Game Thread 2024-25 GAME #15 - BLAZERS @ THUNDER - NOVEMBER 20, 2024 - 5:00 PM PST - KATU - CHARGE - BV

Looks a lot nicer than here where the street lights are already on at 4 pm.

 

Man, I love the rain though!

 

Didn't realize the Thunder are playing tonight in San Antonio in a cup game. That will give the Blazers a big rest/travel advantage which is unusual for a road game.

We are still a huge underdog, but who knows.

 

Not as much as you think. It would be like us flying home from SF. Guys got back from practice about 8pm here at the hotel. So we have a 6 hour edge if you really want to break it down.

 

6 hour edge sounds pretty damn huge to me, hell even 2 hours of travel would be something.

 

Not very interesting basketball by OKC in tonight's game. Without centers they just dribble the ball down the court and throw up a 3-pointer.

Lots of misses in the 3rd quarter. Shooting 30% on threes for the game.

 

Yeah, this game looks ugly. Let's hope the Thunder don't take it out on us tomorrow.

 

If we had the same level of talent and playing at home….. I would probably agree.

 

No Wemby, Cassel, or Sochan who are the top3 Spurs scorers. Impressive they've played so well.

 

The Blazers should have a big advantage in the paint.

Just can't let OKC get extra possessions and cheap baskets on turnovers and fast breaks.

 

But they played a game tonight. We practiced. Big difference.
Regardless it’s going to be tough to get a win.

 

I worry about Clingan mobility in this game, it might be the type of game he needs to sit more and we even play Deni or something at the 5.

 

Was about to say I hope OKC gets close so they keep their starters in.

But with the cup using point differential that might not matter, they'll probably play their starters regardless.

Pretty big advantage to play an opponent when they're on the 2nd of a B2B after a cup game.

 

Caruso air ball wide open 3.... Oooof

 

OKC's bigs are out. The Blazers should hammer them inside from the get-go (that includes Sharpe of course), then get the hell back on defense.

Thunder at least in tonight's game are sticking mainly to missing 3-point shots. 14-49 as of now. over half of their shots.

 

Talent wins games son. They could play 3 straight nights and still be favored.

 

OKC are experts at playing small. They're used to bigger opponents trying to exploit them and they know how to counter.

Now I can see us using Timelord, Deni, Camara, etc to play using our height inside. But I don't think Clingan is ready for that. It's actually one of the only opponents I'd trust Ayton more on D right now than Clingan.

Certainly think we should give Clingan a brief chance. But if he gets exploited Billups should have a very short leash, put someone else in. Clingan can work on opponents to exploit when they go small but let's start with an opponent that's not the best defensive team in the league as well as the title favorites.

 

No shit sherlock! That wasn't my point. Point is that them playing the night before on the road helps us a little bit. Gives us a bit more of a chance to get the W. You can't argue that... son.

 

Game day.

Looking forward to this road trip. This trip will tell us alot about where we are at, if we should tank, define how important it is to trade the vets, etc.
This road trip should define the balance of the season.

 

I would say that OKC losing last night to a Wemby-less Spurs team will not help the Blazers tonight. Back-to-back games are not always a negative. Sometimes it hurts a team and sometimes it helps. The Thunder will be pissed not tired