Yeah the offense looked great, but I've been much more focused on this team's effort on defense tonight -- mixed bag IMO.
Sergio gets burned on the pick and roll and Duhon just passes out to shooters or Lee. This is happened on every pick and roll Sergio was defending. It all came down to whether or not the other players made the shot.
The Blazers really need to start forcing the ball inside more to Oden. In 12:38 of game play Oden has 11 points (4-6 shooting), 4 rebounds (3 of them offensive) 2 blocks and 2 turnovers. That is just a glimpse of how his game is starting to evolve (and keep in mind almost all of his points have been after offensive rebounds and no plays have been run for him. He is a much different player when the Blazers look to get him the ball. He changes the way the other team plays the rest of our players.
Very important we win, and win all until the ASG. Denver missed Chauncey, NO missed CP, Utah is injured, LA is w/o Bynum, Dallas lost Terry, HOuston is always injured... so we gotta win and put ourselves in good position goin into the ASG.
Well, I wasn't trying to single out any individual players, but yeah, Sergio might as well just stand still and let Duhon have his way for all the good his "defense" has on keeping him from getting into the lane.
It's not just Sergio, but Sergio is the main culprit. I specifically look at Bayless and Sergio on the defensive end, and not only does Bayless stay in front of his man better, but he's willing to play physical and take fouls whereas Sergio is content on letting the man get past so he doesn't take the foul, and Nate won't pull him.
I agree with that to a certain extent, but it's really much more simple than that, if he stays out of foul trouble he relaxes and comes out of his shell.
I agree. We did start slow, then got hot building a 12 point lead then got sloppy because our perimeter defense was shotty leaving guys wide open and running freely into the lane. To be honest we are pretty fortunate that we countered their run with an immeadiate 7-0 run to get a decent lead back. You cant let bad teams hang around, gives them too much confidence and you can get burnt in the end for it (especially to teams like the Knicks who CAN score).
Maybe Sergio should try backing way off Duhon, daring him to shoot it from the perimeter. That's beter than getting our bigs in foul trouble after Duhon blows by Sergio.
Yup, they did. To be honest I cant think of a reason as to why we would want to be so perimeter oriented. Oden gets real deep position nearly every possesion. He will most likely a) dunk b) get fouled c) get fouled when he is dunking or d) miss a gimmie (but if our players crash the boards they have a chance at a favorable put back attempt. Also we are the most efficient offensive rebounding team in the league. A heavy dose of Oden attacking the hoop means better floor spacing and wide open jumpers for everyone else. Also it foorces the other team into the penalty earlier.
