 blocks.
• Davis did not play in the Pelicans’ 123-116 win at the Moda Center on Dec. 2.
• The Trail Blazers have held their opponents to 44.5% shooting from the fi eld since the All-Star break (fifth in NBA) while the Pelicans have held their opponents to 44.3% shooting from the field in that period (third in NBA).

PLAYOFF SERIES NOTES
• This is the first time the Trail Blazers and Pelicans have met in the postseason.
• Portland has now played all 14 Western Conference opponents in the playoffs, but faced the Thunder before they moved from Seattle, and the Kings in Kansas City.
• New Orleans has a 15-25 all-time record in the playoffs in six trips to the postseason.
• The Pelicans/Hornets have won one playoff series, a 4-1 fi rst-round win over the Dallas Mavericks in 2007-08. New Orleans went on to
lose to San Antonio in seven games in the Western Conference Semifinals.
• The Pelicans’ last postseason trip was in 2015, a 4-0 loss to the Golden State Warriors in the first round.

CONNECTIONS
• Trail Blazers forward Al-Farouq Aminu played three seasons for the Pelicans, averaging 6.9 points (45.7% FG, 26.3% 3-PT, 71.6% FT), 6.3 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.05 steals in 222 games (157 starts) from 2011-14.
• Pelicans head coach Alvin Gentry was the head coach of the Phoenix Suns team that defeated the Trail Blazers 4-2 in the first round of the 2010 NBA Playoffs.
• This marks the third consecutive season New Orleans guard Ian Clark has faced the Trail Blazers in the playoffs. He averaged 6.5 ppg
vs. Portland over eight games the past two postseasons with the Golden State Warriors.
• All-Stars Anthony Davis (selected first overall) and Damian Lillard (sixth overall) were members of the same 2012 NBA Draft class.
• Trail Blazers guard/forward Evan Turner and Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday were teammates on the Philadelphia 76ers from 2010-13.
• Turner and Pelicans forward Solomon Hill were teammates on the Indiana Pacers in 2013-14.
• Trail Blazers forward Ed Davis and Pelicans forward/center Alexis Ajinca were teammates in Toronto in 2010-11.
• Pelicans assistant coach Jamelle McMillan is the son of former Trail Blazers head coach Nate McMillan.

PREVIOUS MEETINGS IN THE SERIES ​

GAME #1: Loss 97-95

​

 

[theprunetang]

@Darkwebs, thank you so much for putting this up before @HCP could jinx us with another shitty game thread. I swear our team gets basketball AIDS every time he creates a game thread.

 

[SIeepwalker]

If we lose in the first round do Stotts get fired ?

I believe he should, but I don't believe we'll lose

 

[PHXBlazer1]

I'm predicting a reverse gentlemens sweep

 

[BonesJones]

I promise not to write an over-emotionally charged and frustrated post this game.

 

[SIeepwalker]

I promise not to write an over-emotionally charged and frustrated post this game.

promise goes out of the window the second the game start !

 

[BonesJones]

promise goes out of the window the second the game start !

I keep my promises.

 

[Nikolokolus]

If we lose in the first round do Stotts get fired ?

