Game Thread GAME# 33: MAVERICKS @ BLAZERS - DECEMBER 23, 2018 - SUNDAY, 6:00 PM, NBCSNW

You forgot the most important numbers: 121-118.

 

"If Wes hits some of those shots". Well that could be said of every player in the league on any given night. He didn't, and much of it was due to being harassed by CJ. CJ & Dame are improved defensively, whether the haters want to believe it, or not. CJ has hit plenty of clutch shots of late. That dunk in traffic set the tone.

 

It was "sick" after that wicked shot to tie it in regulation. Dude doesn't even look young. Looks very mature for a teenager. In his late 20's. Plays like a veteran. The teams that had a chance, and didn't draft him, F'd up.

 

And only won titles because they hit their open shots. Kinda the object of the game, "hit shots". Especially when they're open looks. Like I always say, Dame would average 10 assist a game, if his teammates hit their "open" shots.

 

I'm not a fan of CJ, but he did play fairly well last night, especially in the 2nd half, and had a somewhat un-CJ type game. Now, 22 points on 20 FGA's wasn't good, that's only 1.1o points/FGA which is below his 1.17 average this year. And while he did go into dribble-fest a few times it wasn't as heavy as usual. Better was that he didn't have complete hoop-lock and actually found an open Nurkic a couple of times and an open Dame once. If he'd do that more while dribbling less, he wouldn't be hammered as much as he is around here

I'd still want him traded though

 

So you're saying we should hold C.J. and Anfernee to the same standards huh?

 

CJ has not improved defensively. A good quarter against Wesley Matthews doesnt change that.

 

The one thing that CJ does bring is that he ABSOLUTELY MUST be guarded. Teams have to take him seriously. If they don't? He will kill them. He will drop 50 on any team that does not take him seriously. The Same goes for Dame. They have to make sure those guys are guarded.
Nurkic has 7 years in this league. Since being a Blazer his numbers have actually gone down. Though they are better than they have been anywhere else.

The Blazers need another player that will make teams pay if they don't take that player seriously. A player that will absolutely destroy them if they don't guard him. Until they get that player any team at any time can beat the Blazers. Just my take on things.

 

Win is all that matters from this match. This is NBA, no easy wins. Respect for Doncic who took responsibility at the end, with his 19 years old.. and yes for those who wonder how to pronounce his surname it is exactly like this: Donchich.

 

Well technically KingSpeed has a case. Doncic only hit 1/3 of his shots while CJ hit half of his.

 

Had a great time with my nephew. That 3 by Doncic was spectacular. I question Stotts’ defensive strategy on the play though.

 

.....again.

 

Boy, that last play in the 4th...
DeAndre Jordan is in the game, Mavs need a three, we choose to guard DeAndre Jordan instead of using another defender on a 3pt shooter. Stotts sees this and doesnt call a timeout.

Mavs commentator before the play: "I would put TWO guys on Doncic now".

Refs were also kind to us at the end... Glad for Dame and CJ, but this team needs some fixing.

 

Not to nitpick, but Nurk is in his 5th season, and the first 3 he averaged under 18 MPG. In his 2 seasons as a full time player he has been inconsistent as a scoring threat - but some of that is on Stotts and his team-mates not consistently getting him the ball where he feels comfortable. IMHO, the Blazers could establish Nurk as a scoring threat - but it isn't a priority for them.

 

I don't know, some of that is on Nurkic. His offensive evolution will come if he can learn to take and make those mid range shots that he gets dared to shoot. If he becomes a threat away from the basket, he'll be real problem. It'll also open lanes for guards. Right now he's really hesitant to pull the trigger. I'm not saying I want him to be one of those bigs who's out jacking up a bunch of 3's and not dominating in the paint. I just think having that as part of your game changes the defenses so much in favor of your team.

 

I predict a win for the Blazers. If I'm wrong, I'll eat my Blazer hat. If I'm right, somebody owes me beer.

Edit: I think that's fair.

 

Nurkic is frequently too far out when on offense. Please, dear God, don't let him shoot any threes or even any long twos.