Game Thread PLAYOFFS: ROUND 1, GAME 5: THUNDER @ BLAZERS - APRIL 23, 2019, TUESDAY, 7:30 PM, TNT & NBCSNW

[Darkwebs]

2018-19 REGULAR SEASON RECORD
OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER
49 - 33
(22-19 Road)
PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS
53 - 29
(32-9 Home)

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

PG

RUSSELL WESTBROOK VS DAMIAN LILLARD

SG

TERRANCE FERGUSON VS C.J. McCOLLUM

PF

PAUL GEORGE VS MOE HARKLESS

PF

JERAMI GRANT VS AL-FAROUQ AMINU

C

STEVEN ADAMS VS ENES KANTER

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

WHEN: 7:30 PM (PDT), TUESDAY, 4/23/2019

WHERE: MODA CENTER, PORTLAND, OR

TV BROADCAST:

AND

RADIO BROADCAST:

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--------------BENCH--------------
OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER

FELTON , SCHRODER , DIALLO

BURTON , NADER , GRANTHAM

PATTERSON , MORRIS , NOEL

PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS

CURRY , SIMONS , HOOD

TURNER , TRENT Jr. , LAYMAN

LABISSIERE , COLLINS , LEONARD


INJURIES
THUNDER
Andre Roberson (left patellar tendon): OUT
TRAIL BLAZERS
Jusuf Nurkic (left leg injury): OUT


HEAD COACHES

- VS –

BILLY DONOVAN --- TERRY STOTTS




THUNDER'S OFFICIAL GAME NOTES
TRAIL BLAZERS' OFFICIAL GAME NOTES ​

SEASON SERIES NOTES
• Oklahoma City swept Portland 4-0, one season after Portland swept Oklahoma City 4-0.
• The Thunder’s average margin of victory in the four wins was 7.0 points.
• Damian Lillard posted his highest scoring average against a Western Conference opponent vs. the Thunder this season, averaging 34.8 points (46.2% FG, 25.0% 3-PT, 91.7% FT) to go with 4.3 rebounds, 7.8 assists and 2.50 steals in four games.
• Lillard scored a season-high 51 points vs. the Thunder on March 7.
• Lillard posted career highs in free throws (18) and attempts (20) in the March 7 overtime loss to the Thunder.
• CJ McCollum averaged 19.8 points, 3.5 rebounds and 3.0 assists in four games.
• Paul George paced the Thunder vs. Portland this season, posting averages of 38.0 points (45.2% FG, 45.9% 3-PT, 85.0 FT%), 10.5 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 2.75 steals.
• Russell Westbrook averaged 29.5 points (43.2% FG, 35.0% 3-PT, 78.4% FT), 10.0 rebounds and 8.8 assists vs. Portland this season.

PLAYOFF SERIES NOTES
• The series marks Portland’s first playoff matchup against a divisional opponent since facing the Lakers in 2002 as members of the Pacific Division. The Trail Blazers have never faced a Northwest Division opponent since the division was formed in 2004-05.
• This marks the first playoff series between the Trail Blazers and Thunder since the franchise moved from Seattle to Oklahoma City prior to the 2008-09 season.
• The Trail Blazers have now faced every Western Conference franchise in their current city in the playoffs with the exception of Sacramento.
• Portland played Seattle four times in the postseason, going 8-8 vs. the Sonics with each team winning two series.
• The Sonics defeated the Trail Blazers 4-2 in the 1978 Western Conference Semifinals.
• Seattle beat Portland 2-1 in a first-round matchup in 1980.
• In 1983, Portland defeated Seattle 2-0 in the first round.
• The Trail Blazers beat the Sonics 3-2 in the first round of the 1991 NBA Playoffs.

CONNECTIONS

• Portland center Enes Kanter played parts of three seasons for the Thunder from 2014-17, averaging 14.2 points and 8.0 rebounds in 180 games (27 starts).
• Thunder guard Raymond Felton spent the 2011-12 season in Portland, where he averaged 11.4 points, 2.5 rebounds and 6.5 assists in 60 games (56 starts).
• Trail Blazers head coach Terry Stotts was a four-year starter at the University of Oklahoma, where he earned All-Big Eight honors his senior year.

PREVIOUS MEETING IN THE SERIES
GAME #1: WIN 104-99



GAME #2: WIN 114-94



GAME #3: Loss 120-108



GAME #4: WIN 111-98

​

 

[Darkwebs]

NBA PLAYOFFS BRACKET

As of 4/21/2019

​

 

[Darkwebs]

Good feelings all around as the Blazers snapped their 8-game Playoffs road losing streak, defeating the ever-contemptible Thunder team to go up 3-1 in the series.

Now the "Gentlemen's Sweep" is in play, as Portland looks to close out the series in front of Rip City faithfuls.

