Playoff Recap: Roy pours in 42 as Blazers defeat Rockets 107-103; Mutombo out for remainder of playoffs
by Tom Martin on Apr 22, 2009 1:23 AM CDT
in Game Recaps
741 comments
There is too much to say. So I made a list of things I feel like talking about.
- The State of the Series
- Brandon Roy
- Yao Ming
- Free Throw Shooting
- Joel Przybilla
- Officiating
- Dikembe Mutombo
- Everything else
- It would be nice to take two on the road, but one win is good enough. I don't see us losing at home against Portland. Not once. We won a game in their place by a healthy margin, and then followed that up with a close loss in which Yao Ming took a mere six shots. Coming into the series, I wrote that if we were able to snag a single win in the Rose Garden, we would be set. To expect the Rockets to win two games in a row on the road in this series would be ludicrous; the Garden is one of the hardest (if not the hardest) road venues in the Western Conference, so I will take my Game 1 win and be perfectly satisfied. The Blazers have gone 0-2 in Houston in this season, and one of those games was played as recently as April 5th. For the Rockets to come as close as they did to winning two games against the Blazers with the disadvantage, I just can't see them losing at home to the same team when they have the advantage. We were a much better home team than road team this season, and having home court advantage was going to make a difference no matter who we played. Now that we have essentially swung that advantage in our favor (3 games in Houston to 2 games in Portland), we certainly have a reason to expect a victory in this series. I'm not convinced that a young team like Portland will be able to deal with the kind of noise that arises in Toyota Center once the playoffs roll around. It's going to be nerve-racking for them, and while I don't think that it will be the biggest difference in the world, it will certainly matter. To summarize, Houston is sitting pretty. It could be prettier, but it's a fine spot to be in nonetheless.
- Sometimes, Brandon Roy is just going to get his. Brandon can certainly shoot the ball well, but over the first two games of this series, it has been his ability to get to the basket and finish that I have been most impressed with. He was assertive in the lane, and the result was a 10 for 12 night from the free throw line. While I do not necessarily agree with some of the foul calls that Roy received in his favor, he should not be discredited in any way for driving hard to the rim (though his "agh!" yell can get quite annoying sometimes). It's tough to decide if Battier and Artest really did such a bad job defending Roy. In fact, rarely do Rockets fans levy any criticism against the defensive performance of White Pills. Tonight is no different. When I saw Artest or Battier guarding Roy, they fought hard to stay with him, and on occasion, Roy made some incredible shots against good defense. So hustle is not a problem. I think that the method by which we guard Brandon could improve. We had trouble dealing with screens from Przybilla and Oden, and Roy was able to get free for a few seconds and knock down a shot. Maybe it's time for us to place even more attention on Roy, because he was the reason why Portland won. He and......ugh, I'm trying so hard not to say it!
- Yao Ming took six shots? Yup, our best player only took six shots. Weak sauce. I understand fronting, and I understand the double team and whatnot, but for Yao to only get six shots off is a travesty. At times, it didn't even seem like we were trying to get the ball to Yao. Ron Artest held his nightly Dribblethon on a few possessions when Yao was open for a pass, and Aaron Brooks started picking out teammates before the drive and left himself with some difficult passes that could have been made easier by looking for Yao. Rest assured, Yao will not be held to single-digit shots in the next to games of this series. I guarantee you that the first three to four possessions of Game 3 will go through Yao, and I sincerely hope that he shoots the ball every time he touches it. The trouble with Yao is not what happens when he receives the ball, but instead figuring out how to get it to him. Once he touches it, he can let it fly as often as he wants.
- Free throws absolutely killed us. There isn't much more to say. Luis Scola only went 2 for 6 from the charity stripe, and four other guilty parties missed at least one of their free throw attempts. We ended the night at a lowly 68%. We can't afford to shoot poorly from the line. Of all of the advantages that we have over other teams, free throw shooting may be the most subtle and overlooked. However, free throws have the potential to come back and screw us if we blow our opportunities. They go from being a big advantage to an unnecessary disadvantage. I can recall only one game in which we shot terribly from the free throw line and still managed to win on the road, and that was the Denver game. Nights such as tonight prove that Denver was just an exception to the rule.
- Joel Przybilla has just been added to my 'hate' list. You thought Mehmet Okur was bad? Andrei Kirilenko? Matt Harpring? Anderson Varejao? Nope, none of them compare to the Vanilla Gorilla himself, the newly crowed "King of the Floppers." Apparently, Przybilla isn't as strong or as powerful as some claim him to be. From the looks of it, a light shove to his back sends him flying into the air like he's just been electrocuted, flailing arms and all. For example, Kyle Lowry puts his palm on Przybilla's back and gives him a little shove without extending his arms at all during a rebound. To this, Joel suddenly flies into the air like a bat, falls onto the floor, and just for kicks, rolls around like he just flew off a motorcycle. Then he sits up and holds his hands in the air as if he feels cheated with not being rewarded for his acting job. Then, late in the third quarter, Joel is boxing out Yao Ming when a ball flies in his vicinity. Yao gives him a light shove, as do all big bodies during a box out, and Joel hits the deck as if we're back in the Cold War preparing for the bomb to strike. I watched the replay a hundred times: the arm movement that Yao made wasn't even close to being enough to knock anyone down to the ground, and especially not a big guy like Joel. Vanilla Gorilla, you have just been added to my hate list for being a huge sissy. If you want to attract foul calls, do it the right way by taking a charge. Your teammate Brandon Roy tried it, and although he was in the circle, I give him props for doing it the right way. You, on the other hand, are a joke.
- 1...2...3... The officiating was horrendous, laughable, and reminded me of those cheap pick up league rent-a-refs. But it was that way for both teams. Right from the start, the referees made this their game. They took away the playoff atmosphere and turned it into a regular season game. They didn't leave room for intensity or hustle or heart. And even worse, on many occasions, they missed easy calls that cost both teams valuable possessions. I will say that on four or five instances, Joey Crawford, Ed Malloy, and Derrick Stafford made calls against the Rockets that were tough decisions to make and could have gone either way. But what angered me the most about this officiating crew was that they factored the fans' reaction to calls into future decisions. I know that "make-up" calls exist, but give me a break. Crawford called a reach-in on Batum in the first quarter, and the crowd went nuts (and rightfully so). So as a result, Yao gets called for a bogus bump on Przybilla, and then Aaron Brooks becomes victim to one of the worst calls I've ever seen (he dove for a ball, is bumped by Blake while Blake is shuffling to get to the ball, and then Brooks is called for the foul). How about you just hold the whistle? There should have been at least 10 less fouls than were actually assessed in this game. How about that call on Kyle Lowry at the end for "tripping" Rudy Fernandez? Players get their feet mixed up - it's part of the game. Since when do petty fouls such as that get called with under a minute left in a playoff game. Absolutely ridiculous. Horrible, horrible officiating. It's not why we lost, but I can't deny that it was a factor.
- Make no mistake - losing Dikembe Mutombo is a big deal. It was a difficult sight to see Deke roll over in pain after injuring his knee while trying to keep up with Greg Oden. It was even more frustrating to see him called for a foul when he simply fell to the ground (I couldn't resist). But really, Deke's loss creates a big gap in our center depth and will make it more difficult to match up with Oden, Przybilla, Aldridge, and Frye. However, I'm confident that we can get the job done with the remaining guys we have. It will just be more difficult, especially since our spiritual leader on the court is now gone. Update: Dikembe is calling it a career.
Three Up:
Ron Artest - His stats lie. Take off about 4 of those three point misses, as they came either from half court at the end of a quarter or on a last-second shot before the shot clock ran out. Otherwise, Ron had a pretty solid game and carried us in the beginning. He lost some steam on offense during the second half and took some bad shots, but we all kind of expect that by now.
Von Wafer -- Excellent game for Von tonight. He was attacking, he was efficient, he shot his free throws well, and he single-handedly kept us in the game in the third quarter. Big ups to Von for showing up tonight.
Kyle Lowry -- The Bulldog drew four fouls by himself in about a seven minute span. This ended up putting Oden and Przybilla in foul trouble late in the game, and even if we lost, the attitude that Lowry brought to the court was exactly what we needed at the time. He played as well as he could have, and he also hit a big three pointer in the fourth.
Three Down:
Carl Landry -- We simply need more from him than 5 minutes and 4 points.
Shane Battier -- Same goes for Battman. 2 shots won't cut it.
Yao Ming -- I've already explained it, really.
Stats of the Night:
Terrible free throws.
Portland had 7 blocks to our 1 block.
Portland out-rebounded us 36-35
We only had 12 assists on offense
We only forced 5 turnovers
Foul count: Houston 28, Portland 26
Yao Ming: 6 shots
Brandon Roy: 15-27 from the field.
Next Game: Friday vs. Portland. Should be a good one.
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Aaron Brooks
WTF dude……
"The brownies,'' Fernandez said after the game. "The brownies are good for me to make three-points.''
by Sabonis4Ever on Apr 22, 2009 1:26 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I wish he had shot like that during the part of the game in which we still had a shot to win.
The Dream Shake - Where Brooks > Alston happens.
"I think girls are probably just better shooters." - Steve Novak
by Tom Martin on Apr 22, 2009 1:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dude Greg Oden is a bitch for ending Dikembo's career.
Greg Oden should lock himself in a room for the shame he’s caused. He is not only one of the lamest, untalented, draft-floppers, but now has also earned the title of ending the career of a certain Hall of Famer, one of the only remaining old school players, someone with dignity and grace, both of which Oden has none.
by laker on Apr 22, 2009 3:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sad. Watch it again: Oden did nothing wrong. Nobody with any credibility is blaming him for Deke's tragic injury. Get a grip.
by Marvin100 on Apr 22, 2009 3:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Marvin should grow some testicles and watch the replay. Go ahead and demonstrate how stupid you are by continuing to argue that point.
by laker on Apr 22, 2009 4:00 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Do you know where the highest rate of cancer is in the United States.
It’s called the Inland Empire. It’s because they have to breath your hot air.
by staylost on Apr 22, 2009 4:04 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
ENEMY ALERT !!!
Feeling Oden envy? It’s natural when you only have a Bynum. So far his playoff PER is like what? Half of Oden’s? Have fun barely beating the Jazz. Phil thinks your team sucks lately.
by staylost on Apr 22, 2009 4:00 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
staylost, honestly you should just shut up and go back to ur blazer blog
by suns_all_the_way on Apr 22, 2009 4:23 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
go back to your laker blog
nice trick with the name dumbass
"The brownies,'' Fernandez said after the game. "The brownies are good for me to make three-points.''
by Sabonis4Ever on Apr 22, 2009 4:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
you cant honeslty say youd rather have oden over bynum
like cmon? seriously?? they both have injury probs, and bynum has put up better numbers on a team with more scorers. And im pretty sure 12 min, 6 fouls, 4 pts is not a good playoff PER. Bynum meanwhile isnt needed as much because the Jizz dont have okur and they are the jizz
Game 1 108-81 Rockets
Game 2 107-103 Blazers
Series tied 1-1
by TexasHoosier on Apr 22, 2009 1:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I would seriously rather have Oden
This is why. The playoffs. When the kiddie gloves come off and people are allowed to play.
Yeah he still fouls-but that will go away. This is still his first (quasi rookie) year. He has to learn all the veteran tricks and how to fight them.
He might never be as offensively gifted as Bynum but he’s gonna be a MONSTER on defense with all the boards/blocks.
Can someone please explain to me why Bynum doesn’t get an “injury prone” label by the media though? Didn’t he have the exact same knee problem last year? Oden has had his share of problems and yeah the first one cost him a year but aside from that his injuries have been different and not recurrent.
Please, for the love of all that is holy, please stop using the following: "Book it.", "FTW", "Epic" & "Fail".
...no seriously--stop.
by nima on Apr 22, 2009 1:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
wanted to add one thing
the man is real efficient even though he fouls like a motherfucker for the time being.
but once he gets more comfortable with his post microfracture body and playing under the NBA lights, I think he’s gonna explode.
If you had to go GO of this season vs Drew from this season—that’s a no brainer, you go with drew every day of the week and twice on sunday. if you’re going career wise—i’ll go with oden over the playboy.
Please, for the love of all that is holy, please stop using the following: "Book it.", "FTW", "Epic" & "Fail".
...no seriously--stop.
by nima on Apr 22, 2009 1:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You kinda made my point for me
Bynum is already ahead of oden in terms of development on the offensive end. They are both playing in their first playoffs and they are basically the same age (bynum is 4 months older). Bynum averages more points, blocks, and assists. Bynum also gets points outside the paint.
You say that oden still has the learn “all the veteran tricks and how to fight them,” well so does bynum and what makes you think that oden will surpass bynum if bynum is already better and they are the same age, and bynum is playing with better people around him which will make him better, look at rondo.
Game 1 108-81 Rockets
Game 2 107-103 Blazers
Series tied 1-1
by TexasHoosier on Apr 22, 2009 2:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bynum has had 3 seasons to learn his offensive moves.
This is Oden’s first season in the NBA and he ain’t that far behind Bynum in skill level. In two years i think you’ll see Oden finally dominating games
"And once again we can say, it's a GREAT day to be a Blazer."- Brian Wheeler
by lrh86 on Apr 22, 2009 2:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oden has dominated Bynum each time they've played
Bynum has gotten his stats against Przybilla, but been shut down by Oden.
draft dejuan blair
by Cablinasian on Apr 22, 2009 3:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Irh86 pretty much made my point
This is the same reason the MIP award isn’t often given to a 2nd year player. I hate the comparisons, but look at how Durant improved after his 1st year. The list goes on and on with people who made the jump.
You bring up a good point: given everything, Bynum will ALWAYS have 3 seasons of NBA experience more than Greg and he wont be older for it (aside from a little wear and tear).
Still, I think Bynum’s on a more shallow part of the improvement curve than Greg. Greg should improve quite a bit next year. Bynum should get a lot better but it shouldn’t (note shouldn’t not wont) be as big of a jump.
Players still improve a lot in their 3rd and 4th year, but Oden still has those ahead of him too!
Please, for the love of all that is holy, please stop using the following: "Book it.", "FTW", "Epic" & "Fail".
...no seriously--stop.
by nima on Apr 22, 2009 3:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
LOL yeah oden sure have good years ahead of him granted if his knees doesn’t premature ages like his face
by o_oholycrap on Apr 22, 2009 10:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'd like to see Oden get Yao non-calls
Lets revers it a bit. Say Artest drives the lane jumps into Oden. Oden leaves his feet & knocks Artest to the ground. Thats a foul every time right?
Not so much the case when Roy jumps into Yao. Yao leaves his feet & knocks Roy to the ground. Thats happened what 8 times in this series so far, & all no calls.
by DephlatorMouse on Apr 24, 2009 5:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
wow..
bynum would wreck the shit outta oden. everyone knows it.
by Rockets 4 Life on Apr 23, 2009 9:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
rofl oden envy???? envy of what? big bust?? kevin durant 500x better than oden
by o_oholycrap on Apr 22, 2009 10:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not your dude, buddy
"The brownies,'' Fernandez said after the game. "The brownies are good for me to make three-points.''
by Sabonis4Ever on Apr 22, 2009 4:17 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not your pal, guy.
Blazers Prophecy.
3-5 championships in next decade.
You heard it here first.
by mjm6783 on Apr 22, 2009 5:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not your guy, friend.
Sorry, just wanted to get in on the fun.
by chrisjay84 on Apr 22, 2009 10:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not your guy, chief.
It takes a big man to walk away, but a bigger man to break his freaking jaw!
by USMC_Texas on Apr 22, 2009 10:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I"m not your chief, amigo
How did you guys win that?
"We scored enough points. We scored 107, they scored 105.
-Nate McMillan Postgame, 3/4/2009
by douglast on Apr 22, 2009 12:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not your father, little child.
Sorry, channeled Sean Kemp there.
"The brownies,'' Fernandez said after the game. "The brownies are good for me to make three-points.''
- from Quick's Behind the Blazers Locker Room Door, 4/16/09
by ArbyOSU on Apr 22, 2009 4:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
you stole my sig
"The brownies,'' Fernandez said after the game. "The brownies are good for me to make three-points.''
by Sabonis4Ever on Apr 22, 2009 5:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I added it immediately after reading it a few days ago when it was first published. I don’t recall seeing it on yours until now… who stealing what now? Oh yeah, this guy is stealing.
"The brownies,'' Fernandez said after the game. "The brownies are good for me to make three-points.''
- from Quick's Behind the Blazers Locker Room Door, 4/16/09
by ArbyOSU on Apr 22, 2009 5:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What kind of brownies are we talking here?
Portland space cakes?
by Xiane on Apr 22, 2009 5:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The kind that make you shoot 6-9 from 3 and break the rookie record.
"The brownies,'' Fernandez said after the game. "The brownies are good for me to make three-points.''
by Sabonis4Ever on Apr 22, 2009 5:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
i like how this is all about oden and bynum when it should be about the series.
"We don't need refs, but i guess white guys need something to do."- Charles Barkley
by Rockets 4 Life on Apr 23, 2009 9:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Greg Oden, slayer of legends
Who are you kidding? It was unfortunate, and I’m really sad (as expressed yesterday while the game was still ongoing several times) that this likely will end the amazing career of Mt. Mutombo, one of my favorite players of all time. If Yao or Oden can ever be that durable, watch out.
That stop and go by Roy is straight sick. I'm calling him "The Flu" from now on. - Wendell Maxey
by Norsktroll on Apr 22, 2009 11:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Watching the game in the arena, I will admit, I really thought Oden took him out...
Never thought it was a cheap shot, but I thought Oden was the cause of the injury…
watching the replay over and over again, it was just an unfortunate injury. Part of the game. I hate to see it happen, particularly to a great person like Deke.
Goodbye Deke. The NBA will miss Mt. Mutombo
Support families in crisis in Portland www.give10tell10.org
by PDXBuckeye on Apr 22, 2009 4:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You serious? You can't REALLY be serious about that.
"The brownies,'' Fernandez said after the game. "The brownies are good for me to make three-points.''
- from Quick's Behind the Blazers Locker Room Door, 4/16/09
by ArbyOSU on Apr 22, 2009 4:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oden didn't end anything
At least not on purpose. Don’t be a douche. Douche.
by jasonmicron on Apr 22, 2009 8:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not Oden's fault.
what are you talking about? oh. your name is la#er. that explains any ridiculous comments, but it does not excuse them. shame on you.
by jtkerr79 on Apr 23, 2009 1:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I thought przybilla got shot on that flop in tha 3rd
they shoulda been lookin for a sniper in tha rafters
You're not foolin me Kerry Collins.
by TitanFan2K on Apr 22, 2009 1:31 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Man
I felt terrible when I saw that Mutombo was down and now I learn that he’s out for the playoffs and his career is over. He was a great player and is a greater person and I wish him much luck.
by Worthy J. on Apr 22, 2009 1:38 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Greg Oden deserves to not be suspended for ruining one of the longest careers of one of the most sacred and dignified players
by laker on Apr 22, 2009 3:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Why don't you not resort to name-calling and demonstrate some intelligence by actually watching the replay. That is after you've finished stroking yourself to Brandon Roy's performance.
by laker on Apr 22, 2009 4:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
How original staylost, why don't you go back to touching your 3 incher to Aldridge
How many rings do Portland have? When was the last time you guys won anything?
by laker on Apr 22, 2009 4:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
3 incher?
They sure have small ones down in lakerland.
The last time we won something is when LA played us. Too easy.
by staylost on Apr 22, 2009 4:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
lol I do not want to get into this argument, because, honestly, I don't think Portland will win this series.
