How the heck did Miami come into this game with a 7-7 record? They looked even worse this year than last season when they only won 15 games. Games like tonight really drove home how fortunate we are to have 4 players between 6'11" and 7'1". Miami has NO front line. They didn't have a starter over 6'8" (yeah, I know Beasley is listed at 6'9", but his pre-draft measurements say otherwise) and the Blazers OWNED the boards 55-28. Aldridge and Frye simply shot over their shorter Heat defenders and Joel, Oden and Aldridge (yes, that's right) owned the paint. I can't remember the last time I witnessed a more one-sided contest. If this was a fight, it would have been stopped in the first round. If not for winning the title just 3.5 years ago, I'd almost feel sorry for the Heat. Outside of Dwyane Wade, their roster stinks. I know Beasely is just a rookie, but I was not impressed. He's the very definition of a black hole (18 FGA, 0 AST) and forced up a ton of bad shots. When he took the ball to the basket against the bigger defenders he was constantly rejected. On defense, he was just flat out horrible. Channing Frye just totally abused him, as did LaMarcus Aldridge (combined 33 points on 14-21 shooting). He obviously doesn't have the length to guard 4s, and it didn't look like he has the foot speed or lateral quickness to guard 3s. In short, he looks like the classic tweener (Corliss Williamson with more range on his jumper). Batum was everywhere. The kid just has a nose for the ball, quick active hands and those long arms. The more I see of him, the more I realize what a steal we got - again. In a game that featured Oden, Rudy and Michael Beasely, tonight Batum was the best rookie on the court (and Rudy was pretty darn good, too). In the last three drafts, we have basically bought Sergio, Rudy and Batum. Amazing. BNM
Batum quickly became my favorite player this season. I thought it would be Rudy. But it's Nico. I don't care about his stats. Just watch him play. And he's only 19 years old. What a steal. In KP I trust.
That was the most fun game I have watched in the last five years or more. Everybody was firing on all cylinders. I was getting bummed when they got within 13 points, and then we put in some fresh bodies and away we went again. We are deep. Probably too much to hope that they will all be on task on the same night like that all the time.
Most telling stat of the night: The Blazer missed 40 shots from the field, but Miami only grabbed 18 defensive rebounds. The Blazers had more offensive rebounds (19) than the Heat had defensive boards (18). That's not something you see everyday, and when you do it almost always means a blow-out victory. The Blazers didn't do it once last season, but have done it twice already this season - the 42-point win over the Bulls and tonight's 38-point drubbing of the Heat. Again, what a luxury to have four guys on the roster between 6'11" and 7'1". Rebounding was a weakness for this team last season, but it has now become a strength. In the first 16 games of the season, the Blazers are averaging a full 4 more offensive rebounds per game than their opponents. That's a huge, and very significant difference. Offensive rebounds usually lead to two things - high percentage put-backs, or a trip to the FT line. In both cases, those extra possessions lead to a lot of easy points. BNM
Second most telling stat of the night: The Blazers starting backcourt combined to shoot 4 - 19 from the field - and the team still won by 38. This is another indication of just how bad Miami's bigs are. Our front court players, starters and subs, outscored theirs 74 - 34 and out rebounded them 37 - 16. BNM
One important distinction is that our four guys between 6'11" and 7'1" are all non stiffs. I think the OP underrates Beasley a bit. The big question mark from him is contuing dedication but he can be an absolute beast and already has been at times. I think within two years he'll be a 20/10 guy easy. He was equally as dominant as Kevin Durant in college and is stronger and I think will ultimately translate to the NBA better.
to take that a step further, they've good size/length at every position... most everyone on the roster is at least pretty athletic for their spot too. Cumulatively this adds up to getting more boards, steals, blocks, and loose balls. Just wait till they mature a bit and learn to play together STOMP
Perhaps you're right. My comments were based on an unimpressive performance in a 38-point blow-out. He's probably a better offensive player than he showed tonight, but come on man, give up the rock once in a while. 18 FGA with 0 assists would embarrass Zach Randolph and Eddie Curry. However, the REAL problem I see for Beasely is on the defensive end. Who is he going to guard? Most power forwards in the league are 6'10" - 7'0" these days and Beasely doesn't have the length to guard them (as was exposed tonight by Aldridge and Frye). And, he just doesn't seem to have the quickness to guard small forwards. So, while he may score more eventually than he did tonight, I see him giving up as much, or more, on the other end. BNM
I may have to ignore everyone on this board other than the posters on this thread. Good stuff and no one said SUCKS. An IQ test may need to be implemented before being allowed to post on this board.
I was thinking about this during last night game. Sitting in the garden up by 20 + points I was sad thinking we have to trade some of this guys to thin out our roster. Trading Nico would be a mistake, Webster haven't even played this year and Outlaw fits perfectly with the bench. Even Sergio's game improved over the past 10 games or so. Who do we trade?
I was there too. Was this not the second game in a week or so where we basically won by 40? Regarding Batum: He reminds me of a young Scottie Pippen. Has that comparison already been made? No matter, it fits. This team looks very, very good!
I agree. A 19 year old rookie playing like he is? No way I trade him! Most likely the player that loses out is Frye. After all he,,,,naw I won't say it.
I agree. Frenchie has incredible poise for someone his age. Imagine how good Nic will be in 2-3 years when he develops his jumper and adds about 15+ lbs.
Beasley's standing reach is the same as Al Horford who starts at center for the Hawks. He's not been good at guarding anyone so far, but I wouldn't blame his size for it. He's pretty young/green and talented... I bet he'll come around at least somewhat. So far D seems like it was probably always an afterthought for him as he's always been the deluxe scorer. He is reported to have a good work ethic. If so, he should at least be able to become mediocre on that end. STOMP
It's amazing how far this team has come from just last year. We are winning big, winning close games, and playing pretty tough every night (gotta throw the Lakers game out of course). Last year we won a lot of close games, but didn't ever have these 40 point dominating performances. We've made the jump in my book to a top-tier team, but not quite elite yet. With a confident and conditioned Oden, along with a healthy Webster, we could be there after the All-Star break. And I love Batum! I can't believe Pritchard did it again. Most of us thought he'd be better if we kept him overseas for a couple years, but he's surpassed every expectation so far. He's the perfect glue guy that we've needed at SF and will only get better.
