I think we're choking leads late because we're tied and depleted. Or that teams don't scout us well but adjust in the second half. Or that opponents don't take our MASH unit seriously until the end when they exert just enough effort to win. I think it's not really fair to blame Nate for not having the tools he had when he was getting great post-timeout and late game performance. The best part of this, I'm realizing, is that, despite all the complaining, your complaints won't change a thing. You wail and bitch and moan about Nate, but (a) we're still winning and (b) he won't be fired. I love it. I fucking love that you're completely impotent in this situation, but still whining about it. It gives me a small shiver of joy to see you effectively helpless, twisting in frustration and anger over something so far out of your control. If you had tears, I'd collect them and use the salt as a seasoning. I enjoy Nate-hater pain that much.
Outlaw, Bayless, Rudy, Miller, Aldridge and Webster have all made clutch shots and/or FT's in end-of-game situations. If Oden(healthy) gets deep post position he will score or get fouled. You could argue that we have more 2nd "go-to-guys" than any other team in the league (when healthy).
Miller was in (put into) that situation last night. He took command of the situation, drew the foul, then calmly nailed both free throws. That was nice to see.
I think Miller is a perfectly capable 2nd option. What, he is averaging 20 a game this month? He can score. And knows how. Bayless is also a close to 2nd option. More so than Aldridge. IMO
Since Roy was out Aldridge still blended rather than becoming a force. When he's not popping or rolling he's ineffective.
except of course when he's poking away entry passes to seal a victory... right? Dude isn't setting the world on fire, but this month playing through injury he's posted 16 points on 50% with 8 boards while guarding the other team's top post player. They've been winning games too... seems an odd thing for a fan to be upset about. STOMP
It seems like they just need the 3 or 4 guys who trade off as the second go to guy need to all be willing to take a big shot. Actually, there shouldn't be a player out there who isn't willing to take such a shot. I think they watched the tape of the end of the Boston game and realized if someone had been willing to shoot they would have won. It didn't seem like it was a problem against Detroit. Maybe it's a lesson they took to heart?
I am thoroughly disgusted with Aldridge's game. I had high hopes for him originally, but it's clear that he has no real passion to win--and would rather just hoist up jump shots all day long. He's basically the second coming of Rashweed Wallace, and I'm ready to see him traded for the first good offer.
Except Rasheed was leaned on to be the go-to scorer on the Blazers year in and year out. Aldridge has the advantage of playing second (or even third) fiddle on offense and its all we need. You don't need a 20-10 PF to win an NBA title.
I'm glad you get joy from it. Somewhere an angel got a wing or something. I "wail, bitch and moan about Nate", am proven correct, you don't get it, so let's just move on, ok? Your reach-arounds to Nate don't bother me, it increases board clicks...everyone's a winner. Except season-ticket holders who spend thousands watching a team choke away games that will lead to a) lower playoff seeding (if any), b) an inability to create an offensive scheme that can be effective and repeatable (since "Injury" and "tools" are now your crutches) and a young team not growing in experience, except maybe bad ones. to your salt.
Martell is learning to be that "other" go-to guy. He's hit more clutch shots at crucial times during this season than his previous three years combined (IMO). Regarding the "one-dimensonal"-ness (not a word, obviously) of Rudy & Blake, but similarity to Roy of Miller & Bayless, aren't we taking both sides of the same argument here? Do you want a go-to guy who--with the ball in his hands--can create his own shot (Bayless) or create shots for others (Miller), or one who will play off the ball and nail a shot that is created for him (Blake/Rudy/Webster)? Whichever one we want/need, we have it; what we need is to define what we want in that spot and play to those strengths.
Let Bayless/Rudy/Oden/Batum grow a little and they can be a second option. Bayless has the best chance, I think everyone can agree that shot looked good once it left, but just came up short. One of these guys can grow into that role.
