- The Blazers shake off a rough and meaningless road loss tonight. The team that has been assembled is a tough veteran team that knows when a poor performance has nothing to do with skill as a team and more to do with fatigue.
- The only thing to look for, and I think this will be a constant for another 20 games or so, will be the Blazers not playing as a team. Right now there is a ton of skill and a lot of basketball knowledge on the court and on the coaching staff, but they just don't seem to be playing the same game. They are all playing their own games. I am not concerned though. Nate is a hell of a coach and will get this underway before it gets too late.
- Blazers win 107-92. Every time I get the score correct I will donate $100 to a charity of your choosing.
- GO BLAZERS!!
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Game #8 Preview: Blazers vs. Cavs — Pre-Game Facts
By Josh Sidis
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Game #7 Recap: Blazers vs. Suns — Five Bullets or Less
By Jonathan Ryan Davis
- Trap Game: This game is the perfect example of a trap game. The Blazers are playing well, having just defeated their bitter rivals in a nationally televised game. They fly late at night to play a team that is a shell of itself, a team they should pummel. They know they should win with ease; so what do they do? They show up expecting to win instead of to earn it. In the NBA, even when playing an inferior team, if you never play to win, you won't.
- Bad, Bad, Defense: Portland continued their trend of playing lackluster defense in the first quarter again Phoenix. They sagged on their men, they half-heartedly went for rebounds, and they were content to run up and down the floor without getting back on defense. The only difference between last night and the previous games was that last night, Portland continued that poor defense for the rest of the game. Portland has the personnel to be a scary defensive team. They have shown it in spurts in most games. Hopefully they watch the tape of last night so they can see what happens when they decide to take the night off. If these Blazers fully embrace the defensive mindset that McMillan has been teaching them, Portland will remain near the top of the Western Conference. If they have consistent lapses like last night, Portland will be simply a decent playoff team.
- The Benefit of Such Losses: In a way, I'm happy Portland lost last night. In a truncated season, they need reminders of how they need to improve. The Blazers will now have a day to watch tape, learn from last night, and get better. I wish a few of the games this week were on the road to see their improvement away from the Rose Garden; however, we will see how they do against some quality teams this week, beginning with Cleveland (not great), then the Clippers, and Magic.
- Consistency of Gerald Wallace: In our two losses, Gerald Wallace has a total of ONE point. I think the formula for winning is pretty clear. Wallace needs to play well. He doesn't need to score 30, but he needs to be himself. Last night he wasn't, and the Blazers lost.
- Keep the Faith: It's early; the Blazers will be fine.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Game #6 Recap: Blazers vs. Lakers — Five Bullets or Less
By Jonathan Ryan Davis
- Beat L.A.: BEAT L.A. BEAT L.A. BEAT L.A...enough said.
- Defending Bynum: After getting manhandled by Lakers center Andrew Bynum in the first half (even though everyone outside of the Rose Garden was unable to witness it because of the stellar coverage by TNT), Portland went to Kurt Thomas in the second half to control the 285 pound center. Thomas, who is shorter, but stockier than Camby, fronted Bynum to prevent him from gain good post position. And when Bynyum did get the ball deep, the Blazers did a great job of collapsing on him, forcing Bynum to take a tough, contested shot or to kick the ball out. After perfect shooting in the first half, Bynum was only 2 of 9 in the second half, mostly because of the Old Man.
- Poor First Quarter Defense: The Blazers have started a routine of playing terrible first quarter defense. Tonight, every Blazers defender sagged on its player, leaving the Lakers with WIDE open jumpers. There were a few jumpers by Gasol where there wasn't a Blazer within five feet of him. It's not surprising then that the Lakers started the game 13 of 15. If it wasn't for Wesley Matthews matching the Lakers shot for shot, L.A. might have demoralized the Blazers and pulled the game out. Portland needs to watch tape and realize they must start to play four quarters of defense. They may win games now by playing 3 quarters of defense, but that won't be acceptable come playoff time.