But if they do we can find each other and make a bet or something
by laker on Apr 22, 2009 5:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The refs were awful for both teams
Yao was lucky to stay in the game. He hit Blazer drivers pretty hard twice when he had four fouls. Oden didn’t get away with what Yao did… but he’s a rookie, so it’s the name of the game.
There were bad calls for Houston as well… but I felt that they pretty much evened out. This night was about Artest not being able to guard Roy. I can guarantee you that Morey has done the stats and seen that Battier did a much better job… we’ll see more Battier on Roy in the remainder of the series.
Sad to see Deke get hurt. Obviously, Oden wasn’t being malicious… it was just a sucky play. In the arena, there was a lot of people genuinely sad about it… huge standing ovation when he did leave.
Ready for Game 3.
draft dejuan blair
by Cablinasian on Apr 22, 2009 1:40 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Battier is unreal
his defense is amazing. Props to the rockets for employing that genius of NBA defense wish he was ours!
"Death is not final," Gita says. "If any man thinks that he slays, and if another thinks that he is slain, neither knows the truth. The Eternal in man cannot kill: the Eternal in man cannot die. The soul in man is neither born nor does it die. Weapons cannot cut it; fire cannot burn it. .. What makes you think that you can destroy the soul?"
The Bhagavad Gita
by Idog1976 on Apr 22, 2009 2:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The reffing was terrible for both teams
But y’all have to learn that just running into a big man who is standing straight up won’t get you a foul in the playoffs. A few times in game one, it looked like Roy wasn’t even thinking about making the shot; In game two, he kept doing it, but at least he was hitting the shots.
Time to galvanize
by jack_ on Apr 22, 2009 5:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
what about when Yao jumps over and on top of roy providing weak side help
that happened several times, Yao had his arms straight up sure, just his chest and whole upper torso were falling on top of Roy’s shoulder on his way tot he hoop, and he wasn’t in position, he was switching to the weak side…happened at least 3 times with no call…
we can round and round about the refs all the live long day, last night it was a wash…each team got their share of the good and the bad officiating…
Goodbye Deke. The NBA will miss Mt. Mutombo
Support families in crisis in Portland www.give10tell10.org
by PDXBuckeye on Apr 22, 2009 6:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
qualifying remark-- " in the playoffs "
just running into a big man who is standing straight up won’t get you a foul in the playoffs
.
Is this to suggest the same play would draw a whistle in the regular season? If so, isn’t fan griping about playoff reffereeing fair game?
I AM A PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS SUPPORTER.
by bow4meow on Apr 23, 2009 9:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
just running into a big man who is standing straight up won’t get you a foul in the playoffs.
Unless the big man is Oden, then it will definately get you a foul (See Lowry in game 2 as an example)
How did you guys win that?
"We scored enough points. We scored 107, they scored 105.
-Nate McMillan Postgame, 3/4/2009
by douglast on Apr 23, 2009 3:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
On Dikembe's injury
But really, Deke’s loss creates a big gap in our center depth and will make it more difficult to match up with Oden, Przybilla, Aldridge, and Frye.
Names in bold will in no way negatively affect your team’s chances as a result of Dikembe’s being out. That said, I’m still sad to see him go out like that.
1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21... I know...
by FibonacciSequence on Apr 22, 2009 1:41 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Frye playing
is actually a negative for Portland… I doubt he plays at all in the series.
draft dejuan blair
by Cablinasian on Apr 22, 2009 1:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I guess my phrasing was unclear
You and I are saying essentially the same thing, unless you were just hammering home the point that Frye is a non-factor, in which case, hammer away!
1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21... I know...
by FibonacciSequence on Apr 22, 2009 2:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
yes
I was agreeing with you.
draft dejuan blair
by Cablinasian on Apr 22, 2009 2:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Cablinasian
is straight to the point whereas I am generally seen in garbage time comic relief (like Frye!)
1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21... I know...
by FibonacciSequence on Apr 22, 2009 2:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah
I try to keep it pretty straight on the opponent site… never know when they’ll misinterpret sarcasm, just because they don’t follow the team.
Your version was funny. :)
draft dejuan blair
by Cablinasian on Apr 22, 2009 2:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Greg Oden does not deserve to ever play basketball again for what he did to a legendary man, he ended the man's career
by laker on Apr 22, 2009 3:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nice!
Demean Muttombo for trolling purposes. You are amazingly disrespectful.
by staylost on Apr 22, 2009 4:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Say what you want and go ahead and protect your first-pick-bust-Sam-Bowie
by laker on Apr 22, 2009 4:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh no!
Too bad Bynum can’t get Oden numbers with three times the minutes.
Anyway, we all know that the most important thing to protect the world from is lakerfans.
by staylost on Apr 22, 2009 4:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Do you really want to get into an argument about who's better Bynum or Oden? Because you're about to look really stupid
by laker on Apr 22, 2009 4:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
"about to look really stupid"
I think you’ve already got that covered.
by staylost on Apr 22, 2009 4:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
laker
if youre gonna annoy blazers fans could you do it on the blazers blog??? and no oden didnt end mutombo’s career. it was a normal play with guys battling for position under the basket. Mutombo got off balance and his knee buckled. We all know that oden has underachieved greatly so far, but he didnt end deke’s career, sorry.
Game 1 108-81 Rockets
Game 2 107-103 Blazers
Series tied 1-1
by TexasHoosier on Apr 22, 2009 1:35 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Knowing what I know about Oden
He probably feels guilty about Mutombo anyway.
by Xiane on Apr 22, 2009 2:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm willing to bet
that Deke was probably one of Oden’s heroes. It probably sucks for Oden to have been in the play that ended Mutumbo’s career.
draft dejuan blair
by Cablinasian on Apr 22, 2009 3:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
as the people above have already addressed, picking oden over bynum is something
only people without intelligence would do, hell even Kevin Durant is 500x better than Oden. Why am I wasting time arguing about this stupid crap with a dumbass like you? Andrew Bynum has career highs of 42 points, . When has Oden scored more than 25 points? Plus Bynum has to play alongside Gasol, Kobe, who will end up getting most of the shots in a game. Just compare their FG%, this season, Bynum has 78%, Oden has 54%. You really think Oden is better than Bynum? Nobody in this place agrees with you. If you continue to argue, it will just make you look dumber, so for your own good, you should probably concede
by laker on Apr 22, 2009 11:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
to be fair
the oden vs. bynum debate will have to wait at least two more years, because lets face it… even kobe thought bynum was shit in his rookie season.
if durant can still put up his numbers on a good thunder team, then we’ll all admit hes a stud, until then his status is undecided as well.
by hardgay on Apr 22, 2009 11:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bynum has a 78% field goal percentage?
What the fuck stats are you looking at? Bynum scored 42 on the freaking clippers on 24 shots. Greg Oden’s career high was 24 on 14 shots. Bynum averages 10 shots a game whereas Greg only shoots 5. Look at Bynum’s pathetic first year and compare it to Greg’s. Keep Bynum and hate on Greg all you want. The future will tell who the better player is.
"The brownies,'' Fernandez said after the game. "The brownies are good for me to make three-points.''
by Sabonis4Ever on Apr 23, 2009 1:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
get off his back
numbers like 78% FG make his point. We all know Oden is better considering he avergages 24 rebounds a game, including that monster game against the Cavs where he pulled down 38 boards, 15 offensive, and had 18 assists.
I AM A PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS SUPPORTER.
by bow4meow on Apr 23, 2009 9:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Bynum#Regular_season
by laker on Apr 23, 2009 4:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You get your stats from wikipedia?
must…not…make…personal…attack…
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/b/bynuman01.html
http://www.nba.com/playerfile/andrew_bynum/career_stats.html
"The brownies,'' Fernandez said after the game. "The brownies are good for me to make three-points.''
by Sabonis4Ever on Apr 23, 2009 8:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I am not saying in 5 years down the road
Yes, if Bynum averages 0 pts the next 5 years, and Oden becomes Olajuwon or Kareem for the next 5 years, then yes oden will be overall the better player. But that’s unlikely and will be in 5 years.
If putting up 42 pts is so easy to do on the Clippers why hasn’t Oden done that.
I’m saying right now, at this moment, Andrew Bynum is waaaaay better than Greg Oden. Kenny agrees, Chuck agrees, and anyone who is not a Blazers fan and has half a brain agrees.
by laker on Apr 23, 2009 4:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
chuck is an idiot
a funny idiot, but an idiot.
As for right now, no duh Bynum is better. But check out Bynum’s stats over the years of play:
Year ↓ Team ↓ GP ↓ GS ↓ MPG ↓ FG% ↓ 3P% ↓ FT% ↓ RPG ↓ APG ↓ SPG ↓ BPG ↓ PPG ↓
2005–06 L.A. Lakers 46 0 7.3 .402 .000 .296 1.7 .2 .1 .5 1.6
2006–07 L.A. Lakers 82 53 21.9 .558 .000 .668 5.9 1.1 .2 1.6 7.8
2007–08 L.A. Lakers 35 25 28.8 .636 .000 .695 10.2 1.7 .3 2.1 13.1
2008–09 L.A. Lakers 47 46 28.9 .777 .000 .834 8.0 1.4 1.4 1.8 14.3
Career 210 124 21.4 .593 .000 .667 8.7 2.1 .5 2.9 12.7
The goal is not to be better, the goal is to be the best.
by ratbastird on Apr 23, 2009 5:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
well that sucked in the copying
basic point… 7.8 in the second year and 5.9 rebounds. I’m fairly comfortable in saying oden will smash that next year as he should be fully recovered by then and in game shape.
The goal is not to be better, the goal is to be the best.
by ratbastird on Apr 23, 2009 5:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Mutombo's injury
is a perfect microcosm of the Rockets’ season: Adelman rested him throughout the season, saving him for the playoffs, when he’d be needed most. And then freak shit happened. The Rockets traded for Artest, created arguably the deapest team in the league, and then McGrady’s knee turned out to only have grown worse.
Shit happens.
by Only_A_Lad on Apr 22, 2009 1:44 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
If McGrady played tonight
Rockets would have lost by about 15 I think:
-Wafer would not have seen the floor. so his 21 points go to Tracy (and a few more), but the tradeoff is:
-way less ball in the hands of Lowry and Brooks, who were both very effective on dribble penetration
-way more isolation offense (like Portland plays).
-worse Houston defense
TMac’s a very skilled player, but from an outsider, the Rockets seem to play better team ball without him.
How did you guys win that?
"We scored enough points. We scored 107, they scored 105.
-Nate McMillan Postgame, 3/4/2009
by douglast on Apr 22, 2009 1:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Blazers usually don't play this much isolation offense
When they are playing well there is a lot more player movement and ball-movement, and they generate lots of open 3-point shots. Most of the time they don’t resort to running this many iso plays unless nothing else is working.
by trk on Apr 22, 2009 4:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
From being at the game
the biggest thing I was struck by was the fact that Houston was simply shorter than Portland. Landry and Roy stood by each other, and Landry had the same body, with a few extra pounds. I liked the way he played.
Scola, Hayes, and Landry are going to have to be really, really good.
draft dejuan blair
by Cablinasian on Apr 22, 2009 1:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Don’t worry portland only grind out a 4 pt win at their own turf with yao shooting the ball 6 times. When aldridge and roy combined for 70pt again in this series, be sure to tell me
by o_oholycrap on Apr 22, 2009 10:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hey, sorry to be a stickler...
…but the game was also 107-103…
As for Deke… I’m really sorry to see him go. I’ll never forget that final rebound as a Nugget… pure joy.
by JordanLeDoux on Apr 22, 2009 1:45 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
foul/free throw totals - skewed by final 39 seconds
one minor point…
Portland was called for more fouls (and Houston shot more free throws) for the entire game, except for the last 39 seconds, when Houston picked up 6 fouls while trying to prolong the game…
http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/playbyplay?gameId=290421022&period=4
Thus it’s a bit misleading when you look at the final box-score showing:
fouls: Hou 28, Por 26
Free throws attempted: Hous 32, Por 36.
Portland’s last 12 free throws came in the last 39 seconds
by jmerm on Apr 22, 2009 1:47 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
good point
"The brownies,'' Fernandez said after the game. "The brownies are good for me to make three-points.''
by Sabonis4Ever on Apr 22, 2009 2:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
We have smaller guys
You also neglect to mention that we have wafer, lowry, and brooks. Your guys never let them just drive to the basket. Plus, Odem is still a rook. He made so many silly fouls instead of waiting back and going for the block.
We on the other hand let Roy drive unchecked several times.
by texasag on Apr 22, 2009 8:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
We led the points in the paint battle
It’s not like we were just shooting jumpers.
draft dejuan blair
by Cablinasian on Apr 22, 2009 3:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
i was surprised by that stat when i saw it during last game
wafer was just taking it at our centers’ chests drive after drive and we couldn’t stop them. the blazers d at point has always been bad but its really been exposed this series.
The one thing I’ll concede to Rockets fans is while the game was (more or less) evenly called badly for both sides, the Blazers fouls were simply easier calls. Oden doesn’t disguise the contact. The Rockets were accelerating into our players and our guys weren’t drawing as much contact in an obvious way.
They were still fouls, but they were harder to call.
and for whomever said there weren’t make up calls we got—are you kidding? I turned to my girlfriend after a blatant no call and called it 24 seconds ahead of time that they were gonna give a make up call on yao. sure enough they did. stupid ass refs.
Please, for the love of all that is holy, please stop using the following: "Book it.", "FTW", "Epic" & "Fail".
...no seriously--stop.
by nima on Apr 22, 2009 3:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That stuff drove me insane.
I thought my head would explode last night.
by Xiane on Apr 22, 2009 3:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Losing Deke is a terrible loss....
He is a Saint as a civilian and a Legendary Warrior as an NBA center.
Blazer's Edge Ambassador to The Dream Shake Blog
LMA Rocks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I <3 LMA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LMA - Putting the POWER in POWER FORWARD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The concussion must have jarred him into "Destroy All Opposition Terminator Mode!" - BlazersOrBust
by LaMarvelous on Apr 22, 2009 1:52 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Yes
we gave a standing ovation to the man in the Garden and I was part of that sad affair. I love Mutombo and was sad to see him go down. For those who know what it is I also sent the man Reiki healing to ease his pain as I am a Reiki Master.
"Death is not final," Gita says. "If any man thinks that he slays, and if another thinks that he is slain, neither knows the truth. The Eternal in man cannot kill: the Eternal in man cannot die. The soul in man is neither born nor does it die. Weapons cannot cut it; fire cannot burn it. .. What makes you think that you can destroy the soul?"
The Bhagavad Gita
by Idog1976 on Apr 22, 2009 2:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Przybilla flops? Look in the mirror Houston.
First let me say that I agree that Przybilla flops. He does. He did tonight. However, as you know it’s only a foul if the referee blows his (or Violet blows her) whistle. So, if as a not so random example, I am Yao Ming and I can take my arm and cleverly wrap Greg Oden’s arm around my body, then lean backwards as if he is pushing me…Maybe, just maybe, the referee will blow his whistle. Hey!! What do you know, it worked! Do I blame Yao for using this tactic? No. I guarantee that Yao was victimized by the very same gamesmanship several times before he decided, “Damn, if the refs are gonna call that shit, then I better do it to.”
Back to Przybilla flopping…He NEVER used to do this. In his core he is a warrior, but he was victimized too many times by others flopping. So now he has added it to his repertoire…Just as Yao has.
It is just a part of the game. A horrible part if you are on the wrong end of it…Like Oden was…but a part nonetheless.
By the way, I replayed Rudy “tripping over his own feet” (your words) frame by frame and low and behold, his foot was in fact kicked by a Houston player. Go watch it. I am sure you will agree.
by mlsinpdx on Apr 22, 2009 1:54 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I am Yao Ming and I can take my arm and cleverly wrap Greg Oden’s arm around my body, then lean backwards as if he is pushing me…
Yeah, we all got to listen to your idiot announcers, too, and they were full of shit about that then. Oden (and Przybilla) were holding Yao on every possession. Given the level of contact supposedly being called throughout the game, both should have been called on it much earlier. If Yao has to sell it to get the refs’ attention, then that’s the way it is.
So now he has added it to his repertoire…Just as Yao has.
I am continually amazed that Blazers fans seem to have no idea what flopping is.
by Only_A_Lad on Apr 22, 2009 2:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
we've endured a year
of guards grabbing onto Oden’s arms and falling down. I know what a flop is. Przybilla did flop, but it’s not an every game occurence.
draft dejuan blair
by Cablinasian on Apr 22, 2009 2:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You've endured all of about 20 full games.
Similar in kind, vastly different in degree. Also, Oden is not THE focus of your offense, he’s the 3rd banana at best. And, he’s a rookie, trust me, Yao got called as badly if not worse, than Oden. He got called so many damn times he mostly stopped playing D, and developed a bogus “soft” rep.
Seriously, let us simply grab Roy with few to no calls for a whole game, and then you can tell us its the same.
by Xiane on Apr 22, 2009 2:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You mean the no-calls on Roy like where Battier is holding his jersey throughout the game?
Or where he drives, Yao contests, there is arm-to-arm contact, but Yao avoids his 5th? So we can tell you now its the same?
"its tough to play with one eye, unless you're a pirate." Delonte West
"una canasta a Pau en la cara" Rudy
by Honka Playboy on Apr 22, 2009 3:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
We talk about recurring pattens, you talk about plays.
Not much common ground. See, its not just Portland, its the league wide anti-Yao strategy and its basically screwed us. Not because Yao can’t play, but because he can’t play while being continually held and fouled. And its rarely called, yet everytime Yao fights it I get to read whining about what dirty player Yao is. It is frustrating. One or two counter examples on your part does absolutely nothing to change the vast weight of experience on ours.
by Xiane on Apr 22, 2009 4:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The reoccuring pattern
is the fact that the refs refuse to give Yao 6 fouls! How many times does Roy have to draw contact with him (and yes Yao leaves his feet) before getting the call? The past two games there have been at least a half dozen occasions where Roy get thumped by Yao and gets no call! I believe it is because Brandon makes the shot. On the other end, you get the Von Wafer’s (Brooks, Lowery, etc.) flying in out of control, getting grazed by a big man, missing the shot, and getting the call!
The favortism of All-stars is what is out of control! Oden isn’t an All-star (yet) thus doesn’t get the treatment. He’s got dude’s draped all over him yet he sheds ‘em like water and gets no calls. On the other end, he doesn’t have a billion people watching him (yet) so the refs don’t care if he fouls out!
‘OK Nic, swag on out on ‘em!’
by clinchmobb on Apr 22, 2009 2:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You're simply wrong.
If Yao isn’t moving and Roy runs into him, it’s not a foul. Sorry. It just isn’t, and they won’t call it. Roy is a budding superstar, but they aren’t going to change the rules of basketball for him, not matter how much you love him. Only Michael Jordan gets that treatment.
You seem to be mistaking two crucial concepts.
“Defense” does not equal “foul”.
But two guys hugging each other with Yao in the middle on Houston offensive plays? That’s a foul.
by Xiane on Apr 22, 2009 2:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You missed the 'concept'...
Watch the game and you see that Yao is moving by leaving his feet or sliding into Roy. That is not defense! That is preferential treatment of an all-star. If Yao fouls out, a billion people will turn off their tvs. If Oden fouls out, a few people turn off their tvs. The NBA wants their All-stars in the game not sitting on the bench.
I made no mention in my post regarding fouls on Yao…pay attention to MY post and stick to the facts
‘OK Nic, swag on out on ‘em!’
by clinchmobb on Apr 22, 2009 3:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oden makes stupid fouls
Oden made several retarded fouls. He ran out of the paint to attack brooks? He gets drawn out to defend guys then bumps them. Thats a foul.
Yao stands back. Yes he jumps but going straight up and down is allowed. Oden is going for a block on people while Yao just tries to stand perfectly still hoping not to get a foul.
by texasag on Apr 22, 2009 3:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Actually Nate is forcing him to do that.