This will be do-or-die for OKC, so you know they will come out even more desperate than before. This will undoubtedly be an epic battle as the Thunder will throw everything they have into this elimination match. But I know the Blazers will not back down either. Expect a game full lot of jawing, pushing, pulling, and techs.

It's going to be ugly, but if the Blazers come out on top, that's all that matters.

Send the Thunder home whining and crying because that's all they're good at. And RIP CITY, BABY!

 

[DDolla]

Just Win Baby!

 

[BonesJones]

Poll Question - Donovan is TERRIBLE.

 

[blazerkor]

I don't think we'll see the best of OKC in this game because their leader Westbrook is a headcase that can't stand the pressure. So we'll see a lot of Westbrook forcing it and a good game from George. Pretty much what we saw in this last game except all of our guys will be playing even better because it's on their home court. We'll win this game and I think it will be an even wider margin of victory than the last game.

 

[PtldPlatypus]

Now the "Gentlemen's Sweep" is in play, as Portland looks to close out the series in front of Rip City faithfuls.

Semantics, but I would disagree with this. I've always heard the gentleman's sweep defined as winning the first 3, losing 4, and then closing out in 5. This series doesn't qualify.

 

[mook]

Donovan has been a pretty bad coach, but I'm not sure that any Westbrook team is all that coachable.

I would say it was criminal that he left Paul George out for most of the second quarter after picking up 3 fouls. By the time he came back in he was cold as hell (maybe his shoulder stiffened up?) George ended the game with only those 3 fouls (and only 36min played, after averaging 41mpg in the first two.) I thought it was dumb as fuck--you let your best player play through fouls. So the coach decided to play him 5 fewer minutes than he can normally handle for no good reason.

 

[mook]

I think the big adjustments Stotts needs to make is to completely forget Turner and give his minutes to Curry. Neither guy is capable of running the offense, but at least Curry is providing better defense and shooting. Turner is complete garbage.

I'm also kind of wondering if we don't see more Jake Layman minutes instead of Rodney Hood, especially if it looks like we are going to close them out after halftime. Layman hasn't had a chance to really prove whether he can perform in the playoffs yet, and I like our chances in the next round better if we could get some kind of production from our backup wing.

 

[KingSpeed]

If we win this one and Spurs/Nuggets goes 7, we’ll have a whole week of rest and preparation for second round.

 

[KingSpeed]

I think the big adjustments Stotts needs to make is to completely forget Turner and give his minutes to Curry. Neither guy is capable of running the offense, but at least Curry is providing better defense and shooting. Turner is complete garbage.

I'm also kind of wondering if we don't see more Jake Layman minutes instead of Rodney Hood, especially if it looks like we are going to close them out after halftime. Layman hasn't had a chance to really prove whether he can perform in the playoffs yet, and I like our chances in the next round better if we could get some kind of production from our backup wing.

Turner will have a moment in the playoffs, probably in a later series. He played very good D on Harden in regular season. That may come in handy in WCF.

 

[trailblazer18]

Semantics, but I would disagree with this. I've always heard the gentleman's sweep defined as winning the first 3, losing 4, and then closing out in 5. This series doesn't qualify.

I was going to mention this as well. This is what I've always understood it to be as well.

 

[illmatic99]

I think OKC found something the fourth by putting Grant in at center and letting him and PG trap Dame. It opened up stuff for CJ a bit to go one on one, but this might be something they'll continue doing in Game 5.

Keys will be:

-Kanter/Collins/Leonard making right decisions on the short roll
-Kanter posting up Grant deeper
-Dame showing patience
-They are hiding Westbrook on Hood. Rodney needs to get the ball and take advantage.

Series isn't over. I really don't wanna go back to OKC.

 

[illmatic99]

Donovan has been a pretty bad coach, but I'm not sure that any Westbrook team is all that coachable.

I would say it was criminal that he left Paul George out for most of the second quarter after picking up 3 fouls. By the time he came back in he was cold as hell (maybe his shoulder stiffened up?) George ended the game with only those 3 fouls (and only 36min played, after averaging 41mpg in the first two.) I thought it was dumb as fuck--you let your best player play through fouls. So the coach decided to play him 5 fewer minutes than he can normally handle for no good reason.

Need to stop with this shoulder bullshit. It looked fine while he was throwing down a monster dunk after the game was over Friday.

 

[kjironman1]

I think OKC found something the fourth by putting Grant in at center and letting him and PG trap Dame. It opened up stuff for CJ a bit to go one on one, but this might be something they'll continue doing in Game 5.

I noticed this also but i think it was successful more because a few open looks didn't fall. CJ was way too open and when they tried to collapse, Aminu was clearly wide open and as is what happened Westbrook got left on Harkless. Mo just rolled to the hoop and caught a Dame pass for an easy two. Game Over.
I agree they will most likely use it again. But in the end the Blazers have too many options to break it and Damian Lillard is running this team very well.

 

[KingSpeed]

I think OKC found something the fourth by putting Grant in at center and letting him and PG trap Dame. It opened up stuff for CJ a bit to go one on one, but this might be something they'll continue doing in Game 5.