I believe he should, but I don't believe we'll lose

You didn't even answer your own question. "Will he get fired if we lose in the first round?" No. The players will say it was their fault, and Terry will be back for one more year. They'll start out slow until the All Star break and there will be rumbling that Terry should be fired and questions about whether or not Damian will make the All Star team. Suddenly in February they'll flip a switch and go on a hot streak and finish the season with 45-49 wins, make the playoffs and struggle with OPPONENT X. People will ask, "Will Terry get fired?" and the answer will be "No." The players will say it was their fault, and Terry will be back for one more year. They'll start out slow until the All Star break and there will be rumbling that Terry should be fired and questions about whether or not Damian will make the All Star team. Suddenly in February they'll flip a switch and go on a hot streak and finish the season with 45-49 wins, make the playoffs and struggle with OPPONENT X. People will ask, "Will Terry get fired?" and the answer will be "No."The players will say it was their fault, and Terry will be back for one more year. They'll start out slow until the All Star break and there will be rumbling that Terry should be fired and questions about whether or not Damian will make the All Star team. Suddenly in February they'll flip a switch and go on a hot streak and finish the season with 45-49 wins, make the playoffs and struggle with OPPONENT X. People will ask, "Will Terry get fired?" and the answer will be "No."The players will say it was their fault, and Terry will be back for one more year. They'll start out slow until the All Star break and there will be rumbling that Terry should be fired and questions about whether or not Damian will make the All Star team. Suddenly in February they'll flip a switch and go on a hot streak and finish the season with 45-49 wins, make the playoffs and struggle with OPPONENT X. People will ask, "Will Terry get fired?" and the answer will be "No."The players will say it was their fault, and Terry will be back for one more year. They'll start out slow until the All Star break and there will be rumbling that Terry should be fired and questions about whether or not Damian will make the All Star team. Suddenly in February they'll flip a switch and go on a hot streak and finish the season with 45-49 wins, make the playoffs and struggle with OPPONENT X. People will ask, "Will Terry get fired?" and the answer will be "No."The players will say it was their fault, and Terry will be back for one more year. They'll start out slow until the All Star break and there will be rumbling that Terry should be fired and questions about whether or not Damian will make the All Star team. Suddenly in February they'll flip a switch and go on a hot streak and finish the season with 45-49 wins, make the playoffs and struggle with OPPONENT X. People will ask, "Will Terry get fired?" and the answer will be "No."The players will say it was their fault, and Terry will be back for one more year. They'll start out slow until the All Star break and there will be rumbling that Terry should be fired and questions about whether or not Damian will make the All Star team. Suddenly in February they'll flip a switch and go on a hot streak and finish the season with 45-49 wins, make the playoffs and struggle with OPPONENT X. People will ask, "Will Terry get fired?" and the answer will be "No."The players will say it was their fault, and Terry will be back for one more year. They'll start out slow until the All Star break and there will be rumbling that Terry should be fired and questions about whether or not Damian will make the All Star team. Suddenly in February they'll flip a switch and go on a hot streak and finish the season with 45-49 wins, make the playoffs and struggle with OPPONENT X. People will ask, "Will Terry get fired?" and the answer will be "No."The players will say it was their fault, and Terry will be back for one more year. They'll start out slow until the All Star break and there will be rumbling that Terry should be fired and questions about whether or not Damian will make the All Star team. Suddenly in February they'll flip a switch and go on a hot streak and finish the season with 45-49 wins, make the playoffs and struggle with OPPONENT X. People will ask, "Will Terry get fired?" and the answer will be "No." . . .

 

[illmatic99]

Rondo is my real answer to the poll

 

[bodyman5000 and 1]

I keep my promises.

You're going to regret this

 

[deiondeion]

Rondo is my real answer to the poll

funny thing about Rondo, if you go ask any Pelicans fan, he's been the poster child for Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde. It drives everyone crazy. During the regular season, there are so many games that we've said 'Ty Lawson is still out there right?' Others, like tonight, you take a step back and think this guy is still a top 10 PG in the league (who doesnt love a good overreaction?)

seriously you'd be amazed at how many people on the Pelicans board want to re-sign Rondo for the rest of his career. and of course its same people that wanted him benched or just flat out released half-way through the season

 

[mook]

Adjustments:

• Go under the pick with their point guard, be it Rondo or Jrue. If it becomes a three point/long two battle between their guards and our guards, we win it easily. Dare them to shoot. Crowd the paint. Besides, that's more bodies we can throw at AD.
• Play Collins more on AD when Nurk sits. He's got the length and foot speed to keep up with him. I really liked how we looked with Nurk guarding him. I think height is the key. Anthony Davis is so athletic and long that Chief really isn't a great option there, and really neither is Ed Davis. Collins may get pushed around some, but he'll at least eliminate lobs.
• Play Ed Davis more. Dude gobbled up 13 boards in 19 minutes. If we are going to miss all these shots, we better have somebody in there to grab rebounds.
• Less minutes for Patty. If Ed is playing more, and Aminu is playing more 3 (but the same overall minutes), then there's just no space left for him.