He doesn’t want a center who can only sit in the middle on defense so he is making Oden run out on those. Even in the playoffs Nate will want the right way rather than the most currently successful way.
But aside from that, I’m not really interested in this argument. Fans of either side can never call games effectively. I think the one thing we can all agree on is that the reffing of the series has been pretty shoddy.
by staylost on Apr 22, 2009 3:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'll second that.
But also, I think you’d be happier with me reffing the games anyway. At least some basketball would be played for more than 30 seconds at a time.
by Xiane on Apr 22, 2009 4:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Then nate is stupid
You are having your biggest guy run out on our smallest? Can odem even reach the ball when brooks has it? You do hear how stupid it sounds to want you biggest guy attacking point guards right?
The big man defends the basket, make brooks pass it.
by texasag on Apr 22, 2009 4:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
...i think he means "show" before he retreats on a P&R...
not to switch and stay with a PG that woudl be foolish.
Please, for the love of all that is holy, please stop using the following: "Book it.", "FTW", "Epic" & "Fail".
...no seriously--stop.
by nima on Apr 22, 2009 4:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
yes, foolish
He fouled out on that “foolish” play.
by texasag on Apr 22, 2009 4:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
that wasn't a pick and roll. that was helping out. that was more the PGs fault than his but like i said in other places he needs to learn lateral/retreating footwork instead of forward movement.
Please, for the love of all that is holy, please stop using the following: "Book it.", "FTW", "Epic" & "Fail".
...no seriously--stop.
by nima on Apr 22, 2009 4:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Certainly foolish within the context of that game.
But did you notice that sometimes Oden is a bit slow? Well, he has improved a bunch, likely from acting “foolish” all year.
by staylost on Apr 22, 2009 4:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ah, the Chinese conspiracy theory.
That’s a new one. I think it has legs.
by Xiane on Apr 22, 2009 3:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
wow...
contrary to popular belief, chinese nba fans do actually watch the NBA for reasons besides Yao Ming. yao’s jersey isn’t even the top selling jersey in china… if you want to make a case for yi jianlian almost starting for the east squad conspiracy, then you may have a point. however, stop comparing oden to yao… seriously.
you can go on and on about his potential… etc but right now hes not even starting material on a playoff team. His offense is basically “the dunk shot” and his defense is “jump as high as i can and swat the ball”. it was pretty clear on the replay when he fouled out that he doesn’t have a clue how to defend a quick guard at the basket. wait till he learns how to play the game before you bitch and moan about his fouls.
by hardgay on Apr 22, 2009 4:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You're Joey Crawford aren't you?
Hi Joey! Welcome!
by Xiane on Apr 22, 2009 4:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
yao WAS moving. He was in the air in fact and there was obvious contact.
I think Roy doesn’t get the call all the time because he yells every time he drives (glad you guys call him out on that—its annoying to me too). And he sometimes expects to get bailed out.
Sometimes he will, but crying wolf means sometimes you’ll get the short end of the stick. You lose a little credibility
Please, for the love of all that is holy, please stop using the following: "Book it.", "FTW", "Epic" & "Fail".
...no seriously--stop.
by nima on Apr 22, 2009 3:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
PS: To Xiane
you’re missing a crucial point:
Its not just that Yao is a superstar.
Oden’s a rookie.
Oden’s a rookie with a reputation for foul trouble.
Its comparing two extremes on the favorability meter. There’s no question Oden gets shafted by calls though.
Please, for the love of all that is holy, please stop using the following: "Book it.", "FTW", "Epic" & "Fail".
...no seriously--stop.
by nima on Apr 22, 2009 3:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'll go along with
that, but seriously, walk a mile in Houston’s shoes with Yao.
It looks preferential to you, because its not the absurd rookie big man whistle.
Saying Yao gets superstar treatment is really about the funniest thing I’ve read in a while.
Look, of course there are plays where actual fouls occur and aren’t called. It happens nearly every play. But there seems to be a core belief amongst certain posters here that Yao commits a foul simply by looking at a Blazer, and that just isn’t true.
Look at my posts, I’m not arguing individual calls and plays here. Both sides can obviously find plenty of evidence in a game as badly officiated as the one we just saw.
by Xiane on Apr 22, 2009 3:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You sound just like Cleveland fans...
They actually think that Lebron gets shafted by the refs!
"And once again we can say, it's a GREAT day to be a Blazer."- Brian Wheeler
by lrh86 on Apr 22, 2009 3:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm just going to let this go.
Until you watch years of officiating on Yao, you really can’t know what we’re talking about. Arguing with people who have so little basis for comparison is clearly futile, so I’m not going to do it anymore. We report experience of year after frustrating year and get told stuff like:
“Yeah, but Yao commits fouls too!” – Well, yes. Not the point though.
“Yeah, you guys are such martyrs/fanbois/ignoramuses! Boo hoo!” – Well reasoned. We’ll keep it in mind.
“Yeah, but the refs are meaner to Oden!” – Again, not the point. That the calls are or are not bad for Oden has nothing to do with Yao.
And I don’t think there is much of a Yao/Oden nexus anyway. Oden is a different player from Yao. He’s much more similar to lots of other NBA centers than he is to Yao, who is effectively unique. Nothing about Oden’s game is new or special for NBA big men – whatever hopes you may have, he’s not yet established himself in the realm of elite centers. The comparison fails. Both playing center isn’t enough.
by Xiane on Apr 22, 2009 3:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What is your point then?
Yao may get screwed by the refs a few times but that does not make up for him being able to do whatever he wants on defence. He should have fouled out of the game twice last night.
"And once again we can say, it's a GREAT day to be a Blazer."- Brian Wheeler
by lrh86 on Apr 22, 2009 4:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I disagree.
I’m all for the all seeing eye. Let all the calls you think should be made on him on D be called, as long as he gets all the ones that should be called on the other end.
I have no fear of the outcome of a perfect world.
by Xiane on Apr 22, 2009 4:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What makes you think Cleveland is wrong by the way?
How many players can guard LeBron? The like of him has never been seen before, so it’s possible that they are right in Cleveland.
Of course, its really his histrionics about fouls that pisses me off.
by Xiane on Apr 22, 2009 4:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You have got to be kidding me!
Scola is the flop king and I’ve never seen a 340 pound man get bowled over by 165lb Spaniards the way Yao does!
Przybilla is definitely a flopper and it’s sad but Mlsinpdx is spot on. The NBA has GOT to do something about flopping and the arm wrap fake fouls.
"Death is not final," Gita says. "If any man thinks that he slays, and if another thinks that he is slain, neither knows the truth. The Eternal in man cannot kill: the Eternal in man cannot die. The soul in man is neither born nor does it die. Weapons cannot cut it; fire cannot burn it. .. What makes you think that you can destroy the soul?"
The Bhagavad Gita
by Idog1976 on Apr 22, 2009 2:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Scola is the flop king
Look, you need to give me a play where he just fell down. That’s different from taking a charge and selling it.
I’ve never seen a 340 pound man get bowled over by 165lb Spaniards the way Yao does!
Again, he took the charge to the chest – set his feet and took the force to his body. Yes, a guy who’s 300 lbs can fall down when hit by a guy running straight into him.
by Only_A_Lad on Apr 22, 2009 2:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Game one
Sergio rodriguez the smallest lightest player on portland hits a glancing blow to Ming who FLIES backward.
Scola flopped repeatedly in game one as well and I’m sorry man are you serious? I’m admitting Przybilla is a flopper if you don’t know Scola is you need glasses!
"Death is not final," Gita says. "If any man thinks that he slays, and if another thinks that he is slain, neither knows the truth. The Eternal in man cannot kill: the Eternal in man cannot die. The soul in man is neither born nor does it die. Weapons cannot cut it; fire cannot burn it. .. What makes you think that you can destroy the soul?"
The Bhagavad Gita
by Idog1976 on Apr 22, 2009 2:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sergio rodriguez the smallest lightest player on portland hits a glancing blow to Ming who FLIES backward.
Don’t remember it. Sorry, you’re probably just addled.
Scola flopped repeatedly in game one as well and I’m sorry man are you serious? I’m admitting Przybilla is a flopper if you don’t know Scola is you need glasses!
“I said it, so it must be true!”
by Only_A_Lad on Apr 22, 2009 2:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ok I see you
are totally partisan I wont’ bother talking to you after this. The play where sergio hit ming in transition was one of the most pathetic flops I’ve ever seen due to size difference. It was game one and your memory is clearly poor.
"Death is not final," Gita says. "If any man thinks that he slays, and if another thinks that he is slain, neither knows the truth. The Eternal in man cannot kill: the Eternal in man cannot die. The soul in man is neither born nor does it die. Weapons cannot cut it; fire cannot burn it. .. What makes you think that you can destroy the soul?"
The Bhagavad Gita
by Idog1976 on Apr 22, 2009 2:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yao is a big guy
and thus is not the most balanced. Yes, contact can make him fall down. I’ve said it once today and I’ll say it again: I’m sorry you don’t understand physics, either.
by Only_A_Lad on Apr 22, 2009 2:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
yeah
but Prz just falls down next to dudes after no contact. THAT’S the issue.
by Only_A_Lad on Apr 22, 2009 2:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
There was contact, just like there was contact when Yao flopped to get the charge call on Sergio Rodriguez. Neither of them is innocent.
by Marvin100 on Apr 22, 2009 2:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Except the difference is that in one case it was an actual charging foul, whereas in the other it was not a foul and Yao was simply trying to get the rebound.
by laker on Apr 22, 2009 4:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't think that's a charge without the flop.
by Marvin100 on Apr 22, 2009 4:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You mean you don't think the refs would *call* it a charge if he didn't fall down
Time to galvanize
by jack_ on Apr 22, 2009 4:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Right, when the refs call it a charge is precisely when it becomes one.
by Marvin100 on Apr 22, 2009 4:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Since when did the referee call charges when the defensive player didn't fall down? The only way it becomes a foul charge is when the player falls down. That's completely different from flopping during a rebound when someone puts their hand on your back
by laker on Apr 22, 2009 4:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sorry Marvin, but the lakerboy is right
the only way you even get a charge call is to flop. when u rebound ur supposed to go for the ball not fall to ur knees, thats just puss
by suns_all_the_way on Apr 22, 2009 4:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sorry suns_all_the_way
but lakerboy is a troll.
Making one credible statement does not exonerate a lifetime of stupidity.
(I was hoping you’d make the offseason, I’ve always liked the Suns except for when Kevin Johnson was torching us)
by staylost on Apr 22, 2009 4:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Did your mother even give you half a brain?
Kobe Bryant is the best player in the world. period. And just because he f* ed some ho in Colorado who wants attention later on don’t change that. Kobe will school your entire team any time he wants. You really should go to school so you can learn some common sense at some point.
by suns_all_the_way on Apr 8, 2009 11:08 AM PDT to parent up reply reply actions actions 0 recs
"The brownies,'' Fernandez said after the game. "The brownies are good for me to make three-points.''
by Sabonis4Ever on Apr 22, 2009 4:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thks, I had noticed.
But it needs someone to play along or else it might go back to “alledgedly raping” people, right?
by staylost on Apr 22, 2009 4:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
...
You really should go to school so you can learn some common sense at some point.
BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAH I love you Sabonis4Ever.
That is the best quote I’ve seen.
-brandonmitchell.org
by brandonmitchell on Apr 22, 2009 6:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The troll said more or less what I would have said
but I’ll say it myself: when a player runs in to you, if you stagger backwards, the refs call a blocking foul. If you fall down, and the refs are paying attention, and your feet are outside the restricted area, it’ll frequently be called a charge.
Time to galvanize
by jack_ on Apr 22, 2009 4:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What flopping proves
is that two of those qualifiers are unnecessary for drawing a charge. The refs don’t need to be paying attention, and a player doesn’t have to run into you.
Time to galvanize
by jack_ on Apr 22, 2009 4:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
that's absolutely right
the thing is your body language needs to say; i was here first and im willing to fall…. you need to stand straight up, and keep your arms either straight up or against your body… if you curve your back, and bend your knees, you’re screwed. it’s the same thing in highschool and college
by NeoSabonis on Apr 22, 2009 10:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yao's hand was on his back...
its not an uncommon tactic when a rebound goes long. So there was contact, not no contact. Even the OP above saw that, he just did not perceive it to be enough to warrant the fall from Joel. So who’s addled?
"its tough to play with one eye, unless you're a pirate." Delonte West
"una canasta a Pau en la cara" Rudy
by Honka Playboy on Apr 22, 2009 3:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
A hand in the back is perfectly within the rules
It’s feeling for position
www.TheDreamShake.com Co-Founder and Writer
by UofTOrange on Apr 23, 2009 9:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The problem is flopping
and it’s infected every team in the league. Portland was one of the last hold outs until Przybilla embraced the darkside. We should all ban together as fans and demand an end to flopping. 100k+ fines when reviewed and a technical foul if caught in real time.
"Death is not final," Gita says. "If any man thinks that he slays, and if another thinks that he is slain, neither knows the truth. The Eternal in man cannot kill: the Eternal in man cannot die. The soul in man is neither born nor does it die. Weapons cannot cut it; fire cannot burn it. .. What makes you think that you can destroy the soul?"
The Bhagavad Gita
by Idog1976 on Apr 22, 2009 2:12 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Now you're talking.
I think we need a yellow card system for flopping. Get two yellow in one game, out. Two yellows in a month? Out a game as well.
Flopping not only gets you the yellow card, its a shooting foul. It would end in about a week. Except in Utah, they would have to go to flop rehab, or Floppers Unanimous.
by Xiane on Apr 22, 2009 2:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Who tells what's flopping and what's not?
The better thing is for refs just not to call what they don’t see. All too often, they call the result – Ginobili’s on the ground, so someone must of fouled him, right? If they don’t see contact, don’t call it.
by Only_A_Lad on Apr 22, 2009 2:21 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
pryzbilla is not a flopper
true, he flopped a couple of times tonight, but that because he was repeatedly mauled by scola and yao without getting a call…
in general, pryzbilla is a warrior who plays tough and hard against bigger, faster, younger front-lines, and comes up with insane numbers. you can’t characterize him as a flopper just because the refs threw game 1 to houston through no-calls and he tried to do something about it.
been a fan of nba for 30 years, and I can honestly say pryzbilla is one of the most entertaining players i’ve ever seen.
by NeoSabonis on Apr 22, 2009 2:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Are you the love-child of Sabonis4Ever?
The refs threw game 1 to Houston? Did you really say that?
by Xiane on Apr 22, 2009 2:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
My children are made from hate
not love
"The brownies,'' Fernandez said after the game. "The brownies are good for me to make three-points.''
by Sabonis4Ever on Apr 22, 2009 2:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If you don't think the Przy is a flopper than I have no respect for your NBA knowledge
He may not be a flopper against the league, I couldn’t give less of a damn. But against Yao, he’s now flopped 7 times this season (I didn’t get to watch game 2 so it may be more). And I’m not talking “sold the foul call”, I’m talking fell down because he is a pussy flopped.
www.TheDreamShake.com Co-Founder and Writer
by UofTOrange on Apr 23, 2009 9:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
By glancing blow you mean...
A knee to the sternum.
by natrix964909 on Apr 22, 2009 5:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
you lose credibility when you refuse to ever concede a blatantly obvious point. Yao employed a veteran move to draw a foul on Oden. Smart play. the Portland announcers said as much, more than once. to deny that it happened doesn’t strengthen your case, it weakens it.
As for knowing what flopping is – yes we do. Pryz flops, as explained nicely by misinpdx above. But look in the mirror – Scola is a very accomplished flopper in his own right.
Flopping works. As long as it does, it’s smart play
How did you guys win that?
"We scored enough points. We scored 107, they scored 105.
-Nate McMillan Postgame, 3/4/2009
by douglast on Apr 22, 2009 3:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I am glad he flops
that is what smart players do it is just part of the game and the rockets do it to
by Jadon on Apr 22, 2009 4:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Blazer fan here
Priz flops all the time, not a surprise he leads the league in charges taken I believe, but to chastise him for it is just dumb especially when I think back to a half time special a couple of years ago of Shane demonstrating how to do the exact same thing, is just good basketball……I think it was Pete Newell that said basketball is 80% deception ……great site BTW wonderfully written article.
by runanjum on Apr 22, 2009 12:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Flop does not equal charge
The video in question was shane explaining how to take a charge.
Noone is saying pryz flopped on a charge. The complaints are him flying all of the court when the guy not holding the ball touches him.
Taking a charge and falling down are essentially requirements for actually taking a charge.
The complaints are when pryz pulled an Okur off the ball on Yao.
by texasag on Apr 22, 2009 12:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
actually in the halfrime segment Shane made it quite clear
that you have to" fall backwards" in anticipation of the hit to sell it…don’t get me wrong here either I love the guys play always have but to complain about Joel doing it is silly the guy knows how to get calls like I said before you may not like it but it’s sound smart basketball. Then again I love players that can change a game on the defensive end Shane and Ron included.
by runanjum on Apr 22, 2009 12:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
There is a HUGE difference
You also have to take the hit, not just simply fall down.
www.TheDreamShake.com Co-Founder and Writer
by UofTOrange on Apr 23, 2009 9:41 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't hate Battier...
but I’d sure like him better if every time a Blazer set a screen on him, he didn’t throw his head back and flop trying to draw the offensive foul. I guess it’s smart when your own team does it and being a “huge sissy” when the other team does it.
by 52therim on Apr 22, 2009 2:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Funny faces are not flopping.
If making a painful face or flailing your arms is flopping, then Yao and battier are floppers. Sadly, I think flopping is when you flop on the ground. Something neither of those guys do.
BATTIER DOES NOT FLOP. He is an amazing defender, flopping is to risky for him and takes him off the ball. And the play you are refering to was a screen. He took I think pryzbilla’s shoulder in the face without realizing it was there. Who wouldn’t be hurting from that.
by texasag on Apr 22, 2009 8:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Um
I didn’t say “tripping over his own feet.” I know that Lowry’s touched Rudy’s. But I’m just saying that contact like that is incidental and should be allowed when the game is tight like that at the end.
Yao does not flop. Understand that “flopping” and “taking a charge” are two totally different things. I made the point that Brandon Roy tried to take a charge and how that is perfectly acceptable. Yao does the same thing – he tries to take charges. He does not take contact and throw himself in the other direction. HUGE distinction.
If you saw the replay on Oden/Yao, they both grabbed each other and were locked up, then Oden shoved him away. That’s what I saw.
The Dream Shake - Where Brooks > Alston happens.
"I think girls are probably just better shooters." - Steve Novak
by Tom Martin on Apr 22, 2009 2:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wouldn't be suprised if Yao was told specifically
to never flop. Even if Yao didn’t have injury problems (this season was great for him in that regard) I wouldn’t want my 7 foot 6 guy falling to floor too often.
I was expecting a T on Oden with the shove.
"It’s a good ol’ fashioned Rip City beat down!"
by Magnum on Apr 22, 2009 2:23 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What's amazing is how often Yao hits the floor.
Not on anything anyone is going to call, just playing.
by Xiane on Apr 22, 2009 2:35 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He has bad feet
You don’t see Yao move much and he falls alot cause he has bad feet. His upper body and lower body are very different. One is far more coordinated than any big man ever, the other, is what you would expect someone his size to be.
by texasag on Apr 22, 2009 8:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yao has been told not to flop
Deke tells yao every day not to flop cause deke thinks that centers should not flop. When yao was trying to draw charges earlier inthe season Deke would yell at him every time. Notice the comparison between when Deke signed with the Rockets and the improvement in Yao’s blocks. 8th for the season, but 4th post all star break
Game 1 108-81 Rockets
Game 2 107-103 Blazers
Series tied 1-1
by TexasHoosier on Apr 22, 2009 1:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Now that you mention it something did change in there.
