Game Thread 2024-25 GAME #31 - BLAZERS VS MAVS - DEC 28, 2024 - SAT - 7:00 PM - CHARGE - BLAZERVISION

She has his eyes and smile,

 

I was just teasing

 

What exactly is this asst coach doing that Chauncey didn't do?

 

Apparently he's getting Scoot to play good...

 

One thing I noticed in the last 2 games is more situational game time changes. For example, with 0.4 seconds left in the half last game when the Jazz were inbounding the ball, Bjorkgren put in Clingan just to guard the inbound pass. Not a huge impact, but the small things add up.

In Scoot's case - I've noticed that Avdija and Scoot have been bringing the ball up the court more, rather than Simons. I wonder if this is putting Scoot in a position to pass first, rather than try to work off the ball with Simons. If Simons brings the ball up the court when Scoot is in, and Scoot get the ball passed to him with 10 seconds left on the clock, he's probably feeling more pressure to create a tough shot or force a pass that might not be there creating potentially more turnovers.

2 games don't make a huge trend. My question above was an honest question. Perhaps the coach has nothing to do with it, and Scoot just had 2 good games. Whatever it is, I'm hoping the trend continues.

 

Thanks for the thorough response. I didn't observe any drastic differences. Seemed more like a coincidence.

 

Sorry, my response was meant as a joke. I didn't watch the last 2 games. My daughters were playing.

 

Do we want Cooper Flagg or what?

 

lol not you, i was replying to @42N8Bounce

 

You got your wish, very good games buy Scoot/Shae/Deni/Ayton. Sharpe definitely looks to be "emerging" and if Scoot can maintain these last few games then Scoot is far from "busty", his D and steals looked good last night and if he can keep those turnovers down he's solid at least.

 

He definitely played some unusual lineups. He also tried to play Murray and Rupert, but they were so stunned that it went South quickly.

 

Fantastic game and win. What team ball. I love it!

 

I think the problem is that the organization is going in multiple directions. Chauncey wants to win so when they let him go he can get another job. The players all want to win or play well for a multitude of different reasons. Some to get the next contract. Some because they want out and to raise their stock. And some to just win. Then there is management who needs to win to keep their job, but also know Flagg is a franchise player.

 

Yeah, coach and players don't give a damn about the draft. When healthy, we're too good to have a high chance at number 1 pick. This could mean vets will be traded by feb deadline

 

It's an interesting way to look at it.
Last year picks 1-4
#1 Hawks 36-46 record. 10th seed in the east.
#2 Wizards 15-67 record 14th seed in the east.
#3 Rockets 41-41 record 11th seed in the west.
#4 Spurs 22-60 record 14th seed in the west.

The worst record picked 5th (Pistons). We all know the Blazers were the worst in the west and picked 7th.
I still think it's pretty important the Blazers don't win more than 20 games. Right now it looks like they are heading for 25-30 wins. That will still get them a Lottery pick.

 

I don't think management needs to win to keep their jobs. In the last 3+ seasons the Blazers are 92-185 and the managers still have their jobs

other than that quibble your description of confusion and apathy seem pretty accurate

 

Agree 100% with the management take.

 

There was a 5-minute stretch in the 1st quarter when Scoot, Ant, and Shae were all in there together which was very entertaining. The defense was actually pretty good. In that stretch, they outscored the Mavs 16-7. I think it can work in small stretches. Ayton was in there for most of that as well.

Interestingly, neither Ant nor Ayton held back the development of Shae and Scoot in this game. They all played well.

 

Think of this as good advertising that sets up a trade. One step back so we can take two steps forward.

 

that would sure be better than the 2-steps-back/1-step-forward we've seen over the last 3 years