Game Thread SEEDING GAME# 2: BLAZERS @ CELTICS - AUGUST 2, 2020 - SUNDAY, 12:30, ABC & NBCSNW

[blazerkor]

There could be a motion to try and make the games relevant. If half the teams are out by the 3 and 4th game then certain fans lose interest.

That is a conspiracy theory.... I Know.

I just don't think we ever get respect from refs. Dame doesn't get calls that all other allstars get and we get called for so many ticky tack bullshit calls. Other teams play physical defense (see Milwaukee) and get away with stuff we don't, it fucking nonsense.

 

[THE HCP]

Dame an absolute no show today

OUTSTANDING POST!

 

[wizenheimer]

ok...I didn't watch the game because I couldn't waste the daylight in front of the TV, Too much work around the place here

glancing thru the game thread, box score and play by play, I'll note:

* the same people always bash Dame if he isn't playing at a super-star level. And almost always, he turns it on sometime in the game. 16 assists and 1.67 points/shot is a really good game statistically

* The thing to remember about a 23 point comeback is that the Blazers dug a 23 point hole. Maybe don't do that again

* Portland's staring forwards had 19 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists while Boston's had 56 points, 12 rebounds, 11 assists. That's way too big a mismatch

and that points to a reality: the NBA is strongest at the wing position; that's where championships are won. Portland is weakest at the wing and it hurts them a lot. Boston has 3 wings, Tatum, Brown, and Hayward who are better and more versatile than any SG/SF Portland has right now. Yeah, I know you could argue CJ is as good, or better, than Hayward, but 6'8 trumps 6'3 most times in the NBA when everything else is about equal. Portland needs significant roster work

it's impossible to judge Blazer defense from the box score, but Boston shot really well. Did they have a lot of open shots?

haven't decided if I'll watch the DVR of this game. Would if Portland had won; but I've seen enough Blazer losses this season

 

[wizenheimer]

There's no such thing as a good or bad stat. There's just good or bad USES of a stat.

exactly, and using individual +/- for a single game is a bad use of that stat. Much more noise than light

 

[Scalma]

There's no such thing as a good or bad stat. There's just good or bad USES of a stat.

Its a bad stat. Coaches have been outspoken about how meaningless it is.

 

[James lamphear]

I think so but I don't think it matters either way. The Spurs are now ahead of us but are about to go on a huge losing streak. We are now a 1/2 game closer to Memphis but I don't actually think we'll win enough to pass them for the eighth spot. I really think we will win just enough games to be ninth and within 4 games of Memphis. So we'll have to beat Memphis two times in a row, which I think we'll do, I want us to do and you don't want us to do. Is that about right?

Actually we percentage point ahead of the spurs.

 

[BlazerWookee]

Tough loss. Got our butts kicked early, but kept grinding to get back into the game. If Dame keeps running the post pattern instead of buttonhooking, I think odds would have been 70/30 he drills the three and sends the game into OT.

First game in a really, really long time I was able to watch. Hate the sayings instead of names on the jerseys because it makes it harder for me to follow who is who since I'm rusty at recognizing players. Really hate the fake crowd noise, I think they can and should find something that sounds more realistic. Hate, hate, hate, HATE the fans thing, it's a good idea but poorly executed, IMO. Put 'em in view on replays, but they are too distracting during live play. Speaking of live play, I think the main camera angle is a little too high, and the shot is zoomed out way too far. And for the love of God, please stop switching to the low angle shot while the ball is in play.

 

[THE HCP]

What’s up with ya boy Dame?

Just now reading the game thread, you get your answer son?

 

[maxiep]

Through 2 games: Blazers 50 FTAs; opposition 84 FTAs.

Either the Blazers are playing some really lazy defense - or the playing field isn't exactly level.

When I looked at the box score, this differential (for this game 34-16) is what stuck out to me. My guess is we're in a bad defensive position and are just reaching to slap at the ball. I don't think it's a conspiracy. We fix that defect, we're tough to beat.

