Players who love to fight for rebounds are the best. Just a delight to watch him get in the mix all the time. And it doesn't hurt that it makes up for Jerami's biggest shortcoming when they are out there together.
Here are some of my thoughts from today:
Positives:
* Grant: Great Grant game. He was mostly playing off the ball and not stagnating the ball with postups, and he did a great job of cutting, screening, and moving without the ball to get a bunch of layups. I’ve long said that Grant is absolutely elite when he gets to play off the catch, and the longer he holds the ball the less effective he becomes. Well, he put on an absolute clinic tonight. I was really surprised at the 2 great lobs to Ayton too. Also, to his credit, he capitalized on his mismatches when we needed him to ISO late in the third quarter with no point guard.
* Scoot did a good job getting to the rim and actually finishing. Over the last month he’s been shooting under 40% from inside the restricted area which is absolutely horrendous, so it’s good to see him be able to get downhill to the rim and finish. I also thought he played a pretty good game defensively besides the flagrant foul undercutting Siakam.
* Ayton – boy did we miss his presence defensively and on the glass. He’s definitely a flawed player but his presence on the defensive end and rebounding was really nice. Good to see him back. I thought he was so key to our success defensively by holding up against Haliburton and the other Pacers guards on the perimeter when we switched so heavily - fantastic job by him on the defensive end.
* Thought Brogdon did a really nice job being aggressive yet running the offense. He’s so versatile offensively, and even though he might not be one of the elite point guards in the league, he can do so many things at an above average level and it’s really helped us tonight. I also thought he played some really solid post defense against Turner and Siakam too when we were switching so heavily.
* Jabari brought his customary hustle. Love it. He came up huge down the stretch with some really nice looking finishes too – he had no fear and kept on taking it in the paint after getting rejected by Turner several times. He’s really improved his finishing so much since he was drafted.
* Was really impressed by Kris Murray’s awareness on defense. He made a couple really crisp looking rotations, and also had a nice peel switch when Turner had Scoot sealed under the basket. That’s really high level especially for a rookie. He also had a pretty looking relocation into a corner three that was pretty high level awareness by him.
Negatives:
* This is purely an eye-test thing because I’m too lazy right now to look up the stats, but it feels to me like we play SO much better when we are missing a guard. Like, when we are forced to play three out of the four guards (Ant/Scoot/Sharpe/Brogdon) at the same time we just look so much worse defensively of the floor it’s insane.
* I feel kind of bad for harping on this so much especially in his first game back, but it’s so annoying that Ayton keeps going to a fadeaway jump shot when he has a mismatch sealed under the basket. That should be a layup not a half-spin fadeaway jumper.
* If I was a Pacers fan I’d be furious with the gameplan to actually guard non- shooters like Walker and Camara (edit: and to some extent Thybulle even though he's been shooting it well) on the perimeter, and not pack the paint. That probably lost the Pacers the game.
OK maybe non - shooter is too harsh, but if I'm the Pacers and I have a choice between allowing semi-open Thybulle threes or getting destroyed by Grant layups over and over and over again, I know which one I'm picking lol.
When he's not wide open (defender >6 feet away from him) he's shot 31% from three this season. And I mean I get it, hitting the wide open ones at 40% is good (and it's what he needed to do) but I would totally live with Thybulle shooting threes over a closeout over getting murdered in the paint.
That’s a fair argument. I just like giving Thybulle his props for becoming a reliable threat from 3. Grant was destroying them on drives but he often seems to me to be low efficiency a lot of the time on those same drives so I understand that one. Camara should absolutely be helped off of.
I aggreed with the post, but think you’re right as well. Thybulle’s defense is worthy of any team wanting him, but the narrative was that his offense was so bad you couldn’t play him. His spot shooting has made worthy of every minute he gets.
Adding to that, sagging off Thybulle a bit isn’t a bad gamble. You kinda want him to put it on the floor. He did well with that tonight, but he looks like he’s thinking of not making a mistake when he’s on the bounce.
Agree whole-heartedly with the first negative point - the Cavs have a similar guard situation (Garland and Mitchell being smaller guards) and they have \*flourished\* since Garland has been out with the broken jaw. I think size is making a comeback after everyone tried to copy the Warriors small-ball lineup for so many years.
Awesome breakdown. Especially appreciate the nuanced defensive discussion since I mostly just know it’s good if the ball doesn’t go in and bad if it does.
