Portland Trailblazers vs. Memphis Grizziles First Round Thread

[Rhyster66]

Feel like this thread will get way less Comments then the Cavs/Celtics or Warriors/Pelicans Threads, still wanted to make it. It's going to be a great series! :flex:


http://i.imgur.com/vwnDYaI.jpg

[cdub6238]

it might be great in terms of basketball, but not sure how well it will turn out on tv/ratings

Grizz play that slow tempo, defensive minded game...might be even worse if Conley cant go game 1 or longer

[dapro]

I am rooting for Portland!

[ninjacookies]

Want Portland to win, but realistically speaking, I think Memphis is advancing.

[drobfan8]

I could watch MEM all day, what a team and I think they're going to be tough to stop if they can get healthy.

I even believe they can roll the Warriors, if they get past POR of course.

[Rhyster66]

Want Portland to win, but realistically speaking, I think Memphis is advancing.

Most people have the mindset that Memphis is advancing, including multiple ESPN "experts"(All of them actually.). But being the underdog is a position that Portland thrive in.

[Rhyster66]

I could watch MEM all day, what a team and I think they're going to be tough to stop if they can get healthy.

I even believe they can roll the Warriors, if they get past POR of course.

Warriors let the Pelicans back into Game 1, so I would assume that a couple teams would have a good chance to beat them who are better than the Pels.

[IronMonkey415]

Give us a good game!!!

[Hoopaholic]

Portland is banged up big time, as always, but they are fighters. We need Batum to show up.

[Rabie1]

Bad start. Lillard needs to get going cause LA is getting zbo and gasol inside.

[Rhyster66]

That was an and 1? Oh ok.

[Rhyster66]

No heart in this team.

[Rabie1]

Not a good start for the game or the series. Lillard needs to have a crazy 2nd half to make up for this crappy first one.

[Kosmo Kards]

Memphis too much for Rip City in the first half. Portland better figure something out.

[bullard123]

I agree Lillard need to get going. Did you see that crossover Conley did before the half? Wow! But he missed the shot

[Rhyster66]

If Dame doesn't get out of his slump come 2nd half, his "superstar" status is most likely going to be revoked.

[ninjacookies]

Pretty much exactly how I expected it to go so far. Blazers have zero interior presence, and LA is basically relegated to being a perimeter shooter due to Z-bo and Gasol. This is just a really bad matchup for portland. Udreh being 6/6 from the field...nuff said.

[realreodeal]

Grizz are my favorites to come out of the West.

[thecomebacker]

Dang, what happened to Lillard this year?

[ninjacookies]

A mini run here, but doubt Portland will be able to sustain it for long. Their shot selection all game has been horrible.

[Rhyster66]

Blow it all up.

[Rhyster66]

Not everyday is Beno going to go off/Dame going to shoot the Blazers out of the game. Portland need to start Meyers or Kaman, Lopez isn't working. CJ has to get put back in the role that he is comfortable in, which is the 6th man role. If the team is playing OK and not cold as hell like tonight, they can steal this next game.

[cdub6238]

Not everyday is Beno going to go off/Dame going to shoot the Blazers out of the game. Portland need to start Meyers or Kaman, Lopez isn't working. CJ has to get put back in the role that he is comfortable in, which is the 6th man role. If the team is playing OK and not cold as hell like tonight, they can steal this next game.

its not really going to matter who they start at C..Gasol will just eat them alive and pull them out of the paint and stretch them regardless

i will agree that Dame shot his team into a hole..and LA didnt exactly help things much either shooting an abysmal 13/34..

he turned it on late 2nd half but was already too late...

why isnt everybody hating on him and talking about him "padding stats" like they were AD yesterday?? hmmm

[hquiz]

Beno Udrih - 20 pts, 7 reb, 7 ast

Wow :eek:

[Rhyster66]

its not really going to matter who they start at C..Gasol will just eat them alive and pull them out of the paint and stretch them regardless

i will agree that Dame shot his team into a hole..and LA didnt exactly help things much either shooting an abysmal 13/34..

he turned it on late 2nd half but was already too late...

why isnt everybody hating on him and talking about him "padding stats" like they were AD yesterday?? hmmm

LMA didn't pad his stats... It was a comeback led by.... just him.

