High stakes NBA Cup hoops 🍿
RISE & SHINE, IT’S GAMEDAY 🕺
No live posts for this game but will hopefully have time to watch before work, then post tomorrow 12PM PST
Deni back to the bench which will take some weight off of Dalano to handle the ball with the second unit, as Scoot is still out.
He’s averaged 6 AS over the last 3 games & likely to carry on such form against a banged up Mavs.
JG & Kris are both back for more size & hopefully boost our interior D
NBA Cup wise I don’t see us going anywhere, unless LAC has a stinker & we blow them out.
I’ll try do a live coverage for Sunday’s game, however I’m at work early so maybe only a first half then relate to clips before I leave. #RipCity
Overall, we were the better team, looking after the ball & capitalising when they didn’t.
Also making our shots off of 2nd chances, especially at the rim as we tend to not stay calm after a miss.
Sharpe needs to be better but I would point some of that at the coaching & play calling for his game
Going into the 4th the game was mostly in our hands 72-87, & everyone let the 3’s fly to start. Sharpe was getting to the rim finally (something I’d like to post more about soon) & Ant was on fire.
Despite that, SAC showed resilience & came fighting, making almost every 3 they put up.
League Pass then said I’m not allowed to watch the second half so somewhat relying on clips & Real…
On paper, the 3rd looked amazing. Anfernee started to get going offensively, Deni was getting his 3 back, & Sabonis couldn’t get a thing off (despite a post up cut pass he’s great I know)
…they did beat us there 14-8, it’s an improvement especially I saw from Anfernee.
Camara really locked down on Fox too only allowing 1/5 slowing down his rim attack. For a team like ours who is weaker on defending inside, this type of play really helps limit our poorer side on D.
Big momentum shift in the 2nd largely coming from a former struggling Jabari Walker, chasing OREB’s & making the right passes to capitalise on a lost D. His hands felt more secure last night too. Even on a limited role he helped shift the pace against SAC.
Also much better transition D even if…
What a game! Start to finish played hard, played calculated & improved on almost all aspects.
D.B Hooper got the energy rolling attacking the rim hard. DA followed suit keeping active inside.
We did take a few more 3’s than necessary & struggled to get our elite finishers to the rim w/ screens.
I don’t typically watch west coast games, being 3am n all when they start, & tonight is no different. Instead of the usual format I’ll watch the game in full in the morning make notes whilst watching then make a full thread from through the game. The joys of living abroad. #RipCity
Dalano & Kris are playing through injury, however hopefully they can carry on their strong shooting nights with the large minutes I expect them to get tonight. Kris being back also means Jabari not being relied on to catch & make plays from inside, & more so be a 5 out style w/ Deni & Ayton inside.
Similar to IND, we should expect SAC to attack our interior & score efficiently doing so. With arguably our top 3 shot blockers out, the game will come down to whether we can also get into the paint & make the open 3’s we’ll get.
SAC allow one of the highest 3P%, & with Ant playing heavy minutes…
Injury Report — 11/29 vs. SAC:
OUT:
- Clingan (L Knee Sprain)
- Thybulle (R Ankle Sprain)
DOUBTFUL:
- Grant (L Knee Sprain)
- Williams III (Concussion Protocol)
QUESTIONABLE:
- Banton (L Knee Soreness)
- Henderson (L Quad Contusion)
PROBABLE:
- Murray (Sternum Bruise)
Winning this game should maintain a 3rd place in the NBA Cup, possibly 2nd. I doubt we win the group but beating out teams like the Kings, Wolves & Clippers puts the team in a much better position going forward.
Kings go into the game 3-7 in their last 10 w/ role players struggling. #RipCity
Going into tomorrow’s game, I’d expect to see more 3P shooting to start the game & open the paint to later attack.
Defensively we really need to be active inside against both Swipa & Domas, as well as attacking the boards hard. I can live with giving up tough 3s with the D we’ve played as of late
Not the ideal finish we hoped we would have in the first, but it’s been great to see Scoot & DA play & well at that.
Same problems as always with allowing too many fast break opportunities & failing to hold on to long rebounds.
Unfortunate that the game came down to missing too many FT’s too.
Not the most ideal 3rd quarter, but Anfernee is a Trailblazer & on a night like this his shooting can really open the game up.
Defense needs to be better inside. With our 2 best interior threats out it’s understandable but it can improve. Keep the intensity elsewhere & we should come back #RipCity
Ayton has looked well in his return, despite IND getting into the paint as easy as they are. Can see his hand is bothering him but is managing well in terms of his play, even if his face is saying otherwise.
Avdija is the guy. Everywhere he goes turns to gold. Thank you Joe. #RipCity
Sharpe hasn’t been clicking this game however his speed & verticality still give reason to play him, although Banton should see more of his minutes down the line should the shooting continue.
Jabari can’t last. He’s not played well on either end & is struggling to hold a ball. Not much else to say.
All even at the half & what a game from Scoot Henderson. 3 games out has done him well shooting 2/3 from 3 & 6 well made assists to keep the game flowing when needed most.
Anfernee being able to concentrate on scoring has done wonders as he leads the team in points, & his D seems better tonight too
…interesting as at first was worried with how big IND played, but with fast hands & being as hot as we were, it worked & should be utilised more against their slow big lineups. #RipCity
Great start to the game for almost everyone, Scoot especially. Great reads to get to the basket & supply others beyond the arc.
Worrying to start with all those OREB, however with Myles out we’ve built a rhythm defensively & defending as a team well.
The 4 guard lineup to finish was also…
I am literally walking through the woods in work uniform, motorcycle helmet to keep warm on the way home, put wee man to bed then some tea before injury ridden Blazers play…
God I love this team too much
Walking home in -5° weather but Deni Avdija is playing Center minutes tonight against an inform Turner & Siakam.
With Clingan & Rob both out, & Ayton possibly on low minutes, if he plays at all, our apparent “Big Man Stopper” could be the deciding factor if the Pacers backcourt struggle. #RipCity
Portland Trail Blazers Injury Updates.
🔗: bit.ly/3Vejnrx
Not the game we wanted in Memphis, but took away much needed experience across the lineup.
Rups showed some great defense through the final quarter, & the effort plays of Moore were appreciated.
Lastly, just disappointing with now even more heavy minute guys going down to injuries #RipCity
On a positive note, the hustle plays whether off of missed shots or made, have been great from the bench unit & especially Deni. Sadly not all could be converted on but is good to see.
To finish the game the young, less athletic guys should play majority minutes to limit even more injuries #RipCity
Offensively, against nothing was hitting outside of Deni Avdija layups, who now leaves to be bench exhausted after carrying the team on that side of the floor. Again the 3s aren’t hitting & should probably be left alone in the 4th unless wide open toe just behind the line.
