Game 3: Portland vs LA Clippers 6: 00pm RipCitytv/KUNP

[mighty_duck]

Effort is there. Defense is there.
We won't win any games shooting 35/29 ( especially when the Clips are shooting 54/40).

Sharpe shouldn't shoot more than 3 3's per game for the foreseeable future. He's also a very poor facilitator - 6 TO. Growing pains?

The "rudderless" lineup at the end of the 3rd again put us in a hole that we can't seem to climb out of.

[PDXKnight]

I think we end up at around .500. This team has grit just cant match the star power at least this year. This is the kind of game Dame could keep us in so thats fun to think about. And if for some reason the season turns entirely south getting the number 1 pick and having a healthy Dame returning

[Brandon-Clyde]

Consolation GLB pics

Spoiler:

Spoiler:

[Walton1one]

The ageless wonder, Chris Paul with two 3’s

Bad TO there by Avdija

Yeah, there was no way that foul was gonna get overturned on Leonard

Paul is such an unlikable player

Portland is getting away with a lot of fouls tonight

Thybulle 3 steals tonight

Big finish (finally!) by Sharpe in outlet pass from Avdija

POR shooting is just woeful tonight, 35%, if it wasn’t for 32 FT’s (!!) they wouldn’t even be in this game

I see the cryptkeeper is sitting courtside

Avdija is deadly on the fast break

Tough call, but Camara was moving, offensive foul on Harden overturned

POR 11-40 from 3pt, 28%, LAC 40%

FG% - POR 36%, LAC 56% FT’s are the only reason this game is close

[Sinobas]

Sharpe hasn't looked good so far this year. I was hoping this was the year he'd finally "turn the corner". He forces up bad shots...he just doesn't seem to have a good feel for the game.

[JRoy]

Sharpe hasn't looked good so far this year. I was hoping this was the year he'd finally "turn the corner". He forces up bad shots...he just doesn't seem to have a good feel for the game.

He’s been missing a lot of bunnnies too.

[mighty_duck]

He’s been missing a lot of bunnnies too.

In Sharpe's defense, the Clips got at least 3 blocks on high flying Sharpe dunk attempts. Really spectacular stuff, kudos to them.
And a few of those misses were passes he got with 2 seconds on the shot clock and he just threw something up.

[zzaj]

Sharpe and Camara have to be better if they are going to win games like this...

Kawhi is just so good. When Harden and Kawhi play like they played tonight the Clips are tough to beat.

I had the sound down...did Clingan get injured? Or did Splitter decide to just stay small ball? Seemed weird that he didn't really play in the second half. His tip outs and offensive rebounds really helped the Blazers get extra possessions. In the second half, it seemed like it was one shot only for the Blazers.

Luckily, the Blazers get another chance tomorrow night.

[mojomarc]

He’s been missing a lot of bunnnies too.

In Sharpe's defense, the Clips got at least 3 blocks on high flying Sharpe dunk attempts. Really spectacular stuff, kudos to them.
And a few of those misses were passes he got with 2 seconds on the shot clock and he just threw something up.

The Clips played good defense at the rim generally tonight. They're a pretty good veteran team still (at least until Leonard has his contact voided ). A lot of this is Portland just doesn't have enough consistent shooting so the Clips can collapse in aggressively.

I mean, the fact we could come out and play so well in the second is pretty exciting for the future of this team. And a seven point loss to the Clips on the road when we were so outshot it's pretty interesting as well. This is a loveable lower team, but live that they can basically hustle their way defensively into contesting pretty much any game.

[JRoy]

He’s been missing a lot of bunnnies too.

In Sharpe's defense, the Clips got at least 3 blocks on high flying Sharpe dunk attempts. Really spectacular stuff, kudos to them.
And a few of those misses were passes he got with 2 seconds on the shot clock and he just threw something up.

Yeah, and those were all great defensive plays.

[DeBlazerRiddem]

a seven point loss to the Clips on the road when we were so outshot it's pretty interesting as well. This is a loveable lower team, but live that they can basically hustle their way defensively into contesting pretty much any game.

This is my takeaway as well. The Clippers are a deep veteran team and with our poor shooting I think this is the type of game that many past Blazer teams would have let turn into a blowout. We had no business being in this game, played bad in a lot of ways, but scrapped just enough to make them work for it.

Small ball was less effective tonight. I like it with Holiday on the court because he can keep the offense running at that speed but no one else has been able to manage that kind of game yet from our backup or secondary playmakers. I hope Scoot can provide some of that but won't believe it until I see it.

