Game Thread GAME# 66: SUNS @ BLAZERS - MARCH 9, 2019 - SATURDAY, 7:00 PM, NBCSNW

I think towards the end the Blazers were trying to get everyone baskets instead of just running offense. Tried to force several into Skal that ended up in TO's.

 

Good night for Blazer-and-Duck fans. Blazers take care of business against a doormat; Oregon women beat UCLA in Pac-12 tournament; and Oregon men visit Washington and upset the conference champs. Duck fans will tell you that any win against the UW is sweet. Beating UCLA in basketball always has a good ring to it as well

 

I agree. They were looking to involve players that never get a chance and forgot they were playing a game. Then you have veteran players on the court like Jamal Crawford looking to win another game.

 

Beavers rolled on Wash State also.

 

Zach with 0 points on 0-5 shooting and 3 turnovers in 16 minutes of play, against the Suns..

 

That's kind of why i said it wasn't exactly all Meyers's fault that the Suns worked their way back at the end. Zach was a bit out of sync.

 

Or maybe he's just a bust i wouldn't miss him if the Blazers tradet him in the summer

 

Well, considering Zach wasn't in the game, that seems like a whole lot of nonsense.

Skal played the last 4 minutes, and was a -12. We won by 7, so Zach came out when we were up 19.

 

If teams shoot well you have a chance now to make noise in the playoffs.
It used to be Defence won Championships I believe it’s more offense now.

 

Sorry but Collins was in the game up until the last 4 minutes. If you are trying to say that Collins was playing well then you are flat out wrong. Try reading the comment. Or is your point that Skal was the soul reason the Suns worked back into the game? Sorry but that would be wrong also.
Even if your +- metric actually meant anything and you were right would you not suggest the a 30 point lead cut to 19 would be just as important?

Game set match bro. See ya.

 

There are certain times that shooting wins you the game. If a team plays well and shoots lights out it is indeed tough to beat any team.
The difference in the playoffs though is well documented. Games are called different. The defense is allowed to play tighter. Shooters usually do not shoot as well because of it. Games mean more and pressure takes it's toll. A strong defensive team will usually prevail in the playoffs. But yes you must be able to score the ball. This game in the end is about "Buckets!".

 

You saying Zach is what let them back into the game makes no sense considering Zach came out when the Blazers were up 19. How is that not obvious to you? It was a 25 point game at the start of the 4th. So 6 points were lost while Zach was in the game in the 4th. The Blazers then lost 12 (and 14 at one point) after he came out.

I'm just pointing out the flaw in your logic. I wasn't trying to make a point, or imply anything.

It was never a 30 point lead.

 

How do you guys feel about Ayton?
My take, he reminds me of KAT, good numbers but just doesnt seem like he has “it”, like I feel like he doesnt seem to effect winning and losing much.

 

Exactly. He is the Center version of Booker.

 

I think he's young and needs good coaching.
One of the first possessions of the game Portland ran a P&R and he picked Lillard up at 15ft. He was able to force Lillard to take a baseline 12ish footer instead of allowing him all the way to the rim.
I don't think I've ever seen KAT make that play on a guard of Lillard's caliber.

I don't believe Ayton will ever be as skilled offensively as KAT is.
But if he develops a 15-20 foot jumper and stops being lazy at times in the game. I think he has the ability to turn into a legit scoring big.
But due to him not having the stroke of a guy like KAT. He's going to have to get it done defensively. Otherwise he'll just be another Greg Monroe.


He also needs to get stronger and fill his body out. Right now I bet Aminu or Harkless could force him off his spots if they wanted to.

 

Pillar