Dame has improved at finishing at the rim

Discussion in 'Portland Trail Blazers' started by Natebishop3, May 13, 2014.

  1. Natebishop3

    Natebishop3 Don't tread on me!

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    He had at least three or four drives last night that were truly impressive. At least once I saw him take the contact and still find a way to get the layup. I thought he was fouled a few times with no call, but it seemed like he gave up on trying to draw the foul and focused on making the layup.

    He has definitely improved though.
     
  2. Boise Blazer

    Boise Blazer Thread Lightly

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    He has made that improvement in one season that most players take 3-4 years to do. Why some people think he has reached his ceiling is beyond me.
     
  3. Natebishop3

    Natebishop3 Don't tread on me!

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  4. HailBlazers

    HailBlazers RipCity

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    His patience around the rim has improved as well, if you watch Parker he doesn't rush anything and is highly effective because of it.
     
  5. Natebishop3

    Natebishop3 Don't tread on me!

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    Patience, and just his ability to take the contact and still put up a good shot. That's the big difference, in my opinion.
     
  6. blue32

    blue32 Who wants a mustache ride?

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    I noticed that he was doing very well last night finishing. I also saw that he was doing more hesitation 'shimmy-shakin' on his way to the hoop. It seemed to work alot. I wonder if was studying some tape or whatever because its working.
     
  7. Natebishop3

    Natebishop3 Don't tread on me!

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    The guy can get to the rim whenever he wants against the Spurs. They're so worried about him shooting the three, they've completely left the lane open for the drive.
     
  8. BlazerCaravan

    BlazerCaravan Hug a Bigot... to Death

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    I liked when he jumped Ginobli out of his shoes on one hesitation on the right side around the three point line.
     
  9. Natebishop3

    Natebishop3 Don't tread on me!

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    [video=youtube;C9EArums9hQ]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C9EArums9hQ[/video]

    The drive at the :55 mark is the one I'm talking about. He gets Splitter on a switch, he goes around him and then drives right into Diaw. It was a beautiful play.
     
  10. magnifier661

    magnifier661 B-A-N-A-N-A-S!

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    This is why I wanted the series against SAS. They are forcing him to drive to the paint; which trains him to score points in other ways. Regardless if we lose this series or not, this is much needed for Dame to get to that next level! I'm so proud of him!
     
  11. Natebishop3

    Natebishop3 Don't tread on me!

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    That little floater looked awesome last night. If he could hit that shot consistently he would be dammed near unguardable.
     
  12. magnifier661

    magnifier661 B-A-N-A-N-A-S!

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    Yeah and that herky jerky fake for the pull up 10 footer was sick too!
     
  13. Boise Blazer

    Boise Blazer Thread Lightly

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    And I think many people including myself have said that Tony Parker is EXACTLY who he should look at to model that floater after. So that is good for him to see 5-7 straight games.
     
  14. Eastoff

    Eastoff But it was a beginning.

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    That is Baynes, not Splitter.
     
  15. Natebishop3

    Natebishop3 Don't tread on me!

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    Eh, you know those big white centers, they all look alike :devilwink:
     
  16. Eastoff

    Eastoff But it was a beginning.

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    Splitter is much more talented than Baynes though. But I think you're right. When Damian can draw the big man on a switch out, he is cleared for posterizing.
     
  17. Sedatedfork

    Sedatedfork Rip City Rhapsody

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    This is a great point. I remember his first year, this was a loud criticism of Dame. He can't finish at the rim. In last night's game and in the Houston series, he has shown a ton of improvement in this area.
     
  18. blue32

    blue32 Who wants a mustache ride?

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    damn some of those drives :clap:
     
  19. Mediocre Man

    Mediocre Man Mr. SportsTwo

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    He sure looked good at the rim last night.

    I say last night because I didn't really notice it during the season
     
  20. tlongII

    tlongII Legendary Poster

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    It's only natural that he would improve this area of his game. He has the athleticism and strength to finish at the rim. I believe it has taken him a while because he didn't play against so many big guys in college while at Weber State. He's used to it now.
     

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