Should be interesting to see. Personally, I think Portland decides to let LMA rest on the defensive end by guarding Splitter. Most of the time in the NBA the better offensive big man gets to take the lesser big man on the other end. Just like the Rockets series where Howard was guarded by Lopez most of the time and not LMA. You put LMA on Duncan or Howard only when you have to (going to a small ball lineup or because Lopez is in foul trouble). Otherwise, let him rest up so he can carry the load on offense.
I think so long as Portland doesn't totally collapse on the penetration drive and get caught with our shorts down on the kick out we'll be ok. We defend the 3 ok we just can't buy into Harden 2.0 driving into the lane and flopping or dishing outside for open shots. [video=youtube;fQy4rtsXNZ0]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQy4rtsXNZ0[/video]
LA loves playing against Duncan though. He was his idol growing up. I get the feeling he's going to want to guard him.
PapaG picks on you, and you always pick on Mediocre Man. Thus you could be eliminated and PapaG could pick on Mediocre Man. In algebra it's called the Transitive Property. In logic it's called a Hypothetical Syllogism.
Thanks for posting that video, Prue. A good laugh is a nice way to start my Monday. Surprised they didn't have to call an ambulance for Harden and Manu.
I often "question" as well but IMO this time you are simply too much of a doubter and you seem to almost never show any enthusiasm.That "enthusiasm" is IMO part of that balance and it is something I almost never see from you, if you "talk balance" then show some once in a while.
I don't fear SA. I respect them. Best record, four titles, arguably best coach, how could I not? I'm sure the Blazers respect them. I still have a good feeling about this series. I don't know who will win but Portland is hardly going to be run out of town on a rail. And when, coming of our greatest shot every, best playoff series in 14 years, a fan can only say negative, that's not respect, that's blinders.
That is freaking awesome. The rare 'double flop'. No contact whatsoever, both guys go down like they were hit by a bull, and Ginobli goes to the line. I hate floppers.
I believe we can beat the Spurs, but I will say this: Regular season SA ain't playoff SA, and we're about to discover that fact.
I respect the Spurs. It would be stupid not to. They worry me. Best record in the league. Best coach. Best flopper. Most playoff experience. Home court advantage. I'll just cross my fingers and toes and root on.
I fear the Spurs...part of the time. When the Spurs hit their high gear, like they did yesterday and like they did when the Blazers played them in SA in the game where LA got hurt, they're virtually unbeatable. The problem for them is that they don't hit that gear as often as they used to. Maybe it's age...of their Big Three, only Parker is still in his prime. They weren't able to bring that top-level game against the Mavericks until Game 7 and, when they don't play at that level, they're beatable. If the Blazers had home court advantage, I'd pick them to win it, but they don't and I think that slight edge will be all the Spurs need to advance. I REALLY hope the Blazers go in there and steal that advantage tomorrow night.
This is what worries me. I think we can play with them, but their D is much better in the playoffs. I expect a much different style series then what we saw with Houston. Much lower scoring. We can win that way too, but their team D is excellent. Especially on the perimeter.
You forgot about Tiago "Elite" Splitter. Haven't you heard he's quicker and a better defender than Dwight Howard? Surely, you've heard that his pick and roll offense is elite?
What I would have loved to see the refs call is a double technical. Fucking euro-flopping is killing this league.
We're going to see a team with terrific execution, which will be quite unlike we saw with Houston. We're going to have to play so much smarter than we did last round, because every mistake we make will be exploited by the Spurs.