Personally, I think Yao has been improving pretty steadily up to this very day even, in many ways. He’s fun to watch.
by staylost on Apr 22, 2009 3:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
dirty tricks
the Lowry trip might have changed the outcome of the game had it not been called. i don’t think we want the nba allowing tripping at the end of games (or at any time). and no, it doesn’t matter if it’s inadvertant or not.
the blake-brooks play was a similar play; blake had position on brooks, who tried to make a play anyway, as he should have, and ended up fouling blake. again, intentional or not, doesn’t matter
yao pinned greg’s arm and spun him around…. oden kept trying to disentangle himself but yao wouldn’t let go. dirty. also dirty is the way yao repeatedly grabs the ball after houston makes, turns slowly, pretends to look for he ref, then gives him the ball. slows the game and should result in numerous delay of game t’s
must be nice having major-market star-factor
by NeoSabonis on Apr 22, 2009 2:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
the trip
the NBA rulebook says even ACCIDENTAL tripping is a foul. sucks when you are on the wrong side of it, but it goes both ways.
How did you guys win that?
"We scored enough points. We scored 107, they scored 105.
-Nate McMillan Postgame, 3/4/2009
by douglast on Apr 22, 2009 3:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
from thread starter
Yao is a big guy and thus is not the most balanced. Yes, contact can make him fall down. I’ve said it once today and I’ll say it again: I’m sorry you don’t understand physics, either.
So that just means the bigger they are the harder they flop.
Interesting how Dreamshakers get defended on their “home-court” for calling out Blazer’s Edgers as tight insensitive a-holes for griping about the reffin’, and what do they do when they lose…… ha, there’s a word for that.
I AM A PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS SUPPORTER.
by bow4meow on Apr 22, 2009 10:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
dude, what?
no one here is griping about the refs. We are griping about your inability to distinguish a flop from a charge… and how it’s unfortunate that the refs have to guess as to what happened most of the time.
by grungedave on Apr 22, 2009 12:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Simple physics would suggest that it's easier to make a tall man fall that an shorter man
provided that you hit them higher. Do they not teach torque in Oregon?
Time to galvanize
by jack_ on Apr 22, 2009 4:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
How often do you see players like Z, Shaq and Howard on their ass?
I remember one huge Shaq flop all season. That’s about all.
That stop and go by Roy is straight sick. I'm calling him "The Flu" from now on. - Wendell Maxey
by Norsktroll on Apr 22, 2009 4:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Charge vs Block
Yao takes charges.
Howard blocks shots.
by texasag on Apr 22, 2009 4:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
A 7'6'' player decides to take charges...maybe not the smartest defensive move? Oh wait, you take him out at the end of games anyway to defend
That stop and go by Roy is straight sick. I'm calling him "The Flu" from now on. - Wendell Maxey
by Norsktroll on Apr 22, 2009 5:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
This isn't going to turn into some Yao v Howard thing is it?
Howard has the muscles and the speed. Yao has the wins and the stats head to head.
And Yao is #8 in blocked shots, he’s not bad at it.
by Xiane on Apr 22, 2009 5:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
ummmm lets see...
yao = leaning tower
shaq = 350lb boulder
howard = 250lb of agile muscle
ziggy = have you ever seen him banging down low? lemme answer that for you… N-O. dudes got screws in his feet literally…
who do u think is gonna fall down more?
by hardgay on Apr 22, 2009 5:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
tripping?
how can you reason that just because contact is “incidental” that it shouldn’t be a foul. perhaps not ALL incidental contact should be a foul, but just because it’s not premeditated or deliberate doesn’t change the fact that it is a foul and should be called depending on the severity of the contact. in the case where players feet become accidentally tangled, if it causes an advantage the foul has to be called. otherwise you are saying tripping an opposing player by accident and having that cause a turnover, is just an unfortunate turnover. SOME incidental contact should obviously be overlooked, but a trip that directly leads to a turnover clearly should not.
by jtkerr79 on Apr 23, 2009 2:00 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Back to Przybilla flopping…He NEVER used to do this. In his core he is a warrior, but he was victimized too many times by others flopping. So now he has added it to his repertoire…Just as Yao has.
WTF are you smoking… him being victimized by flopping ROFL dude doesn’t even have a post move to use on floppers. STFU stop defending your flopper on our board
by o_oholycrap on Apr 22, 2009 10:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Never, at any point in his career, has Przy been a "victimized" by flopping
That’s borderlining getting the “Your an idiot” label.
He is a flopper because he feels it is effective, it’s really that simple.
www.TheDreamShake.com Co-Founder and Writer
by UofTOrange on Apr 23, 2009 9:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
One very minor quibble
It was even more frustrating to see him called for a foul when he simply fell to the ground (I couldn’t resist).
He did have Oden’s arm, but it ended up being advantageous for Houston, as Oden would have had an easy dunk had the foul not been called. Oden’s 65%ish at the line is a far better bet for Houston than a dunk.
draft dejuan blair
by Cablinasian on Apr 22, 2009 1:54 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Get well soon Deke
Goodbye Deke. The NBA will miss Mt. Mutombo.
by prezofdeath on Apr 22, 2009 1:59 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
watching Deke go down with friends
all of whom are hard-core Blazer fans, everyone of us felt badly for the guy. All the respect in the world for this guy and best wishes. Deke is an icon and a model of humanity.
I AM A PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS SUPPORTER.
by bow4meow on Apr 22, 2009 10:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
There seems to be a theme to the Rockets gripes tonight...
Looking over at the Rockets board and then coming here it seems they are convinced that they got jobbed on the Rudy trip call in the last seconds. Either the TV didn’t show a decent look at the play (I was at the game and haven’t seen what was on TV) or they were so pumped at that amazing final 40 seconds and the comeback that the Rockets made that they want so bad for that to not be a foul. Sorry Rocket fans! Obvioius contact on the play. Gets called that way every time. Not even remotely a non-foul. Complain about the Battier foul on Roy’s baseline jumper. That I understand. Complain about the Rudy trip and you lose credibility.
by 52therim on Apr 22, 2009 2:01 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I'm sorry to hear about Mutombo
but Przybilla a flop king? I agree but he looks Eifel tower sturdy compared to Yao “I get bowled over by Spaniards who weigh a third my weight” Ming and Luis “Floptastic” Scola. Until the NBA gets serious about fining flopping (which it should I hate it) its part of the game as Scola and Ming know oh so very well.
I hate flopping and Joel is the one guy on our team that regularly employs it Rudy will on occasion as well. If you ask most in the NBA who our best defender is…they will usually respond with Przybizzle.
"Death is not final," Gita says. "If any man thinks that he slays, and if another thinks that he is slain, neither knows the truth. The Eternal in man cannot kill: the Eternal in man cannot die. The soul in man is neither born nor does it die. Weapons cannot cut it; fire cannot burn it. .. What makes you think that you can destroy the soul?"
The Bhagavad Gita
by Idog1976 on Apr 22, 2009 2:02 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
again
show me a play where Yao fell down due to incidental contact. Show me the same for Scola. I’ve seen them both take charges, and I’ve seen Blazers fans complain about that, but I have yet to see them actually flop.
by Only_A_Lad on Apr 22, 2009 2:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
well
Scola flops on charge calls all the time. I’ve seen him draw charges on Aldridge with a well timed flop (once in game 1 and several times during the season). Smart play, but there’s no way Scola gets the call without the theatrics.
Oh and there was a call on Przybilla where Lowry (I think) came up to set the screen (basically underneath Joel) and immediately fell over when Przybilla moved. Again, smart play, but not a foul without the flop.
"It’s a good ol’ fashioned Rip City beat down!"
by Magnum on Apr 22, 2009 2:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
OMG
Scola is easily my most hated rocket. I respect Battier who is a legend but Scola is a cheap flopper and this is WELL KNOWN amongst NBA fans! He flopped repeatedly in game one not charges moving through the key and FLYING in a random direction from incidental contact.
"Death is not final," Gita says. "If any man thinks that he slays, and if another thinks that he is slain, neither knows the truth. The Eternal in man cannot kill: the Eternal in man cannot die. The soul in man is neither born nor does it die. Weapons cannot cut it; fire cannot burn it. .. What makes you think that you can destroy the soul?"
The Bhagavad Gita
by Idog1976 on Apr 22, 2009 2:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
the man takes hard contact and hits the ground.
he may add some ocassional flair to spice it up, but it is NOTHING in comparison to what joel has done lately in terms of theatrics.
The Dream Shake - Where Brooks > Alston happens.
"I think girls are probably just better shooters." - Steve Novak
by Tom Martin on Apr 22, 2009 2:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
you're delusional
Man standing on toilet is high on pot.
by babar1 on Apr 22, 2009 1:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yet no one has pointed out any specific play where Scola "flopped"
I’ve watched literally every Rocket game this season (except game 2 sadly) and I can call out 3 occasions in the entire year that Scola flopped. In ALL THREE it was after the same player who got called for the foul against him pulled some bullshit play. Once it was after he got elbowed in the face. I’m not saying flopping was right, it’s not. But you are a no-Rocket basketball watching NBA fan if you think Scola or Battier are “floppers”
www.TheDreamShake.com Co-Founder and Writer
by UofTOrange on Apr 23, 2009 9:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
and this is WELL KNOWN amongst NBA fans!
Well, then NBA fans are wrong.
by Only_A_Lad on Apr 22, 2009 2:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
LOL
wow.
"Death is not final," Gita says. "If any man thinks that he slays, and if another thinks that he is slain, neither knows the truth. The Eternal in man cannot kill: the Eternal in man cannot die. The soul in man is neither born nor does it die. Weapons cannot cut it; fire cannot burn it. .. What makes you think that you can destroy the soul?"
The Bhagavad Gita
by Idog1976 on Apr 22, 2009 2:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
yes, it is
maybe this doesn’t make sense to y’all, but you need better evidence than “Everyone thinks this way.”
by Only_A_Lad on Apr 22, 2009 2:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
How about this for evidence?
“He learned well from Master Ginobili.”
1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21... I know...
by FibonacciSequence on Apr 22, 2009 2:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
and that's exactly it
he’s saddled with a reputation for being a flopper because he’s Argentinian, not because of what he actually does in games.
by Only_A_Lad on Apr 22, 2009 2:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No, no, because he's Argentinian AND because of what he actually does in games :)
by Marvin100 on Apr 22, 2009 2:17 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
again,
you’re begging the question. I’m telling you to give me a play – video would be great, and I’m sure it’s on youtube if people complain about it – where he really flops. You can’t just say “He’s a flopper because he totally is one.” I need evidence.
by Only_A_Lad on Apr 22, 2009 2:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Doesn't prove anything, but interesting
Google results for “scola flop”:
105
Google results for “przybilla flop”
0
Google results for scola flop (no quotes):
29,300
Google results for przybilla flop (no quotes):
1,960
by Marvin100 on Apr 22, 2009 2:23 AM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
But what about Przybilla Loves Furry Sex?
Over ONE TRILLION HITS.
You can’t argue with a trillion, dude.
by Xiane on Apr 22, 2009 2:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Man, what a disappointment
only 88 hits :(
by Marvin100 on Apr 22, 2009 2:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I DIDN'T EVEN GRAZE YOU!
(Are you from Argentina?)
by Marvin100 on Apr 22, 2009 2:35 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's all about Spain with you guys isn't it?
Gotta look down on the colonies. Gotta support that weird lisping accent. It makes me sick.
by Xiane on Apr 22, 2009 2:41 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sick? Have a steak.
(I’ll stick with my gazpacho y tapas)
by Marvin100 on Apr 22, 2009 2:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Awesome Italian food in Buenos Aires
But I’m pretty fond of tapas and paella, too.
But we like steak, we’re from Texas, its the law.
by Xiane on Apr 22, 2009 3:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
When I did it i got 91 hits
The extra three are probably from this blog being reindexed on google
by laker on Apr 22, 2009 5:21 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, Scola is more well-known and Houston is a larger market
So I’m assuming that since Scola get’s more attention, there’s more people covering his moves.
by laker on Apr 22, 2009 5:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
like laker said,
scola was considered for a while the best international baskteball player… everyone basketball fan outside of the united states knew who he was before he came to the rockets.
then you contrast that to… joel przybilla?
first of all few people outside of portland even know how to spell his name. if you add all the results from every mistaken arrangement of his name he’d have his fair share of search results for a relatively unknown player. i mean think about it, even if i were the best flopper ever in streetball, you could google me and not even get 100 hits.
by hardgay on Apr 23, 2009 1:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
heck
i’m a blazer fan and i misspell his name.
The goal is not to be better, the goal is to be the best.
by ratbastird on Apr 23, 2009 5:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Announcers all over the league mis-pronounce Scola's given name as "Louis/Lewis," though; hardly a substantive point.
Believe it or not, it doesn’t matter. It’s like gravity—it doesn’t require your buy-in.
People think of Scola as a flopper.
Now, as a Houston fan, you’re likely to assume that’s unjust. I understand. As a non-Houston fan, though, I’m likely to assume it’s grounded in reality. My eyes tell me the same when I watch games.
I’m not going to persuade you & you’re not going to persuade me.
The end.
(Not so tidy, I know, but few things really are. Especially on the Intertubes.)
by Marvin100 on Apr 24, 2009 12:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
oh well. on a side note
I googled (all without quotes):
scola hair = 76,100 results
scola ninja = 48,000
scola beast = 105,000
scola lady killer = 7,700
i’m not trying to prove anything either, just sayin’…
by hardgay on Apr 24, 2009 12:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
different scolas. how about "scola 'great defense'"
610
or scola “defensive position”
205
or maybe scola “clean defender”
4
by Marvin100 on Apr 24, 2009 12:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
woah easy there
i DID say i wasn’t trying to prove anything didn’t i?
well if you really want to play the quoting game..
przybilla “clean defender”
Your search – przybilla “clean defender” – did not match any documents.
by hardgay on Apr 24, 2009 12:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Best onion article title
Injured Manu Ginobili Only Flopping At 85%
Hello Dum Dum
by ryryslyry on Apr 22, 2009 2:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
LMAO
fantastic :)
"Death is not final," Gita says. "If any man thinks that he slays, and if another thinks that he is slain, neither knows the truth. The Eternal in man cannot kill: the Eternal in man cannot die. The soul in man is neither born nor does it die. Weapons cannot cut it; fire cannot burn it. .. What makes you think that you can destroy the soul?"
The Bhagavad Gita
by Idog1976 on Apr 22, 2009 2:28 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You don't think
Ginobili possibly shared some trade secrets with his fellow countrymen at some point or another? Flopping might bring personal shame, but in the big scheme of things, you are doing what you can to help your team win, and players putting their team before themselves is something every team needs to be successful.
It’s like in hockey, every team has their goons to go out and knock out a few teeth and that’s all they’re usually good for, but if you asked a fan, they would defend their player to the death as a legitimate all-around hockey dynamo.
1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21... I know...
by FibonacciSequence on Apr 22, 2009 2:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I already posted
Sergio Rodriguez game one transition first half grazes Yao who flies backward there is no way that that happens when Yao is able to stop Oden from entering the paiint at will.
"Death is not final," Gita says. "If any man thinks that he slays, and if another thinks that he is slain, neither knows the truth. The Eternal in man cannot kill: the Eternal in man cannot die. The soul in man is neither born nor does it die. Weapons cannot cut it; fire cannot burn it. .. What makes you think that you can destroy the soul?"
The Bhagavad Gita
by Idog1976 on Apr 22, 2009 2:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
since I don't remember this
I can’t comment on it, other than to say that I doubt Yao has ever “flown” anywhere on a basketball court.
by Only_A_Lad on Apr 22, 2009 2:17 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
reminds me of 80's WWF wrestling commentary
when a bad guy would pull an illegal move and Vince McMahan would say “Did you see that?” and Bobby Heenan would reply “no, I missed that.”
I AM A PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS SUPPORTER.
by bow4meow on Apr 22, 2009 10:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Drop it guys
if he saw a flop then he saw a flop. If he doesn’t think so and so flopped then he won’t change his mind. Everyone is defensive of their team especially when it comes to flopping.
Hello Dum Dum
by ryryslyry on Apr 22, 2009 2:17 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Funny thing is
I haven’t defended Przybilla at all! Rudy flops on occasion as well the dastardly Spainard! :)
"Death is not final," Gita says. "If any man thinks that he slays, and if another thinks that he is slain, neither knows the truth. The Eternal in man cannot kill: the Eternal in man cannot die. The soul in man is neither born nor does it die. Weapons cannot cut it; fire cannot burn it. .. What makes you think that you can destroy the soul?"
The Bhagavad Gita
by Idog1976 on Apr 22, 2009 2:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
When you aren't getting calls
sometimes you have to sell them a little bit. =)
Hello Dum Dum
by ryryslyry on Apr 22, 2009 2:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
CHARGE
“It is generally accepted that the offensive player should be charged with a charging foul if the defense:
was still, or moving sideways or backwards but not forwards, when contact occurred
took a legal guarding position before the contact, that is, one with both feet on the floor
was hit on the torso (as opposed to the arm or leg)
respected the elements of time and distance "
by texasag on Apr 22, 2009 8:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yao took a charge
Shut up with rudy and yao. Of course yao fell. When you prepare to take a charge, you roll your weight to your heals, plant both feet, and prepare for contact. Falling backwards not only sells the fould, but also alleviates some of the pain from the contact.
ALSO. Fernandez at 185 vs Yao at 310. He is 60% of Yao.
NOW. Would Fernandez fall if a 110lb person hit him square in the chest running at him while he was stationary???? 110lb is 60% of Rudy.
by texasag on Apr 22, 2009 8:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
wow, if they called it this way
there would be a LOT more charging fouls called.
I don’t know how many times a game I see a defensive guy with good position get absolutely bowled into (in the torso area) by a driving offensively player. Unless his feet are perfectly set, it’s almost always called a blocking foul. The best the defender can usually hope for is a no call. Case in point last night was the one foul on Greg in the first half where Lowry just dribbled right into his torso while Greg was moving straight backwards.
Heck, if they called it this way, Shaq would have about half the career points he now does.
How did you guys win that?
"We scored enough points. We scored 107, they scored 105.
-Nate McMillan Postgame, 3/4/2009
by douglast on Apr 22, 2009 1:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I have a friend who sadly is a L@ker fan
and he was going on and on about what a cheap flopper Scola is. dude you need to take off the fanboy glasses. Ming you can argue about Scola is a flop king.
"Death is not final," Gita says. "If any man thinks that he slays, and if another thinks that he is slain, neither knows the truth. The Eternal in man cannot kill: the Eternal in man cannot die. The soul in man is neither born nor does it die. Weapons cannot cut it; fire cannot burn it. .. What makes you think that you can destroy the soul?"
The Bhagavad Gita
by Idog1976 on Apr 22, 2009 2:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
scola flop
a barely there touch of the left forearm from aldridge in game one, sent scola sliding across the floor about 11 feet. i was in attendance and it was replayed on the big screen.
by jtkerr79 on Apr 23, 2009 2:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
has anyone ever thought how ridiculous the word
“flopper” sounds?
by cloudydays on Apr 22, 2009 2:49 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh yeah
the Reffing was atrocious all around and man I wish we had Battier in Portland that guy is an NBA defensive genius.
"Death is not final," Gita says. "If any man thinks that he slays, and if another thinks that he is slain, neither knows the truth. The Eternal in man cannot kill: the Eternal in man cannot die. The soul in man is neither born nor does it die. Weapons cannot cut it; fire cannot burn it. .. What makes you think that you can destroy the soul?"