- Ball Control: After showing the league that we can win while turning the ball over 25 times against a good team, tonight, we won in the traditional way by securing the ball. A game after reducing our turnovers to single digits, Portland only turned the ball over 4 times tonight, twice each half. The Lakers out-rebounded us and out-shot us; however, we forced 14 turnovers only only coughed up 4. That's the game.
- Gerald Wallace/LMA: Crash and the L-Train were a dynamic combination tonight, driving hard to the basket, cutting with precision and power, and knocking down shot after shot. Add in some phenomenal defense on Kobe and controlling the defensive glass, and these two Blazers earned the game ball tonight. Against the best teams, our stars must rise, which is exactly what they did. BEAT L.A.
Game #6 Preview: Blazers vs. Lakers — Tonight's Storylines
By Jonathan Ryan Davis
1) Lakers: That's really all you need to say when it comes to the Lakers visiting the Rose City. Our storied history with this bunch is more colorful than Joseph's technicolored dream coat. Some Blazers fans would call the season a success if we sweep the Lakers, even if we miss the playoffs. However, tonight's game has special significance: this is the first time in years where we come into the game as a higher seed in the western conference. More than any match-up with LA in the last decade, Portland needs to defend their home court tonight to show the league that Portland wasn't a first week fluke. The Blazers need to bring the same flare that enabled them to beat a very good Thunder team in OKC; but they already know that. It's the Lakers. Everyone gets up for the Lakers.
2) LMA: LaMarcus Aldridge was the player Tuesday night that the Blazers need him to be if Portland is to be a legitimate contender out West. He provided a great balance of inside dominance and outside pureness. He attacked the rim and generated space for his jumper. He controlled his man on defense and clogged the paint. He was the difference in that game. The Lakers bring a potent front court to the Rose Garden tonight with Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum. Odds are, LMA will end up guarding both of these players on occasion, and he needs to bring the same anger he showed when battling with Kendrick Perkins in OKC.
3) Lights: This is the first game where Portland will be under the national spotlight. If they win, the national media will report Portland as a feel good story who has a real chance to compete for a championship. If they lose, Portland will be a good team that made a good run, but is not yet great. Tonight is the night for Portland to make a statement. Not for the national media. Not for the fans in Portland. For themselves. These Blazers deserve some respect (though not getting it sure seems to fire them up).
Go Blazers!
1) Lakers: That's really all you need to say when it comes to the Lakers visiting the Rose City. Our storied history with this bunch is more colorful than Joseph's technicolored dream coat. Some Blazers fans would call the season a success if we sweep the Lakers, even if we miss the playoffs. However, tonight's game has special significance: this is the first time in years where we come into the game as a higher seed in the western conference. More than any match-up with LA in the last decade, Portland needs to defend their home court tonight to show the league that Portland wasn't a first week fluke. The Blazers need to bring the same flare that enabled them to beat a very good Thunder team in OKC; but they already know that. It's the Lakers. Everyone gets up for the Lakers.
2) LMA: LaMarcus Aldridge was the player Tuesday night that the Blazers need him to be if Portland is to be a legitimate contender out West. He provided a great balance of inside dominance and outside pureness. He attacked the rim and generated space for his jumper. He controlled his man on defense and clogged the paint. He was the difference in that game. The Lakers bring a potent front court to the Rose Garden tonight with Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum. Odds are, LMA will end up guarding both of these players on occasion, and he needs to bring the same anger he showed when battling with Kendrick Perkins in OKC.
3) Lights: This is the first game where Portland will be under the national spotlight. If they win, the national media will report Portland as a feel good story who has a real chance to compete for a championship. If they lose, Portland will be a good team that made a good run, but is not yet great. Tonight is the night for Portland to make a statement. Not for the national media. Not for the fans in Portland. For themselves. These Blazers deserve some respect (though not getting it sure seems to fire them up).
Go Blazers!
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Game #5 Recap: Blazers vs. Thunder— Post Game Bullet Points
By Josh Sidis
- Blazers win!! And look pretty damn good against a pretty damn good team. This is a win where Nate McMillan's coaching style proves true. The Blazers fell behind early because of a run-and-gun approach that Nate is letting them play. And we did get to the rim and we did get fouled and we did get 73 first quarter free throws because of it. But we all know that is not sustainable for one game let alone and entire (albeit 66 game) NBA season. When we slowed down late in the second quarter and ran our offense through LaMarcus we made a sincere attempt to be a basketball team. Running the offense through LMA brings me to my second Bullet Point...
