Game Thread PLAYOFFS: ROUND 1, GAME 4: BLAZERS @ PELICANS - APRIL 21, 2018, SATURDAY, 2:00 PM PDT, TNT & NBCSNW

[Darkwebs]

2017-18 REGULAR SEASON RECORD
PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS
49 - 33
(21-20 Road)
NEW ORLEANSPELICANS
48 - 34
(24-17 Home)

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

PG

DAMIAN LILLARD VS RAJON RONDO

SG

C.J. McCOLLUM VS JRUE HOLIDAY

PF

EVAN TURNER VS E’TWAUN MOORE

PF

AL-FAROUQ AMINU VS NIKOLA MIROTIĆ

C

JUSUF NURKIC VS ANTHONY DAVIS

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

WHEN: 2:00 PM, SATURDAY, 4/21/2018

WHERE: SMOOTHIE KING CENTER, NEW ORLEANS, LA

TV BROADCAST:

AND

RADIO BROADCAST:

​

------------------------------------------------------


--------------BENCH--------------
PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS

NAPIER , BALDWIN IV , CONNAUGHTON

LAYMAN , SWANIGAN , COLLINS

DAVIS , LEONARD , PAPAGIANNIS

NEW ORLEANS PELICANS

DREW II , CLARK , COOKE

CRAWFORD , LIGGINS , HILL

MILLER , DIALLO , OKAFOR



INJURIES
BLAZERS
Evan Turner (right toe): QUESTIONABLE
C.J. Wilcox (G LEAGUE): OUT
PELICANS
DeMarcus Cousins (Left Achilles Rupture): OUT
Alexis Ajinca (Right Knee Injury): OUT
Frank Jackson (Right Foot Fracture): OUT




HEAD COACHES

- VS –

TERRY STOTTS --- ALVIN GENTRY



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 final 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



GAME #2: Loss 111-102


GAME #3: Loss 119-102

​

 

[Darkwebs]

 

[Darkwebs]

An afternoon game, eh? At least our night won't be ruined if the Blazers lose this game. But it will ruin our day

 

[Darkwebs]

HCP, tell ya what, if the Blazers lose this game, I'll stop making game threads for the next couple months!

 

[THE HCP]

REALLY??????

 

[Chris Craig]

This is it

 

[theprunetang]

Time to get the embarrassment over with.
#DripCityOutTheyAss

 

[SlyPokerDog]

HCP, tell ya what, if the Blazers lose this game, I'll stop making game threads for the next couple months!

But your Summer League threads are epic.

 

[SportsAndWhine]

This is it

 

[Darkwebs]

But your Summer League threads are epic.

Well, technically a couple of months would be June, and Summer League starts in July.

 

[BlazerBeav]

This is going to be the most depressing off-season in years.

 

[Labinot41]

I still like you hcp. You Seem like a funny guy

 

[Strenuus]

DAMNIT. I'm missing this game too.

On the bright side, I've been so much happier this week.

 

[stampedehero]

One of my favorite bands. Phenomenal Live band!!! Check out their concert- Hip to be Square- 1987- with a squad of 49ers including Jack Clark (who sang some) and Joe Montana.

 

[stampedehero]

This is going to be the most depressing off-season in years.

Got to stay away from that and drink every craft beer in Portland instead.

 

[PtldPlatypus]

REALLY??????

Tell ya what--if you start a game thread, I will only post in it and not in DW's.

 

[illmatic99]

This is going to be the most depressing off-season in years.

Why? It could one of the most active. Could be depressing for Dame/Stotts/CJ, but they'll all get over it.

The playoffs, on the other hand? I ain't watching. Probably.

 

[kjironman1]

Blazers vs Pelicans Game 4

Okay we all know where this is going. But i personally want my Blazers to win game four. I am of the opinion that there is some adjustments that can be made but they are fairly drastic. I also feel that the Blazers can have a good shooting night and beat this club. In order for that to happen there has to be a dominating performance by CJ, Harkless and Aminu. The Blazers do have the defense to cover this team. But they don't have the defense to cover this team when Lillard and CJ combine for 12 turnovers that lead to fast break points as the Pels logged a staggering 16 steals in game four. When the Blazers score the defense gets back and they have good success guarding this team. I also have to believe there is no way Mirotic will shoot 75% from the field again. and 66% from three. This guy has been absolutely lights out. I am looking at team totals and when it comes down to the Pels total scoring the Blazers need to look into getting tougher on defense. It's time to rock the boat a bit. Very tentative at best as the averages are showing the Pelicans don't like to be pushed out of their comfort zone. We all know Mirotic doesn't like to be fouled hard. We all know Davis has two new small injuries to his thumb and ribs. Need to make him uncomfortable. The other guy they have not messed with is Rondo. Got to get into this guys head.