[Rhyster66]

Beno Udrih - 20 pts, 7 reb, 7 ast

Wow :eek:

That is a once in a bunch of games occurence. I don't except him to be THAT hot coming into Game 2.

[jmmintz]

That is a once in a bunch of games occurence. I don't except him to be THAT hot coming into Game 2.

It definitely won't happen again, but Beno's really good and since he was so hot we got to rest Conley for the entire 4th quarter, huge for a guy coming back from an injury.

The best part about last night was the D. That team looked like the pre-All Star break Grizz, not the .500 post-All Star break Grizz. The game wasn't nearly as close as the final score shows. It was basically a wire-to-wire rout.

[IronMonkey415]

You know who is going to be hot in game 2?
Lillard...there is no way he will back to back bad game.
Lamarcus will man up and start attacking the paint more.

[Rhyster66]

Afflalo is now 100% likely to start. Gamechanger right there as it moves CJ back into a comfortable role that he is used to.

[bdoody42]

Lillard and Aldridge really need to take higher percentage shots. Affalo if actually healthy will help a lot. CJ can't handle going against starters for any amount of time.

[Kosmo Kards]

You know who is going to be hot in game 2?
Lillard...there is no way he will back to back bad game.
Lamarcus will man up and start attacking the paint more.

Its their only chance of winning this series.

[Rhyster66]

Afflalo/Kaman out tonight.... Kaman I'm not too sad about as he threw up bad jumpers, Afflalo is rough though.

[JMarchand1981]

Definitely rooting for the grizz tonight.

[Rhyster66]

Definitely rooting for the grizz tonight.
wow thx :(

[Rhyster66]

Actually got somewhat of a lead.... And its gone

[Kosmo Kards]

Where has Lillard been so far? He's MIA. Aldridge has been been hitting his shots, but still just settling for jump shots. They're lucky to be only down 11.

[Rhyster66]

Time to lay it all on the line in these next two games. Afflalo/KAMAN were heavily needed tonight.

[IronMonkey415]

Bump so you guys can chat about the game.

[IronMonkey415]

There is Kaman and his sweet jumper.

[Kosmo Kards]

Courtney Lee off to a hot start.

[bdoody42]

There is Kaman and his sweet jumper.

And not sweet beard.

[IronMonkey415]

I need to see a close up of it again.

[IronMonkey415]

LaMarcus finally hits a shot.

[bdoody42]

Little run here by the Blazers. Looks like McCollum and Lillard shooting better at home.

[Rhyster66]

Have to get back into it this next half.

[bdoody42]

Just don't see enough defense tonight from the Blazers.

[Rhyster66]

Refs ain't letting them play physical.

[thecomebacker]

What happened to Lillard 's game? It's like he forgot how to play all of a sudden.

[ninjacookies]

What happened to Lillard 's game? It's like he forgot how to play all of a sudden.

Memphis has pretty good defense at guard. However, Conley is hobbled, so that should be no excuse. They have cut off his ability to drive though, but that's just what the Grizzlies do.

[thecomebacker]

Memphis has pretty good defense at guard. However, Conley is hobbled, so that should be no excuse. They have cut off his ability to drive though, but that's just what the Grizzlies do.
Yes, but they don't turn an all star PG into Mario Chambers.

[cdub6238]

Conley down..ruh roh

[ninjacookies]

Yes, but they don't turn an all star PG into Mario Chambers.

Lol, Lillard just hasn't been putting up the volume that he did in the past. Not sure if that's due to lack of confidence or him trying too hard to get others involved. In any event, he needs to go back to being himself before this series is over.

[bdoody42]

Lillards defense reminds me of Curry and harden in years past.

[bdoody42]

Sick finish by green.

[bdoody42]

Bad shot selection by Lillard.

[Kosmo Kards]

Memphis just has their number.

[Rhyster66]

It was a great last gasp effort.

[bdoody42]

Lillard is playing the opposite of how he did in the first round last year.