- LaMarcus Aldredge is a BEAST!! This is not a surprise statement but one of exhausted exultation. Finally. Not only does he have
consistent footwork and strength but he has added handwork as well. Multiple occasions last night he was able to get separation by removing a hand check or subtely hooking his elbow around his defender then relying on his footwork to get him to the rim. He's not Hakeem...yet... but if you consider he is solid from 20' you've got one hell of a complete player. He finished with 30 and 8. - ALSO... He should have socked Kendrick Perkins in his samurai mask face. We here at TANY do not condone violence... with few exceptions. Some of those exceptions being Kendrick Perkins, the Birdman and Rick Fox. Do not mess with LaMarcus Aldridge. Period. The End.
- Jamal Crawford and Raymond Felton are really really good. But they become better players when they play within Nate's system.
- The Thunder crowd is as flat as the state itself.
- Oden is injured.
- MB and Mike Rice is the best crew in TV. At least on the local level.
That is my assessment. Blazers are playing well. Let's hope they can hold on to this level.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Game #5 Preview: Blazers vs. Thunder — Tonight's Storylines
By Jonathan Ryan Davis
1) LA Hangover?: Portland played a terrible game on Sunday in Los Angeles. Gerald Wallace was taken out of the game, Portland failed to create any motion or consistency on offense, and the Blazers' defense looked more like the defense of an All-Star game than a team who was ranked third in the league in defensive efficiency. Save the final 10 minutes of the fourth quarter, Portland had no positive takeaways from the Clippers game. It will be interesting to see which team shows up tonight against the Thunder. Will it be the scrapping, energetic team that emerged in the 4th quarter on Sunday and almost pulled off an improbable (and unworthy) victory? Or will it be the team who looked lost and stagnant on offense? Here's hoping Portland realizes they can also play their uptempo offense and smothering defense away from the Rose Garden.
2) Kevin Durant: Kevin Durant, the 2nd overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft, taken behind that one guy...what's his name...he leads a Thunder team that is poised to control the Western Conference. The Thunder have become the media darlings and are picked by most to be the elite Western Conference team of the future. Why is that the case? Quite simply, because they have Kevin Durant, one of the most complete offensive weapons the NBA has seen in some time. For Portland to be victorious tonight, they must contain KD and force Russell Westbrook to beat them, a dynamic player himself, but a more erratic player. The Blazers should use a combination of Wesley Matthews, Nicolas Batum, and Gerald Wallace to shadow Durant and force him to defer to his teammates.
3) Defense Creates Offense: We saw on Sunday night what happens when the Blazers play aggressive, deny defense: their offense gains speed and fluidity. Tonight, Portland must create turnovers, control the defensive glass, and keep the Thunder to a low shooting percentage. In doing so, the Blazers can push the pace and convert easier baskets on the other end. Portland, without Roy, does not have the personnel at this point to run an effective slow-day, half court offense. That is not to say they will not develop an efficient half court offense over the course of the season; however, for their current personnel to thrive, Portland needs to run, cut, drive, and dish. Let's hope they get back to that style of basketball tonight. Aside from being entertaining for the fans, it has shown to be a winning formula for Portland this year.
Go Blazers!
1) LA Hangover?: Portland played a terrible game on Sunday in Los Angeles. Gerald Wallace was taken out of the game, Portland failed to create any motion or consistency on offense, and the Blazers' defense looked more like the defense of an All-Star game than a team who was ranked third in the league in defensive efficiency. Save the final 10 minutes of the fourth quarter, Portland had no positive takeaways from the Clippers game. It will be interesting to see which team shows up tonight against the Thunder. Will it be the scrapping, energetic team that emerged in the 4th quarter on Sunday and almost pulled off an improbable (and unworthy) victory? Or will it be the team who looked lost and stagnant on offense? Here's hoping Portland realizes they can also play their uptempo offense and smothering defense away from the Rose Garden.