As the game got close toward the end of the 3rd-beginning of the 4rh the whole team got way too scared of the 3 point shot and started overpassing and when we did shoot we were rushing desperation heaves. Deni hit one or two in rhythm at least. Sharpe is especially bad about rushing his 3's and not getting his body set under him, Scoot also has had that problem. I love how many ways Holiday impacts the game but he's been hesitant to shoot many 3s and has missed some quality looks, I think those will start to fall for him though.

Anyways, tough loss against a tough opponent. If Yang isn't able to play minutes in those type of games we need to figure something out. You cannot go small ball too much but Clingan was huffing by the end.

[DaVoiceMaster]

Splitter went with the small lineup too long down the stretch. I get they needed the offensive players on the court to catch up, but the Clippers killed the Blazers with their size. Still tired of Shaedon '3 point" Sharpe and Murray was a one game wonder. Even though the Blazers got to the line a bunch compared to the Clippers, there was some pretty piss poor officiating.

Shooting absolutely sucked tonight. The boys need to learn to finish better at the rim, as well.

[BlazersBroncos]

Losing by 7 to a good LAC team while shooting this poorly bodes well long term this season IMO.

That being said, there are some issues for sure.

Sharpe has been given the green light, and honestly its the right move. For all the teams defensive tenacity we need someone besides Deni that can score in the halfcourt (And even he is at best when attacking hard on the break over half court creation). Yes, we all hated the chucking of a Simons but he could get his in the halfcourt (Albeit then imediatley give up even more on the other end). We really need Sharpe to come around as a quality half court scorer if we want to be remotely relevant. So far I have seen no positive changes in his game on that side of the ball (He is playing better defense - credit where its due). He attacks and plays to his strengths for like 2-3 possessions then drifts and settles for the next 5+. Its maddening.

Camara as well cant be putting up games like this. He is just too talented and big to put up 5 point 33 minute games. He isnt a world beater on offense, and its pretty clear that the hopes of a serious jump on that end are almost certainly rose-colored-glasses - but he should easily get 10-12ppg based on cuts and open 3pt shots. I suppose your due for like 5 games of this caliber on offense per season when your Camara's level of offensive talent - but it cant really be many more than that.

Then there is Yang. We all knew he was a project but not being able to get on the court as a #16 overall pick against a team w/ 2 traditional centers that on paper are the exact types he SHOULD be able to play against is disheartening. Not asking for much production even - just the ability to play 15mpg and be slightly negative rather than unplayable. He is a project to be sure, but even a project should have been on the court tonight given, again, the center rotation LAC has is ostensibly the type a slow footer like Yang should be able to hold his own against.

Wesley as a 3rd PG is nice. He has wards but so do all 3rd PG's. Thats why they are 3rd PGs. Give me hustle and a poor shot over a chucker who cant stay in front of anyone (Like Love almost certainly will be in this league).

The Kris revert to the mean is about as predictable as possible but I was trying to delude myself into thinking he turned a corner. Those 18mpg 0ppg type nights are just brutal.

Scoot coming back and giving us another bench player that (hopefully) can put the ball in the bucket is going to be huge. Grant has excelled off the bench but after him we are getting a combined 20 bench points.

Going back to Yang - if RWIII isnt capable of playing ball we may need to make a move for a decent big man. Reath is on the outs, Yang is not ready and RWIII is a huge question mark. If we are aiming to win games, we need another reliable C. Even someone like Nick Richards would help (Reath + Rayan + SRP for Richards?).

All that negativity being espoused upon - this is still a exciting team that wont die. I am optimistic still that we can win over 50% of our games. However those wins wont be nearly as satisfying if they are not on the backs of guys like Sharpe and Scoot. FWIW - if Sharpe reverts back to his shooting splits (likely IMO) then we are probably 3-0. I wonder if the heavier lean on Sharpe is just causing some adjustment pains - in the past he has been a talented guy developing on the court - we are now clearly looking at him like a bubble #1 / #2 option and the expectations may be a bit much now, leading to him rushing some shots that he normally would make. I remain optimistic, albeit my hope of a 35%+ 3PT shot is dwindling by the minute.

[zzaj]

Losing by 7 to a good LAC team while shooting this poorly bodes well long term this season IMO.

That being said, there are some issues for sure.

Sharpe has been given the green light, and honestly its the right move. For all the teams defensive tenacity we need someone besides Deni that can score in the halfcourt (And even he is at best when attacking hard on the break over half court creation). Yes, we all hated the chucking of a Simons but he could get his in the halfcourt (Albeit then imediatley give up even more on the other end). We really need Sharpe to come around as a quality half court scorer if we want to be remotely relevant. So far I have seen no positive changes in his game on that side of the ball (He is playing better defense - credit where its due). He attacks and plays to his strengths for like 2-3 possessions then drifts and settles for the next 5+. Its maddening.