[Rhyster66]

Lillard is playing the opposite of how he did in the first round last year.

He wasn't that bad today. Last 2 games yeah for sure.

[Kosmo Kards]

Memphis might win the west. They look like a team playing on all cylinders and at the right time. So much for Conley's bad foot.

[Rabie1]

The series was over from game 2. The Blazers look lost and predictable on offence. 2-3 rushed 3s, go inside to LA. if that works, go inside again to him. if it does not, go back to rushing shots or let Kamen take a jump shot over Gasol.

On the bright side, if any, there is no way LA leaves the team after a series like this. The media is making all this up so they have articles to post every day. One of them went as far as saying that LA's future depends on game 3. IF LA leaves its because he made up his mind long time ago, one game after so many years with the team is not a factor.

[Rhyster66]

Memphis might win the west. They look like a team playing on all cylinders and at the right time. So much for Conley's bad foot.
He may have a serious eye injury. Which sucks because we have no chance and I at least want you guys to face the warriors with a healty squad.

[drobfan8]

The series was over from game 2. The Blazers look lost and predictable on offence. 2-3 rushed 3s, go inside to LA. if that works, go inside again to him. if it does not, go back to rushing shots or let Kamen take a jump shot over Gasol.

On the bright side, if any, there is no way LA leaves the team after a series like this. The media is making all this up so they have articles to post every day. One of them went as far as saying that LA's future depends on game 3. IF LA leaves its because he made up his mind long time ago, one game after so many years with the team is not a factor.

Apparently LMA wants to win. POR is not that place. Come to SA buddy:)

[Rhyster66]

Apparently LMA wants to win. POR is not that place. Come to SA buddy:)

Nah. Not going to happen buddy. Sorry if the media is getting your hopes up. :D

[drobfan8]

Nah. Not going to happen buddy. Sorry if the media is getting your hopes up. :D

Ha ha, it's certainly a great storyline right now.

hopes aren't too high, if they got him, WOW, look out, if not, the Spurs will be fine.

LMA actually said the words, "I want to win". I just don't think POR can make that happen.

[drobfan8]

MEM are incredible and I think they're ready to get to the finals.

Surely their experience and championship level defense will be too much for GS.

[Rhyster66]

Ha ha, it's certainly a great storyline right now.

hopes aren't too high, if they got him, WOW, look out, if not, the Spurs will be fine.

LMA actually said the words, "I want to win". I just don't think POR can make that happen.

If the Spurs do put on an amazing pitch to him, there's a chance he will go.

[Blazer12]

Ha ha, it's certainly a great storyline right now.

hopes aren't too high, if they got him, WOW, look out, if not, the Spurs will be fine.

LMA actually said the words, "I want to win". I just don't think POR can make that happen.

He also has said that he wants to be the greatest Trail Blazer of all time. To do that he would need to finish his career in Portland or at least a couple more years. Also you have to remember that the Blazers can give him a 5 year max deal which no other team can offer.

[drobfan8]

If the Spurs do put on an amazing pitch to him, there's a chance he will go.

You never know. I'd like him to be a one club player at Por, but he is a big signing for whoever gets him.

[bdoody42]

He wasn't that bad today. Last 2 games yeah for sure.

At the end he was pretty poor. Look at his fourth quarter.

[Rhyster66]

Wow.... Aldridge left Memphis early instead of staying with the entire team.... Good chance he is gone.

[Rhyster66]

Conley out for the rest of however long this series goes on for. Tough break. Beno has to pull a game 1 on Lillard.

[IronMonkey415]

Beno and Calathes times.

These 2 dudes are legit.

[Rhyster66]

Beno and Calathes times.

These 2 dudes are legit.

They are legit vs Damian Lillard.

[IronMonkey415]

Lets hope he drop 30+ on both of them. They can score but I don't think they are fast enough to guard Damian.

[IronMonkey415]

Calathes dropping 2 threes already.

[bdoody42]

Lillard is a bad defender. Seems lazy.

[bdoody42]

Calathes dropping 2 threes already.

He should be the Greek Freak!!!