 

[KeepOnRollin]

Adjustments:

• Go under the pick with their point guard, be it Rondo or Jrue. If it becomes a three point/long two battle between their guards and our guards, we win it easily. Dare them to shoot. Crowd the paint. Besides, that's more bodies we can throw at AD.
• Play Collins more on AD when Nurk sits. He's got the length and foot speed to keep up with him. I really liked how we looked with Nurk guarding him. I think height is the key. Anthony Davis is so athletic and long that Chief really isn't a great option there, and really neither is Ed Davis. Collins may get pushed around some, but he'll at least eliminate lobs.
• Play Ed Davis more. Dude gobbled up 13 boards in 19 minutes. If we are going to miss all these shots, we better have somebody in there to grab rebounds.
• Less minutes for Patty. If Ed is playing more, and Aminu is playing more 3 (but the same overall minutes), then there's just no space left for him.

I agree with all these. Hope someone from POR staff see it. Not that they should need to be told. They probably know.

I would add, play Baldwin more. Napier and Patty less. Napier was really struggling with Rondo and Jrue's length. I think Napier will come in handy the next round, but for this round I want to see what Baldwin can do.

 

[SIeepwalker]

0 votes for the refs, we're not even giving @Mediocre Man an occasion to beat the dead horse again

 

[Labinot41]

Fucking must win

 

[Hoopguru]

Playoff roundball is fantastic!
Even thought I don't like the match up against the Pels, our team is resilient and seem to right the ship. When you hear the guys talk about things will balance out, they are believing they can right the ship.
The offense just wasn't there this game but Im optimistic they can square this thing up. Believe!

 

[Gronk Brady]

Best case scenario now is going to game 7... Blazers not winning 2 games in New Orleans. And in a game 7 anything can happen... and they have the best player.

 

[Lanny]

If we lose in the first round do Stotts get fired ?

I believe he should, but I don't believe we'll lose

Absolutely no.

 

[Lanny]

You're going to regret this

Why? We should all keep our promises unless given in a semi coma.

However, I can see your point if a promise is made without careful consideration in the first place. Let's all try to give careful consideration to any promises we make.

 

[SportsAndWhine]

You didn't even answer your own question. "Will he get fired if we lose in the first round?" No. The players will say it was their fault, and Terry will be back for one more year. They'll start out slow until the All Star break and there will be rumbling that Terry should be fired and questions about whether or not Damian will make the All Star team. Suddenly in February they'll flip a switch and go on a hot streak and finish the season with 45-49 wins, make the playoffs and struggle with OPPONENT X. People will ask, "Will Terry get fired?" and the answer will be "No." The players will say it was their fault, and Terry will be back for one more year. They'll start out slow until the All Star break and there will be rumbling that Terry should be fired and questions about whether or not Damian will make the All Star team. Suddenly in February they'll flip a switch and go on a hot streak and finish the season with 45-49 wins, make the playoffs and struggle with OPPONENT X. People will ask, "Will Terry get fired?" and the answer will be "No."The players will say it was their fault, and Terry will be back for one more year. They'll start out slow until the All Star break and there will be rumbling that Terry should be fired and questions about whether or not Damian will make the All Star team. Suddenly in February they'll flip a switch and go on a hot streak and finish the season with 45-49 wins, make the playoffs and struggle with OPPONENT X. People will ask, "Will Terry get fired?" and the answer will be "No."The players will say it was their fault, and Terry will be back for one more year. They'll start out slow until the All Star break and there will be rumbling that Terry should be fired and questions about whether or not Damian will make the All Star team. Suddenly in February they'll flip a switch and go on a hot streak and finish the season with 45-49 wins, make the playoffs and struggle with OPPONENT X. People will ask, "Will Terry get fired?" and the answer will be "No."The players will say it was their fault, and Terry will be back for one more year. They'll start out slow until the All Star break and there will be rumbling that Terry should be fired and questions about whether or not Damian will make the All Star team. Suddenly in February they'll flip a switch and go on a hot streak and finish the season with 45-49 wins, make the playoffs and struggle with OPPONENT X. People will ask, "Will Terry get fired?" and the answer will be "No."The players will say it was their fault, and Terry will be back for one more year. They'll start out slow until the All Star break and there will be rumbling that Terry should be fired and questions about whether or not Damian will make the All Star team. Suddenly in February they'll flip a switch and go on a hot streak and finish the season with 45-49 wins, make the playoffs and struggle with OPPONENT X. People will ask, "Will Terry get fired?" and the answer will be "No."The players will say it was their fault, and Terry will be back for one more year. They'll start out slow until the All Star break and there will be rumbling that Terry should be fired and questions about whether or not Damian will make the All Star team. Suddenly in February they'll flip a switch and go on a hot streak and finish the season with 45-49 wins, make the playoffs and struggle with OPPONENT X. People will ask, "Will Terry get fired?" and the answer will be "No."The players will say it was their fault, and Terry will be back for one more year. They'll start out slow until the All Star break and there will be rumbling that Terry should be fired and questions about whether or not Damian will make the All Star team. Suddenly in February they'll flip a switch and go on a hot streak and finish the season with 45-49 wins, make the playoffs and struggle with OPPONENT X. People will ask, "Will Terry get fired?" and the answer will be "No."The players will say it was their fault, and Terry will be back for one more year. They'll start out slow until the All Star break and there will be rumbling that Terry should be fired and questions about whether or not Damian will make the All Star team. Suddenly in February they'll flip a switch and go on a hot streak and finish the season with 45-49 wins, make the playoffs and struggle with OPPONENT X. People will ask, "Will Terry get fired?" and the answer will be "No." . . .