The Bhagavad Gita
by Idog1976 on Apr 22, 2009 2:03 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I agree. It'll be interesting to see who they send us next time.
I don’t understand why this series isn’t a featured one. Oh yeah. We live in the 4th largest non-existent city in America, and you live in the NW. That’s like double invisible
by Xiane on Apr 22, 2009 2:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Um...his man scored 42 points...and he is 30
I’d rather have 15 years of Batum (who looked like crap tonight).
"The brownies,'' Fernandez said after the game. "The brownies are good for me to make three-points.''
by Sabonis4Ever on Apr 22, 2009 3:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You think Batum is gonna last 15 years in the league?
Time to galvanize
by jack_ on Apr 22, 2009 3:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
At least
He is only a dumb rookie right now and he started 75ish games and always guards the other team’s best player.
"The brownies,'' Fernandez said after the game. "The brownies are good for me to make three-points.''
by Sabonis4Ever on Apr 22, 2009 3:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He's the best defensive _*wing*_ on a mediocre defensive team;
A team that has two excellent defensive big men. He only played 18 minutes a night, too and it’s not like he’s all that young. You’re talking about him being a player who can play ‘till he’s 35, and there really aren’t that many people who do that.
Time to galvanize
by jack_ on Apr 22, 2009 3:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
"not all that young"? Really? He turned 20 during the season, dude.
by Marvin100 on Apr 22, 2009 3:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
My point is that 15 years from now, he'll still be 35
We’re not talking about a 17 or 18 year old.
Time to galvanize
by jack_ on Apr 22, 2009 3:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
15 ish I don't care.
I thought you were inferring he is not an NBA talent.
"The brownies,'' Fernandez said after the game. "The brownies are good for me to make three-points.''
by Sabonis4Ever on Apr 22, 2009 3:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nah- he's a decent player right now in his rookie season
I was just saying that 15 years was an exaggeration.
Time to galvanize
by jack_ on Apr 22, 2009 3:21 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't think so
he’s a smart player and smart players last longer than athletic players.
The goal is not to be better, the goal is to be the best.
by ratbastird on Apr 22, 2009 11:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
WHAT?
McGrady is/was a smart player.
The last few years he stuck to shooting outside and not exerting himself on defense, YET, he is out injured once again.
Smart athletes are better than just athletic players. Thats all.
by texasag on Apr 22, 2009 12:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
tmac had to carry orlando on his back for like 5 yrs. that wore away his body
thats my theory and im sticking to it.
role players dont play 40+ mins a game and wear out so much. plenty of examples
Please, for the love of all that is holy, please stop using the following: "Book it.", "FTW", "Epic" & "Fail".
...no seriously--stop.
by nima on Apr 22, 2009 4:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
no ones got a problem with that
but what i DO have an issue with is he hasn’t realized hes now a role player.
by hardgay on Apr 22, 2009 4:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
i thought we were talking about batum :)
Please, for the love of all that is holy, please stop using the following: "Book it.", "FTW", "Epic" & "Fail".
...no seriously--stop.
by nima on Apr 22, 2009 4:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
well in that case
the same applies to him as well.
jokes.
by hardgay on Apr 23, 2009 1:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wasn't Worn Out
T-mac was not worn out. The rockets orthopedic surgeon is a friend of my dad’s and told me that McGrady has the back of a fifty year old. He might be a great player but his body sucks.
That is why I want to trade him ASAP cause he won’t last. It has nothing to do with wearing him down.
by texasag on Apr 22, 2009 4:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
HIPAA!!!
Please, for the love of all that is holy, please stop using the following: "Book it.", "FTW", "Epic" & "Fail".
...no seriously--stop.
by nima on Apr 22, 2009 4:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's pretty common knowledge now
Some people are extremely athletic but their bodies just cannot take the pounding, they were made to jump and run, not to jump/run AND get hit
www.TheDreamShake.com Co-Founder and Writer
by UofTOrange on Apr 23, 2009 10:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I disagree
either way, I’d be willing to bet that Batum has 15 years minus a major injury or sudden death.
He’s athletic, long AND smart. just needs muscle and more experience.
Time will tell.
The goal is not to be better, the goal is to be the best.
by ratbastird on Apr 22, 2009 5:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Perhaps
so he might last into his 30’s. But 35?
Time to galvanize
by jack_ on Apr 22, 2009 4:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, only if he puts on some serious muscle and comes in as a backup past 30.
At least that seems most probable if he is going to have career at that age.
by staylost on Apr 22, 2009 5:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
he's not the problem with our defense
look at the Kobe/Wade stats against Portland this year… generally bad shooting efficiency. Also, he dominated Carmelo in the April 15 matchup.
draft dejuan blair
by Cablinasian on Apr 22, 2009 3:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
http://www.blazersedge.com/2009/4/21/848364/a-terrible-day-for-basketball
Deke tribute thread at the Bedge.
by Marvin100 on Apr 22, 2009 2:10 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Good game fellas
I feel like your team has two separate offenses. The one that runs through Yao and the one that doesn’t. One of those is much better, and I am sure you know which one is. The Rockets could be so dominate if they could get Yao more involved, especially early.
As you can tell I haven’t watched many Rocket games this year (league pass too expensive) but I am fearful that when games mean more Yao will get more touches. Then we have a real problem here in Portland.
Again thanks for being classy fans and I hope the Edge represents itself well here.
Hello Dum Dum
by ryryslyry on Apr 22, 2009 2:12 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
Agreed. Good game & we're in for some tough ones in Houston.
by Marvin100 on Apr 22, 2009 2:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes good game
flopping is the enemy of basketball. I hate that Przybilla does it and I hate that Scola does it too.
See ya’ll in Houston it will be a battle.
"Death is not final," Gita says. "If any man thinks that he slays, and if another thinks that he is slain, neither knows the truth. The Eternal in man cannot kill: the Eternal in man cannot die. The soul in man is neither born nor does it die. Weapons cannot cut it; fire cannot burn it. .. What makes you think that you can destroy the soul?"
The Bhagavad Gita
by Idog1976 on Apr 22, 2009 2:17 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It was a hard fought game tonight
First of all, it’s very sad to see Mutombo go down and end his career like that.
The refs were terrible. Each team could list at least 10 atrocious calls.
Battier denying Roy the ball seemed to be working very well. The Blazers couldn’t really get an offensive rhythm going when Battier was denying effectively.
Joel does flop, but it’s part of the game now, which sucks.
Will Brooks ever cool off? He’s hitting 69% from 3 in the series and seems to have that floater in the lane down pat.
Von Wafer stepping up in the third was huge. He was shredding the Portland defense 1on 1.
Is it good or bad when Artest hits shots like he was in the 1st quarter? I’ve seen him get a bit too cocky when he’s been making shots and then start to force it. What do Rockets fans think?
The Portland bench got completely outplayed by the Houston bench. There was some impressive play from the Rocket backcourt off the bench. I hope someone on the Blazer bench steps up in game 3; we need that scoring.
Good Luck in game 3!
"It’s a good ol’ fashioned Rip City beat down!"
by Magnum on Apr 22, 2009 2:14 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Przybilla doesn't only flop
He also dives for loose balls about 5 times a game, so just because he’s on the floor doesn’t ALWAYS mean he flopped. (Also, sometimes he gets pushed in the back.)
Sticking up for Travis Outlaw since 2008.
by Kaboomm on Apr 22, 2009 2:26 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
And then there's that sniper. That's what ya gotta watch out for. He hates Joel.
by Xiane on Apr 22, 2009 2:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
lol
that IS funny. :)
"Death is not final," Gita says. "If any man thinks that he slays, and if another thinks that he is slain, neither knows the truth. The Eternal in man cannot kill: the Eternal in man cannot die. The soul in man is neither born nor does it die. Weapons cannot cut it; fire cannot burn it. .. What makes you think that you can destroy the soul?"
The Bhagavad Gita
by Idog1976 on Apr 22, 2009 2:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He only shoots Spaniards and Argentinians in international tournaments
That stop and go by Roy is straight sick. I'm calling him "The Flu" from now on. - Wendell Maxey
by Norsktroll on Apr 22, 2009 11:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Last thing to say Houston fans
You have a great team and you are better with out McGrady see if you can trade him for another playmaker along side brooks.
Battier is a gem and one of my favorite players in basketball. This will be a great series and I hope it goes to 6 or 7 games (with the Blazers winning of course). I admire your team and have always liked the Rockets since Hakeem’s day (My all time favorite non-Blazers center). You were the last team I wanted to see in the Playoffs and I include the L@kers in that.
Flopping should be punished somehow as it is a dangerous play for both the flopper and anyone who might step or come down on them. I hate that Przybilla does it and I hate that Scola and others do it.
I look forward to a great series.
Finally, I participated in the standing ovation for NBA legend Dikembe Mutombo he will be missed.
"Death is not final," Gita says. "If any man thinks that he slays, and if another thinks that he is slain, neither knows the truth. The Eternal in man cannot kill: the Eternal in man cannot die. The soul in man is neither born nor does it die. Weapons cannot cut it; fire cannot burn it. .. What makes you think that you can destroy the soul?"
The Bhagavad Gita
by Idog1976 on Apr 22, 2009 2:27 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
It's been said before
but we aren’t better with McGrady out. We’re better with McNoKnees out, but if McGrady ever came back reasonably healthy, we’d be a better team for it.
Time to galvanize
by jack_ on Apr 22, 2009 2:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Battier is unbelievable
If the unthinkable happens and Portland loses this series, I’d love to see the Rockets upset the Fakers, holding Kobe to 17 a game.
I would actually consider buying league pass jsut to watch Battier play
by NeoSabonis on Apr 22, 2009 2:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Couldn't agree more. What a smart basketball player. Don't let him get away, Rockets.
by Marvin100 on Apr 22, 2009 2:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ever since Michael Lewis wrote that article
I think Battier just might be over valued now. If that mindset runs to GM’s too, it might be worth trading him…. … Nah.
Time to galvanize
by jack_ on Apr 22, 2009 3:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I would actually consider buying league pass jsut to watch Battier play
I like the guy, too, but it’s not like he’s exactly exciting to watch….
by Only_A_Lad on Apr 22, 2009 3:00 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I like watching unexciting players who play smart though
that’s why i like watching pryzbilla too… changing shots d without picking up foulsand tipping rebounds to himself — tho yao’s too tall for him to do that in this series.
actually the real gravy would be watching Battier shut down Lebron — that guy is way to full of himself for someone who can’t be relied on to create a clutch shot to win games.
by NeoSabonis on Apr 22, 2009 3:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not a lebron fan either
I want WHATEVER team makes it into the finals to beat him. his self promotion and “king james” and “what… a foul on Me?” act irks me to no end. I liked Jordan and he promoted himself as well, but at least he didn’t seem vain to me in how he did it. I’d love lebron to never win a championship.
The goal is not to be better, the goal is to be the best.
by ratbastird on Apr 22, 2009 11:17 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The odd thing is
Houston can beat Cleveland. But probably not LA.
by Xiane on Apr 22, 2009 3:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If Orlando came out of the East
we could beat them easy. But probably not LA
Time to galvanize
by jack_ on Apr 22, 2009 4:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
which is funnier
because I think LA could lose to both those teams.
The goal is not to be better, the goal is to be the best.
by ratbastird on Apr 22, 2009 5:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
LA could lose to Orlando
but not Houston, I don’t think. I mean, the Lakers are 4-0 against the rockets this year.
by laker on Apr 22, 2009 11:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
i meant
Cavs and Orlando. (also blazers)
I expect the lakers to beat houston if they were to play even though I’ll be rooting against them.
The goal is not to be better, the goal is to be the best.
by ratbastird on Apr 23, 2009 11:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
nobody upsetting lakers
they fo’ real dawg. wanna bet on it?
by laker on Apr 22, 2009 5:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If the blazers play them.
Yes.
The goal is not to be better, the goal is to be the best.
by ratbastird on Apr 22, 2009 11:17 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Even if the Blazers continue to hold serve in Portland,
The blazers aren’t good on the road, in fact they’re only 20-21 on the road. The Lakers blew ’em out at home twice this year, where as both games in Portland were fairly close. Plus the Lakers are due a win in Portland
by laker on Apr 22, 2009 11:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fact check
The Blazers lost two very early in the season, with Oden out; they have evolved, and they absolutely kicked the crap out of the Fakers in their last two meetings. Much more convincing were the Portland victories.
The Blazers were so far ahead in the 3rd quarter of the last game (up 31 pts) they played Ruffin and Bayless the whole 3rd quarter, and let the Lakers run their total up in the 4th. But it was one of the most lopsided blowouts of the entire season, for any team. Absolutely humiliating blowout asskicking…
Would love to see the Fakers get bounced in similar fashion. Everyone hates the Lakers, and with good reason — the are bad for basketball, bad for sport, and bad for society in general.
by NeoSabonis on Apr 23, 2009 1:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
"where as both games in Portland were fairly close."
YOU OBVIOUSLY HAVE NO FUCKING CLUE WHAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT STFU…..ahem…excuse me.
"The brownies,'' Fernandez said after the game. "The brownies are good for me to make three-points.''
by Sabonis4Ever on Apr 23, 2009 1:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well
I more than welcome the chance to prove you wrong there. You need to double check your road stats starting with looking at the end of the season record. Also might want to look at the time frame the lakers won. (cough early season cough)
As for due… sorry, you have to earn it. No freebies on the blazer court. Well… no more after that Houston blow out and the deer in headlights look.
The goal is not to be better, the goal is to be the best.
by ratbastird on Apr 23, 2009 11:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well if you don’t get the chance to prove me wrong, then oh well. The thing about the Lakers is that they’ll play anywhere they don’t care, which is why they have the best road record. The fact that Houston blew you guys out there, means that you aren’t so invincible there. If you want to prove me wrong, then you guys first have to take care of your own series, which after tonight doesn’t look too easy.
by laker on Apr 27, 2009 6:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Portland fan checking in
You guys have a great playoff team. I’m happy we even got a game off you.
Yao is just ridiculous. It’s a lot of fun to see how much he’s improved from his early days in the league— 89% free throw shooting on the year, much-improved stamina, nailing long-range fadeaways. Oh, and he’s 7’6. I feel lucky whenever I can see the guy play.
Artest had a bad night, but that didn’t keep me from biting my nails whenever he had the ball. Or even when he didn’t. What a force— nobody wanted to even get near him.
Being a stats nerd, it kills me when a team is shooting 60% from distance. I was happy to see that the stats finally evened out a bit, even if Brooks did his best to pad the numbers by hitting multiple threes at the end of the game. From what I saw, those numbers look pretty unsustainable, and I’d be shocked to see the Rockets equal their percentages in game three. Yeah, even with the mismatches on the perimeter that you’ve been so smartly exploiting.
On a sad note: I grew up in Seattle watching Mutumbo terrorize my beloved Sonics. Maybe I’m just nostalgic, but his retirement is more meaningful to me than any of the other star players of that era. Unlike Shawn Kemp or Dale Ellis, he’s a player who did everything the right way. I’m happy to know that Brandon Roy (or was it Sergio?) got the final finger-wave from Mt. Mutumbo.
by maalox on Apr 22, 2009 2:29 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
Nice post. Very gracious, thanks.
And Portland in general has been very decent about Mutombo. If it had to happen, I glad it wasn’t in SLC, LA or Dallas.
by Xiane on Apr 22, 2009 2:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Straight up terrible news
about Deke. Who is likely to get those minutes behind Yao?
Damn, really bummed that I missed this game, looked intense.
by runningdonut on Apr 22, 2009 3:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Von Wafer is basically Ben Gordon, only he plays half the minutes Gordon does
So I joked with my friends that Wafer would score 21 tonight (since Gordon went off for 42 yesterday). I was right, apparently, which is unfortunate, because he reached 21 midway through the 4th, and then Adelman pulled him for the rest of the game. Ugh.
Time to galvanize
by jack_ on Apr 22, 2009 2:32 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
what was up with that?
i honestly think hou might have pulled that game out if adelman left wafer in.. he and brooks were really hot and game seemed to be decided more by offense than defense…
"Slum dunk? You just go to the rim, and crush.. crush the ball in the rim."
- Nic Batum
by idoltime on Apr 22, 2009 2:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
With Wafer out and Brooks seeming unwilling to look for his own shot
and NO ONE LOOKING FOR YAO, Artest took a couple of ugly shots. Ugh.
Time to galvanize
by jack_ on Apr 22, 2009 3:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sleepy strikes again
I didnt see what was wrong with Wafer playing more. His D? Its not like anyone stopped Roy.
by Xiane on Apr 22, 2009 4:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
yea.. not the way to go,adelman
not that i’m looking to help you all out..but
if brooks could make those ridiculous 3pt shots at the end of regulation when it was just out of reach (esp. with no timeouts), you’d think he could have started on that a couple minutes earlier..
if you leave wafer and brooks in there, portland would have less than no defensive answer for that.
artest is a great player, but he seems a little anti-clutch at times..
if you give the ball to yao.. good things will happen for you.. why do you think we kept dumping it to oden when he is not even 10% of the offensive option that yao is? i’d guarantee that LMA and/or Przy would have fouled out also if they’d gotten the ball to yao down the stretch
"Slum dunk? You just go to the rim, and crush.. crush the ball in the rim."
- Nic Batum
by idoltime on Apr 22, 2009 1:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That, in a nutshell
is a summary of our frustrations from the end of that game.
I don’t know who on Portland can cover Brooks and Wafer at the same time. And I just want to add that we now have the right to call certain Portland shots “ridiculous” or “miracle”.
by Xiane on Apr 22, 2009 3:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
best answer i can come up with is
still short.
Bayless would be my preference on Brooks but Roy could slow him down (did in game 2)
Batum on wafer.
Please, for the love of all that is holy, please stop using the following: "Book it.", "FTW", "Epic" & "Fail".
...no seriously--stop.
by nima on Apr 22, 2009 3:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
and fair enough although the and 1 by yao was pretty much the same.
Please, for the love of all that is holy, please stop using the following: "Book it.", "FTW", "Epic" & "Fail".
...no seriously--stop.
by nima on Apr 22, 2009 3:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I actually enjoyed everything about that game. Except the end.
The short thing is not really an issue under current rules. I’m not saying this because we have tiny PGs, well, that’s not the only reason I’m saying it.
Look at CP3, Parker, Harris and so on. The short fast who can finish in the lane is a new wrinkle of the defensive changes. And I think its a good one. Less grinding. Fewer “isos”. More fun to watch. I mean, who really misses the days of hand checking and Pat Riley’s goon squads? Of course, if they let us hand check you guys…
by Xiane on Apr 22, 2009 4:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
sadly i do..
Please, for the love of all that is holy, please stop using the following: "Book it.", "FTW", "Epic" & "Fail".
...no seriously--stop.
by nima on Apr 22, 2009 4:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, it would be awesome for Houston.
We’ve got the team to be teleported back to the 1990s and do some real damage. We’d need a bigger PG, though.
Of course our two rings come from the height of that era, too.
by Xiane on Apr 22, 2009 4:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
you should.. I do
first.. i’d like to say that a ridiculous shot is like when Brooks just walked up to about 4-7 feet behind the arc and just threw a shot up up the dribble and make.. its not ridiculous in any negative way.. but i’d definitely extend the right to use those words to describe about 40% of the Blazers offense. .. like
- about half of brandon’s shot in game 2 and at least a quarter of all shots he takes
- rudy’s instant-release on that 3pt shot on the run
- anything joel przybilla does that could be considered a “post move”
- and every shot travis outlaw ever takes ever in any game ever
"Slum dunk? You just go to the rim, and crush.. crush the ball in the rim."