 

[kjironman1]

ok...I didn't watch the game because I couldn't waste the daylight in front of the TV, Too much work around the place here

glancing thru the game thread, box score and play by play, I'll note:

* the same people always bash Dame if he isn't playing at a super-star level. And almost always, he turns it on sometime in the game. 16 assists and 1.67 points/shot is a really good game statistically

* The thing to remember about a 23 point comeback is that the Blazers dug a 23 point hole. Maybe don't do that again

* Portland's staring forwards had 19 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists while Boston's had 56 points, 12 rebounds, 11 assists. That's way too big a mismatch

and that points to a reality: the NBA is strongest at the wing position; that's where championships are won. Portland is weakest at the wing and it hurts them a lot. Boston has 3 wings, Tatum, Brown, and Hayward who are better and more versatile than any SG/SF Portland has right now. Yeah, I know you could argue CJ is as good, or better, than Hayward, but 6'8 trumps 6'3 most times in the NBA when everything else is about equal. Portland needs significant roster work

it's impossible to judge Blazer defense from the box score, but Boston shot really well. Did they have a lot of open shots?

haven't decided if I'll watch the DVR of this game. Would if Portland had won; but I've seen enough Blazer losses this season

Maybe next time record the game? At least watch it when they replay it. Boston played well no doubt.

 

[kjironman1]

Hate the sayings instead of names on the jerseys because it makes it harder for me to follow who is who since I'm rusty at recognizing players.

The statement jerseys were fine for a game or even two but lets get it back to basketball with the names on the jerseys. Too many players on opposing teams i'm wondering about. They all have way different hairstyles from 6 months ago and some players even changed teams.

 

[Labinot41]

OUTSTANDING POST!

Oh dude foh, you always come after the game and act like a genius. Dame was atrocious in the 1st half and after we tied the game. Bricking and Turnovers was hard to watch, let alone the Sequences where he choose to make a dumb pass instead of shooting. You clearly just watch the boxscore

 

[BigGameDamian]

Just now reading the game thread, you get your answer son?

Terry stotts said they'll be no hangover after this loss!

 

[A$AP Meyers]

OUTSTANDING POST!

Kind of silly to go back and quote this. At the time he was 2-9 and we were down 20. He played a great overall game and came up huge for us. Perhaps if he had come out firing we may have had a better shot to win, though?

 

[kjironman1]

When I looked at the box score, this differential (for this game 34-16) is what stuck out to me. My guess is we're in a bad defensive position and are just reaching to slap at the ball. I don't think it's a conspiracy. We fix that defect, we're tough to beat.

Arms straight up a bit more would help but the other side is more what i am looking at. Multiple fouls on Collins and Trent not called. CJ almost never gets a call. In this game Zero free throws for Melo, CJ, Trent, Collins and Mario. Whiteside did go to the line once. Seems lopsided when all five of their starters went to the line at least once as well as Kanter and Smart shooting 10 free throws.

 

[blazerkor]

Actually we percentage point ahead of the spurs.

Nope, sorry buddy but the Spurs are a half game of us now and .5% ahead of us.

https://www.espn.com/nba/standings

 

[kjironman1]

Kind of silly to go back and quote this. At the time he was 2-9 and we were down 20. He played a great overall game and came up huge for us. Perhaps if he had come out firing we may have had a better shot to win, though?

It's not Silly? He does this game in and game out. This is Damian Lillard you are talking about.

 

[kjironman1]

Nope, sorry buddy but the Spurs are a half game of us now and .5% ahead of us.

https://www.espn.com/nba/standings

2 less losses.

 

[James lamphear]

I thought it was a good competitive game especially the 2nd half. I thought Dame play great in the 2nd half with his shooting I did question one shot that went in and but lead to a fast break for them of course if it went then everyone would how great it was. CJ hit some key shots in the 2nd half and did good job on the boards. Nurk overall great game and Trent another solid performance off the bench. Zach I give a so so at times play some good defense but other times wasn't ready for a pass. Melo just so so game too. Whiteside acts like he doesn't what to play and yes he was in there on the run but majority just slow reacting to almost everything. Mario didn't get to play much.

 

[tykendo]

Oh dude foh, you always come after the game and act like a genius. Dame was atrocious in the 1st half and after we tied the game. Bricking and Turnovers was hard to watch, let alone the Sequences where he choose to make a dumb pass instead of shooting. You clearly just watch the boxscore

You're drunk. Dame hasd

Oh dude foh, you always come after the game and act like a genius. Dame was atrocious in the 1st half and after we tied the game. Bricking and Turnovers was hard to watch, let alone the Sequences where he choose to make a dumb pass instead of shooting. You clearly just watch the boxscore

 

[A$AP Meyers]

FWIW 538 has Memphis 33% , NOP 32%, and Portland 25% to make playoffs. Spurs considered a non factor at 5%. They’re a pretty mediocre team and their schedule is a lot tougher than Mem and NOP.

