What about Houston's defense?

[bsped]

After reading some playoff previews today, Portland gets no props because the "experts" say they lack defense. Based off of basketball-reference.com, Blazers are 17th in defense (not so good) and the Rockets are 13th (not the best).

This is based off of points allowed/100 possessions. Number-wise, PDX is at 107.4 and HOU is 106.3. Now the difference does not seem so bad.

When looking at offense, PDX is 2nd and HOU is 4th (111.5 vs 111).

Looking at the difference of offense minus defense, we have PDX 4.1 and HOU 4.7. I see them more as even teams (but I am not a paid "expert").

The national media is making HOU out to be some kind of defensive specialist team and their defense is something Portland needs to worry about. But looking at the numbers, it seems to be pretty equal.

The Blazers need to worry about Dwight and Harden getting too many shooting fouls called. These two players have a ridiculous high fta/fga ratio.

As long as the Rocket's timekeeper can count to five, I feel the Blazers have a really good chance of getting past the first round.

 

[BlazerCaravan]

We used to be a lot worse on defense (something like 21st or 23rd) about midway through the season. Secretly, our defense has been really good since the all-star break (10th overall). A team with the #2 offense and #10 defense could go places.

 

[B-Roy]

We used to be a lot worse on defense (something like 21st or 23rd) about midway through the season. Secretly, our defense has been really good since the all-star break (10th overall). A team with the #2 offense and #10 defense could go places.

What has our offense been ranked since the asb?

 

[bsped]

We used to be a lot worse on defense (something like 21st or 23rd) about midway through the season. Secretly, our defense has been really good since the all-star break (10th overall). A team with the #2 offense and #10 defense could go places.

Exactly!

My gut instinct is to get mad at the media for counting out the Blazers, but I sort of like them being the underdog. They started out this season not even projected to make the playoffs and we know how that went. Now they are being looked over in the playoffs.

Since the Blazers no longer are dealing with constant injuries, the national media does not know what to say as their narrative and just discounts them. Sounds like the team knows this and thrives off of it.

 

[BlazerCaravan]

What has our offense been ranked since the asb?

Unsure; it's lower, (104.7 ppg) though. I didn't even realize I might have been cherry-picking.

 

[PDXFonz]

I've seen enough stretches of A+ defense to know that this team can play d and am there for not worried.

This teams d will surprise ppl who only look at #s for their knowledge.

 

[maxiep]

We used to be a lot worse on defense (something like 21st or 23rd) about midway through the season. Secretly, our defense has been really good since the all-star break (10th overall). A team with the #2 offense and #10 defense could go places.

Many of us that follow the team know this. However, why advertise it? The Rockets can find out all by themselves that we may be a tougher out than they thought. Having the other team overconfident is fine by me.

 

[Natebishop3]

This is how Houston plays defense.

 

[BlazerCaravan]

Many of us that follow the team know this. However, why advertise it? The Rockets can find out all by themselves that we may be a tougher out than they thought. Having the other team overconfident is fine by me.

Well, I'm very sorry if Houston comes out expecting it because I posted about it

 

[PDXFonz]

Well, I'm very sorry if Houston comes out expecting it because I posted about it

They are probably better off using is board for scouting purposes anyway. We know they aren't using the rockets boards >.>

 

[Natebishop3]

Well, I'm very sorry if Houston comes out expecting it because I posted about it

Don't you know they post all our shit on their bulletin board???

Hey, James Harden, your beard is infested with lice!!!

 

[PDXFonz]

Don't you know they post all our shit on their bulletin board???

Hey, James Harden, your beard is infested with lice!!!

James harden is butt

 

[maxiep]

Well, I'm very sorry if Houston comes out expecting it because I posted about it

I meant to say the other team's fanbase, not the other team.

 

[PDXFonz]

I meant to say the other team's fanbase, not the other team.

Some one needs to educate those classless fools. NBATV is replaying that OT loss and some clown in a Drexler jersey courtside is standing up yelling ref you suck in Benny Adams face...

As much shit as they have given us for talking about the refs, I don't recall a game this year where our crowd had a ref chant. Houston fans have been chanting it for the entire 4th quarter this game...

 

[maxiep]

Some one needs to educate those classless fools. NBATV is replaying that OT loss and some clown in a Drexler jersey courtside is standing up yelling ref you suck in Benny Adams face...

As much shit as they have given us for talking about the refs, I don't recall a game this year where our crowd had a ref chant. Houston fans have been chanting it for the entire 4th quarter this game...

It is my hope the Houston fan base is educated by the entire Blazer roster. Nothing I say will make a bit of impact. Losing in the first round will. That being said, they're a tough matchup for us and will be favored.

 

[PDXFonz]

It is my hope the Houston fan base is educated by the entire Blazer roster. Nothing I say will make a bit of impact. Losing in the first round will. That being said, they're a tough matchup for us and will be favored.

You must spread some rep around before giving it to maxiep again. Too true though, but I don't think the discrepancy is as big as media is making it seem.

 

[BBert]

This is how Houston plays defense.

fucking nba refs. They make a mockery of a great sport. It's a travesty.

 

[julius]

The step the Blazers need to make to be a top 3 team (in the west) is defense. if they can continue a top 5 offense, and gain a top 8-10 defense next year, it'll be a very fun season.

This year it's still not a good (enough) defense.