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DHawes22
Posts: 6476

Posted 03/08/2012 12:31 PM

Should Luke Babbitt have a spot in the rotation?
Yes - He showed fire, an ability to rebound & put the ball on the floor (8)
67%
No - Whose minutes does he take away from? (4)
33%

March 9, 2012
4:30 PM | TD Garden | Boston, MA
Trail Blazers (19-20) At Celtics (20-18)

This will be a matchup of two teams not in the position they thought they would be in when the season started. Portland came out of the gates like gangbusters, winning seven of their first nine while the Celtics, on paper, still had a loaded and dangerous roster with talent at every position. But with the season already halfway completed, both teams are barely keeping their ships afloat, hovering around .500. This will be an interesting matchup as both teams are coming off of blowout losses -- the Trail Blazers falling to the Timberwolves by 12 and the Celtics by 32 to the 76ers. While both teams are reeling, Portland has a steeper hill to climb as they will be playing a Celtics team they haven't beat in Boston since 2004 -- a seven-game skid in Beantown. And it's not like these Trail Blazers are Road Warriors either, only winners of five of their 18 contests away from the Rose City -- the fifth worst road record in the NBA.

The chips are down and the deck is stacked against the Trail Blazers; their backs are against the wall. Now the question is, "How will they respond?" This is the time for LaMarcus to assert himself as our All-Star and not only take more shots but command the basketball. But more important than just taking more shots is the quality of the shots. Yes, LA made a bunch of shots in a row during his stint in the second quarter, they were all outside. Our team is unstoppable when LA is working down low on the blocks, putting up points in the paint and getting to the foul line. For Portland to win, Aldridge needs to attempt at least eight free throws and score at least 12 points in the paint.

The key to this game is how Portland defends Rondo. The Blazers should back off of him and beg him to shoot from the outside. If he's hitting from the perimeter, then its just not your night but chances are that more then likely, he'll be hesitant to pull the trigger from the outside. Just keep him out the lane and off the break so he can't find his big men down low and shooters on the outside. maybe run a zone with Batum and the top of key causing havoc would throw off Doc's gameplan and the Trail Blazers can steal a win in the "other" Garden.

Trail Blazers At Celtics Highlights

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Should Luke Babbitt have a spot in the rotation?
Yes - He showed fire, an ability to rebound & put the ball on the floor (8)
67%
No - Whose minutes does he take away from? (4)
33%

Herr
Posts: 643

Posted 03/08/2012 1:18 PM
Another game, another L.

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Tobyus Sanchezo
Posts: 1600

Posted 03/08/2012 4:54 PM
Blazers overdue for a big game. We're gonna make the Celtics look slow and old. Blazers win by double digits.

I am a fan of playoffs in two zero one three

Blazer247
Posts: 503

Posted 03/09/2012 10:45 AM
DHawes, I love your strategic ideas of how to keep Rondo and Boston off their games, but I think there's one thing that's really gonna get in our way with that:

Nate McMillan is our coach... and he's not exactly known for being flexible with what he calls his "gameplanning". So I'm a little worried that unless 'Batum at the top of a zone D' is part of the norm for us, there's no way it's gonna happen.

PLEASE show us some ability to adapt tonight, Blazers. And that includes you, Nate. Let's leave Boston with a W and keep the dream alive.

I am a fan of BLAZER BASKETBALL. Not drafts, not business, not trades, not David Stern. Just BLAZER BASKETBALL.

ClydeFrog
Posts: 975

Posted 03/09/2012 12:59 PM
I think losses are actually more valuable at this point then wins (I'm a proponent for letting this season go in favor of getting a great draft pick and looking ahead to a fresh start in the Fall of 2012), so what I'll be watching for tonight is effort. Will every Blazer bring 100%?

Also, Can we get Aldridge going again? We need our All-Star to start forcing the issue in the post and getting to the line like his counterparts Love and Griffin. I'd like to see more KG and less Rasheed in Aldridge's game -- aka stay away from the perimeter!