Keys will be:

-Kanter/Collins/Leonard making right decisions on the short roll
-Kanter posting up Grant deeper
-Dame showing patience
-They are hiding Westbrook on Hood. Rodney needs to get the ball and take advantage.

Series isn't over. I really don't wanna go back to OKC.

Great post.

 

[TBpup]

Whatever it takes, end this in 5.

 

[kjironman1]

Think about all three of the games the Blazers have won.
Game One Kanter was clearly the difference.
Game Two Meyers Leonard was huge.
Game Four Aminu was the man.

In all games the Blazers got good games from Lillard and CJ. But in every game another player has made a important impact for a win. Honorable Mention to Mo Harkless as he has also been significant on both sides of the ball.

 

[kjironman1]

I'm thinking game 5 will be Seth Curry that makes the big impact.

 

[SIeepwalker]

come on Kingspeed...

 

[TBpup]

I'm thinking game 5 will be Seth Curry that makes the big impact.

It would be good to sees someone off the bench have a really good game. Curry seems the most likely. Maybe Hood can get going as well because they are going to need more off the bench as the series get tougher.

 

[Darkwebs]

Semantics, but I would disagree with this. I've always heard the gentleman's sweep defined as winning the first 3, losing 4, and then closing out in 5. This series doesn't qualify.

I was going to mention this as well. This is what I've always understood it to be as well.

Hmm, maybe you guys are right, but there doesn't seem to be much consensus as to the exact definition.

I searched online and could only find 2 entries in urbandictionary for "gentlemen's sweep." Neither definition says Game 4 has to be a loss.


https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=gentleman’s sweep

https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Gentleman's Sweep

 

[TBpup]

Maybe it just matters if the sweeper has a nice hat.

 

[LuckyShot]

I think OKC found something the fourth by putting Grant in at center and letting him and PG trap Dame. It opened up stuff for CJ a bit to go one on one, but this might be something they'll continue doing in Game 5.

Keys will be:

-Kanter/Collins/Leonard making right decisions on the short roll
-Kanter posting up Grant deeper
-Dame showing patience
-They are hiding Westbrook on Hood. Rodney needs to get the ball and take advantage.

Series isn't over. I really don't wanna go back to OKC.

I think that's a good way for them to make sure they lose game 5. With that lineup they have little rim protection and rebounding. The floor opened up a lot and allowed Zach to be an important factor, and when Kanter was in it gave us a great option in the post. I thought they were stupid to go away from Adams for so long. I thought he must've been injured.

 

[BonesJones]

I noticed this also but i think it was successful more because a few open looks didn't fall. CJ was way too open and when they tried to collapse, Aminu was clearly wide open and as is what happened Westbrook got left on Harkless. Mo just rolled to the hoop and caught a Dame pass for an easy two. Game Over.
I agree they will most likely use it again. But in the end the Blazers have too many options to break it and Damian Lillard is running this team very well.

Not to mention that Portland was sitting on the ball due to their double digit lead.

 

[TBpup]

Not to mention that Portland was sitting on the ball due to their double digit lead.

Exactly. The girlfriend was wondering why the Blazers didn't attack all the gaps in the defense. She's still learning and now understands more about possession and running down the clock....but even she could see that there were gaping holes in that scheme with no rim protection.

 

[beast blazer]

I'll be happy with this season if we just win this series. Beating the hated thunder without nurk. Just the mere fact that we won a series vs a team at full strength

 

[KingSpeed]

I'll be happy with this season if we just win this series. Beating the hated thunder without nurk. Just the mere fact that we won a series vs a team at full strength

I won't. I want the championship. This year. We have a good enough team and the path is clear. When you have a chance to win it all, you do it. 2014 & 2016? Those second rounds were "Just happy to be here." If we defeat the Thunder, we're aiming to win round 2!

 

[TBpup]

Was disappointed SA didn't hold serve on their home court and go up 3-1. I'd rather have HCA against the Spurs than be on the road against a young Nuggets team gaining confidence. That said, I think we can beat Denver has well. Just have to get Game 5 here and then Game 1 in Denver if they win.

 

[hoopsjock]

I think OKC found something the fourth by putting Grant in at center and letting him and PG trap Dame. It opened up stuff for CJ a bit to go one on one, but this might be something they'll continue doing in Game 5.

Keys will be:

-Kanter/Collins/Leonard making right decisions on the short roll
-Kanter posting up Grant deeper
-Dame showing patience
-They are hiding Westbrook on Hood. Rodney needs to get the ball and take advantage.

Series isn't over. I really don't wanna go back to OKC.

If OKC wants to purposely take their 3rd best player out of this series to run better traps then this series is over already.

We did better last game but without Nurk the Thunder have a clear advantage with Adams who has been money in the paint but for some reason (selfish stars) they fail to exploit it.