Game Thread GAME# 69: WARRIORS @ BLAZERS - MARCH 24, 2015 - TUESDAY, 7:30 PM (PST), TNT

GSW Shot 60%, 60%. Thats got to be the highest % the Blazers have given up this year and they hit a lot of open shots but they hit a ton of hard shots as well. GSW showed why they are such a great team but when we had to go small and take Lopez out they just destroyed us with the inside cut that led to layup after layup after layup it reminded me of when Hickson was our center.

 

The Warriors are unbeatable when Igoudala is on from deep. That just gives them too many weapons.

 

At least we lost to a good team.

 

Fatigue:

Missing 4 of our top 6 players, leaving 10 players, I expected fatigue to be a problem. But TNT gifted us with long, long timeouts and halftime, so we made it through. Lillard was the only one whose play deteriorated later.

The Blazers put in a great effort in the first half, then came out after halftime less jazzed. The game overall was fun till the last few minutes, when the outcome became obvious.

 

No, it's happy.

 

For games not nationally telecast, we won't get the long, long ads and halftime. Fatigue will be a problem every game.

 

It's about time to shut 'em down. Blazers aren't winning anything this year. Resign Wes and LaMarcus and make a run next year.

 

A lot of those jumpers were LULZ worthy. He's never had a jumper to write home about, yet tonight he wasn't even hitting rim. I'll live with him shooting those shots all game long.

 

CJ had 23 points

 

On the bright side, CJ looked fabulous out there tonight and has ever since he was given a larger role. I really like how he and Dame play together in the backcourt.

 

Yeah that's what I mean. It's like us if Robin scored 20 from mid range.

 

Overall Game Thoughts:

- Defensively, I wasn't impressed with the Warriors. I know the numbers say they're the best defensive team in the L, but the eye test says otherwise - looking at you Memphis. Without a true low-post threat, we were able to put up over 110 and got to any spot on the floor we wanted.

- A healthy Aldridge makes all the difference in this matchup. He would absolutely FEAST on Draymond Green down low. I truly think it would be a seven-game series between the two squads if we meet up and LA is healthy.

- Not even mad about the loss. We were down to 10 healthy bodies. The effort and intensity were there. But more importantly, we started to move without the ball and cut to the basket. It's easy to get up for the best team in the NBA, though. It'll be interesting to see how we come out in Salt Lake City on the second half of a back to back.

- Golden State plays beautiful offensive basketball, very reminiscent of the San Antonio Spurs. They shared the rock tonight and got any look they wanted. The key to taking them out of their rhythm is to play bully ball. Whenever they attack the paint, you've got to knock them on their ass - even if it results in a flagrant foul. No, I'm not calling for dirty basketball. But, to beat Golden State, you must play physical and beat them up in the paint.

 

Dorell Wright had a better 1st half than McCollum, but all the TNT guys could talk about was McCollum's specialty, points. Wright was registering in all categories including points. He was just as effective as Lillard, per minute, in the 1st half.

 

He showed the whole arsenal. Deep ball, mid range, floater, left handed scoop, right handed layup in traffic, 3 steals.
I have to question those who said he was "terrible". Another example of rushing to judgement before a player has time to develop.

I agree that he and Dame play well together. They will only get better with time.

 

Heh? No, just relaying what the Warriors guys are talking about. They are all upset that Lillard is doing so well tonight. Garry St. Jean is pissed because the warrior's are not doubling team pressuring him. Everybody knows you should! err so he says. I switched back to TNT after half time, I imagine they recovered during the third quarter.

 

At one point it looked as if the Blazers would contend for 2nd best record in the West. Now they are on the express elevator to 7th. I just want this fecking season to end.

 

Hard game to watch. I now think the Blazers may well face the warriors in the first round.
That will be ugly.