We need to have something, anything to exploit

[magnifier661]

So far, during the season and in this playoffs, we haven't found a single thing to exploit against Memphis. They have a counter for anything we throw at them. We need something to keep them on their toes. So what is it? This will be a sweep unless we solve this immediately!

What I haven't seen is using double picks. I don't know why we haven't tried this yet already. I've seen this used on Memphis before and it worked really well. Basically, you use the PF or center to set the high pick, then use the SF or SG to set the secondary pick and roll. In fact, have both the big and SF share a pop and roll. Make them guess which will have them a half step slower.

 

[riverman]

Making shots would be an approach that could confuse them, I'd go with that approach to start

 

[magnifier661]

Making shots would be an approach that could confuse them, I'd go with that approach to start

Okay Captain Obvious... But we need to have "easy shots" so we can make more of them. We are working so hard to get any shot off, so making them becomes much harder. Maybe try and find something that we can do to exploit them, you know, like so the Blazers can have easy shot opportunities.

 

[riverman]

You need to make contested shots against a good defensive team. They did that. We didn't. It was our worst shooting performance of the year and we even bricked free throws. Might be obvious but our offense has to make them work harder on defense.

 

[MAS RipCity]

How to beat Memphis:
- Push the tempo. This starts at the defensive end: force a miss, grab the rebound, and GO before they can set up their defense
- Force turnovers. Trap their guards, pressure the ballhandler, and get easy buckets in transition off of turnovers.
- No more iso-ball. This plays right into Memphis' hands. We must have the offense moving at all times ... think of the Toronto game in March as a blueprint.

 

[riverman]

Okay Captain Obvious... But we need to have "easy shots" so we can make more of them. We are working so hard to get any shot off, so making them becomes much harder. Maybe try and find something that we can do to exploit them, you know, like so the Blazers can have easy shot opportunities.

I'm only Captain Obvious when the glasses come off and then I can't type

 

[dviss1]

We need to get their bigs in foul trouble. That should be the #1 plan.

 

[BlazerCaravan]

We need to get their bigs in foul trouble. That should be the #1 plan.

We could just injure them.

 

[blue32]

How to beat Memphis:
- Push the tempo. This starts at the defensive end: force a miss, grab the rebound, and GO before they can set up their defense
- Force turnovers. Trap their guards, pressure the ballhandler, and get easy buckets in transition off of turnovers.
- No more iso-ball. This plays right into Memphis' hands. We must have the offense moving at all times ... think of the Toronto game in March as a blueprint.

We rarely trap. It would be nice if we could, but our guard defense blows... :\

 

[SlyPokerDog]

Aren't there any old warrants we could have Zbo arrested on when the Grizz come to Portland?

 

[Boob-No-More]

Zach Randolph's defense. I posted it in the series thread before Game 1 and just posted it again in the Game 2 Adjustments thread. He is their weak spot on defense and we have the personnel (Aldridge, Kaman and Leonard) to exploit that weakness. When Zach is in the game, we should have two of the above on the floor together as much as possible. Gasol can only guard one of them at a time. So, force Zach to guard the other. All of Aldridge, Kaman and Leonard should be able to score at will if we draw Gasol out of the paint and force Zach to guard any one of these three on the low block (or anywhere else, for that matter). All three can post up Zach and all three can shoot over him.

And, in general (also mentioned in the Game 2 Adjustments thread), push the tempo EVERY time we get a defensive rebound. Don't let Gasol get back and get set up in the paint on defense. We're a faster team all around than MEM. Their bigs are especially slow and plodding. We need to exploit that and stop playing to their strengths. Getting outscored 15-6 in fast break points against MEM should NEVER happen. Those numbers should be flip flopped - and then some.

BNM

 

[magnifier661]

Zach Randolph's defense. I posted it in the series thread before Game 1 and just posted it again in the Game 2 Adjustments thread. He is their weak spot on defense and we have the personnel (Aldridge, Kaman and Leonard) to exploit that weakness. When Zach is in the game, we should have two of the above on the floor together as much as possible. Gasol can only guard one of them at a time. So, force Zach to guard the other. All of Aldridge, Kaman and Leonard should be able to score at will if we draw Gasol out of the paint and force Zach to guard any one of these three on the low block (or anywhere else, for that matter). All three can post up Zach and all three can shoot over him.

And, in general (also mentioned in the Game 2 Adjustments thread), push the tempo EVERY time we get a defensive rebound. Don't let Gasol get back and get set up in the paint on defense. We're a faster team all around than MEM. Their bigs are especially slow and plodding. We need to exploit that and stop playing to their strengths. Getting outscored 15-6 in fast break points against MEM should NEVER happen. Those numbers should be flip flopped - and then some.