- Nic Batum
by idoltime on Apr 23, 2009 12:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
ben gordon's game is more like artest's
he’s stronger, and a little slower than von wafer. he uses his meaty-ness to position himself inside after he penetrates. he’s not as much of a pure shooter, but he’s patient and can hit once he gets set.
von wafer is a true scorer who can actually hit off-balance, and off the pass or the dribble, not that his team-mates set him up often.
by NeoSabonis on Apr 22, 2009 2:42 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
But when you look at the statistics though
Ben Gordon plays almost double Wafer’s minutes, and puts up almost exactly double his output.
Time to galvanize
by jack_ on Apr 22, 2009 2:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
This never would have happened if we still had Alston! Waaaaah!
I kid. I kid.
by Xiane on Apr 22, 2009 2:45 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Calm Down
rofl chill man 1st game blow out by 30, 2nd game lost by 4 on roy and aldridge career nights with yao taking 6 shots at their turf. Unless roy is gonna score 42 pts every game and aldridge swooshing every jumper from now on, it’s nothing to be panicking about. After all wasn’t anticipating a homecourt sweep of blazers at portland at first anyways
by o_oholycrap on Apr 22, 2009 2:53 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Well
Portland has the highest scoring bench in the league, and none of them showed up tonight. If we win in Houston it will be because of bench production (with Mutombo down look for Greg to break out against Landry).
"The brownies,'' Fernandez said after the game. "The brownies are good for me to make three-points.''
by Sabonis4Ever on Apr 22, 2009 3:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
yeah... but they have to come through
houston will make adjustments to shut down aldridge in the half-court set, so rudy or trout have to come through with 20+ games or portland is done
by NeoSabonis on Apr 22, 2009 3:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Travis and Rudy have been no shows so far.
Very disappointing.
"The brownies,'' Fernandez said after the game. "The brownies are good for me to make three-points.''
by Sabonis4Ever on Apr 22, 2009 3:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I disagree
I thought Rudy played a good game last night, on both ends of the court.
draft dejuan blair
by Cablinasian on Apr 22, 2009 3:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
here's the problem with travis:
he’s a 2 trick pony. Big 1st step followed by
A) fade to side jumper
B) fake drive left, spin right fade jumper
He’s the easiest player to study and take away his options. Kid could be a stud if he upped his repertoire but so far Travis hasn’t shown the B-Roy, Bayless, LMA level desire in developing his game. Gifted athlete who doesn’t make the most of what he has.
Please, for the love of all that is holy, please stop using the following: "Book it.", "FTW", "Epic" & "Fail".
...no seriously--stop.
by nima on Apr 22, 2009 3:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
After reading through these posts
I feel a lot better about Portland’s chances. Yao gets special treatment (the no-calls when bodying up a driving Blazer are ridiculous), yet Houston fans want to condemn Prz’s “flopping”. Have at it. Great focus point there. You are on to something. Deflects the reality that while Houston players are capable of outstanding performances in isolation, such performances are intuitive, rather than cerebral – and that is why Houston will find this Blazer team harder to handle than they expect.
The only things that Houston does well – grab jerseys, throw elbows (how about that Scola offensive foul that went against Prz???), whine about every foul no matter how egregious – and make miracle shot after miracle shot – all add up to an inability to compensate for PORTLAND’s ability to adjust – and to a regression toward the mean for Von Wafer, Brooks and Artest.
Think about it – Houston’s keys to victory aren’t Yao heroics – they are about role players playing way above their heads. I think Houston fans, as represented by those here, cry about ghost flopping to deflect attention from the reality they are in the best position to recognize. Portland is more skilled and more talented, and the only way Houston gets out of the first round is if the Blazers defeat themselves.
by blacknoiseNW on Apr 22, 2009 2:53 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
"the no-calls when bodying up a driving Blazer are ridiculous"
You mean when Brandon Roy leaps past the basket to hit Yao and has to reach back to lay it up?
Time to galvanize
by jack_ on Apr 22, 2009 2:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wow that's
a really arrogant and stupid post. God knows only Portland has a deep and talented team. We’ve done it with mirrors all season, and you know, without 40% of our payroll too.
I think we’re going to be Portland, without McGrady. Rate you chances on beating Houston without Roy…
Also just check margin of victory so far against Houston. You can throw out the 27pt loss, which was clearly the product of luck…
by Xiane on Apr 22, 2009 3:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well...
We beat Boston without Roy. Ask us this question in 2 years when Greg has his sea legs under him.
"The brownies,'' Fernandez said after the game. "The brownies are good for me to make three-points.''
by Sabonis4Ever on Apr 22, 2009 3:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
mcgrady with no knees can't be compared to a healthy roy
i’d be more worried about mutumbo’s absence… that gives the blazers more hope than anything — now way yao can be effective against oden and pryz for 40 minutes
by NeoSabonis on Apr 22, 2009 3:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sigh.
Hot Sabonis on Sabonis action continues.
Anyhow, what I’m saying is that a healthy McGrady is an equivalent player to Roy. Maybe for not much longer, but Roy hasn’t put up McGrady’s early numbers yet either. TMac also represents the lions share of our payroll. We’re doing fine without him, but where would Portland be without Roy – not in two years, right now.
My reply was to the post above, which struck me as incredibly arrogant from a team that got stomped one night, and squeaked out a win tonight on their supposedly impregnable homecourt.
by Xiane on Apr 22, 2009 3:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
squeaked out a win?
they put the game away with 2 minutes left, up by 8. the 3’s were flukes and the game was never seriously in jeopardy. solid win.
by NeoSabonis on Apr 22, 2009 3:21 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
So when Roy makes a late three that's talent?
When our guy does, its a fluke? Come on.
by Xiane on Apr 22, 2009 3:23 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
ABZ has talent, that isn't what he was saying. He was saying that the freethrows evert possesion were going to make it like 99% sure Blazer win
But if Roy is out there, the game isn’t put away.
by staylost on Apr 22, 2009 3:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You say solid, I'll say close
Reasonable minds can differ. We lost the game, but we were not out of it until the very end.
by Xiane on Apr 22, 2009 3:35 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, maybe I'm not reasonable, but I agreed with you already.
I don’t think the game was lost until the very end either, that is why Roy was still in the game.
by staylost on Apr 22, 2009 3:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
dude, that last three by brooks was from like 35 feet out
i am a big brooks fan — remember he took the Oregon Ducks (winless in Pac-10 this year) to the Final 8 two years ago. He’s always been big-time, but he doesn’t hit 3 contested 25 – 35 foot shots in a row
by NeoSabonis on Apr 22, 2009 3:28 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I remember a Brandon Roy shot like that...
Yes I do declare I do. It won you a game against us.
by Xiane on Apr 22, 2009 3:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
"the game was never seriously in jeopardy"
in the last 60 seconds, you mean? That’s still a pretty close game…
Time to galvanize
by jack_ on Apr 22, 2009 4:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
"Hot Sabonis on Sabonis action continues."
What did I do?
"The brownies,'' Fernandez said after the game. "The brownies are good for me to make three-points.''
by Sabonis4Ever on Apr 22, 2009 3:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Perhaps some stat person can show us pace adjusted effectiveness differences between Roy & McGrady
McGrady was awesome when he was young, but Roy is something pretty unique. His contributions (like Battier) off the stat sheet are often his most important.
If you prefer scoring machines, then I’ll never be able to convince you though. McGrady was insane at that.
by staylost on Apr 22, 2009 3:23 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
McGrady's also pretty awesome at predicting the Lakers will win the title while being paid by the Rockets, who are also competing for the title.
That says an awful lot about what kind of person T-Mac is. Too bad, he really was a remarkable talent back in the day.
by Marvin100 on Apr 22, 2009 3:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You're telling Noah about the flood.
But we’d still like a healthy TMac back, if only to trade.
Here’s a bet – Deke will cheer from the sidelines unless he’s in the hospital. You have not seen Tracy there, have you?
by Xiane on Apr 22, 2009 3:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
the main reason that people compare them
is that both are shooting guards who are great passers.
Time to galvanize
by jack_ on Apr 22, 2009 3:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
IMO Roy makes smart passes, not great passes
I was so pissed at him for not giving Outlaw the wide open alley-oop somewhere in the middle of the game. Half-court set, Outlaw totally unguarded by any Rocket camps under the basket, Roy dribbles 5 seconds off the clock. Lame.
by staylost on Apr 22, 2009 3:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No one can make a great pass on ever play
or they’d end up with like 30 assists. I should still probably have modified that to great passers for 2 guards.
Time to galvanize
by jack_ on Apr 22, 2009 3:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
actually you're both right
both roy and tmac have great passing ability, but in my opinion they sometimes make bad distribution decisions… I was not impressed with the way tmac seemed to clog up the offense earlier in the season. it’s not that he was necessarily selfish, but he insisted on being a part of every play, when sometimes he needed to give it to an open wing man and rotate to the weak side.
broy will give up the ball, but then take himself out of the offense completely. also broy fails to look for rudy a lot, which bothers me. in this league, rudy needs to be set up to get open and hit his 3’s
that said, they both have the ability to thread the needle, yes.
perhaps the most under-rated passing big man tho, is lamarcus aldridge. next time the blazers are in rythm offensively, watch how he finds the right guy with clean, no-hesitation passes.
aaron brooks, while were on the subject, always pissed me off for having poor court vision.
by NeoSabonis on Apr 22, 2009 3:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The words you are looking for
on TMac 08-09 are – dribbling aimlessly and then chucking a 3 with 1 second left.
by Xiane on Apr 22, 2009 4:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Im actually willing to believe
that Roy is more valuable on a PER or some other basis. It wouldn’t surprise me, but I’d think you have to adjust for whats around him.
My point on Roy / McGrady is that the magnitude of Houston’s loss, of not having a healthy TMac, could only be compared to PDX not having Roy either healthy, or at all. Houston is tied 1-1 in the series after two home games for Portland, with houstons loss being close, and portlands a blow out. It strikes me as reasonable that Houston is a deep and talented team, not “role players playing above their heads”
To me that sounds like the sort of bullshit Phil Jackson spouts.
My reply was really to one poster, not to the larger number of generally reasonable blazer fans.
by Xiane on Apr 22, 2009 3:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Who are Houston's role players?
I’d say ours are Pryz & Blake. Best rebounder in the league, and conservative ball control plus very efficient spotshooter. Right now we use Batum as one even though he isn’t. Everyone else is too raw to even consider them role players.
by staylost on Apr 22, 2009 3:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's the thing
Most guys are solid enough to start.
Landry and Lowery are basically part of a platoon – playing time goes with matchup/effectiveness. Lowry, some forget, was a mid 1st pick.
Role players right now: Wafer, Hayes, Barry, Cook I guess, Mutombo before tonight.
by Xiane on Apr 22, 2009 3:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
did barry even play this game?
im guessing adelman thinks he doesn’t have to athleticism to mark the blazer wing men
by NeoSabonis on Apr 22, 2009 3:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
When Wafer is playing well
he eats up all of Barry’s minutes. He’s a less limited player than Barry is (now), and is more athletic.
Time to galvanize
by jack_ on Apr 22, 2009 3:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Define role player...
if you mean players we have that are good players but not stars, then you have basically everyone in the rotation except Yao.
Time to galvanize
by jack_ on Apr 22, 2009 3:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I dunno, what did that announcer mean?
If that is what he meant, then he was correct, right?
by staylost on Apr 22, 2009 3:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Frankly
I think Houston could easily end up winning this thing. My point is that it would be an upset more by Portland not playing up to its abilities TOGETHER with Houston exceeding its abilities. On individual talent, Houston doesn’t match up. They win by playing team ball and having a knack for hitting open jumpers or getting incredible finishes by Brooks and Von Wafer. BROOKS & VON WAFER. While I grant you that Brooks might have been underrated coming out of college (no one predicted this kind of performance), you have to be worried if Von Wafer is your primary scoring threat after Yao and a second year combo guard that is playing out of his mind.
Artest has his moments, but if think Portland is worried about isolation plays with any of Houston’s players outside Yao, you are grossly mistaken. However, because Houston RELIES on a team game, I think they are more vulnerable to a team like Portland than any Houston fan would want to admit. If the Blazers execute (and against Houston, that is the biggest IF in the league), then Portland will win. Period. If you doubt the Blazers ability to execute, consider their record for recognizing and overcoming deficiencies in their game. They have done so at a remarkable and league leading pace within games all season, and they have the youngest playing rotation in the league. These kids have game, and those that rely on “results-based” analysis to prop up their teams chance of winning are in for a surprise.
by blacknoiseNW on Apr 22, 2009 3:41 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
So you're saying that Portland has talented players
who suck at actually playing? Whereas the Rockets have less talented players, but we work hard and overachieve?
Time to galvanize
by jack_ on Apr 22, 2009 3:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Also
Has it occurred to you that Brooks’ success is also related to defensive deficiencies? And Wafer really didn’t surprise anyone in Houston. He’s played like this all season. He puts up nearly identical per minute numbers to Ben Gordon.
Time to galvanize
by jack_ on Apr 22, 2009 3:49 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
yes, it has
Love Steve Blake for his Lebron-like mental focus and intensity, and his commitment to the team ethos, and his fantastic decision making…
But he can’t guard Brooks, or Von Wafer. Or Deron Williams, or Chris Paul, or Billups, etc., etc. That’s why were screaming for McMillan to play Bayless; he’s lacking confidence, but he’s as quick as, and stronger than, any PG in the league right now.
by NeoSabonis on Apr 22, 2009 3:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think you should trade us Bayless.
For Cook.
by Xiane on Apr 22, 2009 3:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Who is it a joke for?
(We really like Bayless for some reason)
by staylost on Apr 22, 2009 3:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The joke is
You’d be insane to trade Bayless for Cook.
by Xiane on Apr 22, 2009 3:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
hmm, we might part with ruffin for cook :)
by NeoSabonis on Apr 22, 2009 3:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And yes
I was really high on Bayless, and think hes going to be great, maybe not the fastest/strongest PG ever (that would be Magic) but good to great. Why McMillan is watching Blake get toasted so much is surprising. All those young guys and Bayless is too young?
by Xiane on Apr 22, 2009 3:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nate fucking hates rookie point guards
Bayless will get burn when Sergio is traded.
"The brownies,'' Fernandez said after the game. "The brownies are good for me to make three-points.''
by Sabonis4Ever on Apr 22, 2009 4:21 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bayless is a hardworker, but . . .
he’s not a winner. He’s a score first point guard, as opposed to a pass first point guard. In my view, if you want him, you can have him. He’s not the point guard of the future, he might be the backup of the future.
He plays good defense, but looks to score first. On a team with Brandon Roy, Rudy Fernandez (makes a butt-load of 3’s), Lamarcus Aldridge, and Greg Oden (who will be a far better scorer next year and the year after that), why would you want a score first point guard unless they put in 40-50 a night?
You want Bayless, he’s all yours, but you have to promise to start him for 3 years!
by anim8r on Apr 22, 2009 4:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Cook is an expiring contract
We should hold out for Pau Gasol!
Time to galvanize
by jack_ on Apr 22, 2009 3:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
HMMM
Maybe Memphis is that stupid again! That would really solve our backup center problem
www.TheDreamShake.com Co-Founder and Writer
by UofTOrange on Apr 23, 2009 10:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not to disagree with your point, but
part of Brooks success may be tied to playing in Portland, too. It is like his personal homecourt.
by staylost on Apr 22, 2009 3:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Honestly no one has been more respectful of Portland than this blog.
You must not have been reading here much. I think you have the core of championship contender in another couple of years. I think you’ve arrived a little early this year, and that Houston is going to win the series.
As far as adjusting on the fly, Houston has done plenty of that this season.
Losing 2 in a row at home looked like a real possibility tonight. Would you have thought that before the series started? Id say be wary of overestimating your talent and underestimating ours. Don’t just fall in love with your own players.
by Xiane on Apr 22, 2009 3:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Don't Count Your Home Wins Before They're Played
As a Portland fan, I was very encouraged by what the team did tonight. They really could have packed it in after game 1, but they played pretty good defense, made the shots they normally make, and they put the game away.
Yes, Houston fans, they did put the game away. Brooks made it look close, but at the 1 minute mark there was no way that Houston could have actually won the game.
I will say that Houston is playing very well, and I’m hoping that Brooks returns to earth soon. I do think this might be a 7 game series.
Sorry about Mutumbo, he was always one of the best personalities in the NBA (totally awesome guy).
by anim8r on Apr 22, 2009 4:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
"Honestly no one has been more respectful of Portland than this blog. "
Minus the tight, sensitive assholes remark after game one
I AM A PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS SUPPORTER.
by bow4meow on Apr 22, 2009 11:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
One comment in a sea of generally positive ones.
Also I’ll see your “tight sensitive assholes” and raise you “Mutombo does the finger wag at his knee”.
Sensitive though, might be fair.
by Xiane on Apr 22, 2009 3:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I thought that comment was made by a Blazers fan?
www.TheDreamShake.com Co-Founder and Writer
by UofTOrange on Apr 23, 2009 10:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What I read here
Was a bunch of people complaining about refs and Prz flopping. If that is what you truly see, Portland’s talent is going to be a rude awakening. All season, that talent has had to learn to play elite basketball on the fly, hence the league leading comebacks from double digit deficits.
My main point, and the reason I posted in the first place, is that if Houston fans are truly so myopic that they believe flopping is the worst thing happening to them in this series – then you haven’t been paying attention to the fact that Portland’s elite window could be opening right now.
by blacknoiseNW on Apr 22, 2009 12:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Flopping is not why we lost
I am a Houston fan.
I know how we could have won last night. I know why we lost. Adelman.
Had he left Wafer and Lowry in just 1-2 more minutes at the end, we would have won.
Why? Foul calling so tight. Either guy is to quick and powerful to stop, and all night they pulled fouls on pryz, aldridge, and oden. Just 1-2 minutes and you would have lost all your big men. Then send in Yao FTW.
by texasag on Apr 22, 2009 12:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ron and Brooks would have still jacked up threes
(Brooks would have made his, but still)
"The brownies,'' Fernandez said after the game. "The brownies are good for me to make three-points.''
by Sabonis4Ever on Apr 22, 2009 3:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Basically what you are saying is:
I read 4 comments and decided that’s what everyone on the entire site was saying
www.TheDreamShake.com Co-Founder and Writer
by UofTOrange on Apr 23, 2009 10:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh, and the Rockets missed 10 free throws
That’s why they lost
www.TheDreamShake.com Co-Founder and Writer
by UofTOrange on Apr 23, 2009 10:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Blazers also missed 10 free throws
"The brownies,'' Fernandez said after the game. "The brownies are good for me to make three-points.''
by Sabonis4Ever on Apr 23, 2009 3:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That logic is flawed
The Rockets shot 76.67% on the season, the Blazers shot 69.23.
The Rockets shot 8% worse than in season, and the Blazers shot 3% better
And also, those things really have nothing to do with each other. I said, they missed 10 free throws, I didn’t say “they missed 10 free throws and the Blazers played perfect”. It is possible for me to say the Rockets screwed up without it having anything to do with Portland.
www.TheDreamShake.com Co-Founder and Writer
by UofTOrange on Apr 23, 2009 4:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
it was actually 80.5% for houston and 76.5% for portland in the regular season.
but yes the blazers only shot 3% lower than their average, which is no large deviation while the rockets shot 11% worse than their average, thus spelling doom and defeat.
That is not taking anything away from the Blazer’s performance on tuesday, its just that the best free throw defending team in the league got a taste of their own medicine on tuesday night.
by hardgay on Apr 23, 2009 5:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I thought those numbers looked off
But I took them from ESPN, figured they were right
www.TheDreamShake.com Co-Founder and Writer
by UofTOrange on Apr 23, 2009 10:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
ah those are the playoff stats
for some reason espn shows the playoffs statistics as default. you have to click the “regular season” to get the normal stats. yahoo sports is so much more user friendly.
by hardgay on Apr 23, 2009 11:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Individual Talent we don't match up?
