gpikeBlazers Lose Fifth Straight
December 2nd 2010 23:54
Portland Trailblazers coach Nate McMillan was able to find some positives in Portland's loss last night. The Blazers lost 99-95 to Boston for their fifth straight defeat. The team is 8-10 on the season which began with a promising start. McMillan pointed out how the team rallied back from being behind 96-80, by scoring fifteen straight points, and making it an one point game. After forcing a missed shot, Portland missed a defensive rebound, and Boston sharpshooter Ray Allen got another chance at a three which he calmly drained. Portland was ahead 65-60 at one point in the third quarter, showing how both teams went on runs in the second half.
So what is wrong with Portland?
1. Lack of playmakers:With star player Brandon Roy struggling with knee issues, and Andre Miller getting old, Portland has nobody to create points. Guard Wesley Matthews was moved into the starting lineup but he is too small to play the small forward spot. When Roy was hurt earlier this season and out of the game, the Blazers were able to move the ball, and looked more into the game. Now with Roy back, the offense is back to the same struggles.
2. No solid backup center: Marcus Camby is getting older and with that comes more injuries. Camby is 36 and is logging some serious minutes for the team. Without Joel Pryzbilla, and Greg Oden, the team doesn't have a worthy center to play. Failed experiments thus far this season include Fransisco Oberto who retired, and Sean Marks. Pryzbilla is expected to come back any day now which will help.
3. Brandon Roy struggles: Across the board, Roys numbers are down as he is getting used to playing with bum knees. Portland signed Roy to a huge contract and they are getting little in return. Things are not looking up for Roy as his knees will only get worse, not better. In previous seasons he was able to beat his defender off the dribble and get a good shot at the hoop. This year he can't do that. Portland's offense is run through him when he is out on the court. This needs to change.
4. Boring offense: As stated above, the Blazers offense needs to change. More ball movement and use of hustle should be the new name of the style. No more of the isolation and Roy having to beat his guy off the ball. Use guys like Matthews, Miller who can still play, rookie Armon Johnson, Patty Mills, Nicolas Batum, and Rudy Fernandez, guys who can run. Time for more energy.
So what is wrong with Portland?
1. Lack of playmakers:With star player Brandon Roy struggling with knee issues, and Andre Miller getting old, Portland has nobody to create points. Guard Wesley Matthews was moved into the starting lineup but he is too small to play the small forward spot. When Roy was hurt earlier this season and out of the game, the Blazers were able to move the ball, and looked more into the game. Now with Roy back, the offense is back to the same struggles.
2. No solid backup center: Marcus Camby is getting older and with that comes more injuries. Camby is 36 and is logging some serious minutes for the team. Without Joel Pryzbilla, and Greg Oden, the team doesn't have a worthy center to play. Failed experiments thus far this season include Fransisco Oberto who retired, and Sean Marks. Pryzbilla is expected to come back any day now which will help.
3. Brandon Roy struggles: Across the board, Roys numbers are down as he is getting used to playing with bum knees. Portland signed Roy to a huge contract and they are getting little in return. Things are not looking up for Roy as his knees will only get worse, not better. In previous seasons he was able to beat his defender off the dribble and get a good shot at the hoop. This year he can't do that. Portland's offense is run through him when he is out on the court. This needs to change.
4. Boring offense: As stated above, the Blazers offense needs to change. More ball movement and use of hustle should be the new name of the style. No more of the isolation and Roy having to beat his guy off the ball. Use guys like Matthews, Miller who can still play, rookie Armon Johnson, Patty Mills, Nicolas Batum, and Rudy Fernandez, guys who can run. Time for more energy.
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Comment by Joe Soriano
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