9-39 in the regular season since 1986. http://www.basketball-reference.com/play-index/tiny.cgi?id=pdBoM 4-9 in the playoffs since 1990. http://www.basketball-reference.com/play-index/tiny.cgi?id=FYXSY
Maybe the last game or two of the year I could see throwing to get a more optimum matchup. But losing is a bad habit you don't want to be forming this time of the year.
yikes. 27% Thanks for finding that. I swear this off-season I will hone my basketball reference skills. "Must spread Rep around"
Tanking to get a favorable matchup is stupid. It's a message to yourself and to your teammates that you don't believe you're good enough to beat someone. It's a defeatist attitude and that will get you nowhere. You've already lost at that point.
Bill Walton said before the 1977 playoff run that it's all about who is "The Healthiest and the Hottest come playoff time". Other than Oden and Pryz, the Blazers have everyone else back at 100% and playing with purpose and cohesion. They shouldn't have to duck anyone.
We have never lost at home against the Jazz in the playoffs in 14 total games: http://www.basketball-reference.com/play-index/tiny.cgi?id=MEWYv
Frank Brikowski (sp?) says everyone does it. I could see how some players would think "Hey why not make the easiest road possible to advance" its like a reverse running for the #1 seed in a way I guess. The teams when they fight for the #1 seed.. they are trying to get the easiest road possible. Not because they are scared of #2. I dunno thats just how I see it.
Nice stat. Utah has historically always been tough at home and shaky on the road. This year they are 30-8 at home. Top third in the league, but definately not the best. They are beatable in the Delta Center. What's the real issue is that Portland's home record is 24-13, and haven't really dominated on their home court in games they've won like other teams do.
+1. Also, that was only Camby's second game with us, and Batum was not yet starting. We're a different team now, IMO, and slowly starting to gel together. We have vets on the court the entire game, with Howard, Camby and Miller that help us get through tough stretches. Especially Miller. I'd prefer to face Dallas over Utah, but at this point, I'm not scared to face anyone in the playoffs. I think the Lakers are the only team right now where I wouldn't expect to win the first round. Homerism, perhaps, but it's true. We've done well with Dallas. Their thing against us in previous seasons started and ended at the PG position. That's fixed. I think Denver is slipping, and Billups is possibly a little tired. Wouldn't mind seeing him and Miller go at it for a 7 game series. Have no problem facing Phoenix in the first round, and am ok with seeing Utah as well. Bring them all on. I guess at this point, the benefit of being 6th over 5th is not having to face the Lakers in the second round.
Agreed. Without Dre, I doubt we'd be in the playoffs right now. He brings quite a bit of legitimacy to our team at his position.
This. It reminds me of the Patriots-Colts game earlier this year when Belicheck went for it on 4th down from his own 26 yard-line--while leading late in the 4th--rather than punt. He essentially told his defense that he had no confidence in their ability to stop Peyton Manning. It's a self-fulfilling prophecy.
sorry was just hoping you would read that, before assuming we thought that. "I personally think the talk on MSP is jumping ahead of itself. There is no way that we even think about resting our guys to avoid the Jazz.. when we are still so close to the Lakers bracket."
Agree. I'm no Pats fan, but when you have the opponant's neck under your foot and you have the opportunity to end it once and for all, you do. You don't let them back up and hope that they don't knock you out. I think all of the "no confidence in his defense" talk was bullshit. He made the call to go for 1 yard and win the game. It didn't work. Shit happens.
You offered up an idea you heard on the radio and I responded. Your 2nd post doesn't change my opinion. Maybe this would be easier if you just tell me what you want me to type.