We have Yao to deal with the post. Scola to deal with Aldridge. And Battier on Roy.
The later 2 guys when hot are virtually undefendable, especially the sweet fade from aldridge.
Now Brooks. Noone from ESPN predicted that performance, but Houston is a very underrated team. I was in no way shocked by wafer putting up 20. I was shocked that he didn’t do that the first game.
Houston’s talent is speed. Lowry, Brooks, Wafer. Your guys are big and athletic which I give you. Problem is that is a hinderance when covering those three.
Also, Brooks routinely takes shots from 5 feet off the three all season. The last running one was luck but not the others.
by texasag on Apr 22, 2009 12:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
LMA was the fucking human torch in the second quarter
He was amazingly focused.
"The brownies,'' Fernandez said after the game. "The brownies are good for me to make three-points.''
by Sabonis4Ever on Apr 22, 2009 3:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
i dont know why every shot he shot in the 3rd was consistently short though
i was kinda hoping he’d “get it” and fix whatever was wrong!
Please, for the love of all that is holy, please stop using the following: "Book it.", "FTW", "Epic" & "Fail".
...no seriously--stop.
by nima on Apr 22, 2009 3:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I dunno.
I think Houston has a pretty sweet team. Of course I like the Blazers better, but I think I like everyone on the Rockets, even Artest (that guy needed a punch).
Anyway, this isn’t needed. Even if you feel it, keep it to yourself when someone else is hurting after a loss.
by staylost on Apr 22, 2009 3:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks for that.
My thought on Artest is, if you throw a beer in that man’s face, you deserve what you get – you need to be excised from the gene pool anyway, for breathtaking stupidity.
Anyway, I don’t remember any TDS people posting that kind of crap after the first game, so that someone feels compelled to say it, with Houston’s margin of victory at +23 for the series thus far, it kind of pissed me off.
Most of the posters here seem genuinely nice, and pretty thoughtful, if perhaps unreasonably convinced of the inherent lovableness of Joel Przybilla.
by Xiane on Apr 22, 2009 3:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If you recall
Artest didn’t go after the right guy. He went after the guy who he thought had thrown the beer. Instead he went after some guy NEAR the gun who had thrown the beer.
Time to galvanize
by jack_ on Apr 22, 2009 3:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
THERE WAS A GUN?!?!
(I keed, I keed…)
by Marvin100 on Apr 22, 2009 3:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I suspect it would have taken at least a full clip to bring down Crazy Pills
Time to galvanize
by jack_ on Apr 22, 2009 4:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
lol I stand corrected.
It’s hard to see with beer in your eyes.
by staylost on Apr 22, 2009 3:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
But Artest restrained himself against the guy last night....
by NeoSabonis on Apr 22, 2009 11:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just watch the game...
Why would you even wear a shirt like that, makes no sense, unintelligent and ridiculous, just watch a basketball game and cheer for your team!!
by kmbrly429 on Apr 22, 2009 12:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Don't mess with that guy
He is gangster. He is throwing up his hood.
"The brownies,'' Fernandez said after the game. "The brownies are good for me to make three-points.''
by Sabonis4Ever on Apr 22, 2009 3:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
stupid shirt
even though its in incredibly poor taste, its a free country. and the fact is artest has a very thugh checkered past. thats a reputation he’ll have to live with for the rest of his career.
by jtkerr79 on Apr 23, 2009 2:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
banned for life
Was he not banned for life. If it is true that is the guy, shouldn’t be get thrown out.
by texasag on Apr 22, 2009 12:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I just want to see him do it again.
I’ll arrange a meeting in an alley behind my house. The results will be on YouTube shortly after.
by Xiane on Apr 22, 2009 3:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's actually kind of funny
heh. I’m sure if Artest saw it he just kind of chuckled.
by jasonmicron on Apr 22, 2009 8:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
best play of the night
Yao sets a pick on a slashing Brooks, who drives and kicks it to Artest out top; Artest dribbles, while Yao rolls and ends up being covered by Blake.
7’6’ Yao on the block guarded by 6’4 Blake… Artest lauches a 3 and almost breaks the backboard, LOL
by NeoSabonis on Apr 22, 2009 3:25 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
That pretty much describes the entire night
or it would if you could fit a couple of missed free throws in there.
Time to galvanize
by jack_ on Apr 22, 2009 3:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Straight out of the playbook
That is Artest 101. Don’t put much pressure on him so he feels safe to shoot. Its the best defense on the Rockets hands down.
Honestly, you want Artest OR Brooks/Lowry/Yao/Battier/Barry/Wafer/Adelman shooting 3’s?
by texasag on Apr 22, 2009 8:41 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Also
I generally don’t mind when Artest shoots open 3’s. He is, after all just about the best 3 point shooter on our team this year. When he’s not hitting them, though, he never seems to recover his stroke, but he KEEPS SHOOTING THEM. Which leads to 1-8 nights like tonight.
Time to galvanize
by jack_ on Apr 22, 2009 4:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Best on the team?
Battier from the corner.
Brooks from anywhere.
Wafer from anywhere.
All three much better from the 3. And at least they have the know how to stop shooting 3s when they aren’t falling.
by texasag on Apr 22, 2009 4:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well goodnight Portland (and TDS diehards)
You can now have it all your way here, as Houston has gone to bed.
by Xiane on Apr 22, 2009 4:27 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
That's a cool way to spell Shane.
Very Mandarin-ish.
"The match in Los Angeles is a good opportunity to begin to demonstrate that we want to make war." Rudy Fernández (translated)
by G_dubs on Apr 22, 2009 5:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It is now yao vs roy
all the odds are in your favor. Yao can be so dominate. But Roy has that special something.
At least he has during the regular season. Can you keep your new homecourt advantage? We’ll find out.
Who ever wins this series is going to beat the asshole lakers. I’m gonna bet at least a sawbuck on it.
Hello Dum Dum
by ryryslyry on Apr 22, 2009 5:07 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Refs
for a guy who told Blazers fans to stop whining about the refs (and I agreed), you sure are doing a lot of it yourself with the “Roy getting calls” and the “Joel flopping” comments. I guess you don’t seem to mind the fact that Yao gets away with all but the most heinous of shots on our driving guards. No matter. It all evens out as I’ve said.
I’m very sorry about Dikembe. That is no way to end that type of career. He will be missed. My lasting image of him will be when he played with Denver and bounced Seattle out of the playoffs, holding the ball to his chest with a smile that stretched across the floor as his team huddled all around him. Nice.
"Greed is Good."
So is Rudy.
by Gekko Mojo on Apr 22, 2009 7:15 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I wasn't the guy who told portland fans to stop whining about the refs.
and you have to admit, that was a horribly officiated game.
The Dream Shake - Where Brooks > Alston happens.
"I think girls are probably just better shooters." - Steve Novak
by Tom Martin on Apr 22, 2009 12:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
they've both been horribly reffed
… but I don’t see it as biased one way or the other. that Battier call on Roy was terrible. However, the number of non calls on Yao has been equally as brutal. My point is that it all balances out.
"Greed is Good."
So is Rudy.
by Gekko Mojo on Apr 22, 2009 2:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Neither do we
the reffing in this game was awful for both sides. Now I think we could have won a game where the refs decided to just let players play, but that doesn’t mean I think the reffing was unfair.
Time to galvanize
by jack_ on Apr 22, 2009 4:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
By the way, on the flop issue
…how do you explain Yao getting “flung backwards” by a half speed moving, 165" Sergio Rodriguez in the second quarter? It was one thing for Roy to “take him down” in Game 1, but Yao is clearly flopping against light contact on guards that slash past him. It all evens out.
"Greed is Good."
So is Rudy.
by Gekko Mojo on Apr 22, 2009 7:17 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Which game
Are you talking about the charge he took in the first game?
by texasag on Apr 22, 2009 8:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
it's simply physics
momentum (p) = mass x velocity
Sergio’s momentum is much greater than Yao’s because Yao is standing still and Sergio is going full speed right at him… the force of such a move is likely to knock ANYONE backwards, including a 7’6" 310 lb player who has sore feet and knees
by grungedave on Apr 22, 2009 9:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sergio wasn't moving that fast.
Yao will often fall backwards on contact with driving guards when he can’t keep up with them as a way of hiding the contact that he makes with them. It is a trick he uses (Ewing was a master of it) to keep his fouls down against fast moving guards. Oden needs to learn it. Its still “flopping”. However, I don’t care – its part of the game and it always evens out.
You can cite physics when it comes to Yao and then call Joel a flopper – that is a double standard.
"Greed is Good."
So is Rudy.
by Gekko Mojo on Apr 22, 2009 9:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
bullshit
I dare you to let someone who weights 150 lbs take a running start at you and see if you maintain full composure and stand up straight after the contact.
Yao does admittedly have to sell the call when someone runs into him (“no one cheers for Goliath”), but that’s not flopping. HE IS IN POSITION. Just like Scola, Battier… they are just trying to make sure the referee blows the whistle when an actual charge is committed.
Przy, on the other hand, jumps backwards on plays off the ball to attract attention. Joey Crawford, being a “when there’s smoke there’s fire” type of referee, falls for this shit all the time. THAT is flopping. Przy has yet to be “in position” on Yao on any of the fouls called his way.
that’s the distinction. It saddens me that you still don’t get this.
by grungedave on Apr 22, 2009 9:28 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
agreed
If someone is driving full sleep at Pryz, who is in position, and Pryz falls down (and sells the contact a little, like Scola and Battier and all smart players do), that’s fine, it’s an offensive foul, a charge.
However, if he goes flying on INCIDENTAL contact, that is a flop.
Get the difference?
by Daniel C on Apr 22, 2009 9:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Interesting
I’ll watch for that in game three. Hopefully I’ll catch all of it this time.
The goal is not to be better, the goal is to be the best.
by ratbastird on Apr 22, 2009 11:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ok. I see you guys are really obsessed about the whole flopping thing.
I suggest that the Rockets start flopping as a way to even out the advantages that you are all so convinced that every other team in the NBA enjoys over your team. If everyone else can get away with it, why shouldn’t Yao? (yes – that was rhetorical. This is a dumb thing to be arguing about).
"Greed is Good."
So is Rudy.
by Gekko Mojo on Apr 22, 2009 10:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
missed the point? or you failed to make it?
I’m still trying to understand why you care about flopping period.
"Greed is Good."
So is Rudy.
by Gekko Mojo on Apr 22, 2009 2:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Isn't "sell the call" another word for "flopping"?
That stop and go by Roy is straight sick. I'm calling him "The Flu" from now on. - Wendell Maxey
by Norsktroll on Apr 22, 2009 11:21 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
its not "sell the call"
It’s actually “sell the charge”
Not “sell the incidental touch.”
by texasag on Apr 22, 2009 12:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
dude is it me
or is it only the dumb blazer fans who come over here and bitch and moan?
if you don’t know the difference between selling a call and flopping… go and watch some tape before you come back and post some incoherent crap.
by hardgay on Apr 22, 2009 4:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
ooh ooh pick on me next!
Please, for the love of all that is holy, please stop using the following: "Book it.", "FTW", "Epic" & "Fail".
...no seriously--stop.
by nima on Apr 22, 2009 4:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
no
ur not even worth the effort of typing up a full paragraph for… sorry.
by hardgay on Apr 22, 2009 4:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
on the contrary... im real nice
in bed. try me, i dare you.
by hardgay on Apr 22, 2009 4:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hey! I knew I recognised you!
It’s Samwell everyone!
by staylost on Apr 22, 2009 4:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
WOW
It’s unbelievable us Rockets fans are still explaining this for the 100th time to the Blazeres fan.
Flopping = falling down on incidental contact.
In all my years of watching Rockets basketball, I have NEVER, EVER seen Yao flop.
Yao does try to take charges sometimes (which is stupid, he’ll more likely get injured than get the call).
Yao will often fall backwards on contact with driving guards when he can’t keep up with them as a way of hiding the contact that he makes with them.
I guess you’re trying to say that Yao flops defensively in order to draw a charge. Again, as grungedave said, he is IN POSITION when that happens.
by Daniel C on Apr 22, 2009 9:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Its cause of Scola
Blazers fan’s are upset because Rockets fans keep sighting scola.
Battier and Yao DO NOT FLOP.
Scola DOES FLOP. Its an international thing that is very common overseas.
by texasag on Apr 22, 2009 9:49 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Let's be clear
On what a flop is.
In my view, a flop is when you actually fall on the hardwood, hit the deck, etc. on incidental contact. Here is an example:
Now, I admit that Scola does a very good job of EXAGGERATING contact – which may or may not be a flop according to your definition. He lets himself fall on LEGITIMATE charges, and he will flail his arms and head a fair bit if someone pushes him in the chest. If that’s your definition of a flop, then fair enough. I agree.
But I have yet to see him totally throw himself on the ground when lightly brushed, like what Pryz did this game.
by Daniel C on Apr 22, 2009 9:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Here's the example
by Daniel C on Apr 22, 2009 10:00 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Scola does
He does and has. So far I have not seen a flop from Scola, especially anything like pryz did. But have no doubt, he will flop this series.
The reason the rockets are pissed is that every single player on every single team is allowed to flop on Yao including other centers. Its expected of small guys, but you would think a big guy isn’t such a pussy like pryz or okur and actually try and play 1v1 against another big guy. That is what angers me. I guarantee the gorilla was mad when lowry flopped on him, but you don’t see hayes or yao flopping on oden or pryz.
by texasag on Apr 22, 2009 10:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'd think
flopping might hurt yao. He’s a big guy.
The goal is not to be better, the goal is to be the best.
by ratbastird on Apr 22, 2009 11:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yao is rarely in position. He's far to slow.
"Greed is Good."
So is Rudy.
by Gekko Mojo on Apr 22, 2009 10:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
True
That’s why he gets called for blocking fouls pretty often. But it doesn’t change the fact that he is TRYING to draw a legitimate charge. If he does fall down, it’s because the defender is barreling at him at full speed, in position or not (and also Yao is not the most agile of centers). Conclusion: blocking foul, but not flop.
by Daniel C on Apr 22, 2009 10:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
ok. I accept your argument.
the question becomes why not flop if it is so effective for other teams (as you all seem to be arguing?)
"Greed is Good."
So is Rudy.
by Gekko Mojo on Apr 22, 2009 10:35 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think we can agree
that flopping is a disease of an NBA that needs to be fixed (techs + fines?). Pryz is both an agent and victim of flopping.
Doesn’t mean that it’s right. I’d like to think that our boys are above this sort of stuff.
by Daniel C on Apr 22, 2009 10:38 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
You could say the same thing
about Bruce Bowen, or the entire Jizz team. They are pretty dirty – and effective too!
Would you like an NBA filled with that? The NBA has cracked down on flagrant fouls. Now it needs to do the same for flops.
by Daniel C on Apr 22, 2009 10:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I definitely won't argue with that
While it’s there, teams use what they can to win. Frankly, i can’t blame them. I also admit I hate to see it.
The goal is not to be better, the goal is to be the best.
by ratbastird on Apr 22, 2009 11:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think we can all agree to that.
"Greed is Good."
So is Rudy.
by Gekko Mojo on Apr 22, 2009 5:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
for the unfamiliar
Yao is very big.
He has been injured many times.
He is slow, including slow to get up.
He plays more basketball than anyone on the planet, no offseason, straight to China for nonstop ball when the season ends.
He does not want to, and tries to avoid falling.
by texasag on Apr 22, 2009 10:41 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
are you saying that to imply that he doesn't flop because he's afraid he'll get hurt
instead of because its stupid and needs to be reprimanded?
Please, for the love of all that is holy, please stop using the following: "Book it.", "FTW", "Epic" & "Fail".
...no seriously--stop.
by nima on Apr 22, 2009 1:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
All of the above and more.
He is slow. He wants to play better D than that.
Flop is an all or nothing defensive move. Shane doesn’t flop for that reason alone.
I remember 1 play last night I think it was where pryz flopped but no foul was called. The basket was wide open for an easy bucket.
The only thing Yao does is complain alot and make funny faces.
by texasag on Apr 22, 2009 1:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
..and eat babies
Please, for the love of all that is holy, please stop using the following: "Book it.", "FTW", "Epic" & "Fail".
...no seriously--stop.
by nima on Apr 22, 2009 1:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
His faces are pretty funny!
Honestly, I feel sorry for most big men in the League as most smaller players are given leeway to beat on them.
by staylost on Apr 22, 2009 1:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's a different game.
Now quick little varmits rule the roost (CF Paul, Parker, et al). I sometimes wonder how much damage Yao could do under mid 90s rules.
You probably don’t remember the epic brawl that was the Hou/NY finals, with Dream vs Ewing – that was just the marquee fight, it went all through the rosters. The contact today is laughable compared to then.
by Xiane on Apr 22, 2009 3:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yao is rarely in position?
Ok, your credibility account is now overdrawn.
by Xiane on Apr 22, 2009 3:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You are just blinded by your own fanhood.
…he may start out in position, but he can’t slide faster than most guards can get by him —> thus he’s out of position. What is the argument you guys keep making here “it is just physics”
"Greed is Good."
So is Rudy.
by Gekko Mojo on Apr 22, 2009 5:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yao has gotten MUCH better at positioning this year and last
He isn’t perfect at it, but rarely is a center perfect at postioning on drives by the guards. On one on ones with other centers though, Yao is one of the best in the league at it
www.TheDreamShake.com Co-Founder and Writer
by UofTOrange on Apr 23, 2009 10:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
IT WAS NOT THE REFS
We lost this game because of one person, and one person only. RICK ADELMAN.
No more complaining Rockets fans. Was I the only one watching this that saw that Lowry and Wafer dominated. If stupid Adelman had left just one of them in for 1 more minute, Yao could have dominated.
Anytime either guy drove, the stupid portland big men ran in instead of running away, aka Yao vs Roy, to try to block it. Wafer or Lowry could have fouled out the gorilla and aldridge with about 3-4 minutes left in the game.
WHY ADELMAN? WHY?
With oden, przy, and aldridge out, Yao Ming Night. Who could have stopped him. But low and behold he takes out the two guys keeping us in the game.
by texasag on Apr 22, 2009 8:50 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Crazy pills
Can’t you guys see why Rockets can’t execute offensively in tight 4th quarters?
Mr. Ron Ron (Crazy Pills, True Warrior) thinks he IS the Rockets offence. That’s the whole problem, right there. He thinks he is Kobe.
I wouldn’t have a problem if Artest gets his possessions by posting up, but no…. he has to chuck up fadeaways and threes. If you go ask him where the ROckets went wrong, he will probably blame the ref as well.
So, it’s not the Refs fault. Not Aaron Brooks.
It’s evident how one man can wreck the whole offensive chemistry.
by True_Warrior on Apr 22, 2009 10:40 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Already knew that one.
Yeah, thats obvious. I said before the first game and the second game, for the blazers to win, give artest just enough room to feel comfortable shooting.
I just don’t get it. Last night Wafer was shooting bad behind the arc so what did he do? Throw up more bricks or drive on the big men and get them almost fouled out?
by texasag on Apr 22, 2009 10:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You Bitches.
Why didn’t the Rockets win? Why? I actually start cheering for you and this is how you repay me? It’s cause I’m a Jazz fan isn’t it. Bitches. Bitches. Bitches.
We bleed True Blue.
www.truebluejazz.com
by CB Jack on Apr 22, 2009 10:58 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Having fun in LA
How was your trip to LA? Having fun with Kobe?
by texasag on Apr 22, 2009 10:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You hate the Blazers more than the Rockets?
I guess you ARE afraid of us.
