Why our defense has been so good this season

[magnifier661]

Any other takes would be greatly appreciated. I am only going to add one of the things that really jumped out at me recently.

How we switch off the pick and roll....

There was a possession on the defensive end last night where the wing was setting up a pick and roll on the right block. Lopez's man came to set the pick, while blake was fighting through the screen. After the pick, Lopez first cut off the roll, then moved back to the rim to protect it (where Aldridge's man was), while Aldridge slid across and covered Lopez's man. Blake used a small amount of time to body the pick player, then immediately recovered back to the guard that set the pick.

That series of events are really hard to do unless you have full participation from all three of the players. Also, Matthews and Batum stayed with their man on the perimeter to cut off any passing to the open J. The outcome was a very contested, top of the key shot by Dirk.

This happened again a few times last night with our team using this same technique. It netted 2 turn overs and a missed shot. When the players get this swarming defense down as the season progresses, it will be even more efficient. I think our long players and 2 efficient shot blockers (Lopez and Kaman) make this work to perfection. I want to see more of this!

 

[Rhal]

Yapping!

Players are constantly taking to each other and talking about whats going on defensively. We have seen a lot less of a player cutting straight to the rim and getting the pass with Lopez's back turned and Lopez having to try and stop the player getting to the rim while turning at the same time. Thats the biggest thing i'v noticed, and its a great thing. Teams that talk on D constantly are good on D, just look at the Bulls they NEVER stop talking about whats going on on the defensive end.

 

[Schilly]

That type of thing is what comes from playing together as a unit for a length of time, knowing how each other player reacts.

 

[riverman]

Both great points but honestly, I think it's the fact that they saw it firsthand against the Spurs in the playoffs and studied the film to adapt to their style of play. Credit to the coaching staff and players for actually doing it. It's paying off big time. The returning bench players have improved and Kaman and Blake are the foundation of that improvement

 

[riverman]

That type of thing is what comes from playing together as a unit for a length of time, knowing how each other player reacts.

Also a very good point!

 

[Wizard Mentor]

I thing the conventional wisdom is:
+2 years of the same coach
+ Kaman
+ Blake
- Mo
- Hickson

 

[Boise Blazer]

I thing the conventional wisdom is:
+2 years of the same coach
+ Kaman
+ Blake
- Mo
- Hickson

This. And I would expand that to say I heard a few times from Stotts I believe that the defensive scheme was going to take a few years in stages to get up and running. Which I dont fully understand but here we are.

 

[blue9]

Yapping!

Players are constantly taking to each other and talking about whats going on defensively. We have seen a lot less of a player cutting straight to the rim and getting the pass with Lopez's back turned and Lopez having to try and stop the player getting to the rim while turning at the same time. Thats the biggest thing i'v noticed, and its a great thing. Teams that talk on D constantly are good on D, just look at the Bulls they NEVER stop talking about whats going on on the defensive end.

I haven't been able to notice that they're talking. If that's the case, that's a huge part of defense.

I did notice a few instances of switching/recovering on the P/R. I've been asking for that for years now! Hope it's a trend that continues.

This early in the season I think it's too early to pin our defensive improvement on new schemes. So, for now, the single biggest improvement to our defense is the fact that we have Blake and Kaman coming off the bench rather than Mo and Leonard/Freeland.

 

[riverman]

First and foremost I credit Stotts and his coaching staff. They adapted and addressed a gap in the team with impressive results

 

[Mediocre Man]

Next game, watch what the scheme is. Stotts is FINALLY doing what some of us have been imploring both he and Ass Clown to do on defense. Towards the end of last year, the Blazers started funneling players to the week side of the offense, then back trapping. What this does is push players to spots on the floor where they may seem open, but shoot a poor % from. Notice how many times Dirk caught the ball 10 or so feet out on the left block? He shoots 55% from that spot, clearly his best spot. 48% from the exact same spot on the right side. Lebron also prefers the left side, but in our game he was funneled right. While open, he's not nearly as effective .

 

[riverman]

Throwing Lamarcus, TRob, Kaman and Rolo at Dirk just wore the old guy down all night. He got tired and his jumper started falling short. TRob was a handful for Nowitski

 

[BlazerDuckSeahawkFan94]

Throwing Lamarcus, TRob, Kaman and Rolo at Dirk just wore the old guy down all night. He got tired and his jumper started falling short. TRob was a handful for Nowitski

Steve Blake even gave him issues.