My drastic adjustments are going twin towers. I said this in the game two pre-game. The Blazers have four bigs. My suggestion is simple. Push Collins or Davis into the starting lineup with Nurk. Then add Leonard to the second unit with Collins/Davis. Play bigger and this allows the Blazers to have a big that can run at all all times. Both Collins and Leonard can at least get up and down the court fast. Use Aminu and Harkless mainly at the 3 spot. and add Baldwin to the mix with Pat Con. The reason to go bigger is simple. If the Blazers can exploit with size Gentry will have to match with bigger players. which means Mirotic might become a liability. Not to mention Moore. Maybe they can get some mismatches with size and free up dame for some easy looks. Double screens and just completely bashing Rondo a couple times with some nasty moving picks. Put Leonard and his six fouls to work. Really hammer Davis a few times also. Get them thinking they don't want to chance a painful deep bone bruise at this point of the series. Grind this team into submission. No matter how many picks you have to set get Lillard some open looks and always have a big rolling to the basket from either side.

Hammering them often and early will get things chippy for sure. Being more aggressive will cost the Blazers on the foul line i'm sure but the way these games have been called who knows? Then I would like to see terry Stotts got ballistic when Davis tries to call his own fouls next time. This is getting real old real fast. I have seen Davis essentially change the Refs decision on the court three times in three games. Time for Stotts to get assertive about that shit. Absolutely blow his top and get that Technical called. Make your statement at some point. Might as well be on the road in a close out game.

My hope is we don't see CJ lose faith early and quit. I have seen it before and the only way to keep him in this game will be to keep it competitive early and the whole way. If the Blazers go 20-25 points down. There is no asking CJ to work hard the rest of the way. There will be no miraculous comeback in a game four closeout game. Blazers need to come out strong and take control of this game from the beginning.

At this point the best team has been the Pelicans. It is painfully clear they are better suited for the playoffs. They have some terrific players that are playing with a lot of heart. The Blazers have had a good season. Nothing to be ashamed about. But i would like to see a win in the playoffs. They could use something to be positive about at this point of the season. No excuses have been given by the players. They are all seemingly owning their mistakes. Even Stotts is saying this is a tough tough matchup. If the Pels do get game four i will most certainly be rooting for them in round two and beyond if they can somehow get by the Warriors. But for this game i am still a Blazer fan to the highest degree!

Go Blazers!
Kjironman is a fan!!!

 

[BrunoSOC]

Last game of the year guys. Season is over

 

[Chris Craig]

DAMNIT. I'm missing this game too.

On the bright side, I've been so much happier this week.

Not missing much

 

[Chris Craig]

Why? It could one of the most active. Could be depressing for Dame/Stotts/CJ, but they'll all get over it.

The playoffs, on the other hand? I ain't watching. Probably.

It's not going to be that active. No one wants our guys after this. We are stuck with Evan and Meyers...It'l just be another year of the same shit

 

[Chris Craig]

Blazers vs Pelicans Game 4

Okay we all know where this is going. But i personally want my Blazers to win game four. I am of the opinion that there is some adjustments that can be made but they are fairly drastic. I also feel that the Blazers can have a good shooting night and beat this club. In order for that to happen there has to be a dominating performance by CJ, Harkless and Aminu. The Blazers do have the defense to cover this team. But they don't have the defense to cover this team when Lillard and CJ combine for 12 turnovers that lead to fast break points as the Pels logged a staggering 16 steals in game four. When the Blazers score the defense gets back and they have good success guarding this team. I also have to believe there is no way Mirotic will shoot 75% from the field again. and 66% from three. This guy has been absolutely lights out. I am looking at team totals and when it comes down to the Pels total scoring the Blazers need to look into getting tougher on defense. It's time to rock the boat a bit. Very tentative at best as the averages are showing the Pelicans don't like to be pushed out of their comfort zone. We all know Mirotic doesn't like to be fouled hard. We all know Davis has two new small injuries to his thumb and ribs. Need to make him uncomfortable. The other guy they have not messed with is Rondo. Got to get into this guys head.