Camara as well cant be putting up games like this. He is just too talented and big to put up 5 point 33 minute games. He isnt a world beater on offense, and its pretty clear that the hopes of a serious jump on that end are almost certainly rose-colored-glasses - but he should easily get 10-12ppg based on cuts and open 3pt shots. I suppose your due for like 5 games of this caliber on offense per season when your Camara's level of offensive talent - but it cant really be many more than that.

Then there is Yang. We all knew he was a project but not being able to get on the court as a #16 overall pick against a team w/ 2 traditional centers that on paper are the exact types he SHOULD be able to play against is disheartening. Not asking for much production even - just the ability to play 15mpg and be slightly negative rather than unplayable. He is a project to be sure, but even a project should have been on the court tonight given, again, the center rotation LAC has is ostensibly the type a slow footer like Yang should be able to hold his own against.

Wesley as a 3rd PG is nice. He has wards but so do all 3rd PG's. Thats why they are 3rd PGs. Give me hustle and a poor shot over a chucker who cant stay in front of anyone (Like Love almost certainly will be in this league).

The Kris revert to the mean is about as predictable as possible but I was trying to delude myself into thinking he turned a corner. Those 18mpg 0ppg type nights are just brutal.

Scoot coming back and giving us another bench player that (hopefully) can put the ball in the bucket is going to be huge. Grant has excelled off the bench but after him we are getting a combined 20 bench points.

Going back to Yang - if RWIII isnt capable of playing ball we may need to make a move for a decent big man. Reath is on the outs, Yang is not ready and RWIII is a huge question mark. If we are aiming to win games, we need another reliable C. Even someone like Nick Richards would help (Reath + Rayan + SRP for Richards?).

All that negativity being espoused upon - this is still a exciting team that wont die. I am optimistic still that we can win over 50% of our games. However those wins wont be nearly as satisfying if they are not on the backs of guys like Sharpe and Scoot. FWIW - if Sharpe reverts back to his shooting splits (likely IMO) then we are probably 3-0. I wonder if the heavier lean on Sharpe is just causing some adjustment pains - in the past he has been a talented guy developing on the court - we are now clearly looking at him like a bubble #1 / #2 option and the expectations may be a bit much now, leading to him rushing some shots that he normally would make. I remain optimistic, albeit my hope of a 35%+ 3PT shot is dwindling by the minute.

You and I see eye to eye on a lot of this...

In fairness to Camara...he was tasked with being the primary defender against Harden, which is a TOUGH assignment for anybody. That's a big out amount of focus output. I'll be interested to see how he bounces back tonight. It seems like he's hunting charges a little bit more than he was last year...that might just be my bias because of how they are getting called.

Like you (I think) I'm one of the rare fans who prefers Sharpe to over shoot, rather than be passive. Can and should he be more efficient? Of course. But sometimes it's simply a matter of "ball didn't go in". If a few more shots went in tonight we'd be having a different conversation. The Clips are a very good and smart defensive team when Kawhi plays. If Sharpe's shooting woes continue into about 15 games, I'll start to get worried. But yeah, he absolutely has to be better. That won't happen by benching him, or taking away shots. He's gotta work it out.

I'm also really curious to see Scoot. I've been pretty vocal that I don't think he's going to be seen in games until Xmas, if not after. Hope I'm wrong.

I've never really believed in Kris...I didn't like that pick, and a one game aberration isn't going to change that. He's certainly a useful defender, but he's got to hit wide open 3pt shots at league average to have an NBA career. If it's true that he shoots lights-out in practice, then maybe a switch will flip and we'll get to see that...

I like Wesley too...he changes the vibe defensively when he subs in. Hopefully Scoot is taking notes. But he's roooough offensively.

The team looks so much better when Jrue is on the floor. Suddenly everything flows better. Simple, better passes are being made...heads up defense. I miss Simons' offense exactly zero percent.

The Center situation is what it is. I don't think it's changing any time soon.

I'm REALLY curious to see what happens next season when Lillard is back. Both to see how his play is impacted by his injury, and how he meshes with the Blazer "pace and D" identity. That's like the EXACT opposite of who Lillard is as a player, and that will be especially so coming off of a major achilles injury...