 

[Boob-No-More]

Both great points but honestly, I think it's the fact that they saw it firsthand against the Spurs in the playoffs and studied the film to adapt to their style of play. Credit to the coaching staff and players for actually doing it. It's paying off big time. The returning bench players have improved and Kaman and Blake are the foundation of that improvement

Even more recently, that heartbreaking loss to Golden State was a valuable lesson that showed this team how defense wins games. The Blazers had that game won until Golden State forced three turnover in less than 10 seconds. I don't think our guys want to be on the receiving end of more losses like that.

They've really turned up the defensive intensity in the second half of the two games they've played since. They held LeBron to 0 second half points and Dirk to 2. That's a combined 2 second half points for two of the greatest players in NBA history. When you can completely shut down your opponents best player like that, you're going to win a lot of games.

Last year, we got off to a great start because all the guys bought into Stotts' offensive scheme. They played very unselfish and made the extra pass, which created lots of open shots for everyone. Now, the team seems to be buying into Stotts' new defensive scheme. Both schemes, offense and defense require the players trust each other. I think the continuity in our roster breeds that kind of trust, and the two new guys we added are both veterans who are very smart and very coachable. Kudos to Olshey for building this roster and coaching staff and keeping them together so they could grow into a TEAM.

Makes me wonder where all the idiots went that wanted to fire Stotts after the Sacramento loss...

BNM

 

[magnifier661]

Even more recently, that heartbreaking loss to Golden State was a valuable lesson that showed this team how defense wins games. The Blazers had that game won until Golden State forced three turnover in less than 10 seconds. I don't think our guys want to be on the receiving end of more losses like that.

They've really turned up the defensive intensity in the second half of the two games they've played since. They held LeBron to 0 second half points and Dirk to 2. That's a combined 2 second half points for two of the greatest players in NBA history. When you can completely shut down your opponents best player like that, you're going to win a lot of games.

Last year, we got off to a great start because all the guys bought into Stotts' offensive scheme. They played very unselfish and made the extra pass, which created lots of open shots for everyone. Now, the team seems to be buying into Stotts' new defensive scheme. Both schemes, offense and defense require the players trust each other. I think the continuity in our roster breeds that kind of trust, and the two new guys we added are both veterans who are very smart and very coachable. Kudos to Olshey for building this roster and coaching staff and keeping them together so they could grow into a TEAM.

Makes me wonder where all the idiots went that wanted to fire Stotts after the Sacramento loss...

BNM

Were there people that really said that?!

 

[blue9]

Makes me wonder where all the idiots went that wanted to fire Stotts after the Sacramento loss...

It's going to take more than 5 games for me to change my opinion. As a skier/snowboarder I often think of the "Early Season Conditions Exist" warnings when there's not much snow cover. Once all the teams in the league are up and running at full speed, that's when I'll take stock of how our team is performing. Come late-December, into January, we'll have a decent grasp on what this team is and isn't doing.
There are certainly good signs to be excited about, but conclusions can't be made at this point.

 

[Pinwheel1]

Next game, watch what the scheme is. Stotts is FINALLY doing what some of us have been imploring both he and Ass Clown to do on defense. Towards the end of last year, the Blazers started funneling players to the week side of the offense, then back trapping. What this does is push players to spots on the floor where they may seem open, but shoot a poor % from. Notice how many times Dirk caught the ball 10 or so feet out on the left block? He shoots 55% from that spot, clearly his best spot. 48% from the exact same spot on the right side. Lebron also prefers the left side, but in our game he was funneled right. While open, he's not nearly as effective .

I hope your theory holds true. I will be at that game and will be anxious to see how they keep Cp3 from his favorite spot. Whenever they need a basket he goes towards the right block and pulls up for that 8-10 footer. Seems like he shoots about 80 percent from there.......

 

[illmatic99]

Next game, watch what the scheme is. Stotts is FINALLY doing what some of us have been imploring both he and Ass Clown to do on defense. Towards the end of last year, the Blazers started funneling players to the week side of the offense, then back trapping. What this does is push players to spots on the floor where they may seem open, but shoot a poor % from. Notice how many times Dirk caught the ball 10 or so feet out on the left block? He shoots 55% from that spot, clearly his best spot. 48% from the exact same spot on the right side. Lebron also prefers the left side, but in our game he was funneled right. While open, he's not nearly as effective .

This might interest you from the game recap by Freeman:

There's also this: The Blazers are doing their homework. Scouting reports. Film. Statistics. The Blazers are soaking in the collection of resources and data they have about opposing player's tendencies and strengths and using them to their advantage on the court.