2) Kevin Durant: Kevin Durant, the 2nd overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft, taken behind that one guy...what's his name...he leads a Thunder team that is poised to control the Western Conference. The Thunder have become the media darlings and are picked by most to be the elite Western Conference team of the future. Why is that the case? Quite simply, because they have Kevin Durant, one of the most complete offensive weapons the NBA has seen in some time. For Portland to be victorious tonight, they must contain KD and force Russell Westbrook to beat them, a dynamic player himself, but a more erratic player. The Blazers should use a combination of Wesley Matthews, Nicolas Batum, and Gerald Wallace to shadow Durant and force him to defer to his teammates.
3) Defense Creates Offense: We saw on Sunday night what happens when the Blazers play aggressive, deny defense: their offense gains speed and fluidity. Tonight, Portland must create turnovers, control the defensive glass, and keep the Thunder to a low shooting percentage. In doing so, the Blazers can push the pace and convert easier baskets on the other end. Portland, without Roy, does not have the personnel at this point to run an effective slow-day, half court offense. That is not to say they will not develop an efficient half court offense over the course of the season; however, for their current personnel to thrive, Portland needs to run, cut, drive, and dish. Let's hope they get back to that style of basketball tonight. Aside from being entertaining for the fans, it has shown to be a winning formula for Portland this year.
Go Blazers!
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Game #4 Preview: Blazers vs. Clippers — Tonight's Storylines
By Jonathan Ryan Davis
1) One the Road Again: The Blazers have looked solid at home, going undefeated in their short three game homestand. After defeating Denver in a tough divisional matchup, Portland heads south to take on the kings of LA, the Los Angeles Clippers. With a revamped lineup, the Blazers will be tested for the first time away from the Rose Garden. Last season, the Blazers maintained their home court advantage but struggled on the road. The Blazers appear (based on their performance thus far at home) to be legitimate contenders; however, if they fail to bring that same energy and grit to the court away from home, Portland will be the borderline playoff team the pundits predicted Portland to be. I am optimistic that we will show the league tonight that Portland can compete on any court against any team.
2) Consistency: Can the Blazers' guards show up for more than one game? Tonight we will see if Jamal Crawford, Raymond Felton, and Wesley Matthews can excel in back to back games. If they are able to do so, and Gerald Wallace and LaMarcus Aldridge can produce at their normal levels, Portland should handily control a Clippers team that is talented, but lacks the chemistry to be an elite team.
3) Heavy Legs: For a couple games now, Blazers like LMA have complained of heavy legs during their post-game interviews. Portland needs to get into playing shape soon to stay competitive with the Thunder in the Northwest division. The Blazers were lucky enough to have a few days off between the Denver game and their tilt tonight; let's hope they used that time to get some spring back in their legs to play the uptempo game McMillan has promised.
Go Blazers!
1) One the Road Again: The Blazers have looked solid at home, going undefeated in their short three game homestand. After defeating Denver in a tough divisional matchup, Portland heads south to take on the kings of LA, the Los Angeles Clippers. With a revamped lineup, the Blazers will be tested for the first time away from the Rose Garden. Last season, the Blazers maintained their home court advantage but struggled on the road. The Blazers appear (based on their performance thus far at home) to be legitimate contenders; however, if they fail to bring that same energy and grit to the court away from home, Portland will be the borderline playoff team the pundits predicted Portland to be. I am optimistic that we will show the league tonight that Portland can compete on any court against any team.
2) Consistency: Can the Blazers' guards show up for more than one game? Tonight we will see if Jamal Crawford, Raymond Felton, and Wesley Matthews can excel in back to back games. If they are able to do so, and Gerald Wallace and LaMarcus Aldridge can produce at their normal levels, Portland should handily control a Clippers team that is talented, but lacks the chemistry to be an elite team.
3) Heavy Legs: For a couple games now, Blazers like LMA have complained of heavy legs during their post-game interviews. Portland needs to get into playing shape soon to stay competitive with the Thunder in the Northwest division. The Blazers were lucky enough to have a few days off between the Denver game and their tilt tonight; let's hope they used that time to get some spring back in their legs to play the uptempo game McMillan has promised.
Go Blazers!
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