Trail Blazers in search of their 'freedom' after Game 1 lockdown by Spurs

http://www.oregonlive.com/blazers/in...after_gam.html




Jason Quick | jquick@oregonian.com By Jason Quick | jquick@oregonian.com
Follow on Twitter
on May 07, 2014 at 9:07 AM, updated May 07, 2014 at 11:21 AM



SAN ANTONIO -- The Trail Blazers left their Game 1 disaster on Tuesday marveling at San Antonio’s aggressive mentality, and nowhere was that more apparent than on the defensive end.

“The way they guarded me … it was way different than what I faced in the first six games against Houston,’’ Blazers small forward Nicolas Batum said. “I had no freedom. I couldn’t do anything.’’

Batum, who started 1-for-9 and finished 3-for-12, wasn’t alone. The Blazers as a team made just 37.8 percent of their shots, which included an 0-for-8 effort from three-point range through the first three quarters.

“They turned it up,’’ Wesley Matthews said. “They turned their intensity up. I think we were rushing and moving too fast. I don’t think we let our plays develop. We have to fine tune. It’s a long series.’’

As the Blazers’ wings, Batum and Matthews are a vital components of Portland’s flow offense, which spreads the court for Damian Lillard to penetrate while also creating space for LaMarcus Aldridge to operate.

But Batum and Matthews were rendered moot in Game 1, combining to make 5-of-18 shots for 15 points. The individual effort of noted defender Kawhi Leonard and the early job by Danny Green contributed to the off night, but more than anything, the Blazers talked of the Spurs team defense.

“It wasn’t one guy on me, it was everybody,’’ Batum said. “They play great team defense. Everytime I got a step, a big guy would step up on me. You can ask Mo (Williams) and Dame (Lillard): We had no freedom.’’

It’s that freedom of space that makes the Blazers’ flow offense click. Usually, the Blazers are full of motion and multiple passes, but on Tuesday, they appeared unsure and congested.

“We can’t let them dictate the game like that,’’ Batum said.

Added Matthews: “They were aggressive on the pick-and-rolls – we thought they would be – but we played too fast and into their hands.

But it’s hard when you don’t get stops,’’ Matthews said, referring to the Spurs’ 60 percent shooting in the first half. “You are playing against a halfcourt defense and you don’t win 60 plus games without being a good defensive team.’’

So it was on to Wednesday’s practice, where the Blazers will try to change their approach, and try to regain their offensive freedom.

“We all know we can get better,’’ Matthews said.

--Jason Quick | @jwquick

 

In other words

 

They're surprised that SA's defense is better than Houston's? Christ on a cracker, we're fucked.

 

Spursfan, maxiep would like to know if he can come over for a sleep over.

 

You're an interesting case. Usually by the 500th post or so, people become aware of the landscape here. You seem to have missed it entirely. I guess we'll give you until your 1,000th post.

 

Thanks again?

 

Sick post count burn.

 

Like I said in another thread, I suspect the Blazers were thinking about all of those regular season games against the Spurs where they were able to move around and "do things," sort of like sparring with a really good fighter who is going 75% because he's on a light day.

 

Such a bad attitude to have. Approaching any team in the playoffs based off how the regular season, especially the Spurs, will get a quick sweep in the playoffs. Playoffs as everyone says, is a whole different animal.

 

The thing is, if we--a bunch of internet nerds--know that, how can they not?

 

There's a difference between knowing it because somebody warns you and knowing because the playground bully punched you as hard as he can in the mouth.

 

Your double signature is annoying, Albeit cool. How bout just picking one?

 

That's it exactly. The Spurs have been there and they know how to bring that extra effort that winning in the playoffs requires. Houston was another young team and they aren't in the same league with the Spurs when it comes to playoff experience. All I can say is, the Blazers had better be quick learners or they're going to become quick vacationers.

 

I have mad respect for the Spurs and Pop but the Spurs fan site is down the hall, 1st door on the right!

 

...and don't forget to wash your hands after flushing.

 

This

 

Article didn't really touch on how the Blazers could get such offensive freedom back, stupid title..

 

If Quick could figure that out, then we woudn't need Stotts (or cmeese). There's a reason the Spurs have had so much success for so long.

 

This is gonna sound odd, but I think our players respect them too much. Lotta these quotes sound defeatist. Almost as if we don't belong...

Really need some confidence tonight even if we don't win.

 

"Man, the Spurs are so good, so experienced, so well coached, we're just lucky to be on the same court with them."

Kind of like that?

Maybe the Spurs will read their press clippings and we can sneak a game from them.