BNM

It's easier said than done though. We need to find a way to exploit it, not force the exploit. Something that could come naturally and is really something Memphis struggles with.

Definitely like the exploiting Zach on the half court idea. The problem with pushing the ball is our wings aren't that good at running the break. It's so frustrating!!!!

 

[BlazerDuckSeahawkFan94]

I'd say make them run but we aren't good at a transition style of basketball.

Truly the only things we can do are actually set screens to open up lanes/shooters and move the ball quickly.

 

[Boob-No-More]

The problem with pushing the ball is our wings aren't that good at running the break. It's so frustrating!!!!

Perhaps not great at running a multi-player, 3-man weave style break, but Dame and C.J. are both good at taking their man off the dribble and finishing at the rim. And they are MUCH better at it when Marc Gasol isn't camping under the rim waiting for them.

We don't need to beat the entire MEM team down the court, just Gasol. We'll get much better looks before MEM sets their half court defense than after they do.

Pushing the tempo will also result in more open 3-pointers for the trailers as a secondary option on the break. Again, we don't have to be the Showtime Lakers here to exploit MEM's slow footed, plodding bigs. Just push the tempo enough to get a good, high percentage shot up before Gasol and company get set up in their half court defensive set.

Forcing the MEM bigs to hustle back more on defense will also tire them out and and they'll have less energy on the offensive end.

Look at our roster and theirs and tell my how the fuck they outscored us 15-6 on fast break points in Game 1.

BNM

 

[magnifier661]

Perhaps not great at running a multi-player, 3-man weave style break, but Dame and C.J. are both good at taking their man off the dribble and finishing at the rim. And they are MUCH better at it when Marc Gasol isn't camping under the rim waiting for them.

We don't need to beat the entire MEM team down the court, just Gasol. We'll get much better looks before MEM sets their half court defense than after they do.

Pushing the tempo will also result in more open 3-pointers for the trailers as a secondary option on the break. Again, we don't have to be the Showtime Lakers here to exploit MEM's slow footed, plodding bigs. Just push the tempo enough to get a good, high percentage shot up before Gasol and company get set up in their half court defensive set.

Forcing the MEM bigs to hustle back more on defense will also tire them out and and they'll have less energy on the offensive end.

Look at our roster and theirs and tell my how the fuck they outscored us 15-6 on fast break points in Game 1.

BNM

I think Afflalo is good as well. If we have a starting line-up of Dame, Afflalo, Batum, Aldridge and Lopez, then you use Batum to go after the board, Afflalo and Dame leak, Aldridge is the trailer. I think that would be cool.

 

[ThatRandomFan]

Zach Randolph's defense. I posted it in the series thread before Game 1 and just posted it again in the Game 2 Adjustments thread. He is their weak spot on defense and we have the personnel (Aldridge, Kaman and Leonard) to exploit that weakness. When Zach is in the game, we should have two of the above on the floor together as much as possible. Gasol can only guard one of them at a time. So, force Zach to guard the other. All of Aldridge, Kaman and Leonard should be able to score at will if we draw Gasol out of the paint and force Zach to guard any one of these three on the low block (or anywhere else, for that matter). All three can post up Zach and all three can shoot over him.

And, in general (also mentioned in the Game 2 Adjustments thread), push the tempo EVERY time we get a defensive rebound. Don't let Gasol get back and get set up in the paint on defense. We're a faster team all around than MEM. Their bigs are especially slow and plodding. We need to exploit that and stop playing to their strengths. Getting outscored 15-6 in fast break points against MEM should NEVER happen. Those numbers should be flip flopped - and then some.

BNM

I would like to point out to you that Z'bo was guarding Aldridge every single time they were in the game at the same time. He plays excellent no foul defense since he doesnt jump. The only defensive hole the grizzlies have is at the 2 guard (When Tony is playing the 3 or on bench), and without Afflalo last game Portland couldnt exploit that. Easiest way to beat the grizzlies is to move the ball and find open shooters, that is why the Spurs destroy the Grizz..

 

[BBert]

Making shots would be an approach that could confuse them, I'd go with that approach to start

They certainly won't be expecting it.

 

[BBert]

Aren't there any old warrants we could have Zbo arrested on when the Grizz come to Portland?

These days all it takes is a well timed false accusation. Who is willing to take one for the team?

