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Time: 5:00pm
Place: Moda Center
TV: SNW/TNT



GLB of the game Becky G

Blazers have to figure out how to keep Nurkic in the game if they want to win. The refs aren't going to extend Nurk the same leeway they do with Joker. Blazers have to adjust as a team. It isn't on Nurkic. Nurk didn't commit half the 18 fouls he was whistled for in the 3 games the refs put him out of the game.

Denver doesn’t want the Blazers in 7. Losing on their home court would be horrible. They have to go hard in 6.
Portland players helped Lillard get his 55. Team game. BUT they owe Lillard for the loss … starting with Nurkic not picking up early fouls, not reaching, not … He has to be disciplined. 1 for 14 has to get much better effort on D out of them (not just the O).

I’ve said whoever won in 5 would close it in 6. After Lillard’s game 5, the equation changed for me. Now, I have no prediction whatsoever. I won’t even guess.

One thing I think I know. Regardless of who wins, the Blazers won’t be the same after this series. A tipping point has been reached for management, and I’m optimistic about that.

Denver should be highly motivated to avoid a game seven for in a one game series, that one player
might just carry his team to series win but historically, the Denver franchise has had more game 4's
for they've never shown any real sense of urgency. Like it or not, it will go to seven games with game
7 repeat of game 5. If it does, they had better hope Portland does not have the ball for the last shot.

HoopsFanAZ wrote:
One thing I think I know. Regardless of who wins, the Blazers won’t be the same after this series. A tipping point has been reached for management, and I’m optimistic about that.

Regardless of who wins, the Blazers have reached a new higher level of play. The current Blazers are the best team in the Lillard era. And, we haven't peaked. We can get better. Health permitting, we will get better. We will get better with or without Powell, hopefully with him. We will get better with the same coach or a new coach, hopefully we continue with the same coach. The successful momentum of the Lillard, CJ, Nurkic machine is in full motion and can only be stopped by injury This is true regardless of the outcome of this series. Blazers forward momentum is what produced 5 hard fought battles against what was previously believed to be a superior opponent. Blazers new higher level of play has the outcome of this series in a more uncertain state then it was before it started, even though the previously favored team has 2 chances to win 1 game. The obstacles have been fortified, but Blazers chances look better.

The steady head and hand of Olshey and his management team have proven their ability to block out the distractions from the peanut gallery. Olshey has weathered the storm and the storm lost. Is this team a contender? We are a better team than Nuggets, who have the best player in the NBA. We are still in position to beat Nuggets, even after the refs took Nurkic out of the 3 games Nuggets won. Nuggets haven't beat us even 1 game with Nurkic. If we aren't contenders, we are close and moving in the right direction.

Are Lillard and CJ too old? They are certainly very near the end of their time. Next year still looks good, given what has been proven in this series.

So, what is the state of affairs that demands a tipping point. Just the usual noise from the peanut gallery. There will be no big changes to the team or management and there shouldn't be. Lillard, CJ, Nurk, and Olshey will be back for another go around next year, and they aren't done yet this year.

Nuggets haven't won 1 game against Nurkic in 5 tries. Will the NBA allow a game decided by the players?

**** nurk better stay on the court for these two games (assuming we win this one)

hes been our second best player in this series, blazers need him, especially on the defensive end

Dzon Dilindzer wrote:**** nurk better stay on the court for these two games (assuming we win this one)

hes been our second best player in this series, blazers need him, especially on the defensive end

He has been the most essential component to winning. We win with him. We lose without him. And, he is a smart, clean player. There is no defense for refs taking him out of games.

d-train wrote: Regardless of who wins, the Blazers have reached a new higher level of play. The current Blazers are the best team in the Lillard era. And, we haven't peaked. We can get better. Health permitting, we will get better. ...

Just a couple points as what you've said is arguable.

1. It used to be that jump shooters (especially those who weren't primarily catch and shoot) saw their percentage drop significantly at age 35. The data and interpretation I saw on that was in the time of Allan Houston. Lillard will be 31 next season. With his superb work ethic, 35 is still prime. Chris Paul is 35 and Lillard can be better than that in 4. CJ should age well. it's not like his D relies on athleticism. He gets where he wants to score with timing.

2. I agree this team is the best roster in the time of Olshey following LAMEXIT. I agree it's been hampered by injuries -- primarily Nurkic and Collins. I don't agree with posters who suggest Powell leaves; I put that at a lower percentage guess. I don't agree CJ remains a Blazer EVEN with Olshey as GM. Because Lillard has risen to being seen as the equal of Curry (maybe not all time greatest shooter that many say about SC, but clutch and distance and 3 levels and ...) ... because of this, the heat JUST got turned up to a new level. Not peanut gallery. Not even all across the media. Just up. Forward needs to be fixed and one obvious route can get there. If Dame doesn't get a legit number 2 star, then he needs serious #3's and CJ and Nurkic aren't enough -- defense and injury, respectively.

HoopsFanAZ wrote:

d-train wrote: Regardless of who wins, the Blazers have reached a new higher level of play. The current Blazers are the best team in the Lillard era. And, we haven't peaked. We can get better. Health permitting, we will get better. ...

Just a couple points as what you've said is arguable.

1. It used to be that jump shooters (especially those who weren't primarily catch and shoot) saw their percentage drop significantly at age 35. The data and interpretation I saw on that was in the time of Allan Houston. Lillard will be 31 next season. With his superb work ethic, 35 is still prime. Chris Paul is 35 and Lillard can be better than that in 4. CJ should age well. it's not like his D relies on athleticism. He gets where he wants to score with timing.

2. I agree this team is the best roster in the time of Olshey following LAMEXIT. I agree it's been hampered by injuries -- primarily Nurkic and Collins. I don't agree with posters who suggest Powell leaves; I put that at a lower percentage guess. I don't agree CJ remains a Blazer EVEN with Olshey as GM. Because Lillard has risen to being seen as the equal of Curry (maybe not all time greatest shooter that many say about SC, but clutch and distance and 3 levels and ...) ... because of this, the heat JUST got turned up to a new level. Not peanut gallery. Not even all across the media. Just up. Forward needs to be fixed and one obvious route can get there. If Dame doesn't get a legit number 2 star, then he needs serious #3's and CJ and Nurkic aren't enough -- defense and injury, respectively.

Agree … last game has turned up the heat for something to be done. I see the only way NO stays is if he jettisons CJ…
I can live with CJ’s hero ball, but he’s the absolute worst defensive guard in the league period.


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1st quarter GLB pic

I'm trying not to be picky and negative, but seeing CJ not pass to a wide open Nurk on at least two rolls is a bit frustrating and I hope not a sign for the game.

Well, ish. Someone finally told MPJ he has like six inches of height on Powell. Try jumping.

Those 2 fouls on Jokic early are big. Hope Portland can take advantage. Porter is special.

What did DJJ do to deserve A DNP in the playoffs after starting for most of the season? A bigger body in MPJ might help

I wanted more than a 4-point lead, but I suppose it'll have to do!

2nd quarter GLB pic

Moonbeam wrote:I wanted more than a 4-point lead, but I suppose it'll have to do!

As long as Portland leads at the end of the 4th I'll be happy

A dunking CJ!