Last year, we would not have won this game. This year? Bench with 34 points, 16 rebounds, and 6 assists in this game. Robinson with 15 points off 6-9 shooting, 8 boards, 1 block and 1 steal in 17 minutes. Mo Williams with 12 points off 5-10 shooting and a HUGE banked in three pointer. The bench is the difference this year, and the bench will be the reason we make the playoffs.
Our bench this year has been a breath of fresh air compared to the stinker that was last year's bench. It's the difference between night and day. Last year, it felt as if we were playing with a hand tied behind our back. Now this season, we got both use of both hands and we're coming out swinging, baby!
Here's another thing to consider.. Dame - 35 minutes Batum - 30 minutes Wes - 37 minutes LMA - 38 minutes Lopez - 28 minutes Aldridge is still playing a little more than we might like, but it's still much better than it was. Our guys will have a much better shot at staying healthy now that we have a decent bench.
Last year everytime we had a majority of bench players in the game I would groan and watch a 15 point deficit open up.
I liked this game quite a bit. I felt like it was the first time this year that I got to see this team react positively to getting punched in the face. Phoenix established a physical game that forced the refs to call it loose, which favored the road team and the Blazers responded by finally settling down in the fourth quarter and running some real offensive sets, playing physical at both ends and matched the intensity of their opponent. The San Antonio game was more fun to watch aesthetically speaking, but this win was far more satisfying and felt more instructive.
My sentiments exactly. To underscore your point: the Suns' starters outscored the Blazers' starters 57-55, which means the Blazers bench had to make up the difference. They did, in large part thanks to Thomas Robinson and Mo Williams. In terms of individual scoring nights? Pretty lousy for Portland's starters. Aldridge: an atrocious 5-19 for 12 points. Lillard: an equally unsightly 4-13 for 11 points. Only Lopez and Mathews were close to 50% shooting. Contrast that with the bench: 27 points on a combined 11 of 19 shooting from Thomas Robinson and Mo Williams.
Tough hard fought game. Phoenix didn't get the tank memo. I agree that we probably wouldn't have pulled that one our last season.
Couple things of notice. Thomas Robinson and LA were in the game together in the fourth WITHOUT a 7 footer and were highly effective. The team is playing without CJ McCollum This was Thomas Robinson's best game as a Blazer. There are times he appears listless and unmotivated. But tonight he showed what he could be both on offense and defense. The Team is playing without CJ McCollum Mo Williams reminds me of the Microwave. And is playing a similar role on this team. The Team is playing without CJ McCollum Robin Lopez looks like Sabas when he shoots his hook. The team is playing without CJ McCollum This team is so much faster on D this year and so cohesive The team is playing without CJ McCollum Overall, a breakout game for TRob. Did I mention Portland is playing without CJ McCollum? Easily an additional 10 points
This is what I've been talking about since we made the trades. This is step #1 towards becoming a consistent playoff team.
The type of minutes Aldridge is playing won't take as big of a toll on him either. Playing the true 4 is a lot better for his endurance I think.