[bdoody42]

Lillard has to guard Lee because he can't handle Calathas on ball.

[Rabie1]

Lillard has to guard Lee because he can't handle Calathas on ball.

what is your point?

[paul06901]

Phew, I can't believe how Lamarcus Aldridge gets away with pushing away defenders arms on his move.

He does this every single time he makes a post move. He uses his off arm to hook the defender or push the defender's arm away.

I wish the league would not allow this kind of offensive clear-out. Makes it so difficult for anyone to guard without fouling or giving up a layup. Would be nice to see him actually have to play the post without having this edge on the defender always, he'd be much more like current Dirk and more of a stand-still shooter.

[bdoody42]

what is your point?

My point is with his physically ability he should be a much better defender. Good run by trail blazers to end the quarter.

[IronMonkey415]

OHHHHH Meyers Leonard bombing away

[bdoody42]

OHHHHH Meyers Leonard bombing away

Love to see a bench guy step up and make a difference.

[Rhyster66]

God Lillard is such an overrated player. His career is pretty much over.


Right?

[Kosmo Kards]

Portland had a good first half. The Grizz miss Conley, plus they're "meh" on D. No sense of urgency from them since they're up 3-0.

[Rhyster66]

Portland had a good first half. The Grizz miss Conley, plus they're "meh" on D. No sense of urgency from them since they're up 3-0.

Or they are stalling until Conley heals.

[Rabie1]

I really want one or two more Blazers games. But they just do not deserve it.

[IronMonkey415]

4 point play...wow

[currycurrycurry]

Blazers looking like they might take this one??~~

[Rabie1]

Glad they proved me wrong. Lillard carried the team in the 2nd half. 3-1. With Conley out everything is possible.

[Rhyster66]

Great game. I did love the LMA Putback when it wasn't needed.

[lambyzzle79]

God Lillard is such an overrated player. His career is pretty much over.


Right?


Whoa! Bold statement, lol. Lillard just had a slump he'll prove the doubters wrong.

[elee712]

Every game Portland wins will make it that much easier for the warriors

[Rhyster66]

Whoa! Bold statement, lol. Lillard just had a slump he'll prove the doubters wrong.

I was acting like a lot of people who judged Lillard by the first two games.

[bdoody42]

Good fight by the Blazers to stay alive. Lillard closing it out,

[Rhyster66]

Gameday. A winnable game if LMA breaks out of his slump.

[lambyzzle79]

CJ might just be what the bLazers need against Memphis

[tiger221166]

Z-Bo looks like he might have a heart attack out there.

[Rhyster66]

This game doesn't feel too good.

[Rabie1]

Cjjjj!!!!!!!! Killing them grizz!!

[tiger221166]

This game is getting very chippy. All the Grizzlies fault, frankly.

[bdoody42]

Stop watching the ball on defense Lilliard.

[Nyfancam01]

I hope the Grizz win here!!!

[Nyfancam01]

Jeff Green!!!!! not shooting well but some nice timing on these buckets

[Rhyster66]

Not the best shot to finish the season, but a lot of heart shown by our rising stars in Meyers and 3J. Though LA is obviously gone next year, as proven when he literally had a huge grin on his face after he fouled out, the future is looking up.

[ninjacookies]

As I said in another thread, good luck to whatever team offers LA a max deal with his invisible defense and complete lack of game if his jumper is off.

Lillard was a sorry excuse of a 'star,' and Batum...well, Batum just needs GTFO asap. All the intangibles in the world but zero heart and will. Team needs a complete revamp, time to focus entirely on defense and getting some interior presence.

Grizzlies are a tough act to deal with.

[Rhyster66]

As I said in another thread, good luck to whatever team offers LA a max deal with his invisible defense and complete lack of game if his jumper is off.

Lillard was a sorry excuse of a 'star,' and Batum...well, Batum just needs GTFO asap. All the intangibles in the world but zero heart and will. Team needs a complete revamp, time to focus entirely on defense and getting some interior presence.

Grizzlies are a tough act to deal with.

Batum- Yeah he sucks. Dame.... Not a superstar, but probably a "star".

