Is it just me, or has anybody else noticed a change in the Blazer's offense recently? I believe it has been in the last two games, since McMillan and Roy made comments about the stagnant offense. It really struck me last night when we consistently found Joel cutting down the lane, and ACTUALLY PASSED IT TO HIM. Joel got the ball more cutting, and on the pick-and-slip last night than any game I can remember. I believe this will really help our offense, especially when Greg gets back to full-speed. If we are actually looking for Joel cutting down the lane, I would imagine we should be able to find GO even more.
Yeah, I'm seeing it too. Our first quarter output has improved for it too. I'm also seeing a Blake drive-and-dish to Roy, where Roy starts his offense from the baseline instead of the top of the key. The collapse on Blake gives Roy no double-team when he starts his move, which helps out. I like that Nate's playing Jole like he'll play Greg when he starts again. Joel's not as horrible with the ball as all that, and can run all the same (non-post-up) plays Greg can.
To be honest, I was surprised that Joel was able to catch those passes. Last year he couldn't seem to hold on to the ball. This year he is rolling to the hoop and throwing down monster dunks or getting to the line. An impressive and delightful development.
It looked like they were trying to get the ball to Oden a little bit more. At times he's so wide open, but by the time whoever has the ball reconizes it he's covered. If they'd only get the ball to him right off it'd be a easy basket.
My jaw dropped when I read those statements. Nate McMillen and the Blazers JUST realized a few days ago that their offense was stagnant? These guys do this for a living, and I'm just a fan, but I think we've all been saying that for about the last 3 years. I just figured they weren't capable of playing any differently.
