Notice Won't get fooled again?

[Stevenson]

So, is this a real change for the better in the team, or just the annual spring fake out? Last year, the 13 game win streak was an illusion. Are we seeing it again, or are they actually proving to be more than just first round fodder?

I lean towards the latter, want it to be the latter, but I have also seem to have seen this movie before.

 

[CupWizier]

So, is this a real change for the better in the team, or just the annual spring fake out? Last year, the 13 game win streak was an illusion. Are we seeing it again, or are they actually proving to be more than just first round fodder?

I lean towards the latter, want it to be the latter, but I have also seem to have seen this movie before.

Every playoff 1st round is a new year and new series.

 

[TorturedBlazerFan]

So, is this a real change for the better in the team, or just the annual spring fake out? Last year, the 13 game win streak was an illusion. Are we seeing it again, or are they actually proving to be more than just first round fodder?

I lean towards the latter, want it to be the latter, but I have also seem to have seen this movie before.

This is a legit question, I dont think we’ll know til the playoffs. Even if they lose in the 1st round I hope it feels more competitive...

 

[B-Roy]

My brain says former but my heart says latter.

 

[riverman]

So, is this a real change for the better in the team, or just the annual spring fake out? Last year, the 13 game win streak was an illusion. Are we seeing it again, or are they actually proving to be more than just first round fodder?

I lean towards the latter, want it to be the latter, but I have also seem to have seen this movie before.

I think it's for real...we can win a game without Dame or CJ carrying the team...big improvement...Chief has improved, Layman is a big upgrade from Pat C and Kanter gives us a post presence off the bench that will keep the defense from bottling up the guards..Hood and Curry should feast when they have to pay attention to Kanter...Layman will feast no matter who he plays with

 

[PtldPlatypus]

So, is this a real change for the better in the team, or just the annual spring fake out? Last year, the 13 game win streak was an illusion. Are we seeing it again, or are they actually proving to be more than just first round fodder?

I lean towards the latter, want it to be the latter, but I have also seem to have seen this movie before.

Spring break fake. I like it. I mean I hate that it's a thing, but I like the name.

And yes, that's what I think this is.

 

[beast blazer]

A lot depends on how much nurk and kater score inside. Portland will need good play from supporting cast to win in playoffs. That also means dame and cj need to give them a chance.

 

[BBert]

I think it's for real...we can win a game without Dame or CJ carrying the team...big improvement...Chief has improved, Layman is a big upgrade from Pat C and Kanter gives us a post presence off the bench that will keep the defense from bottling up the guards..Hood and Curry should feast when they have to pay attention to Kanter...Layman will feast no matter who he plays with

Bring on the Pelicans!!!

 

[Hoopguru]

Spring break fake. I like it. I mean I hate that it's a thing, but I like the name.

And yes, that's what I think this is.

Last year was last year...we may not have the big winning streak, but we are a deeper better team this year, with experience.
I'm telling ya, Dame wasn't as focused going into the playoffs since the kid was born. You could see in his play. That's not a legit excuse at all I just think with the versatility and depth we got we can make it out of the first round, then anything can happen.

 

[EL PRESIDENTE]

I think Kanter is the difference. A real impact player. Needed a big who could put the ball on the floor and rebound.

Hood will contribute, or at the very least take minutes away from guys that fuck up.

I think we made the necessary adjustments to get out of the first round.

 

[blue9]

Deeper roster should be good for at least one or two PO wins. But same coach puts us in the same disadvantage.

 

[Chris Craig]

Depending on the matchup, the Blazers will get out of the 1st rnd

 

[Orion Bailey]

We are WCF bound.

 

[Wizard Mentor]

Waiting for more data, but so far, it doesn't look good.
Our bench has been outscored each of the last 3 games (with Kanter).

Until I see that trend change, I'll be more cautious than optimistic.

HOWEVER, Kanter and Hood still don't know the system very well, and there's still time for them to adjust.

 

[blue9]

Depending on the matchup, the Blazers will get out of the 1st rnd

If we play a team that loses their top 2 players, and they aren't GSW, we will get out of the 1st round.

 

[BBert]

So far Hood looks....not great.

So far Kanter looks....over hyped.

We'll see.

 

[blue9]

So far Hood looks....not great.

So far Kanter looks....over hyped.

We'll see.

But I thought all players played better under Stotts?

 

[Orion Bailey]

Man you guys are debbie downers...

 

[tlongII]

I think we have a better team than last year.

 

[blue9]

I think we have a better team than last year.

Me too.

 

[GrandpaBlaze]

So far Hood looks....not great.

But better than the alternatives we had going.

So far Kanter looks....over hyped.

Again, he is significantly better offensively than either Leonard or Collins. Leonard could score but mostly from the outside. Having an inside presence on the second team gives that team a very different look and set of options.

Defensively, Collins is better and Meyers probably a wash but I'll take the overall flow and rebounding with Kanter vs. with Leonard.

Are they significant game changers? No.

Are they upgrades over what we had going before? Yes.

Incremental improvement yes, but I'll take any improvement I can get and hope that both Hood and Kanter will fit in better as they play more with the team.

Gramps...

 

[blue9]

Again, he is significantly better offensively than either Leonard or Collins. Leonard could score but mostly from the outside. Having an inside presence on the second team gives that team a very different look and set of options.

Defensively, Collins is better and Meyers probably a wash but I'll take the overall flow and rebounding with Kanter vs. with Leonard.

What gets me is it shouldn't be an either/or when it comes to Kanter/Collins. It should be an AND.

 

[BigGameDamian]

 

[The Professional Fan]

I think we have a better team than last year.

Totally agree

 

[oldmangrouch]

I'll start believing when they give me a reason.

 

[RickyJoe]

The team is better and I like the chances of getting out of the first round. WCF is a possibility!!

 

[JoshuaHall]

The #1 problem with our team is still present, so I won’t get fooooooled again.

Stotts. Must. Go.

 

[PHXBlazer1]

We finally have a few guys who can get legit easy buckets. We haven't had that in awhile and it makes us much more dangerous come playoff time.

 

[THE HCP]

Speaking of Nola and last season..... why haven’t other teams used the same defensive scheme that the Pels did that worked so well against us?

 

[e_blazer]

Fooled? I wasn’t aware that there was some sort of penalty for believing in and supporting your team even if they ultimately don’t live up to your hopes.