Regular Season Game 5: Portland Trailblazers (2-1) at Orlando Magic (2-2)

[Xatticus]

Ignoring Isaac!

He needs to be more assertive. I don't mean assertive in terms of forcing shots when he touches the ball, but he needs to cut harder, establish better position, work his way into the action more.

Most offensive possessions he just stands around and that's not going to lead to many shots when you don't have point guards with great vision.

I've actually been impressed by his off the ball work this year. His screen setting is a work in progress, but he is always looking to make cuts and crashing the boards when a shot goes up. Most of what he is getting is coming from garbage, but that's how it is going to be as long as he is in the first unit with Fournier and Vucevic. Even Gordon has been struggling to find offensive opportunities and is pressing.

[Optimus_Steel]

This team can't seem to play well at home, idk why.

[Knightro]

Horrendously bad is being a little dramatic, I think.

Collins had 2 pretty lucky shots over him, but then 2 moves where he kinda just worked Bamba as well.

Last possession was a bit hard to guard as that was a horrid shot and Lillard was going downhill.

We don't involve him enough offensively to really critique him on that end yet.

I don't think horrendously bad was harsh at all. I'm a huge Bamba fan, but he was just out there pretty much. Looked lost on both ends of the floor. Got scored on, lost guys on cuts, didn't provide strong contests.

Beyond that, the whole "we don't involve ____ enough" argument really kills me.

You know why guys don't get shots up? It's not because they can't play or because their teammates have some sort of vendetta against them.

Yes, the guards don't have enough vision, but Isaac, Bamba and Gordon mostly float on the perimeter and are content to let Fournier/Vucevic play two-man.

Don't want them to do it? Force yourself into the action as the screen man. Don't allow yourself to get waived off.

There's just a lack of urgency offensively with everyone but the two guys that everyone hates. Everyone else is just too willing to stand around and watch.

[PrimeThyme]

Down by 10 and CJ and Lillard didn't even play well. Let's see if this team has any fight in them tonight because if not I could easily see this being a 15-20 point loss.

[Knightro]

Game is still within reach. Gotta play with more energy, specifically defensively and on the glass.

[Knightro]

Augustin/Vucevic pick and roll defense is just awful.

They switched when they didn't need to and Lillard smashes them immediately.

[Def Swami]

Game over.

[ChosenSavior]

Just set a screen on Augustin anytime you want an open shot. He dies on them every single time.

[FFBlitzace]

I'm going to channel my inner DownToBuck with this one.


The statistician walks out to his car after the game, content with another job well done. He places his paperwork on the hood of the car, ready to be submitted to the league office after one final review. As he fumbles with his keys, he takes note of a sour smell on the wind, like sweat and cheap champagne.

"Bonjour."

Startled, the statistician wheels around, brandishing his car key as a weapon. "Who's there?!"

A tall, effeminate-looking man steps into his view, lowering his hood. "Mr. Fournier?"

"I need you to do something for me, S'il vous plaît."

The sudden appearance by a pseudo celebrity, combined with the cold determination in his voice, was rather unsettling. "Uhh, sure, want to grab coffee and talk about it?"

"That won't be necessary. I believe you have what I need right there." Fournier said, pointing to the paperwork on top of the car.

"The stats? Mr. Fournier, I'd love to help, but you know I can't add any-"

"Not add," Fournier cut him off. "Subtract."

Bewildered, the statistician was frozen for a moment. "Subtract?"

"My assist to Jonathan Isaac in the 2nd quarter. You will erase it for me."

Fournier's presumptuous tone struck a nerve, momentarily steeling the statistician's resolve. "Now look here sir, these stats are sacrosanct. I'm offended you would ask me to defile the game in such a manner."

"You will erase that assist." Fournier repeated, opening his coat to reveal what looked like a gun.

"Is that...a Nerf gun?" The statistician asked, flabbergasted.

"Look, just erase the assist, or change the field goal to Vucevic, I don't care. I'll pay you 50 grand."



I'm cutting it short because the 2nd half has started.

[Knightro]

Just set a screen on Augustin anytime you want an open shot. He dies on them every single time.

I'm surprised more teams don't just spam 1-5 pick and rolls against the Magic.

Augustin simply cannot get off a screen. Vucevic is too slow footed to switch and not aggressive or athletic enough as a rim protector when he drops.

[OrlandoNed]

Buddy Ball stifles the growth of our offensive ceiling. Fournier is a skilled player but I really do not think he’s a good teammate. I think he might have a toxic presence on this team.

[Mauro Pedrosa]

AG is frustrated and playing like poop

[Knightro]

That was a RIDICULOUS shot by McCollum.

Isaac was all over him and he still hit a fadeaway.

[PrimeThyme]

Fournier is such a selfish **** player

[Def Swami]

AG at the rim is so much better.

[OrlandoNed]

My god, that contest by Isaac on CJ was insane! He couldn’t be any closer without fouling!

[ChosenSavior]

At least these guys continue to fight. I like that AG is attacking the rim in this quarter.

[OrlandO]

Yes, get closer AG... Portland's not a good defensive team, no need to take tough jumpers if you're not making them.

[Mauro Pedrosa]

Buddy Ball stifles the growth of our offensive ceiling. Fournier is a skilled player but I really do not think he’s a good teammate. I think he might have a toxic presence on this team.

That's why Lonzo would do wonders for our team

[Knightro]

Magic staying in contact here. Definitely not out of it yet.