Game Thread GAME# 74: CLIPPERS@ BLAZERS - APRIL 1, 2015 - WEDNESDAY, 7:00 PM (PST), KGW & NBATV

Was Darkwebs nominated on the Best Poster thread? He should be.

 

I think this game is going to be a barn burner

 

Someone tell Stotts that Redick always kills us. Stop Redick!!

Stotts!! Did you hear me?

 

NBA TV again?!!! sigh. Fuck you, NBA and Turner Sports for blacking out games that should not be blacked out.

Sometimes I wonder why I pay for League Pass.

 

Blazers vs Clippers Pregame!

Interesting game tonight. With the Clippers loss last night it put Portland in a position to deal a heavy body blow to them in the fight for home court. The Clippers starters all played heavy minutes and still couldn't pull out the victory. The fact is the Clippers have a knack for making mind boggling mistakes at the end of games. Barnes fouling Iggy at the end was goofy and of course they ran way too much time off the clock working to get a 3 when they could have got a quick two. I can't say those who question Doc Rivers scheme on end game situations are wrong?

Now the Clippers come into Portland reeling a bit and i would expect their best effort again so Blazers better be ready to weather a storm and out work these guys with steady "heady" play and good defense. The way to beat the Clippers is to simply outwork them. A solid wire to wire effort and team energy is needed. The Rose Garden (I know what they are supposed to call it.....I'm a rebel!) crowd might be the real key in bringing a playoff type atmosphere. Those of you lucky enough to go to this one better bring your "A" game.

In the last game Lillard had an absolute STINKER of a game. He went 1-13 and 0-7 from 3. Throw in 5 turnovers with only 4 assists and it just doesn't get much worse when your counter part goes for 36 pts and 12 asts. Chris Paul has owned Lillard quite a bit over the last few years. The most interesting stat of that game however was Lillard did get 18 rebounds. Go figure? Lillard was a very respectable +14 while on the court and yes the Blazers did in fact win in OT. Kind of makes you want to throw stats out the window sometimes.

The big difference in this game compared to last will be Blake Griffin on the court. the Lamarcus Aldridge vs Blake Griffin has historically gone pretty well for Aldridge. No question this is the Marquee matchup of the night. There is little you can do to guard Griffin when he gets the ball in the paint and the same goes for Aldridge when he gets to his sweet spots on the floor. This game might come down to the free throw line.

I am so glad the Blazers have a center that can hit a free throw. There is absolutely no question Deandre Jordan is a beast but i just can't shake the feeling that in the end this year he will cost them a playoff series. He is the Clippers achilles heel. In this league you have got to make your free throws. I hate when the game goes to Hack a anyone, but if he made 65% or better this would not be a question.

The bench crew for Portland has begun to be a bright spot. Kaman is playing better than he has all year and the same goes for Steve Blake. CJ McCollum might be just beginning to show what he can do. It just cannot come at a better time for the Blazers. If CJ can in fact keep the scoring pressure on good teams with a solid post presence, and good solid wing play by Wright, this unit starts to demand a little more respect. Really the scoring is only part of it because this unit is also playing pretty decent defense. The Clippers are without Crawford and that is huge for their second unit however Rivers Jr has been putting up some decent numbers so they are not without a threat to score.

There is a lot to say about this game but when all is said and done it is in fact a big game. the tie breaker is at stake because of the division title. If these teams do in fact tie and have a series tie the division winner gets the nod. Another funny thing is Houston could also win a division and send Memphis tumbling down the seedings. Memphis of course holds the series advantage on the Blazers. You get what i mean? The Blazers need to play one game at a time and just play solid ball. Try to continue to improve defensively and not worry about the playoffs at this point.

Pick to night is the ROSE GARDEN CROWD! Make it loud in rose city even if you are screaming at the TV. Fun for all. I just love this time of year.

Go Blazers!

kjironman is a fan!!!

 

That would suck. For me on the other hand the NBA TV games guarantee HD. I hate the quality of picture for most League Pass games.

 

Blake Griffin did average 35.5 ppg last season against us. Granted it was only two games, but in my mind he is still a major concern.
I do feel good about this game though.

 

Since this could be a possible first round matchup, I expect the Blazers to show up for this game.

 

I love how we match up with LAC, with the obvious exception of CP3 seeming to be able to get into Dame's head. Get past that, and we crush them.

 

My main concern is if LMA gets into foul trouble. Griffin throws himself into the defender, depending on who the refs are those calls could go either way. Maybe we put Robin on Blake and LMA on Jordan.

I wonder who plays more off the bench at PF, Joel or Wright.

 

Darkwebs, you have outdone yourself.

 

I think Jordan gets in his head as well. He takes away Dame's drive to the basket.

 

I want the Clippers dead!
I want their families dead!
I want their houses burned to the ground!

 

The most unpleasant team in the league to watch with their constant bitching and complaining for calls.