I like how this goes for exactly the length of the rest of Dame’s career.

 

[Labinot41]

Playoff roundball is fantastic!
Even thought I don't like the match up against the Pels, our team is resilient and seem to right the ship. When you hear the guys talk about things will balance out, they are believing they can right the ship.
The offense just wasn't there this game but Im optimistic they can square this thing up. Believe!

The Offense hasn't been there since the 13 Game winning streak. We Suck hard from 3 point Shooting

 

[HomerLovesKoolAid]

Start Meyers!

 

[illmatic99]

Is Moe coning back?

 

[Chris Craig]

If we lose in the first round do Stotts get fired ?

I believe he should, but I don't believe we'll lose

He should but probably won't

 

[Chris Craig]

In game 2 and beyond Blazers need to

*Attack the Paint in heavy doses. Too many contended threes and flaccid jumpers.

* Feed the beast. Feed Nurk inside abd feed him early. Have him get physical down in the block and get AD abd Mirotic in foul trouble.

*Defense Defense Defense! Get those fucking hands up.

*Go under the pick to attack the basket and be ready to throw out to open fuys on the arc if the defense collapses. No 1-3 1-4 shots. That only creates turn overs.

*Keep the offense moving. The Blazers movement stagnated quickly in game 1, almost to stand still, with players watching as the opponents took shots and dribbled around them. The Blazers made defense far to easy for the Pels. Keep moving .

*High percentage field goals.

*Basket before foul. Don't rely on fouls getting called. Most of the time it probably won't. Focus on making the basket, if you get the foul great. Otherwise get back to the other end. Play solid D (Solid D creates offensive opportunity) and repeat.

 

[Chris Craig]

0 votes for the refs, we're not even giving @Mediocre Man an occasion to beat the dead horse again

It wasn't the refs fault

 

[Lanny]

In game 2 and beyond Blazers need to

*Attack the Paint in heavy doses. Too many contended threes and flaccid jumpers.

* Feed the beast. Feed Nurk inside abd feed him early. Have him get physical down in the block and get AD abd Mirotic in foul trouble.

*Defense Defense Defense! Get those fucking hands up.

*Go under the pick to attack the basket and be ready to throw out to open fuys on the arc if the defense collapses. No 1-3 1-4 shots. That only creates turn overs.

*Keep the offense moving. The Blazers movement stagnated quickly in game 1, almost to stand still, with players watching as the opponents took shots and dribbled around them. The Blazers made defense far to easy for the Pels. Keep moving .

*High percentage field goals.

*Basket before foul. Don't rely on fouls getting called. Most of the time it probably won't. Focus on making the basket, if you get the foul great. Otherwise get back to the other end. Play solid D (Solid D creates offensive oppurtunity) and repeat.

The problem with "feeding the beast" was that some of those passes got intercepted. I'd say more careful passing would be a step in the right direction.

 

[Chris Craig]

The problem with "feeding the beast" was that some of those passes got intercepted. I'd say more careful passing would be a step in the right direction.