And finally, how does Felton play? A lot of fans have been on him but he's busted his but since being demoted and played great since the Break. If he can go toe-to-toe against Rondo, not only will it improve his trade value but increase the chances of us re-signing him moving forward. He still has a lot of talent but the lockout season did him no good (re: out of shape)

I am a fan of Watching Elliot Williams Take Flight!

CarlJ1
Posts: 398

Posted 03/09/2012 1:07 PM
As much as I want to see Portland win this game it's going to be difficult because as you mention DHawes Boston lost by 32 in their last game and you know they want to come out and do the same to their next opponent and that's Portland and it would be no suprised if they do because Boston plays with two things the Blazers lack pride and togetherness but, I hope they can find those things when they play tonight.

I am a fan of Respect, Loyalty, Honor & Pride the same thing the Blazer & their true fans are made of RIP CITY STAND UP!

flyroy69
Posts: 63

Posted 03/09/2012 3:33 PM
Although the team adapted to Nates offensive strategy quick, and started the season out well, so does the defense of other teams. With Boston coming off the embarrasing loss, and the Garden crowd similar to Portland it will be a tough game to win, especially with Nate making no offensive changes, and running the sames plays as 6 years ago.

I am a fan of Summertime........when the livin is easy!

DHawes22
Posts: 6476

Posted 03/09/2012 7:13 PM
To Wes, Chris, Nolan, Luke, and Craig..THANK YOU! They showed so much fight out there, regardless of the score and I think the rest of the team (sans a few) could take notes. Losing is losing, there's not getting around that, but I'd rather lose by 18 then 48.

And, even in garbage time, I was impressed by Babbitt. He finally showed that three-point stroke and showed he could put the ball on the floor. but more importantly, he was calling for the ball. Last year, his biggest problem was having the dreaded deer in the headlights look, but he looks like he's changed his mental approach to the game.

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dgpdx
Posts: 8

Posted 03/09/2012 7:14 PM

Posted By Blazer247 on 03/09/2012 10:45 AM

Nate McMillan is our coach... and he's not exactly known for being flexible with what he calls his "gameplanning". So I'm a little worried that unless 'Batum at the top of a zone D' is part of the norm for us, there's no way it's gonna happen.

PLEASE show us some ability to adapt tonight, Blazers. And that includes you, Nate. Let's leave Boston with a W and keep the dream alive.

I've been saying this for years now. Nate is not flexible enough. Other teams adapt to what we're doing but we never seem to re-adapt. One trick pony.

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jamie (guy)
Posts: 20

Posted 03/09/2012 7:26 PM
was i missing a lot fo the game i mean it was ahrd to watch but luke played terrible everytime i watched the game, he begged for the ball way too much, he dribbled into traffic he didnt pass out, hell he didnt pass at all, took wild three, no one can tell me different ill never be sold on luke in a blazer uniform

I am a fan of blazers in the west and pacers in the east...

DHawes22
Posts: 6476

Posted 03/09/2012 7:32 PM
Uh Jamie, he made his only two three-point attempts...I think you're letting your anti-Luke bias cloud your vision. You may not like him, but the kid played well.

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CarlJ1
Posts: 398

Posted 03/09/2012 8:02 PM
Saw this coming amile away too bad our second unit guys had more fight than are regulars this is a perfect example of you can have the one of the most talanted team but, if your not on the same page you will not win and i'm not even confident we will win tomorrow game against the washington Kid Magicians and that's sad.