This team doesn't need a revamp, they were top 5 in defense before Wesley went down.

[ninjacookies]

Batum- Yeah he sucks. Dame.... Not a superstar, but probably a "star".

This team doesn't need a revamp, they were top 5 in defense before Wesley went down.

Statistically in the regular season, perhaps...but the eye test definitely said otherwise in this series.

Aldridge has flat feet, Lopez has the mobility of a russian tank, and none of the other starters seemed interested to stay on their man for more than 10 seconds. I think there's a good reason why this team is 5-11 in the playoffs under coach Terry. You just don't win in the playoffs if you lack good defense.

[drobfan8]

I disagree about LMA, he can flat out play.

POR were screwed over this year with the injury to Wes, they were a legit 3 seed and playing well. Add in Batum's struggles (2-12 this game, ouch).

Plus Z. Bo beasts EVERYBODY, Memphis are tough as hell and I think they're a great chance to roll GS. Gonna be tough without Conley obviously.

If LMA is leaving and he's having those thoughts, then that would add to his poor play no doubt. I think people aren't giving Memphis enough credit for Portlands struggles.

LMA to Spurs:) perfect

[Rabie1]

As I said in another thread, good luck to whatever team offers LA a max deal with his invisible defense and complete lack of game if his jumper is off.

Lillard was a sorry excuse of a 'star,' and Batum...well, Batum just needs GTFO asap. All the intangibles in the world but zero heart and will. Team needs a complete revamp, time to focus entirely on defense and getting some interior presence.

Grizzlies are a tough act to deal with.

How is Lillard a sad excuse of a star? did you see how they kept coming at him even when CJ was on fire? the plan was clearly to stop LMA and Lillard and let everyone else do whatever - and it worked. It is easy to sit on your ass commenting on things while Lillard has to go by Tony Allen, and once he does he has Gasol waiting inside to block the shot - both all defensive team players.

[ninjacookies]

How is Lillard a sad excuse of a star? did you see how they kept coming at him even when CJ was on fire? the plan was clearly to stop LMA and Lillard and let everyone else do whatever - and it worked. It is easy to sit on your ass commenting on things while Lillard has to go by Tony Allen, and once he does he has Gasol waiting inside to block the shot - both all defensive team players.

I watched the game. Closely. All of them, actually. Aside from that one good game, Lilard was virtually non existent. Not only that, but even when he was experiencing offensive troubles, he was a deer caught in the headlights on the defensive end and was letting *gulp* Nick Calathes absolutely dismantle him (oftentimes lilard was just standing there while Nick was about 10 feet off the ball shooting widen open J's). How many open layups did he miss tonight? How about the lazy careless entry passes that turned into steals, or not bothering to secure a rebound?

Yes, I think he was a sorry excuse for a star this series. God forbid he had to go up against Connoley, he probably would have dropped 50 on us.

LMA is a scorer/rebounder. He is NOT a good defender. His game is finesse...not physicality, and ZBo straight up worked him on both ends and exposed his deficiencies. He also has terrible defensive footwork and is basically caught flat footed 98 percent of the time. That's fine. If someone wants a finesse 4 that depends primarily on a 15-17 foot J, then have at it. But we've got the best out of LMA, and he obviously was never going to take this team to the next level.


Batum sucks. The experiment is over. He's been in since '08...more than ample enough time to learn the system and the game and take it to the next level. But he just doesn't have it. The heart/the will/the killer instinct...all that. He'll go off and have one great game then completely disappear for a stretch of 10 games. No excuse for a guy basically built like Pippen with the same athleticism.

[bballcollector]

How is Lillard a sad excuse of a star? did you see how they kept coming at him even when CJ was on fire? the plan was clearly to stop LMA and Lillard and let everyone else do whatever - and it worked. It is easy to sit on your ass commenting on things while Lillard has to go by Tony Allen, and once he does he has Gasol waiting inside to block the shot - both all defensive team players.

Lillard was awful in this series.

