Dame asked what he remembers about playing the Warriors this season. He said "Just that we were able to score." Exactly what I'm talking about. They. Can't. Guard. Us.
I'm just stoked we beat the NO GOOD CLIPPERS! All this extra stuff is just gravy. No better experience than facing the best. It's a win-win this whole series, I think.
That is not entirely correct. Blazers are 1-3 vs Golden State. Portland played a sensational game after the All-Star break. Clobbered them 137-105 in a game no Starter played for the Warriors over 30 mins except Green who logged 31 mins. The Blazers shot an astounding 57% from 3pt. But even more crazy is Lillard and CJ went 12 of 16 from 3 at 75%. The Blazers hit them very hard very early in the game. It was awesome to watch! However the 3 other games the Blazers simply got blown out. Jan 8th 128-108 on 2 days rest the Game was over middle of the 3rd quarter. March 11th 128-1111 on 3 days rest. Again this game was over middle of the 3rd quarter. Then there was the worst of the lot. April 3rd on the second of a B2B. This game was over before the half. 136-111. The fact is the Warriors are the team that came up with the whole "Make someone other than Lillard and CJ beat you" defensive adjustment. Lillard had been having great success going for 30+ pts on multiple games and the Blazers were winning themselves into the playoffs. In the last two games they have shut Lillard down to the tune of 18-46 39% FG. CJ has fared a little better at 12-29 in the last two games but still not what the team needed to win. Here is where it gets better. I feel the experience of this series has brought this team a new much improved look. Not just a new look but a whole new approach to the trapping and doubling that was causing them so much trouble. Chris Paul and DJ did this team a favor making them learn to adjust. Lillard was forced to distribute at a whole new level. CJ has got a chance to play a complete series getting a blanket thrown on him. Aminu/Harkless have seen just how much the open shot will be there for them and how important it is for them to make the shot or find someone else under the basket. Is there a Blazer fan anywhere that didn't watch Plumlee respond? Having to deal with DeAndre Jordan made them tougher than i thought they had in them. These guys had to "Manufacture" scoring opportunities in the playoffs. If the Warriors think they are going to play the same team that they blew out on the second of a B2B on April 4th they are very mistaken. The Blazers were tested under fire and responded. I am sure they will be tested once again but there is no question this team grew in the last 2 weeks.
When the game was out of reach and the defense loosened - only then was Dame able to get his points. They most definitely can guard this team.
Holdingpushingtripping are not permitted in the nba rules, and we'd be 1-0 if the officials enforced it.
