Game Thread 10/20: Pacers vs. Blazers

[AussiePacer]

Leaf is really showing something on offense. I hope this really lifts up his confidence.

Shot well, but I've liked his aggression the most.

[boomershadow]

Not exactly an unexpected result. We knew there was something lacking on the defensive end (and that was with Turner on the floor), but against that Portland offense we didn't stand much of a chance. The trio of Lillard, McCollum, and Turner took it to us.

[MUpacersSIC]

Joe Young trying to get double figures in 1 minute of play.

[MUpacersSIC]

I think with Myles Turner we're a vastly different team. Without, we literally have ZERO rim protection.

[xxSnEaKyPxx]

Kinda felt like Oladipo and Stephenson were more worried about themselves than the team tonight. Probably around 10 times between them I saw them try to shoot it over 3 defenders instead of kicking it to the open Sabonis/Leaf/Young on the PnR or PnP.

[pacerized]

I think with Myles Turner we're a vastly different team. Without, we literally have ZERO rim protection.

I really don't consider Turner a true rim protector. Yes Turner will get you some blocks but I don't see him keep anyone away from the rim.

[ThunderBolt]

I've watched Oladipo since he was a freshman at IU, as I was there at the same time. While he is lightyears ahead of where he was from a skill standpoint, he's nowhere near I'd thought he'd be at this point.

I’m not exaggerating when I say he could never put together two offensive halves of basketball in the same game. His offensive skills are more of a third option on a good team and a fourth option on a great team. The good news is he’s pretty consistent on defense.

[Jake0890]

Turner is entirely irreplaceable for this team. Without him, we're not gonna win games.

Oladipo looked like he picked up some of Russ's bad habits.

Leaf looked confident and shot the ball well, which was nice. Thad Young was the other standout.

[xxSnEaKyPxx]

I take it back. Suns have the worst defense in the NBA.

[BooomBaby]

Turner is entirely irreplaceable for this team. Without him, we're not gonna win games.

Ain't that the truth,

The team was hot garbage yesterday, just painful to watch.

Let's just hope Leaf continues to develop and could possibly turn out to be our Croshere...

(Long time lurker, first time poster BTW, good to be here.)

[Wizop]

Kinda felt like Oladipo and Stephenson were more worried about themselves than the team tonight. Probably around 10 times between them I saw them try to shoot it over 3 defenders instead of kicking it to the open Sabonis/Leaf/Young on the PnR or PnP.

I think they're both trying too hard. We can hope they get comfortable and stop feeling they have to show they are better than their last team felt.

Sent from my SM-G935P using RealGM mobile app

[boomershadow]

I will say this for Sabonis. He got roughed up in the beginning of the game and came back later and still gave it his all. Seems like a real real ride or die type.

[Major Cold]

I think with Myles Turner we're a vastly different team. Without, we literally have ZERO rim protection.

I really don't consider Turner a true rim protector. Yes Turner will get you some blocks but I don't see him keep anyone away from the rim.

Do you know what a rim protector is? While players shoot 49% at the rim with Myles there, he is a rim protector because of his shot blocking ability. He might not be as effective as Draymond, Gobert, or Whiteside. But he does protect the rim and is a top 15 player in that regard.

He switches on PNR and is found out of the lane a lot.

[Miller4ever]

I think with Myles Turner we're a vastly different team. Without, we literally have ZERO rim protection.

I really don't consider Turner a true rim protector. Yes Turner will get you some blocks but I don't see him keep anyone away from the rim.

KEEPING people away from the rim is the job of the perimeter defense. Myles' rim protection stats looked good last season, and will take a dip this season because this team got significantly worse at defense overall, particularly PnR defense which allows people to get free run to the rim; which puts the rim protector in a hilarious spot where they have to risk a foul to make up for their guards' terrible D while leaving their man who might get an even easier shot on a weakside lob or cross-paint bounce pass.

[CableKC]

Of what little I saw of Sabonis and Myles together; I liked the length, hustle, rebounding and shotblocking that I saw when both were on the floor together.