Comments on: A quick thought about the Orlando game

By: Eric k

Eric k — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 21:56:24 +0000

Another point to consider here, Nate kept saying that when Brandon is doubled far out like that someone is supposed to cut to the middle so Brandon can get him the ball and attack 4 on 3. It looks like Nate and Brandon both went out of their way to not throw someone under the bus for not being in the right place.

By: Luanne53

Luanne53 — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 17:58:47 +0000

Brandon has to be one of many many options to close out a game not the only option. Teams look at tapes and scout so there is no mystery to how the Blazers approach the end of the fourth quarter. Maybe we should include the mystery options that teams do not expect to encounter when facing the Blazers. I for one am sick of watching Brandon try and do everything by himself. He has talented teammates who are more than capable of handling the ball and closing out these teams. I agree that TO probably should not be the second option as he is a bit of a wild card these days.

Protect the basketball and stay aggressive. I believe that is how to win games and it helps if you can shoot lights out!!
Thanks for your blog, Dwight. I really enjoy your insight.

By: Ben

Ben — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 07:57:38 +0000

gotta agree with you dwight about the overreliance. i also don’t like travis as the number two option at all. especially if decisions such as “shoot or pass” need to be made under time pressure.

also, what is a dilly?

By: eric k

eric k — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 23:00:39 +0000

IIRC in the last 4 possessions we had a Blake missed 3 a Blake TO an Outlaw missed 3 and Roy’s desperation 3.

All in all not too bad we just didn’t hit the shots, with how Blake and Outlaw shoot the 3s probbaly mor eoften than not at leats of them goes in and we’re talking about a great win. Heck ifthey don;t call teh touch foul on Roy’s kick out (how often does Roy get hit a lot harder and no call, they pick that moment to finally give him the call!) to Outlaw for the 3 he hit we win. And even with all that Magic needed to hit 3 straight 3s including Terku’s heave over Outlaw off the glass. Replay that game 100 times and the Blazers probably win 99 even without scoring the last 4 trips. We beat Houston on a miracle shot luck goes both ways

By: Norman

Norman — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 19:38:39 +0000

If Brandon makes 2 more of his free throws, this is all mute. As Schonely used to say, “you’ve got to make your free throws!”

By: Riles

Riles — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 17:27:24 +0000

How about running some sort of motion set that tries to score points and utilizes the talent on the floor. This team is being touted as one of the deepest teams in the league, yet only one player is allowed to win the game. Brandon is an amazingly talented young man, but he is not Kobe or LeBron. During a normal NBA game one does not even have to watch until the second half. Unfortunately with Portland the last two minutes in a close game becomes almost unwatchable due to how predictable they are.

By: Ozzy

Ozzy — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 16:47:18 +0000

I agree, when they double Roy, especially that far out… the ball should be dished and we should aggressively attack the basket. We will either get a easy bucket, draw a foul, or get a good shot at a 3…

I wonder if they should see if Rudy could run an isolation? Why not give it a try?

Execution down the stretch I am sure will be at the heart of the next practice

Too bad cause Aldridge and Roy okayed a great game , Pryzibilla, Sergio, and Rudy played a heck of a game too…

That was a tough assignment for the young Oden