"Everybody's in touch with what we need to do defensively," Lillard said. "Everybody's locked in and everybody's paying attention to scouting reports and that's another thing that we're doing better -- paying attention to scouting reports and we're making sure that we take away the other guy's strengths."

 

[Mediocre Man]

This might interest you from the game recap by Freeman:

Ya, it's pretty obvious if you watch the games. Starting late last year, really.

 

[Sinobas]

I don't think you really have time to talk out defensive instructions. By the time you say it, the other person hear's and reacts it's too late. You have to KNOW what you're doing and react immediately. It's gotta be a trained response.

 

[Boob-No-More]

Were there people that really said that?!

Of course. There are after almost every loss - especially to a team that is considered non-elite.

BNM

 

[magnifier661]

It's going to take more than 5 games for me to change my opinion. As a skier/snowboarder I often think of the "Early Season Conditions Exist" warnings when there's not much snow cover. Once all the teams in the league are up and running at full speed, that's when I'll take stock of how our team is performing. Come late-December, into January, we'll have a decent grasp on what this team is and isn't doing.
There are certainly good signs to be excited about, but conclusions can't be made at this point.

I think he is talking about those that said "fire stotts" after a loss to the Kings. Where you one of them? If not, then it's moot.

BNM wasn't saying "we are legit!" He was making fun of those wanting Stott's head after a loss. If you were one that wanted his head, then why would one loss count but you aren't swayed off one win?

 

[Boob-No-More]

It's going to take more than 5 games for me to change my opinion. As a skier/snowboarder I often think of the "Early Season Conditions Exist" warnings when there's not much snow cover. Once all the teams in the league are up and running at full speed, that's when I'll take stock of how our team is performing. Come late-December, into January, we'll have a decent grasp on what this team is and isn't doing.
There are certainly good signs to be excited about, but conclusions can't be made at this point.

So, what exactly is your opinion that you are waiting to change. Do you think Stotts should be fired and are giving him until late December or early January to change your mind? Or do you think Stotts is the right man for the job, unless the wheels fall of and we're below .500 and struggling come late December or early January.

I understand the wait and see approach, it's only been 5 games, but what is you current opinion and what will it take to change it?

BNM

 

[BrianFromWA]

We're finally scrapping hard enough. That is all. /mcscribbles

 

[BBert]

We're finally scrapping hard enough. That is all. /mcscribbles

And staying connected. Gotta stay connected.

 

[riverman]

Kaman's post game interview was the best ever! "it was up and down in the beginning, then we just stepped on their throat and finished them off"...Right out of Conan the Barbarian

 

[blue9]

So, what exactly is your opinion that you are waiting to change. Do you think Stotts should be fired and are giving him until late December or early January to change your mind? Or do you think Stotts is the right man for the job, unless the wheels fall of and we're below .500 and struggling come late December or early January.

I understand the wait and see approach, it's only been 5 games, but what is you current opinion and what will it take to change it?

BNM

My opinion - which I developed last season - is that he isn't good enough to lead us to a championship. It wasn't based on a single (SAC) loss, and it won't be changed by a single win - or multiple wins. The only way it'll change is over the course of a season as I see development and changes that contradict what I already think/know about him.

Basically, I think his entire philosophy is flawed. Last season he said that he wanted to (a) limit the opponent's 3-point attempts and (b) give up the mid-range shots. Yet his entire offense was (is?) built around the very shot his defense was designed to give up - and his defense did a terrible job at doing what he wanted it to do. So far I do like what I'm seeing defensively, but other than a few small changes I think the most drastic change is (a) effort and (b) personnel. I still think he's the offensive equivalent of Nate McMillan. He hasn't really designed good go-to plays, he just relies on good offensive players to free-lance on a loosely built system. He has better offensive results than Nate had with defense, but that's because the majority of players are more adept at playing offensive basketball than defensive basketball. But neither Stotts nor Nate are/were "geniuses" at what they specialize in.

 

[blue9]

I don't think you really have time to talk out defensive instructions. By the time you say it, the other person hear's and reacts it's too late. You have to KNOW what you're doing and react immediately. It's gotta be a trained response.

No offense intended (seriously), but based off this statement it seems pretty clear that you've never played basketball.
Sure, there has to be a collective understanding of what to do on the defensive end, but without verbal communication it all falls apart. Verbal communication is the #1 most important aspect of playing team defense.