Obviously these models are a crapshoot. I think I’d have my odds roughly the same, but I think we have a better shot than New Orleans though. That’s a bad basketball team. A bunch of one on one and their defense is even worse than ours. They look completely disinterested in guarding outside of Jrue (who is a DOG), and Lonzo who guards pretty well. At least we play defense with effort. Had some unfortunate bounces today and Boston hit some tough shots. They do have the benefit of an extremely weak schedule though. I don’t know what all went into making the schedule but man if it didn’t seem like the NBA wants Zion in the playoffs, lol ...

A win today would have been humongous. We need to beat Houston, and I think we can.

 

[illmatic99]

Is there anyway we can get our hands on Jaylen Brown?

He's is quite literally the best fit we can ever imagine as our SFotF. I know he signed a massive 4yr, 115 million contract at the start of this season, but they're gonna max Tatum and already have Kemba and Hayward on their books. They'd obviously choose Brown over Hayward, but one can dream.

 

[AldoTrapani]

Just now reading the game thread, you get your answer son?

Damn fam you got me on alert ! Lol

 

[UKRAINEFAN]

If that 2 was by design, Stotts has got to be the dumbest coach in the bubble.

After thinking it over, maybe not. If they surprise Boston, maybe somebody fouls Nurk as he goes up for the basket. But I'm sure Stevens knows that Terry goes for two a lot in that situation so they are probably not surprised.

 

[KSF-ERIC]

ing outside of Jrue (who is a DOG), and Lonzo who guards pretty well. At least we play defense with effort. Had some unfortunate bounces today and Boston hit some tough shots. They do have the benefit of an extremely weak schedule though. I don’t know what all went into making the schedule but man if it didn’t seem like the NBA wants Zion in the playoffs, lol ...

Pels playing teams from Top 22 that were on their schedule. Same as us.

 

[A$AP Meyers]

Pels playing teams from Top 22 that were on their schedule. Same as us.

I didn’t think every team was going to be able to play enough games with that method. Aren’t there a couple fill ins?

 

[UKRAINEFAN]

Why do I get a feeling Whiteside is looking a the +/- thinking he's getting screwed?

I know you aren't thinking he gets screwed and neither am I but I think there is something going on when he is in there. The offense becomes simplified. He sets good solid screens (at least today) and Dame looks for his shot first, if there is too much attention, then CJ or Trent should be open and he tosses to them for threes.

 

[UKRAINEFAN]

"Of course we were looking to get a three." "Dame made a reactionary pass." - Stotts

That makes more sense; because if they were looking for the two, they would have done it quicker.

 

[handiman]

Is there anyway we can get our hands on Jaylen Brown?

He's is quite literally the best fit we can ever imagine as our SFotF. I know he signed a massive 4yr, 115 million contract at the start of this season, but they're gonna max Tatum and already have Kemba and Hayward on their books. They'd obviously choose Brown over Hayward, but one can dream.

I've always felt he should be the star of that team, but he doesn't seem fully engaged all the time. He's got a bit of that Batum complimentary mindset, but in a much more explosive package.

 

[Tince]

I know you aren't thinking he gets screwed and neither am I but I think there is something going on when he is in there. The offense becomes simplified. He sets good solid screens (at least today) and Dame looks for his shot first, if there is too much attention, then CJ or Trent should be open and he tosses to them for threes.

I see what you're saying. I don't think Whiteside is garbage, but I think there is a real gap between him and Nurk when it comes to overall impact. Granted the +/- today doesn't show that and if that trend contined long enough, I'd have to reconsider.

I think Nurk holds the advantage in: Post offense, high post passing, screen setting, defensive positioning, preventing uncontested shots, consistency, and maybe even defensive rebounding.

Whiteside seems better at: Pure shot blocking and maybe offensive rebounding.

I'd be fine with Whiteside coming off the bench for 16-20 minutes a game and at the price level, but I don't think he will be.