"The brownies,'' Fernandez said after the game. "The brownies are good for me to make three-points.''
by Sabonis4Ever on Apr 22, 2009 3:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's a 7 game series
But one that will end in 6 ;-)
www.TheDreamShake.com Co-Founder and Writer
by UofTOrange on Apr 23, 2009 10:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Pryz flopping?
I came into the game for the last 12 minutes and i missed that. Weird because that’s usually not his game, if it’s true. At least not more than twice a game. I make no claim that Yao can’t push him around. Joel is tough, but tough is different than strong. I can easily see Yao tossing Joel aside like tissue paper. Greg is strong, but he lacks the skills at the moment (as his 6 fouls in 12 minutes prove).
Refs were consistent. Yeah, they were bad and it was both ways, but they were also pretty consistent. At least for the 12 minutes I saw. Roy wasn’t given a foul when Yao hammered him, and then greg hammered Yao. Can’t tell from my terrible computer image, but it was so ugly it must have been a foul the other way, and the ref’s let it go. As long as refs are consistent, I try not to get too excited. At least then, smart teams, can take advantage of that.
Obviously the blazers winning in 5 games is less likely thanks to houston taking Game 1 (that was my bluster prediction. It’s fun to bluster until your team has a two ton statue dropped on them). I’m happy to see that the blazers stepped up a little to make it a series. Still not playing blazer basketball, but a few people stepped up, so I’ll take it. Now if I can see Roy get assists and the bench playing like i know they can…
Sorry to hear about Mutumbo. I’ve been a semi fan of him for a while with his crazy finger wag. I know his absence helps the blazers, but i don’t care. I’d rather the man be healthy and the blazers beat (or lose) to houston at it’s best.
Game 2 was what I was talking about by being the borg. The Blazers adapt amazingly well. They’re young, they learn, and they eventually stop making the same mistakes. (I’d say twice, but I’ve definitely seen the same blown assignment multiple times and games. Takes them a little longer than that, although they’re getting better and becoming quicker studies as this season has progressed.)
Also… Aaron Brooks… WTF!!!??? I woke the neighbor’s baby on those plays. I should probably apologize this evening.
See you guys in game three in houston. Should make for an interesting series now.
The goal is not to be better, the goal is to be the best.
by ratbastird on Apr 22, 2009 11:05 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
He had one pretty clear flop to get Yao the 4th foul
Apart from that, it’s ridiculous to make Joel the poster child for flopping. He has trouble getting calls when Shaq or Boozer run over him and continue by bouncing a ball off him. Chandler hacked him on a broken wrist and that didn’t cause him to fall down. And so on.
That stop and go by Roy is straight sick. I'm calling him "The Flu" from now on. - Wendell Maxey
by Norsktroll on Apr 22, 2009 11:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The rebound play?
Are you refering to the rebound Yao had in his hand, then roy jumped onto his shoulder. I watched it in slow motion to make sure. Yao’s arm was wrapped in his armpit. And on the way down he obviously fell since he was holding onto Yao.
It was not a flop, but it was a foul on Roy, not Yao. That isn’t blazers fault, its the terrible reffing.
by texasag on Apr 22, 2009 12:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
they actually called Scola for a foul on that play
not sure if it was Scola fouling Roy or Scola fouling Aldridge. the camera angles weren’t very good on it, and there were a lot of arms and legs in the way
How did you guys win that?
"We scored enough points. We scored 107, they scored 105.
-Nate McMillan Postgame, 3/4/2009
by douglast on Apr 22, 2009 1:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Refs...
Yes, they did suck! Let’s just get back to some real basketball where you let the players fight it out and figure it out, players need to stop flopping and play some REAL Basketball!!! That’s what the Playoffs are all about. NBA has become so political and The Game is not what it was intended to be. Ready for Game 3!!
by kmbrly429 on Apr 22, 2009 12:19 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Luis Scola flops off the ball
Yesterday i was told to provide a clear example of someone on the Rockets flopping off the ball, because according to them, the Rockets players are freaking angels when it comes to flopping. At about the 5:30 mark in the 4th, Luis “Greasy” Scola grabbed LMA’s arm, pulled on it and fell down. It was called as a foul on LeMarcus and Scola shoots 2 FT’s.
Also yesterday i told someone that i hoped someone would f-ing break Mutombo’s finger if he wagged it again. I just want to let you know that i wasn’t hoping for something like that to happen. It is a sad day when an NBA legend is forced out of the game due to injury.
"And once again we can say, it's a GREAT day to be a Blazer."- Brian Wheeler
by lrh86 on Apr 22, 2009 12:20 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
"greasy" scola?
FU. When you stop being racist (indirect or otherwise), I’ll respond to your moronic comments.
by grungedave on Apr 22, 2009 12:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ease up on the race card...
In no way was i meaning that comment to be racist and if you took it that way i apologize. Its the greasy hair that makes me say that.
"And once again we can say, it's a GREAT day to be a Blazer."- Brian Wheeler
by lrh86 on Apr 22, 2009 12:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
From the man with Hitler as his avatar!!!
Point and laugh at the super hypocrite!!!
by staylost on Apr 22, 2009 1:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
way to miss the point
Social commentary is not racism.
Calling a guy “greasy” when there’s a history that this is a well-known slur is.
by grungedave on Apr 22, 2009 2:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Uh, there is a well known history of racism associated with Hitler
"And once again we can say, it's a GREAT day to be a Blazer."- Brian Wheeler
by lrh86 on Apr 22, 2009 2:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
explain your "greasy" is a well known racial slur history mr. hitler!
‘OK Nic, swag on out on ‘em!’
by clinchmobb on Apr 22, 2009 2:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The point that I am seeing is that you chose Cartman Hitler as your avatar.
Many people cry racism as soon as they see any depiction of Hitler. Silly I know. Almost as silly as calling everyone who says ‘greasy’ racist.
by staylost on Apr 22, 2009 2:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
that's exactly it
It’s a CARTOON.
the commentary is that people are so worried about the mere image of Hitler and symbols that they overlook the conduct that was beneath it…… kinda like how the P.C. police don’t mind gratuitous violence in movies so long as no one has sex or uses dirty words.
and the fact that lrh86 doesn’t realize that ‘greasy’ is a well-known slur for many different demographic groups. Don’t believe me? http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=greasy+as+racial+slur&aq=f&oq=
though I shouldn’t be surprised… y’all haven’t been able to distinguish flopping from charging yet… why should I expect you to understand the different between commentary and overt racism?
by grungedave on Apr 22, 2009 3:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nice!
So your final defense for the use of Hitler vs. greasy as a descriptor of off the cuff racism is that I am slow headed.
by staylost on Apr 22, 2009 3:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Look, people get it.
All I’m saying is that you both can explain how your comments aren’t racist and easily convince me, but only one person acts like this:
“FU. When you stop being racist (indirect or otherwise), I’ll respond to your moronic comments.”
The fact that you can see how “greasy” could be approached as a racist comment, but can’t see that Cartman Hitler could be approached as one is a little funny some.
by staylost on Apr 22, 2009 3:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
grungedave sounds like he is 'greasy'...
or grungy! is that racist?
Cartman’s hair looks pretty ‘greasy’…
Scola is definitely ‘greasy’….he looks like ‘greasy’ Vujacic’s older brother!
‘OK Nic, swag on out on ‘em!’
by clinchmobb on Apr 22, 2009 3:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You are just another biased fan when you talk about one team flopping and...
your team is just “selling the call” when they flop so i don’t expect you to ever get it. And if calling someone greasy is racist then so be it. I don’t intend on being racist when i say it so you can just stfu and clean the sand out of your vagina.
"And once again we can say, it's a GREAT day to be a Blazer."- Brian Wheeler
by lrh86 on Apr 22, 2009 3:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
whatever
Like I’m supposed to respond calmly and rationally when someone posts something inflammatory and racist on my own blog?
yeah, you can get the fuck out of here if you think that’s the way it works.
by grungedave on Apr 22, 2009 3:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
REM:
You brought up the racist card! And you still have a fricking Nazi as your avatar. And Scola’s hair is greasy, just look at it!
Look, nobody’s comments had the intent of being racist. I don’t consider Argentinian’s as a “race” anyways. The ‘greasy’ comment is a playful tease just like everyone saying Oden is an old man. He looks like an old man. Now do I run around like a crazed lunatic chanting that those people have something against old people? No. It is in jest and I know it.
Relax, grungedave. Keep it to basketball and keep the personal slams to yourself. And swearing gets you no respect. It only lets us know we are getting under your skin. Which will only lead to more digs…
‘OK Nic, swag on out on ‘em!’
by clinchmobb on Apr 22, 2009 5:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Be Fair
Oden did look like he was Deke’s older brother out there. You know its true.
by texasag on Apr 22, 2009 5:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
man, these guys are slow!
‘OK Nic, swag on out on ‘em!’
by clinchmobb on Apr 22, 2009 5:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
coming from the guys
who didn’t learn the difference between selling calls and flopping until today…
by hardgay on Apr 22, 2009 5:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not as slow as the Blazers... unfortunately...
No more ABZ please!
by staylost on Apr 22, 2009 5:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You are longing to caress Scola's hair aren't you?
Don’t be ashamed, and don’t lash out. It’s natural that you would want to. Don’t deny your inner self.
by Xiane on Apr 22, 2009 5:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
...gross...
I’d rather dress up like Hitler as a social commentary!
by staylost on Apr 22, 2009 5:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You finally made me laugh!
Thank you
‘OK Nic, swag on out on ‘em!’
by clinchmobb on Apr 22, 2009 5:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wow you Googled 'greasy' as a racial slur...
and it is used as an adjective to an actual racial slur every time!
Don’t use ‘greasy’ folks! or grungedave will call you a racist!
‘OK Nic, swag on out on ‘em!’
by clinchmobb on Apr 22, 2009 3:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
please
You call an Argentinian “greasy” and I know what you mean by it…
it’s subtle, but it’s still racist.
by grungedave on Apr 22, 2009 3:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
For the last fucking time!
I called him greasy because of his hair, NOT because of his race. I apologize if it came across as racist to you. And also you don’t think that if I was Jewish that i wouldn’t be offended by your avatar
"And once again we can say, it's a GREAT day to be a Blazer."- Brian Wheeler
by lrh86 on Apr 22, 2009 3:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
fine
so maybe your only crime is being lame and unorginal in nicknaming Scola “greasy” fine… so be it… whatever.
by grungedave on Apr 22, 2009 3:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
bro his hair is pretty fucking greasy. and i don't see avatars on my setup but if you do have one of cartman as hitler then its kinda hard to make a case for cultural sensitivity :)
Please, for the love of all that is holy, please stop using the following: "Book it.", "FTW", "Epic" & "Fail".
...no seriously--stop.
by nima on Apr 22, 2009 3:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
but i would think its safe to say that neither of you made your statement/chose your avatar with that intention
so why dont both of you drop it and accept the fact that neither meant nothing by it?
Please, for the love of all that is holy, please stop using the following: "Book it.", "FTW", "Epic" & "Fail".
...no seriously--stop.
by nima on Apr 22, 2009 3:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
His hair is greasy
…..
"The brownies,'' Fernandez said after the game. "The brownies are good for me to make three-points.''
by Sabonis4Ever on Apr 22, 2009 3:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
hating on the finger wag?
No matter who you are, you have to love the wag. The fact that he is probably in his 50s alone makes it so funny. Also that they created a rule to try and stop it. Its great.
by texasag on Apr 22, 2009 12:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Why are people critisizing Aaron Brooks?
He is the only reason the Rockets won a game in this series.
by TrentEdwardsHoF2018 on Apr 22, 2009 12:37 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
WRONG
ABZ got all of his points in BOTH games when they were already decided.
by grungedave on Apr 22, 2009 12:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
They were decided because he is BY FAR your cruddy teams leading scorer.
Learn to watch the games.
by TrentEdwardsHoF2018 on Apr 22, 2009 12:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
kind of early
Its a little early to run your mouth after squeaking out a win at your home where you had such a great record of only 7 losses. Now you have 8.
Guess what, the rockest only have 8 home losses.
by texasag on Apr 22, 2009 12:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Two things...
- No way in hell you guys are getting past the Lakers. Portland is the only team in the West that could posssibly upset them. This is pretty much it for the Rockets no matter how you slice it.
- The Rockets are pretty much screwed now that they have no one who can play the low post outside of Yao.
- Even if the Rockets manage to keep this series close you have to be jealous of watching a team skyrocket past you in terms of young talent. Somewhere in the back of your mind you have got to be saying… “This is it. For the next 5+ years we are going to be getting our behind kicked by the Blazers.”
by TrentEdwardsHoF2018 on Apr 22, 2009 2:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Um, no.
We probably can’t beat the Lakers, but I’m pretty sure no one else will either. That includes Portland. No homecourt, remember?
Deke going down sucks, but he played about 100 minutes all year. We were saving him for the playoffs, and then this shit happens. It could happen to your team, too.
Portland has a lot of young talent. One legitimate superstar, and a couple of guys who have a chance to special. No one here has ever said otherwise. But we aren’t particularly afraid, the West has been tough for years. Welcome to the party.
Also, if you Blazers fans are guilty of anything,its that you have fallen in love with your whole team. I’ve watched lots of talented young teams not amount to much, Portland may well be different, it may not.
by Xiane on Apr 22, 2009 3:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
"if you Blazers fans are guilty of anything,its that you have fallen in love with your whole team."
As charged…lock us up.
"The brownies,'' Fernandez said after the game. "The brownies are good for me to make three-points.''
by Sabonis4Ever on Apr 22, 2009 3:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
"Lots of talented young teams..."
When, in the history of the modern NBA, has there been a collection of such nasty talent at such a young age. I’m sorry but even Phil Kackson said that Portland may be the most “talented” team in the NBA. Absolute worst case scenario…We arent even close to reaching our potential.
by TrentEdwardsHoF2018 on Apr 22, 2009 4:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Actually, there is OKC right now
They are coming up on your heals talent wise, and they still likely get to draft in the top 4 this year
www.TheDreamShake.com Co-Founder and Writer
by UofTOrange on Apr 23, 2009 10:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
yeah
they do make me nervous. Won’t deny it. Until they find the big man though, we’ll always be able to take them.
The goal is not to be better, the goal is to be the best.
by ratbastird on Apr 23, 2009 11:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not to mention Durant has been more of a no show against us.
I believe it was Westbrook and Green we had to watch.
by staylost on Apr 23, 2009 12:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You clearly don't know the Blazers roster...
I suggest you wikipidia them.
by TrentEdwardsHoF2018 on Apr 23, 2009 1:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You're right, I don't write the previews around here or anything
Don’t talk out of your ass.
I know it damn well. I also know that I’m right, OKC has a couple of years behind to catch up on the roster, but they have drafted incredibly
www.TheDreamShake.com Co-Founder and Writer
by UofTOrange on Apr 23, 2009 1:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Read Gekko Mojos post...
“a long way too go”
by TrentEdwardsHoF2018 on Apr 23, 2009 6:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And two years ago, so did Portland
My point is, OKC actually is further along than Portland was with even higher ceiling guys. That’s pretty damn impressive.
www.TheDreamShake.com Co-Founder and Writer
by UofTOrange on Apr 23, 2009 10:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What?
I would consider you blasphemous if it werent for your ignorance.
Yeah, OKC has 3 pretty awesome players. They have a long ways to go before they are 9 and 10 deep like the Blazers.
It’s also important to note that Durant isn’t going to get much better. He was one of the best players in the league this year and OKC still finished with one of the worst records.
The Blazers have more than enough pieces in place, read that again, “more than enough”. The only thing they are waiting for is time.
Heck, we have 4 “high ceiling” guys with loads of potential who either didn’t play this year, or contributed minimally.
Greg Oden – If he stays healthy this rookie season will be by far his worst.
Nic Batum – Sick defensive player, who had the skills to put up 10 pts a game this year.
Martell Webster – Played 5 minutes for us this year. He was supposed to start.
Jerryd Bayless – KP thinks he was the 4th best player in the draft. He was the MVP of the summer league. Physical freak for his position. Did not play well this year.
Blazers win 54 games this year with minimal help from the 4 above. I don’t think you understand the brilliance of this young roster.
by TrentEdwardsHoF2018 on Apr 24, 2009 7:49 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You are showing your ass if you think Durant isn't going to get better
I can’t believe anyone would say something so freaking ignorant.
I understand the roster well, not sure why the two have to be mutally exclusive, but I guess how things work in your mind. I never said that OKC was 9 or 10 deep. I said they have a lot of talent and are about 2 years behind where Portland is. And it’s arguable, but at the same point in their careers, Green, Westbrook and Durant are ahead of Roy, Aldridge and who? Fernandez? You have two, they have three.
I have to ask you though tiger, when did you get those “high ceiling guys” oh wait, was it in the last two years? Hmmm, seems like you proved my point doesn’t it. And I know Webster was three years ago, but he doesn’t have nearly the ceiling you apparently think he does.
www.TheDreamShake.com Co-Founder and Writer
by UofTOrange on Apr 24, 2009 12:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Here is what I mean...
Kevin Durant is going to become a better player. However, wasn’t he the 4th leading scorer in the league this year? He was a monster this year. Best case scenario…he grows into an even bigger monster.
I’m not saying OKC isn’t in a great position right now but if they want to “catch” the Blazers they NEED to pick up a few more “high ceiling” guys. That is the hard part. Like I said before what the Blazers have right now in young talent isn’t the best in the NBA. It’s the best in pro sports. It’s arguable if its the best of all time.
Martell Webster – I think his ceiling is pretty high. He was a high school draft pick. His 2006/07 campaign was very productive and he was projected to “break out” this year. If this injury doesn’t hobble him he could very easily become a great defensive player and give you 15pts a game. The Blazers are loaded with “starting” talent who will play against other teams backups. In all my years I have never seen a team assembled like this.
You can deny it all you want but by low estimates we are going to be a 60 win team for the next 5 or 6 years. Let me say that one more time for effect…By LOW ESTIMATES we are going to be a 60 win team for the next 5 or 6 years. I wonder what happens if we meet expectations? I wonder what happens if we exceed expectations?
by TrentEdwardsHoF2018 on Apr 24, 2009 3:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
OKC is not a balanced roster of young talent...
…. they are more like Atlanta, only smaller – a lot of “talent” that all needs to dominate the ball in order to excel. The Blazers roster of young talent is more diverse. OKC has a long way to go.
"Greed is Good."
So is Rudy.
by Gekko Mojo on Apr 23, 2009 1:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't agree at all
Durant is the only guy on that squad that needs to dominate the ball. Westbrook is a good facilitator that can also score and Jeff Green is perfect for the extras
www.TheDreamShake.com Co-Founder and Writer
by UofTOrange on Apr 23, 2009 10:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm sorry you don't agree...
…. but I think you are not watching that team play. Both Durant and Westbrook need to handle the ball in their offense, both are slashers and, as a result, they’ve turned Green in to a jump shooter which is a shame because he’s much more effective as a hi/lo post guy. They have no interior muscle (Collison is an NBA pedestrian), and they are one of the worst defensive teams in the NBA (Westbrook is the only guy who even tries to play D). Two years ago, Aldridge, Webster, Rodriguez and Roy were completing their rookie seasons and regular rotation guys like Bayless, Frye, Rodriguez, Oden, and Batum were not even yet with the squad.
Given the fact that OKC’s roster is littered with retreads, rejects and prayers like Collison, Livingston, Des Mason, Kristic, Rob Swift, Malik Rose, Earl Watson, and Damien Wilkens, I’m having a hard time seeing how a knowledgeable person can say that their “core” has more upside when over half the team is not even in the plan.
"Greed is Good."
So is Rudy.
by Gekko Mojo on Apr 24, 2009 8:21 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs