Midway throught the third quarter they zoomed in on Oden waiting for somebody to take a free throw, and he looked like Shaq after running three laps. Dude was seriously breathing hard, and the ball had been dead for about 30 seconds. Oden still has a lot of conditioning to get done before he's able to pull off that kind of play for 35 mpg.
I think what they were doing was working for the Blazers so they didn't put Oden back in, but he could have played I think without a problem. Nice stat from that article, Oden now has a team-leading 11 double doubles. I do think Roy and Outlaw being such good friends make it less likely Outlaw is traded. I'm not saying it's impossible, but I think Roy can influence someone being traded as well as not.
Nate took Greg out at the right time. He looked tired. i expected him back in the 4th, but it made sense to stay with the smaller lineup down the stretch. On offense they spread the floor out, and on D they were able to cover the perimeter better. Which reminds me they did a great job defensively against our two biggest weaknesses. (according to some) The 3 pt shot and PG penetration. (Until the last 60 seconds where we gave up two layin's when the game was over) I watched Rose torch Utah twice this year. But both times against the Blazers he looked like a rookie.
Yeah, I've noticed that, too. I remember Rose just dominate Utah in Utah this season, and am shocked to see how well we've been able to defend him in the two games. Chicago is like a mini-version of Miami, and those two teams have looked completely different against us than when I see them play other teams, and look actually somewhat decent.
Chicago started attacking Oden (probably once they saw he was winded), trying to get him in foul trouble. I think Nate was saving him for the end of the game just in case a big play or two was needed, but it never got to that point so Oden got to rest up for the remainder of the road trip.
I would prefer it to give Oden the minutes and get him more experience on the floor. He is young. He has a day off between games. So why do that?
I agree, I wanted to see him back in, but I was okay with the decision, given the flow of the game. Oden's health has been good since the opener, but it's still a work in progress just how much he can take of extended burn. I'd rather not be too ambitious at this stage.
Outlaw is playing his best ball of the season. 7 out of the last 8 in double figures, shooting well, and active as can be. If the team does trade him, another certainty is this. Whether it be Martell, Batum, or the player that comes in via trade, the scrutiny on what was Outlaw's role will increase. I understand trading high, but very few bench players in the league can do what Travis does offensively. I'd hate to let him go now that he is attacking the rim occasionally instead of lalways aunching 21 foot shoots.
I don't think it is just Roy who TO has a postive effect on. Someone already mentioned Aldridge . . . TO just seems to have that non-threatening, soft demeanor, low ego personality that would be easy to get along with. I like watching the TO/Oden dynamic. I think Oden is very guarded on who he lets into his small "circle of trust" and doesn't have the same observable signs of bonding with teamamtes (I'm sure he does bond with them, it just doesn't manifiest itself the way other players show it). But I do think GO is very confortable with TO. I notice when TO makes a tough shot here or there that Oden is there to congratulate him and I even saw a rub of the head (way to go) that Oden did when TO hit a big shot. I'm just guessing here . . . but I think Oden really likes Travis.
I've noticed that too when they cut to the up close shots of when they head back to the bench, and G.O. is always around talking to Travis. Travis is just the glue to this team, he brings everyone together!
