Last year, Portland had one of the most efficient offensive systems in the NBA. This year? They are discombobulated, uncoordinated, and just plain bad. Last year, Portland had one of the worst defenses in the NBA. This year? They have arguably one of the best defenses in the NBA. Last year, Portland would make fans rage by getting down double digits in the 1st-3rd quarters and then magically come back in the 4th. This year, Portland builds up double digit leads in the 1st-3rd quarters, then makes fans rage by giving it all away in the 4th. Any others?
Well, I think the Offense is a matter of lots of changes. Andre getting a lot of staring time. Webster is here now and no batum or outlaw now. Howard is here instead of Channing. These things though, I think they will improve over the year. So I believe our Offense will improve, perhaps not to 2nd in the league, but still great.
I like what this team a lot more. Coming from behind is much harder to do than holding onto 20 point leads. Ed O.
I love the defensive effort, but man...the offense is painful to watch, especially since it should be better with Miller.
Right On B-Roy. Our Problem this year is the better one to have though, defense is all about work ethic and heart. We obviously got that. Offense is about team work and execution. We will have that once we get our rotation nailed down. I'd say were in for a good season. now B like B Roy and be Patient. It will all come together in due time.
Part of the offensive problem is that teams have figured out how to easily throw off our Roy 1-4 play. Tonight Detroit didn't have much problem defending it late in the game, and they totally threw off our offense. I think Nate might need to change up his late-game play calling, or design in more movement on the 1-4.
Yes, the team's offensive efficiency has gone down with each game Andre Miller has starter. Conversely, the defensive efficiency has risen with each game he's started.
They started calling it way too early in the game. At least that is what it seemed like. It also looked like they were calling it without Roy in the game and Miller being the guy who creates. All bad ideas in my opinion.
Last year the starting 5 were big. This year the starting 5 are small. Last year Portland dominated the boards. This year not so much.
What's that old saying about fatigue making cowards out of everyone? No Batum, no Outlaw, Oden only playing limited minutes, a midget line-up that would make Don Nelson proud........by the 4th quarter, the team just folds. Even when they win, they play the 4th quarter like a bunch of guys who just want to get out of there.
110% B-Roy! No killer instinct. No killer anything, really? I'm not a Nate Hater - but do you ever see Coach showing any emotion? Maybe he's rubbing off on his team? I'm not sure what is up? But things are not rosey in the City of Roses guys!
Last year, people were relatively positive about this team. This year, we have a better record, but most people are negative toward it.
good observations. how bout this one? last year, Martell gets sidelined for the season and so Batum takes over Martell's starting spot this year, Batum gets sidelined for the season and so Martell takes over Batum's starting spot
Tonight Miller was 3-7 for 10 points, 11 assists and only 2 turnovers in 32 minutes. I don't see what there is to complain about there.
Our offense has been painful to watch for years. Portland just happened to make a higher ammount of jumpers than normal teams might. I said this in another thread, but basketball is supposed to be entertaining. Players standing around while the shot clock runs down and then taking an off ballanced jumper against the clock, is not as entertaining as having multiple players in motion and hitting cutters for layups and dunks.
Well if I had to choose one from the other, I would rather have a much better D than O. I think in time the Blazer's offense will kick it in gear. At least our FG% is much better than the first 5 games. I was deeply embarrassed with a 40% from the field average. I think we are like 45% now.
Last year, people other than Portland didn't think we would make the playoffs. This year, we are expected to be one of the top 4 teams in the West. With higher expectations, more stress is put on the Blazers and their fans. We are expected to win. When we lose to teams we probably marked as wins, it freaks you out. I.E. Houston, and the 2 Atlanta losses.
