What did we learn tonight???? Some thoughts..

[Blazer_Hippie]

"He even leaned into Sacramento’s huddle at one point as the Kings were game planning after a time out"

~That was one of my favorite moments of the night. Portland tends to get out on the floor and be ready to go at the start of the game and out of timeouts a lot faster than other teams...other teams take more time than they are allowed. So, out of a timeout last night the Blazers broke the huddle and waited on the floor for 10-15 seconds then Miller walked right into their huddle. You could tell there was a little resentment of that from the Kings, but that's their own fault for taking too long.

I think that's exactly the kind of on-court swagger/attitude, whatever you want to call it, that will help this team in pressure situations. It's fun to see!

 

[mook]

"He even leaned into Sacramento’s huddle at one point as the Kings were game planning after a time out"

~That was one of my favorite moments of the night. Portland tends to get out on the floor and be ready to go at the start of the game and out of timeouts a lot faster than other teams...other teams take more time than they are allowed. So, out of a timeout last night the Blazers broke the huddle and waited on the floor for 10-15 seconds then Miller walked right into their huddle. You could tell there was a little resentment of that from the Kings, but that's their own fault for taking too long.

I think that's exactly the kind of on-court swagger/attitude, whatever you want to call it, that will help this team in pressure situations. It's fun to see!

That's awesome. Sort of our own version of football's "hurry up offense." You might as well make the most of your efficiency (and the other team's inefficiency). It'd be funny as hell to see our entire back court (PG/SG/Sf) wander into a huddle. Probably pretty jarring too.

Even if teams adapt by tightening up themselves when they play Portland, they'll be doing something that's not in their normal routine. Anything Portland can do to break up the other team's rhythm is fine by me.

I loved that the team scored off a made basket last night too.

 

[Nikolokolus]

"He even leaned into Sacramento’s huddle at one point as the Kings were game planning after a time out"

~That was one of my favorite moments of the night. Portland tends to get out on the floor and be ready to go at the start of the game and out of timeouts a lot faster than other teams...other teams take more time than they are allowed. So, out of a timeout last night the Blazers broke the huddle and waited on the floor for 10-15 seconds then Miller walked right into their huddle. You could tell there was a little resentment of that from the Kings, but that's their own fault for taking too long.

I think that's exactly the kind of on-court swagger/attitude, whatever you want to call it, that will help this team in pressure situations. It's fun to see!

God this team needs a major dose of that ... Miller rocks.

 

[southnc]

Glad to see Miller and Oden establishing themselves.

I was not at the game and so am going by the box score and play-by-play. Looks like the injury is really bothering Roy.

However, I was really disappointed in Blake. I mean, he had an opportunity to shine. Your teammates aren't making shots for various reasons, despite good distribution, and your playing against a rookie!! You'd expect Blake to attack and take over - he's in great shape and his shot is falling lately. I'm amazed that after nearly 8 minutes, he took only 3 shots. I understand the need to get your teammates involved; but, when they are not playing well for whatever reason, you have to put your fear aside and attack - especially when you shoot as well as Blake does. I hope he learns from this. Waiting that long in a playoff game is certain doom. Miller definitely looked like he did recognize the starters were struggling and took over - and the game turned.