Game Thread 2023-24 Game #1 - BLAZERS @ CLIPPERS - OCTOBER 25, 2023 - WEDNESDAY - 7:30 PM PST - ROOT

Context is everything, they are used wrong in many of those minutes because less talented, but more established veterans are taking not just minutes but responsibilities from them. E.g. Scoot playing off ball last night. Also, a ton of those minutes were in garbage time, not helpful. Sharpe should have definitely had more minutes than Grant based on impact, yet he didn't. Sharpe should be playing Lillard minutes, which means starting and closing. Sharpe also got a ton of his minute in garbage time. Scoot played a ton in garbage time where his role was correct and then he flourished. He played a ton of empty minutes in the first half being misused off ball, again due to Ant.

 

I'm not going to disagree that certain individuals have grown. However, seeing individual growth is entirely separate from having a coherent (or even having a non-coherent) strategy or game plan with respect to the team as a whole. No obvious offensive scheme other than go out there, have guys stand around the edges (just like they did with Dame) and hope someone drives and either makes a shot or passes it out to someone else who will hopefully make a shot. No movement, no scheme.

Defensively we were getting killed. Yes, the Clippers have some very good players but still, there didn't seem to be an overall defensive scheme other than some zone defense which consistently allowed easy dunks.

This is not about the individual, this is about being able to coach a team.

 

We used to do this once a game.

 

I hear you... While I don't agree everything should revolve around Scoot/Sharpe blindly, I do think putting all players in the best position to succeed would be valuable. I've been on record many times I did not thinkgBillups was going to be a signficant upgrade based of his lack of experience/resume, so please don't take my stance as me saying Billups is a genius coach.

I'm comfortable betting Scoot/Sharpe will averge a combined 60mpg this year. That's a lot for two young guys. Hopefully they are able to maximize the opportunities they are given and for the staff to give them even more chances.

 

I think this is an excellent resolution to our debate. Thank you.

 

All love on my end, you brought up great points!

 

Just because you're a good player it doesn't mean you're going to be a good owner, or broadcaster, or in this case, coach. Billups is far from "proven".

 

As a coach so far, what he has "proven" would indicate (in player terms), that he should go play overseas or perhaps the G-League.

 

DA called the game "confusing".
Welcome to Billups ball Ayton. When opponents D-up and make things uncomfortable for Portland, the X pattern Delta hodgepodge Scott Brooks offense leaves no one back to defend. Except maybe Anfernee, which is never a good thing.

 

How many coaches have already told him that over the years?

 

To be fair, all he is talking about in the clip is the officiating.

 

I think he was discovering the difference between playing for a larger (comparatively speaking) market that is a championship contender, vs. Portland a deep lottery team. I am sure he felt confused by our lack of an offense, but I think it was mostly him being frustrated by biased reffing of an extreme level.

 

Same!

 

I'm OK with the struggle. Two things that annoy me, and probably will the whole season:
1) Getting backdoored and giving up wide open dunks - i.e. bad fundamentals on defense.
2) This idiot reporter.

 

I don’t think that has ever happened before. Maybe Kobe/Shaq? I guess Anybody/Chamberlain.