 

[riverman]

These days all it takes is a well timed false accusation. Who is willing to take one for the team?

hookers cost money

 

[magnifier661]

Maybe we can goat quick to write an article that says Zach Randolph is the best PF in this series. Say things like "Aldridge can't even post up Zach, who is considered a poor defender"

 

[Boob-No-More]

I would like to point out to you that Z'bo was guarding Aldridge every single time they were in the game at the same time. He plays excellent no foul defense since he doesnt jump. The only defensive hole the grizzlies have is at the 2 guard (When Tony is playing the 3 or on bench), and without Afflalo last game Portland couldnt exploit that. Easiest way to beat the grizzlies is to move the ball and find open shooters, that is why the Spurs destroy the Grizz..

And LaMarcus has had some big games against MEM in the past when Zach has been guarding him. Earlier this season he had a 32-point game on 10-20 FG and 9-10 FT. In the last game against MEM, he had 16 points in less than 18 minutes on 7-12 shooting before coming out of the game.

But, this is the reason I said we need to have another scoring big in the game. For Aldridge to post up Zach, we need another big man who can draw Gasol out from under the basket. LaMarus had a bad shooting night in Game 1 (a very Westbrookian 32 points on 34 FGA) and came out extremely cold. After the game, he said he was rushing his shot early. If MEM is going to put Zach on Aldridge, we need to have Kaman or Leonard in the game to draw Gasol's defensive attention. Rolo and his 2 points on 0-2 shooting isn't going to get it done.

I agree, we need a LOT more scoring from the SG position. Afflalo will help, and C.J. will certainly do better than 2 points on 1-8 shooting (I just chalked his poor performance up to first time starting in the playoffs). With all the talk about how badly Aldridge and Lillard played in Game 1, you're not going to beat a team like MEM when 2 of your starters combine for 4 total points on 1-10 shooting.

BNM

 

[BlazerCaravan]

hookers cost money

Only if you do it wrong.

 

[SlyPokerDog]

 

[PDXFonz]

What was Luke Babbitt doing at a Grizzlies game?

The look on that kids face is priceless. We've all been there before!

 

[BBert]

LMFAO

 

[Natebishop3]

Put a stripper pole at both ends of the court. Zach won't be able to resist.

 

[PDXFonz]

They need to advance the date for marijuana legalization!

 

[MarAzul]

So far, during the season and in this playoffs, we haven't found a single thing to exploit against Memphis. They have a counter for anything we throw at them. We need something to keep them on their toes. So what is it? This will be a sweep unless we solve this immediately!

What I haven't seen is using double picks. I don't know why we haven't tried this yet already. I've seen this used on Memphis before and it worked really well. Basically, you use the PF or center to set the high pick, then use the SF or SG to set the secondary pick and roll. In fact, have both the big and SF share a pop and roll. Make them guess which will have them a half step slower.

That high pick would work nice if they get the big guys out of the paint. Leonard set the high pick and Lillard drive it down then pass back to the big guy for the shot (Need to bribe Lillard to pass to Leonard though) with Lamarcus out on the elbow extended. A few of those then the roll is going to work and Lamarcus could get some close in shots (if Lillard can get the pass UP to the big guys).
Batum could run a few too. Then Lamarcus on the left block (sort of normal) with which ever big on him, Leonard draw the other out too the strong corner and Lillard cut to the hoop from the right wing ought to be good for a few. Then reverse it with Rolo or Leonard on the right block and cutter come down from left wing. But need to make them pay for having a wall in there first.

If they insist on breaking the Grizz using the three ball, they sure better use a shooter that has the stats for it, magic isn't going to begin in April.

 

[riverman]

I'm guessing the kid next to her sold her the meth

 

[WarriorFan]

I don't know why teams don't pack in their defense against Memphis. Someone mentioned in another thread playing a zone and in general I think NBA teams will destroy a traditional zone but I would try it against them. Deny the entry to the low post and force them to shoot 3s. Make Conley, Pondexter, or Allen beat you. If they go to Gasol on the elbow, which I'd assume they will, I'd go small with Batum at 4, covering Gasol out there and try to strip the ball when Gasol turns to face the basket (He keeps the ball low when he pivots and it drives me crazy when I see that. Same thing when a guy grabs an offensive rebound and brings the ball down to his waist. Fundamentals, people!).

On offense, I agree that you need to push the tempo. I don't really see an advantage for you exploit in a half court set so why try to force things into the strength of their team? Run, run, run. Jump passing lanes. Pressure Conley. Make the game messy, don't try to make it physical, just a frantic pace. I don't think LMA mid range jumpers will be enough and I wouldn't trust Lillard isos against conley or allen. I think Batum is the key; he needs 15-20 relatively easy points for Portland to win. And if you can get game 2 the ugly game 1 showing will be a distant memory. I'm pulling for you guys!

As an aside, what is Batum's contract situation? Would you want him back? I used to really like him but now I feel like Portland would be much better with an Igoudala or Crowder type of guy. Not necessarily someone more talented, just tougher.