[Rhyster66]

I watched the game. Closely. All of them, actually. Aside from that one good game, Lilard was virtually non existent. Not only that, but even when he was experiencing offensive troubles, he was a deer caught in the headlights on the defensive end and was letting *gulp* Nick Calathes absolutely dismantle him (oftentimes lilard was just standing there while Nick was about 10 feet off the ball shooting widen open J's). How many open layups did he miss tonight? How about the lazy careless entry passes that turned into steals, or not bothering to secure a rebound?

Yes, I think he was a sorry excuse for a star this series. God forbid he had to go up against Connoley, he probably would have dropped 50 on us.

LMA is a scorer/rebounder. He is NOT a good defender. His game is finesse...not physicality, and ZBo straight up worked him on both ends and exposed his deficiencies. He also has terrible defensive footwork and is basically caught flat footed 98 percent of the time. That's fine. If someone wants a finesse 4 that depends primarily on a 15-17 foot J, then have at it. But we've got the best out of LMA, and he obviously was never going to take this team to the next level.


Batum sucks. The experiment is over. He's been in since '08...more than ample enough time to learn the system and the game and take it to the next level. But he just doesn't have it. The heart/the will/the killer instinct...all that. He'll go off and have one great game then completely disappear for a stretch of 10 games. No excuse for a guy basically built like Pippen with the same athleticism.

So what is your opinion on Wesley Matthews? Who made the team want it was and is the heart of Portland?

[ninjacookies]

So what is your opinion on Wesley Matthews? Who made the team want it was and is the heart of Portland?

I like Wesley, but honestly I don't think he would have changed the complexion of the series to the point where we would have won it, and CJ filled his shoes more than well. His d is kind of suspect though, Lee was having a field day on both him and Batum on the switch. We still got exposed for our lack of interior physicality which is something you must have to compete against Memphis. Meyers did a commendable job, and seems like he was the only one willing to body up Gasol and actually guard him outside of the dotted circle (Lopez just stood there and let him have that free throw J all day). Actually surprised they didn't give Caman a run at it...at least he's somewhat of a banger. It's too bad we don't have T Rob anymore either, he provided that Jerome Kersey type spark on both ends that we desperately needed.

The entire team just showed no heart or grit this series outside of mcollum and leonard.

[jmmintz]

We have Grizz season tickets so we were at all three games, and this one was a tough one. I kept waiting for us to give the game up since we started settling for jump shots in the second half.

Takeaways are:
- Jeff Green is going to need to be better against GS, because dude couldn't hit water if he fell out of a boat in this series.
- Right now Courtney Lee is playing out of his mind, so he's peaking at the right moment, but good lord, Green is horrible.
- We clearly miss Conley a LOT (breaking news, I know). Calathes does a good enough job of running the team, but he missed at least three layups.
- Vince Carter is old. On his second dunk, he barely got the ball up over the rim. His put-back dunk was nice though.
- I like Meyers Leonard...he needs to be playing more for Portland.
- CJ McCollum can shoot.

Here's a little panorama from our seats.

GO GRIZZ.

[bdoody42]

How is Lillard a sad excuse of a star? did you see how they kept coming at him even when CJ was on fire? the plan was clearly to stop LMA and Lillard and let everyone else do whatever - and it worked. It is easy to sit on your ass commenting on things while Lillard has to go by Tony Allen, and once he does he has Gasol waiting inside to block the shot - both all defensive team players.

Lillard basically was the exact opposite of what he was in the playoffs last year. He didn't finish as well as he normally do at the rim. He shot to many bad 3 pointers. He was also horrible on defense both on and off the ball. Last year he was was amazing in the playoffs. This year the exact opposite.

[lambyzzle79]

Give props where props are due. Memphis is a VERY good team that is underrated. The 2 positives coming out of this series is CJ and Meyers showing up and playing well under bright lights. LA and Lillard was clamped down by Memphis defense, which is what the obvious plan of attack Memohis had coming in this series. Batum was well Batum.... and the rest of the gang played regular season ball. Seems like there is a dischord in the locking room, the team chemistry which the team had in the beginning of the season was clearly missing after Wes got hurt and carried over to this series. It's the Portland curse though, injuries seem to always plague this Blazers team. It's the damn Voodoo donuts lol.