Game Thread GAME# 49: BLAZERS @ THUNDER - JANUARY 22, 2019 - TUESDAY, 5:00 PM, NBATV & NBCSNW

Sure. Keep thinking that. The very best teams in the league all have bad games on the second of B2B's with travel time included. Every team falls prey to this when the schedule goes this way. The Blazers travel more than any team in the league. This isn't and excuse. It's fact.

 

there's definitely something to this IMO

and it may go quite a distance in explaining why Portland 'overachieves' in the regular season and falls flat in the playoffs

just look at what Dame did last season. He was his usual self over the first 30 games; he then 'rested' in 7 games out of 9 due to a minor injury. Shortly after he came back, he went into super-star mode and carried Portland to 3rd seed. And while in that mode, he had the time off during all-star break. Sure looks like the only break he's going to get is during all-star week. And like you pointed out, Dame is burning thru a lot of reserves because opponents are forcing him into physical situations, possession after possession.

You can be certain that opposing western conference coaches see the value in wearing Lillard down during the regular season. Meanwhile, Stotts can't seem to see the forest thru the trees and is investing everything into securing every possible regular season win. It's short-sighted

 

The Bench went back to being mediocre, plain and simple. And Chief couldn't hit a shot if his life depended on it. Dame, Nurk, and CJ were playing their collective arses off. The difference in the game was OKC's supporting cast came to play. Ferguson couldn't miss. Jake's shot went south last night, but I liked that he still contributed in other ways. For the Blazers to beat the top teams, they can't have those kind of performances from the bench. It's the same for OKC. Had their supporting cast played like the Blazers' , they would have lost as well. It's not dire, but the bench MUST become more consistant. They need to start setting better picks for Curry to get open looks. Zach needs to wake the "F" up! If his shot isn't falling, do other things. Hustle on double teams, and get back to make a difference. He's standing around too much. Meyers is Meyers. Up and down. I Like Jake's progression, but if Neil can add a quality piece for the bench , get it down.

 

Jake, to me, needs MORE minutes going forward. Moe, is Moe (engaged, excellent, mope city not good). I liked that Stotts played Jake with the starters late. That needs to continue.

 

yes, it's a fact generically, but in this specific case, it's also an excuse. OKC was on a b2b as well; their b2b was a little easier, it's true....

But:

* Portland played 3 games in 6 nights and their travel was Portland --> Utah --> OKC (2 flights; 1950 miles)

* OKC played 4 games in 6 nights and their travel was OKC --> LA --> Philly --> NY --> OKC (4 flights; 5600 miles)

it's just about impossible to argue that Portland had the more difficult week with more travel....so yeah, excuses

 

The Tool, A.K.A. Westbroke is a piece of work. I love that Nurk is getting under his skin. Nurk ain't afraid of "Roid Rage".

 

That's fair. Again, Nurk, Dame, and CJ came to play. Their supporting cast was still stuck on the tarmac.

 

NBA improved the schedule this year, but what they need to take into effect is teams in different time zones. We are the only division that has divisional games in 3 different time zones. With Seattle moving to OKC several years ago, realignment should have been done then as no way does OKC belong in the NW division. Portland and Phoenix could switch places and it would improve immensely

 

Nurk is like Honey Badger. He don't give a fuck.

 

All true, but I would offer this caveat - the 3 guys who should have been the most tired were the only ones who played reasonably well.

 

The furthest team in our division is now almost 2000 miles away and the closest is 760 miles. By going to the pacific we would be 962 mile away from the furthest and closest would be 580 miles away.

Current divisions
to Salt Lake City 760 miles
to Denver 1240 miles
to Minnesota 1729 miles
to OKC 1910 miles
total 5,640 miles

Pacific Division
to Sacramento 580 miles
to San Francisco 635 miles
to LAC 960 miles
to LAL 960 miles
total 3135 miles

5000 miles in difference when you factor in twice at each location on the road in the respective divisions and then factor in the time zone changes and it is definitely a disadvantage for Portland being in the NW as opposed to the Pacific. Phoenix is almost half the distance to OKC than Portland is and also much closer to Denver as well as Salt Lake City. It definitely adds up and by going to the Pacific it brings the playing field a little more even. The east coast has a definite advantage as look at how close teams like NY, Brooklyn, Philadelphia and Toronto are to each other.

 

You think this tweet deserves props? Russ wasn't telling Dame, "Hey my team always beats yours!"
He was informing Mr. Lillard that HE has been killing him for years. Goes to show Westbrook's mentality. He is all about himself and not the team. But it's just like at the parks growing up, he doesn't care his team loses, he is just reminding Dame that he gets his. Russ is Russ, love him or hate him.

 

If the triggered turtle was so worried about individual matchups he should guard Dame himself the entire game instead of letting guys like Roberson and George draw the assignment instead.

 

Collins had 6 boards last night and 4 of them was on the offensive end in 12 minutes of play. I don't where he was standing around. He also 2-3 for 4 points and assist to Leonard.

 

I don't know thinking about he always have the upper hand I remember last a couple time when the Blazers beat them he got so mad Dame not only was Dame was getting the best of him and his team losing that he thru a fit and check his self out of the game. Russ probably have lost more games in the 4th QT for his selfish play then ever has in career.

 

I love Nurk, but he got utterly destroyed in that tweet. Perhaps he shouldn't trash talk after a loss when the Blazers are 0-2 against them this year.

 

Perhaps you should try hiding your Nurkic hate better, it’s getting boring. “I love Nurk” lmao get outta here I don’t think there’s anyone quicker to jump on him the minute he has some adversity on this forum than you.