Game Thread GAME# 1: JAZZ @ BLAZERS - OCTOBER 25, 2016 - TUESDAY, 7:00 (PDT), KGW

Second because Spurs scored more points and allowed less.

 

I'm not really sure where you're coming from. That is EXACTLY the kind of game we need Dame to play night in, night out. His scoring was incredibly efficient and within the flow of the offense. He was a hero and a leader without resorting to hero ball.

This wasn't Russell Westbrook scoring 39 points on 32 shots and freezing out his teammates in the 4th quarter of a loss. Dame scored 39 points on just 20 FGA. He shot .650 FG%, .667 3FG% and 1.000 FT%. It doesn't get much more efficient than that. Isn't this what we all want, a more efficient Dame?

I know it's only one game, but it's the game you are talking about. Last year, Steph Curry was the NBA's first ever unanimous MVP. He averaged 3o.1 ppg on 20.2 FGA per game. He had a historic 50/45/90 season. If Dame continues to be anywhere near this efficient he deserves to be in the MVP conversation.

He also had 6 ast and an AST% of 38.9. His career best AST% was 33.6 last season. He found his open teammates and they found him. Of his 13 made FG, 5 of them were assisted. That's 38.5% - which is nearly double his 20.3% assisted FG percentage from last season. Which is pretty amazing considering how may of his made FG were off drives finishing at the rim over Rudy Gobert, his 9'7 standing reach and 7'9" wingspan.

So, he moved the ball well and was willing to play off the ball. He got his shots within the flow of the offense. He scored efficiently, attacked and finished well at the rim, drew fouls and got to the line. He actually did all the things you say you want him to do, and then some. It seems like you're focusing more on what he said more than how he actually played.

BNM

 

I know you do, and the same here. Just messing with you..... Lol

 

BTW, some of our scorekeepers were a little too generous in getting Dame assists last night.

Like the one where he gave it to Noah who dribbled three times across the lane and threw in a hook.... was counted as an assist for Dame. Had a few more just like that.

OKC is notorious for doing this-- let's not stoop to their level.

 

Calabro is doing it properly treating them like the peons they are. This way the truckers won't get big heads and be mean to the rookies.

 

Id like to point out that I also saw two specific plays where Dame had a three, dribbled a few feet inside and then pulled up to look for a shot but passed instead.

There is no valid criticism from Dame's game last night and if you are criticizing, then you are delusional. You meaning anyone. Not YOU specifically.

 

Go back and look at old Jazz games....the running joke was, that the Utah stats people counted Stockton's passes in warmups pregame as assists!

 

So who are these scorekeepers anyway? And the guys who run the clock?

Does each arena have a single guy (who is probably a fan and inherently biased) run and keep track of these things?

 

Dame did it all tonight on offense. Added more mid range jumpers to his arsenal. He seemed to have gotten away from that after his rookie year. Not completely, just not as much as a focus.

But it what his drives to the basket that were special. Being healthy helps, as his quickness was evident. But even more so, as quick as he was going, his body control seemed better.

 

Yep everytime Stockton would feed Malone in the post...it was an assist. Even if Karl held onto the ball for 10 seconds while he backed someone down.

 

Yeah, that was weird. Vonleh and Lyles have kind of flip flopped since summer league. I know it's "just summer league", but Lyles looked like a stud poised to have a breakout season and Vonleh looked like a 20-year old trying to find his way.

I really expected a lot more out of Lyles last night. I was even thinking at some point, in the not too distant future, UTA may have to make a decision between him and Favors. As solid as Favors is, on both ends, at the rate Lyles seemed to be improving, it looked like he'd be pushing Favors for that starting job by the end of the year, or at the very east, cutting into Favor's minutes at the 4.

Last night, not so much.

And then Vonleh continues to impress. It's like a light went on in that PHO game and he's figured it out and is putting it all together. It still boggles my mind that he just turned 21 two months ago. It's like he turned 21 and became a MAN overnight.

BNM

 

I'm hoping Ezeli helps with all the jumpers that were open at FT line off of screens. Too much separation and no shot blockers nearby most of the time leading to wide open jumpers.

 

That's how CP3 lead the league in APG when playing for the Hornets.

 

With you 100 percent on this. I drafted Lyles on my s2 fantasy team specifically because of this. Not going to drop him after 1 game, but Vonleh looked like the better prospect out there. Didn't think I would be typing that.

 

I am not sure he will help that far out. Look at Gobert, he has a 9'7" standing reach, (and a 7'8' wing) and although he does a good job of defending the rim, did he alter many 15 foot jumpers?

 

We aren't trading Vonleh

 

So, this was the first ever in a season opener? History!

 

It checks.

http://bkref.com/tiny/ii81T