[Wizenheimer]

well, since Cronin and the front office, as well as the team, have all approached this season as "winning time", I'm not sure moral victories count for anything. Whether they lose by 7 or 27, it's still 0-1 on the record

* Yang is nearly unplayable; apparently, so is Reath; and Timelord is apparently on Medicare. I still don't know why the Blazers kept Reath and waived Jabari. Portland went with 20 minutes of small-ball lineups last night while Zubac/Lopez played all 48 minutes. Portland has one C they can trust. Not smart considering they knew Timelord is almost never healthy while Yang and Reath are about 3 time zones from ready, and maybe 2 from talented enough

* I want to be clear: I'm not calling Portland's styles on defense and offense gimmicks. But this is the NBA and most teams have good savvy players. Portland's frantic relentless defense will flummox teams, for a while. Their aggressive 'jam-it-down-the-throat' transition offense will surprise teams too. But good teams will adjust; that's what the Clippers did last night and the Wolves did in game one. And, Portland's style of play will get scouted. Meaning, killer defense and transition offense won't be enough against good teams if the shots aren't falling. And for Portland, there will be lots of nights when the shots aren't falling. So far, they weren't falling in 2 of the 3 games

* remember in the tanking years, and last season, how some Blazer fans kept pointing at Portland being the 2nd or 3rd youngest team in the league, as if that meant something. Well, this season, Portland is the 15th youngest team. Dame, Jrue, and Grant really bollixing the narrative

[Walton1one]

Splitter went with the small lineup too long down the stretch. I get they needed the offensive players on the court to catch up, but the Clippers killed the Blazers with their size.

Going back to Yang - if RWIII isnt capable of playing ball we may need to make a move for a decent big man. Reath is on the outs, Yang is not ready and RWIII is a huge question mark. If we are aiming to win games, we need another reliable C. Even someone like Nick Richards would help (Reath + Rayan + SRP for Richards?).

This is why drafting another drop big was a major mistake, especially one who clearly is less mobile than Clingan. Asa Newell or Joan Beringer would have been nice coming off the bench to anchor a smaller lineup

Newell put up 12 & 10 vs OKC last night

[BlazersBroncos]

Splitter went with the small lineup too long down the stretch. I get they needed the offensive players on the court to catch up, but the Clippers killed the Blazers with their size.

Going back to Yang - if RWIII isnt capable of playing ball we may need to make a move for a decent big man. Reath is on the outs, Yang is not ready and RWIII is a huge question mark. If we are aiming to win games, we need another reliable C. Even someone like Nick Richards would help (Reath + Rayan + SRP for Richards?).

This is why drafting another drop big was a major mistake, especially one who clearly is less mobile than Clingan. Asa Newell or Joan Beringer would have been nice coming off the bench to anchor a smaller lineup

Newell put up 12 & 10 vs OKC last night

Yep. I will eat crow when its warranted. So far Yang has been disappointing. I wasnt expecting much but thought he would bring enough to play 12-15mpg and be only a bit negative.

Coward as well has been absurd. I liked him, albeit I had worries on competition and body of work, but so far he has been phenomenal. (I would take Asa and that NO UNP FRP over him though even with his amazing early production).

[dckingsfan]

Splitter went with the small lineup too long down the stretch. I get they needed the offensive players on the court to catch up, but the Clippers killed the Blazers with their size.

Going back to Yang - if RWIII isnt capable of playing ball we may need to make a move for a decent big man. Reath is on the outs, Yang is not ready and RWIII is a huge question mark. If we are aiming to win games, we need another reliable C. Even someone like Nick Richards would help (Reath + Rayan + SRP for Richards?).

This is why drafting another drop big was a major mistake, especially one who clearly is less mobile than Clingan. Asa Newell or Joan Beringer would have been nice coming off the bench to anchor a smaller lineup

Newell put up 12 & 10 vs OKC last night

Yep. I will eat crow when its warranted. So far Yang has been disappointing. I wasnt expecting much but thought he would bring enough to play 12-15mpg and be only a bit negative.

Coward as well has been absurd. I liked him, albeit I had worries on competition and body of work, but so far he has been phenomenal. (I would take Asa and that NO UNP FRP over him though even with his amazing early production).

To me - small sample size. But I didn't expect Yang to contribute this season (I expected all his time to be in the D league or in mop up minutes). If Yang develops, we will see the breakout in year 2 (maybe) or year 3.

I don't fault the draft pick - I fault not getting a small ball PF in the off-season.

[dckingsfan]

After re-watching the game it is clear that when Jrue/Deni are the creators on offense we are better served than having Sharpe initiate the offense.

But... if we want to see Sharpe develop, we are going to need to let him play through the mistakes and learn (or not).

I liked the D, I like the effort on D. I wish we had a small ball PF - that is on Cronin not on the players or coaching staff at this time.

[BlazersBroncos]

I think we are fine at PF w/ Grant, Deni and Camara (And Kris if needed). Think we need to either cut Reath or give him at shot at C. We are playing way too small at times. Per BBRef Camara has played 44% of his minutes at C and Grant has played 9% at C. Thats not a winning recipe.

MEM just signed Charles Bassey to a 10-day. Would cut Reath and take those types of swings personally.