We got 41% but only a few states. Blazer fans are the most active on the internet. Bill Simmons throws in a Blazers remark when he needs a ratings boost. The 1 voter in Alabama probably phoned his friend in Alaska and told him to vote.
Cowherd just picked the Spurs. Didn't say how many games. Listed our horrible defense and the Spurs experience as the reasons.
If i was betting, I would go with Spurs in 7 as well. No way we beat SA in a game 7, and to win in 6, we would have to win two on the road, which is possible, but i wouldnt bet on it But i hope we can get it done
Holy crap regarding defense. Cowherd just said we were the worst defensive team in the playoffs and it's not close, so I looked. I went directly to points per game and came up with this. Teams left in the playoffs Portland was 112 ppg against in the playoffs. The next closest team to them was the Clips at 106. Most remaining teams are in the 90"s
That's such a stupid stat. PPG in the playoffs is largely determined by matchups. We are in the hundreds because we played the Rockets, who was also in the hundreds. Not to mention 3 games went into overtime.
Would there be a different defensive stat that I could use that wouldn't be "stupid?" Or is it better to just say I am wrong and Portland is a defensive juggernaut?
How many free throws were shot in each game? How do you factor in fouls and free throws into defense? Dwight Howard might be the most difficult player to defend in the NBA.
The advantage is "Spurs aren't a large market team" like Clippers or Houston. And they don't have high profile players like OKC (Being that Duncan is too old to market and so is Parker). I think the officiating will be called well in this series. Also, I think it's important to note that Lillard has blossomed to a "superstar", while Aldridge is already one. This swill be called well, IMO. And the NBA would love the drama of the underdog "Play as one" team to upset their way to the finals. And keep in mind that they would love to have Miami win another one. The only team left that can give Miami HCA is Portland.
Points per possession would at least normalize for pace ... but we're still not a great defensive team by any measure.
