I think it will be more than that. I think Duncan will pass the torch to Aldridge this series. I know so many analysts have the Spurs all the way, but I truly believe that we have a great shot at upsetting the Spurs.
We absolutely have a shot at winning the series. I don't see them dominating us. If we can steal one of the first two games, I think we will win the series.
I agree we have a good shot. If it were next year, I'd be all about the torch-passing... But maybe the time is now. Who knows?
Yeah hopefully its game 1. I think dropping game 2 would be easier, since we don't have to win 3 in a row to protect HCA.
I wouldn't be surprised if the Spurs sweep us honestly. But I wouldn't be as equally surprised if we swept them. I think this will be a series with one team dominating the other. It just depends on which Portland team shows up, IMO.
I think Matthews will have the duty of guarding another flopper "Manu" this series. Manu is just a slower version of Harden anyway. So here is the match-ups as I see it for the Portland defense. Lillard = Parker Matthews = Gionobli Batum = Leonard Aldridge = Duncan (Aldridge will demand to be the one guarding Duncan) Lopez = Splitter Spurs has a HUGE advantage from the bench. The only way I see Spurs dominating us is by their bench running circles around ours. I am hoping for T-Rob, Mo and Wright to have stellar games; with a little of that Freeland to have solid defensive spurts. We need our bench badly to perform much better than they normally do.
We need to flex our youth, out run the Spurs AND play the higher IQ ball. Terry models our team after Pop, there is no secret there. It will come down to execution. You can pencil in Spurs level of execution, you have to avoid them over-achieving and I think that's why Portland went 2-2 with them this season because we can be disruptive to their process since we use it ourselves. Total team effort is needed to make the Spurs respect each body on the floor, balanced attacking. If we start going heavy on LA or Dame then they can adjust and shut it down. Just have to comit to going to them, allow the adjustment to happen and kick it out and around quick for the best shot.
I'm curious to see if Pop will double Aldridge. He is only the few teams that refuse to double him, which I think is to our advantage. But... Pops is an excellent coach and I wouldn't be surprised if he comes out and doubles him, especially if Aldridge starts going off. I think he will start the game with single coverage to see if Aldridge is hitting his shots, then make an adjustment immediately after.
I think Terry models our system around the championship Mavs team. Don't we even run some of their sets?
Are you talking about Lillard? Damian Lillard? The Damian Lillard who averaged 25.5 ppg, shooting 47% from the field and 49% from three? The Damian Lillard who shot 8 free throws a game at 88%? The Damian Lillard who averaged 6.3 rebounds from the point guard position, dished 6.7 assists, and had 1.3 steals per game? THAT Damian Lillard?
Can't reason with a Spur's fan that thinks Tiago Splitter will do a better defensive job on Aldridge than Howard.
Dave McMenamin @mcten Tony Parker says that Damian Lillard is already among the league's elite: "I think he's definitely a top 5 point guard on the NBA" Dave McMenamin @mcten Tiago Splitter: "I think LaMarcus is a younger Dirk" Mike Tokito @mtokito #Blazers and Spurs have played in three previous series, with Spurs winning two. Portland's win was in 1990 in a classic series it won 4-3. Mike Tokito @mtokito Should also note that Spurs are 7-0 at home in the playoffs vs
lol Guess my takes wouldn't be too popular here. That's fine tho, this is a Blazer board so there's bound to be a bit of bias. Just keep an eye on Green and Splitter, I feel as if they'll be household names in Portland in a few days.
Don't worry about popularity. Just post what you really think, and it's not trolling. You're always welcome here.
