Preseason game 3: Portland vs Denver 6:00pm SNW

[monopoman]

Wow, didn't see that coming (but hope to see it again in the regular season). Seemed like a lack of interest/chemistry, read you got a new scheme, why the change ??

Because we were the 29th best team defensively in the NBA last year. Better personal for defense and new schemes would make sense.

****, the only reason the Blazers were a playoff team last year is because we had a top 3 offense, but if we were even just middle of the pack defensively we would have done much better. Also keep in mind this team was 6th in defense 2 years ago, so while they have lost some of their solid defenders we definitely made up for it this year getting a couple solid defenders.

[Epicurus]

"I'm not going to completely overreact, " Too late.

[Roy The Natural]

"I'm not going to completely overreact, " Too late.

Nonsense. The team has played like absolute **** defensively to this point. I'm banking on them turning it around. But make no mistake, if this team remains healthy and isn't approaching a 50 win pace.... That's on your soulmate Terry Stotts. This is by far the most talented Portland team since the Aldridge days.

Don't give a **** about the offensive struggles. That will iron itself out. Last year's team spent like 70 games looking utterly confused on the defensive end, this team looks the same, up and down the roster.

Like I said, I believe they'll iron it out, but it's completely rational to question Stotts defensive coaching ability. I'll reserve judgement until late January and let things develop, unless this team is an absolute disaster. I think that's more than fair.

[Wizenheimer]

just checking in to see is giving up 52% on FG's, 41% on three's, and 39 assists is a sign of improved defense....asking for a friend

[BlazersBroncos]

The ball movement that Denver gets is just so pleasant to watch. Its not just Joker, the whole team for the most part has bought in to a really aesthetically pleasing, unselfish brand of basketball.

I have said this whole offseason that some role players are not elevating us above LAL, LAC and DEN. I think last night was illustration of that, but then again its preseason.

[Epicurus]

"I'm not going to completely overreact, " Too late.

Nonsense. The team has played like absolute **** defensively to this point. I'm banking on them turning it around. But make no mistake, if this team remains healthy and isn't approaching a 50 win pace.... That's on your soulmate Terry Stotts. This is by far the most talented Portland team since the Aldridge days.

Don't give a **** about the offensive struggles. That will iron itself out. Last year's team spent like 70 games looking utterly confused on the defensive end, this team looks the same, up and down the roster.

Like I said, I believe they'll iron it out, but it's completely rational to question Stotts defensive coaching ability. I'll reserve judgement until late January and let things develop, unless this team is an absolute disaster. I think that's more than fair.

Yet you haven't reserved judgment. Three exhibition games and you are doing the same song and dance. Stotts is your boogey man and you can't reserve judgment or completely overreact when an opportunity to pounce on him exists.

I am positive that the coaching staff is very disappointed in last night's defense which at times was less resistant than that of the Washington Generals. Yet I think they also know that changing to a more aggressive, challenging passing lanes is going to open back doors for an excellent passing team. Guys not either use to playing much with each other, read the starting front line, will take some time communicating and trusting in this changed defense. It is almost like you don't see the changed transactions but only the outcomes. Fault the coach for not being able in two weeks to implement this defense with unfamiliar players, but stop pretending that you know more than professional coaches about relevant NBA defenses and how to apply them when you have two backcourt offensive stars who can't for the life of them stay attached with their men on defense.

[Epicurus]

just checking in to see is giving up 52% on FG's, 41% on three's, and 39 assists is a sign of improved defense....asking for a friend

Tell your clueless friend that the goal is to have an improved defense during the season and it was never pledged that such will occur by the third practice game. The good thing about what you mention is that the coaching staff and the players will have much video to study to see their PRESENT deficiencies via a finely conducted offense.

[monopoman]

I mean defense is a team thing, so we need these guys to both buy into it and then play defense as a team. Just because we have players capable of playing defense doesn't mean we have the team focused defense yet.

[Epicurus]

I mean defense is a team thing, so we need these guys to both buy into it and then play defense as a team. Just because we have players capable of playing defense doesn't mean we have the team focused defense yet.

Besides opponents taking more 3 fga last season (making about the same rate), the defense was not as good in defensive rebounding than previous seasons. I fear that though better defenders than those they replaced, neither Covington nor Jones are beyond average rebounders. Playing both together may not be the answer. I hope either Giles or Collins can replace Jones to give another rebounding big next to Nurk ( who thus far is not the Nurk of 2019).

[Blazinaway]

Just watched the game on tape, simply awful, lets hope they bring something more next encounter as they should be embarrassed by that "effort"