Yeah, that’s all true. I’m not saying you can make him stay, that I would classify as highly unlikely. I’m just saying that none of the packages are all that appealing to me so why not shoot for the playoffs. I feel there is value to be had at a meager playoff run when your team has had the limited success the Pelicans have had.
Also, these two conference finals series at this point seem to be mismatches. I was afraid of this. I would love the Raps to take game three as I’ll be going to game four and it would be nice if there were stakes. There is a decided lack of respect in Toronto for the Bucks by the media. The Bucks have been the more impressive team all season and there depth is really showing against the Raptors, who have none.
If the Raptors get wiped in four, some questions need to be asked about Ujiri. He has done some things well, but he isn’t perfect and there are things that you can lay directly at his feet, such as the lack of depth.
To expand on my previous post. Portland once again played a decent first half and then choked in the second. Lillard seems completely disinterested in this series. I can’t tell if he’s just exhausted, or is having problems at home, or just doesn’t give a shit, but his play and attitude are what determine this team’s play and attitude. In the second half we were treated to the spectacle of the Blazers loafing down the court, turning over the ball, and making really poor defensive moves. The Warriors, on the other hand, were fast breaking machines, full of energy, and generally a nightmare for Portland. I now fully expect them to be swept in front of the home crowd. Again.
It’s a combination of exhaustion and realizing the futility of it all, and the matchup. Lillard put the entire team on his back to get through the first round, and the series against Denver would kill just about anyone. On top of that, now he gets to face off with Klay Thompson, Andre Iguodala, and Draymond Green? A team that has the offense to blow the roof of any stadium, then can turn around and hold their opponent to 13 points in a quarter? He has nothing left in the tank. None of them do. It’s the same thing that happened to LeBron last year. No matter what you throw at them, the Warriors have an incredible ability to take it, turn it around, and wallop you with it. This is the same core that lost only five games in four series in 2015 to win the title. It’s a monster.
Toronto won Game 3 in double-overtime. You think they can even the series? I’d be very pleasantly surprised if Portland was able to win even one game against Golden State, the way those games have been so far.
Raptors did that in spite of FVV playing 31 minutes (apparently due to others fouling out) going 1-11. I’ve been wondering throughout the playoffs if the Gasol trade was worth it to them since they gave up depth including Delon Wright. And Lin apparently is unplayable at backup point guard.
I have absolutely no idea whether the Raptors can even the series, but I can say that out here in western Canada, the Raptors took pride-of-place tonight at my local sports bar. We got the sound on for the Raptors’ game, instead of the San Jose-St. Louis hockey game. For a basketball game to get the sound on in the sports bar, instead of a playoff hockey game, means something.
I’m hoping that they will overcome the inevitable series loss and win one for the home fans tonight, even though it means having to endure losing in Oakland.
Going to the Raptors game tonight so I’m pretty happy they pulled Sunday out and now they have something to play for tonight. I’m not a Raptors fan per se, but living in the city, I’d be happy to have them move on.
(I was a Spurs fan before the Raps existed, so there’s my excuse)
Yeah, I have to give both teams full credit for an entertaining finale. I’m still wondering if I dreamed that Meyers Leonard not only scored 30, but was the high scorer for the entire team, and had a double-double. The guy has basically been asleep since he was drafted, and suddenly the fans are chanting his name.
Great season, Blazers; thanks for the entertainment.
Especially not looking forward to tonight’s game considering the Bucks have been 22 -1 following a loss this season. No other team in NBA history has been able to do that.
Or maybe it’s simply that G.S. was the better team all along. Overall a good season for the 'blazers but I’m sure that the fact that they got swept by G.S. when the pitiful CLIPPERS were able to take two off of the Warriors has got to sting…at least a little bit.
The Clippers might not be a top tier team, but they are far from scrubs. Their head coach is one of the best in the league. They took 2 from the Dubs because they are a good team, and they have seasoned pros like Lou Williams and Patrick Beverly that don’t lose their composure when the game gets tight, as Portland did in each of their losses.