My drastic adjustments are going twin towers. I said this in the game two pre-game. The Blazers have four bigs. My suggestion is simple. Push Collins or Davis into the starting lineup with Nurk. Then add Leonard to the second unit with Collins/Davis. Play bigger and this allows the Blazers to have a big that can run at all all times. Both Collins and Leonard can at least get up and down the court fast. Use Aminu and Harkless mainly at the 3 spot. and add Baldwin to the mix with Pat Con. The reason to go bigger is simple. If the Blazers can exploit with size Gentry will have to match with bigger players. which means Mirotic might become a liability. Not to mention Moore. Maybe they can get some mismatches with size and free up dame for some easy looks. Double screens and just completely bashing Rondo a couple times with some nasty moving picks. Put Leonard and his six fouls to work. Really hammer Davis a few times also. Get them thinking they don't want to chance a painful deep bone bruise at this point of the series. Grind this team into submission. No matter how many picks you have to set get Lillard some open looks and always have a big rolling to the basket from either side.

Hammering them often and early will get things chippy for sure. Being more aggressive will cost the Blazers on the foul line i'm sure but the way these games have been called who knows? Then I would like to see terry Stotts got ballistic when Davis tries to call his own fouls next time. This is getting real old real fast. I have seen Davis essentially change the Refs decision on the court three times in three games. Time for Stotts to get assertive about that shit. Absolutely blow his top and get that Technical called. Make your statement at some point. Might as well be on the road in a close out game.

My hope is we don't see CJ lose faith early and quit. I have seen it before and the only way to keep him in this game will be to keep it competitive early and the whole way. If the Blazers go 20-25 points down. There is no asking CJ to work hard the rest of the way. There will be no miraculous comeback in a game four closeout game. Blazers need to come out strong and take control of this game from the beginning.

At this point the best team has been the Pelicans. It is painfully clear they are better suited for the playoffs. They have some terrific players that are playing with a lot of heart. The Blazers have had a good season. Nothing to be ashamed about. But i would like to see a win in the playoffs. They could use something to be positive about at this point of the season. No excuses have been given by the players. They are all seemingly owning their mistakes. Even Stotts is saying this is a tough tough matchup. If the Pels do get game four i will most certainly be rooting for them in round two and beyond if they can somehow get by the Warriors. But for this game i am still a Blazer fan to the highest degree!

Go Blazers!
Kjironman is a fan!!!

I want the Blazers to win Game 4 too. People in hell want ice water, doesn't mean they are going to get it. Blazers have showed no reason to believe that they can beat this team in the last three games. Adjustments? They know all our sets, all three of em. Terry wouldn't know how to adjust if it hit him in the ass. Did you see him last night in his post game conference. Looked like he was going to lose it, started laughing a bit hysterically when asked about a game 4 plan, and said he didn't have one. He knows he's gone and this team is done.

 

[THE HCP]

Tell ya what--if you start a game thread, I will only post in it and not in DW's.

YES!

 

[Reep]

Pels will be very motivated to not let this go back to Portland.

I kind of hope Stotts goes for broke and starts Davis or Collins over Nurk, maybe gets Baldwin as first off the bench, maybe more. Just go for broke.

 

[kjironman1]

Pels will be very motivated to not let this go back to Portland.

I kind of hope Stotts goes for broke and starts Davis or Collins over Nurk, maybe gets Baldwin as first off the bench, maybe more. Just go for broke.

Yep! I totally agree. They do not want to go to game 5. This will be a huge test on intestinal fortitude. The Blazers need to play their asses off to get a win.

 

[kjironman1]

I want the Blazers to win Game 4 too. People in hell want ice water, doesn't mean they are going to get it. Blazers have showed no reason to believe that they can beat this team in the last three games. Adjustments? They know all our sets, all three of em. Terry wouldn't know how to adjust if it hit him in the ass. Did you see him last night in his post game conference. Looked like he was going to lose it, started laughing a bit hysterically when asked about a game 4 plan, and said he didn't have one. He knows he's gone and this team is done.

You sound the way CJ looked in the third quarter.

 

[kjironman1]

Funny you don't have Turner in that poll?

Even funnier is that as soon as Evan Turner is not in the lineup the Blazers get blown out?

Maybe Turner does more than some people on this board give him credit for? They certainly could have used a bigger player to handle the ball and back some guys down last night. He also could maybe have took some of the pressure off dame and let Dame play more off ball.
Seems like the Blazers at least competed a bit more in games one and two?

 

[PDXFonz]

HCP needs to go even if we win...FAMS!

 

[Strenuus]

Funny you don't have Turner in that poll?

Even funnier is that as soon as Evan Turner is not in the lineup the Blazers get blown out?

Maybe Turner does more than some people on this board give him credit for? They certainly could have used a bigger player to handle the ball and back some guys down last night. He also could maybe have took some of the pressure off dame and let Dame play more off ball.
Seems like the Blazers at least competed a bit more in games one and two?

lol. I wouldnt call it competing.

 

[Jon]

thank you for the awesome game threads this year, @Darkwebs !!!