Zach's defense for a few years here in Portland. Nate had to coach him for a few years. We all knew he wasn't a great defender. Oden got great position on him almost every time, and it lead to high percentage shots, or kick outs. Why did we not run this more often last night? They say that insanity is trying the same thing over and over and expecting different results. Beginning of the first OT, three straight attempts by LMA. Exact same shot each time. Beginning of the second OT started off the same way. I don't think it would have killed us to try running that play a few times in OT or the second OT. The play we got from Orlando, with the two picks in the middle of the lane, and Oden getting great low position. Let me say, I LOVE that Nate saw what worked so effectively for Dwight to get position, and immediately incorporated that into our game for Greg. And, it worked very well, for looking like a brand new play. It was successful not every time in getting a basket, but in getting great close open looks. Against other Cs in the elague, he would have been fouled more, but Zach always knew his own limitations, so never really seemed to commit many fouls, because he wouldn't go after blocks he couldn't get. I can see that play being very effective if we continue to use it. But again, why could we not try that a few more times last night. The iso to LMA got us decent looks, but it calls for Oden to clear out to the right side, giving him very little shot at an offensive rebound. And little chance for LMA to get his own miss. At least with Oden's shot, he was so much closer that it lends itself to a greater opportunity for an offensive rebound. Oh well, 3 in a row, and now a weekend to rest. We'll fight through this rough patch. I don't know why in that 14 game thread, so many were predicted qwe would win 10 of 14, with the games on that schedule. We are going to have hard times, but if we can get past the Jan. 2 NO's game at .500, we will be in great shape for the second half of this season.
All I can say is when Greg starts demanding the ball late in games our team will be scary. They'll have to foul Oden and he can make free throws and when they tripple team him....LA and Roy can go off. We are all waiting for you Big GUY!!!!!