Yes careful passing. Be smart about it. Don't throw low to Nurk, he will fumble and loose the ball. Gotta go high or direct when he has position.

 

[Hoopguru]

Seems the only gut that could beat Davis and others off the dribble to the hoop was Shabazz. He creates a problem for them going to the hoop as he can pass off. If he's not hitting shots send him to the hoop. Neither Dame or CJ were quick enough last night.

 

[kjironman1]

Blazers vs Pelicans -Game Two

As with all playoff series there will be adjustments to be made. On a series as closely matched as this one adjustments will probably be the deciding factor. Bunches of people scratching their heads about going for 2 when they needed three in game one. Fact is both of the plays they ran were run as 3's but the Pels left the slasher available so on the court the players decided to go for 2. These are quotes from Lillard and Stotts- "Portland coach Terry Stotts said Portland was going for a three-point attempt on both late attempts." "CJ popped to the strong side and Pat was flaring me to the weak-side corner," Lillard said. "He had an open slip to the basket and obviously I know (inbounder Evan Turner) was trying to find me on the play, we talked about it. But it was a wide open slip right underneath the basket. Jrue just made a big defensive play." This is why i try to stay away from blame in any one game or situation. Time to look at other issues because in all reality that game should never have been in that position.

I decided to go back to pure stats because watching the game was distracting. The Blazers missed way too many wide open looks. Yes the Pels were active but the missed shots were devastating. First thing that stood out was the Blazers played 11 players and it is listed as only 10. Maybe He wasn't in the game long but Meyers was there. Gentry on the other hand stayed with what was working and only really played 8 guys and Hill came in for 5 mins, 9 players total. Cannot blame Stotts for this IMO. He was looking for anyone who could make a shot and the team did indeed make a comeback to end the game.

Next thing i see is All the Pels starters except E'Twan Moore played 40 mins that game. Give or take a few seconds. That in my book is why the Blazers should be able to wear this team down and take late wins. Gentry has a good starting unit but the Blazers are deeper. Look for this to become a factor in the upcoming games. If i see it? So does Stotts.. Pound this team into submission. A much much more physical game will get them into foul trouble fast. And if there is a scuffle or something that gets a player thrown out the Blazers can handle that better than the Pelicans. Not to mention just amping up the energy to tire them out. New Orleans does have Okafor and Liggins to draw upon on their bench. Make Gentry play them.

I was talking in the pre game of game one about Rondo. Sad to say i was right about this. Davis was a beast no doubt but Rondo killed the Blazers. Listed as 17 assists but i'm sure there was more, 8 rebounds 6 points. The Blazers made Rondo shoot exactly ZERO free throws. Wade Baldwin played only just over 2 minutes. With ZERO fouls. This is a complete travesty. His energy alone would have ignited the crowd and possibly the team. You have got to play aggressive and get into Rondo's head. He starts to make mistakes with the ball when he goes off the game plan. Anyone who has watched the NBA over the last 10 years knows this to be true. Stotts of all people should know this. I'm pretty sure he was around during the problems between Rondo and Carlisle.

I am kind of wondering if the Blazers shouldn't play a twin towers type thing against the Pels? Always have Nurkic, Davis, Collins combination in the game? Ed Davis obviously played well to end that game. Nurkic was 5-5 from the line and Collins is quick enough to stay in step with AD. If your wings are going to go 4-17 from 3 point why not go big and stop Anthony Davis. You can't just WISH the shooting woes away. You have to respond and adjust. Right now small ball just isn't working. I'm thinking take AD away from them and make someone else score and put our best one on one defender on that guy. Feel free to give me a better option. At this point nothing would be looked at as wrong?

Mirotic had a huge game for them also. 16 points, 11 rebounds, 4 blocks, 2 steals, 3 assists. This is just plain unacceptable. SMH......

Overall outlook is that the Blazers can play much better. They can also be coached better. That loss is on the whole team. Everybody stunk it up. No use in pointing fingers. Go out and get a dominating win in game two and set the record straight. Do not look past game two. Game three will be here soon enough. There is an old saying. The series doesn't really start until a team wins on the road. Well... This one just started.

Go Blazers!
Kjironman is a fan!!!