What is the difference?

[The_Lillard_King]

Here is my opinion on what the teams biggest issue is.

Nicolas Batum running the point has hurt more than it has helped in my opinion. When we were dominating Lillard was getting 6 assists per game, he is at 3.9 per this month while Batum's numbers have increased from 5.3 to 6.3. Lillard got assists off of his dribble penetration, which typically led to open perimeter shots. Batum does not break down the defense like Lillard does and with him running the point he is taking less shots, overall the team needs to put the ball in Lillard's hands and trust he will get the job done.

Sounds like a Lillard issue not a Batum issue . . . who has gotten many complaints throughout each season but being selfish is a new one.

Lillard's slump is not because of Batum . . . maybe, just maybe, Lillard slumping is due to Lillard.

 

[cmeese47]

Yes but does Damian prefer to shoot or distribute? Maybe the dynamic exists to make everyone happy.

Well it is not working, Lillard is scoring less, Batum is scoring less and the team is slightly better than .500 this year.

 

[riverman]

To say that Batum is affecting Lillard's ability to run the point is ridiculous. Batum has made more contributions to the offense with his passing than anybody on this team. Just ask Robin Lopez why he's got career highs in double doubles. Seems when we lose a couple of games, Batum becomes a target. Lillard's problems of recent are exclusively Lillard's problems...it's not on any of his teammates. When the shot is not falling, it's not because of someone else nor when you throw the ball away. Lillard has not been sharp of late and it's on the coaching staff more than any teammate

 

[cmeese47]

Batum is very useful as a second ball handler but Lillard still needs the ball in his hands more to succeed. All star break rest will help some people and not others as Lillard and LA will both be busy.

 

[TBpup]

I don't have the same confidence that the Blazers will challenge the Thunder. They are playing at a very high level and that is with an injury to an all-star in Westbrook. They just trounced the Heat after being down by 18 points. Portland is actually closer to the #5 playoff seed than they are to OKC.

That said, I think they will get their mojo back but they need to do it soon. The Clippers have actually been gaining on them for the final HCA spot and that is WITHOUT Chris Paul. When he comes back I doubt Portland is able to get much separation in the standings.

Every team goes through these stretches but other teams have had injuries to deal with. G-State was without Iggy for quite a stretch, the Heat have had D-Wade in and out for a good part of the season, the Spurs last night played without Ginobilli, Splitter, Green and Kawai Leonard. That is a lot different than Portland who continues to enjoy great overall health as a team.

 

[Sinobas]

We have actually won @GS and @OKC to be clear. We are 2-1 against Sacramento. And Memphis isn't an average team. They are playing better with Gasol back.

But the Memphis game was not even close, we were dominated from start to finish. The other losses were average, and we shouldn't be losing to teams like Sacremento, ever. Of course we'll blow a game here and there, but it's happened too frequently this month.

 

[RoyToy]

What's the difference?

Not so easy these days

 

[KingSpeed]

I don't have the same confidence that the Blazers will challenge the Thunder. They are playing at a very high level and that is with an injury to an all-star in Westbrook. They just trounced the Heat after being down by 18 points. Portland is actually closer to the #5 playoff seed than they are to OKC.

That said, I think they will get their mojo back but they need to do it soon. The Clippers have actually been gaining on them for the final HCA spot and that is WITHOUT Chris Paul. When he comes back I doubt Portland is able to get much separation in the standings.

Every team goes through these stretches but other teams have had injuries to deal with. G-State was without Iggy for quite a stretch, the Heat have had D-Wade in and out for a good part of the season, the Spurs last night played without Ginobilli, Splitter, Green and Kawai Leonard. That is a lot different than Portland who continues to enjoy great overall health as a team.

LAC already has the last HCA spot. They are gaining on us for the 3 seed.

 

[TBpup]

LAC already has the last HCA spot. They are gaining on us for the 3 seed.

Quite right, my error. If you are Portland, you want to try and stay at #2/3 as much as possible to stay out of OKC's bracket as long as possible. Portland matches up well with SAS but get into the #4 slot and you're likely playing Houston or G-State and then get to meet OKC in the 2nd round.

They need to keep the #3 spot at least.