I am a fan of Respect, Loyalty, Honor & Pride the same thing the Blazer & their true fans are made of RIP CITY STAND UP!

barnettfan
Posts: 370

Posted 03/09/2012 8:20 PM
I have to say folks that I was afraid this might happen. Trade deadline coming and the rumors are flying that 4 of our starting lineup has the possibility of being traded. I can kind of understand the players point of view for not wanting to give 100% especially if any and you know there is at least 1 are reading the forums. I know if I was reading the forums and was giving my all and I really wanted to stay in Portland and all the rumors & fans are saying trade the bum!!! than I doubt you would get much out of me. If I was Nate I think I would put more effort in the ones that are going to stay since you aint getting much out of the ones that are on the block and see who goes or who stays in the off season. Luke 3 of 7 from the field and 6 rebounds in 12 minuntes better than what some of our starters have been doing all season with 30+ mins I say give him a shot what is the worst that can happen we lose? 18 and 21 I think we need to do something cause right now the diaper filler aint workin

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Kassandra
Posts: 448

Posted 03/09/2012 8:25 PM
If Luke played 24 minutes, got 20 points and 12 rebounds (do the math!), more people would be saying yes to giving him more playing time. I like what barnettfan said. At this point what could it hurt? Some of the other guys aren't getting it done.

I am a fan of my team fighting to win each and every game.

DHawes22
Posts: 6476

Posted 03/09/2012 8:28 PM
Post-Game Quotes:
Coach Nate McMillan on the loss-

“That’s an unprofessional approach. There was no basketball being played out there tonight.”

“We didn’t play with enough effort to give ourselves a chance to win this ball game tonight. We knew that Boston would be very aggressive tonight after their loss and they were. They came out, they jumped on us and we never was into this game.”
Coach McMillan on unprofessional approach-

“We can play harder than that, we can play better than that. We pretty much allowed that team to jump on us and I don’t think we responded.”
Nicolas Batum on where the team goes from here-

“Got to stop talking and just act like a man and show some pride because I don’t think I can accept that sometimes and that can happen when you don’t get a night off. That’s been like two or three times this year that we did this year so we got to react, show some pride, and win some games.”
Joel Przybilla on the embarrassment level-

“No I’ve been on some more embarrassing teams. Teams when I first got here guys doing stuff that wasn’t appropriate on the court. At least guys are going out here and I think are playing hard, we’re just not playing to the level that the other team is playing.”

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Angi
Posts: 10

Posted 03/09/2012 8:29 PM
Babbitt might surprise people. Coach should let him play.

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Tobyus Sanchezo
Posts: 1600

Posted 03/09/2012 11:02 PM
Put Babbitt in. Is that what this season has come too? I think I'm going to cry.

I am a fan of playoffs in two zero one three

schwabbii
Posts: 178

Posted 03/09/2012 11:03 PM
I honestly think Babbitt would have a chance to shine if he was actually given a chance! There is a reason why the players say he is the best shooter on the team. This season is becoming rather pathetic considering we have the pieces to become a quality team. No matter if you are on the trading block, you gotta play your heart out! It's a business and a very lucrative one at that. If you can't handle some scrutiny here and there while getting paid a couple million, then sit on the bench and have someone else step up.

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D_pickett
Posts: 608

Posted 03/09/2012 11:28 PM
Sure play Babbitt... Play Chris Johnson... Play Mike Rice for god's sake! I don't care who you play, it's not like our starters and role players are actually getting the job done. See what you have and whether or not you need to blow up or just move a couple pieces around. Also might give you an idea of what to target in the draft.

All I'm saying is that when you're gonna lose by double digits anyway, you might as well do that by playing everyone. I say one game Nate should start CJ, Craig, Luke, Elliot, and Nolan... I mean... why the heck not?

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stacksfan2005
Posts: 302

Posted 03/10/2012 8:50 AM
agree d_pickett papovich does it to his guys all the time, either to rest them, or send a message that you don't play less than 100% effort on my team. i say bench them all and let's see if the young guys want to play ball

BDawg
Posts: 1458

Posted 03/12/2012 6:02 AM
You know things are bad when both Wheeler and Harvey are criticizing the Blazers during their broadcast. Never thought I'd ever here P'town's favorite homer, Brian Wheeler, criticize this team...let alone during a broadcast...THAT is what this season has come to, and it's VERY unfortunate.

That said, I felt both were spot on with their observations. Unfortunate, particularly for such a passionate and loyal fanbase.

I am a fan of players that play with PASSION and PRIDE

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