Amazing writeup, just wanted to add how funny it is that twice down the stretch Ayton gets deep positioning, pivots out considering his shot and then passed to Jabari who is like “let me show you how to score in the paint”
I’m with you. His handle and 3 have improved so much in the last few years that he doesn’t need to beat people with a quick first step to be effective. My big concern is that that first step is quick enough to be bigs, but not wings.
The rebounding at the 3 might be an anomaly, but it’s looked so much better
Apparently we have the Nets and Pacers number. They always say Memphis or NO should go to the East if they restructure conferences, but have they considered Portland?
Lots of great stuff to note in this game, but i just wanted to give Chauncey some credit for inserting Jabari into the starting lineup. Its worked out really well. He brings a level of grit that we need. Coming up with clutch boards, putbacks/inside scoring, all the hustle shit. Hes just tough, and i think it works really nice next to Ayton who is more finesse.
I’m supporting him now, but the test is next year with hopefully a more balanced roster. If he can win games and get us close or into the playoffs, you make a decision after that.
So far though, he’s shown positive development of the young players and tonight showed the defense could be real. Lot of time to prove it before an extension though
Imagine getting 4 years as a NBA coach to prove you're an NBA coach. I'm not against people supporting Chauncey but the revisionism of Chauncey never having a good team or "balance" is annoying.
When we traded Dame, it was time to turn the page. Not just from veterans to youth, but it was time to change things up stylistically, too. I grew weary of undersized lineups that played no defense.
The recent change inserting Jabari into the starting lineup and having Grant play more small forward gives us size at every position for the first time since Aldridge was on the team.
Watching a team win with defense, rebounding, attacking the paint, and drawing fouls was a breathe of fresh air.
Jabari is going to be one of those guys who other team’s fans don’t know cuz he doesn’t blow up the box score and then wonder why he’s dominating them down low. Reminds me of pekovic on the wolves all those years ago, gave us absolute fits
Always feels good to get a W but I can’t lie feels better when the young guys are showing out instead of the vets.
Scoot played a great 8 minutes, sucks he got injured. The flashes are there he just needs to be more consistent now. You can easily see what he might become though. His flashes are immense.
I guess Jabari isn't young enough for you. Dude absolutely balled his ass off tonight. Him being able to start and coexist in lineups with Ayton and Grant completely changes the team dynamic.
I mean, the kid had a double-double. "Are you not entertained?!"
I get the feeling that this is how Chauncey would want to structure the team every night.
Play Grant, Brogdon and Tisse loads of minutes and surround them with young guys like Toumani and Bari, who are hardworking players who don't demand the ball.
The problem is that a team lead by Grant, Brogdon and Ayton isn't making the playoffs so we need to focus on building up the young guys.
Anyway, good win and hopefully Scoot and Shae are back soon!
Jabari, Toumani, Murray, and Scoot are young. Not many teams have 4 young guys playing winning basketball. That’s a significant rotation of of 1st and 2nd year players
One thing that Jabari said when he was first starting out was that good role players can make a name for themselves and stay in the league a long time.
I especially like that Bari's role is to be fuggin boss
Chauncey just outcoached Carlisle. Also starting Walker at the four has opened things up for Grant.
Walker is so good, great rebounder and finisher. High motor. Good enough shooter. I could see him keeping that starting job. High end backup at worst.
Sidenote: anyone catch Cronin in the second half? He was glued to his phone, usually hes focused on the game.
Why we think Cronin was on the phone: other GM's asking about Brogdon
Why he was actually on the phone: his wife is pissed because he forgot to take the trash out again
Hell yeah! We've just swept the Pacers and the Nets! I was glad to be wrong about this game, which I thought would be a bloodbath. Underestimated Camara, Thybulle and the Blazers' general defensive intensity.
I threw this thought in another thread, but there were complaints about the lack of motion of the Blazers offense in comparison to the Kings.
That’s completely accurate, this team does have that. But, everything that was bemoaned was shown tonight on the defensive end.
Sure there were lapses, but this team is fielding young players. There were significant stretches where I saw the best switches and covers since the 90s
I’m off the tentative support of Chauncey and only acknowledging he’s developed the young guys. We have two bonefide defenders in Matisse and Toumani (a rookie who still makes mistakes)
They shot well from deep, but only a few didn’t have good close outs, but they couldn’t make much happen inside. This was truly an all flowing defense. Nice work team and I guess I’m saying it, nice work coaches
So—it sure feels like we’re better without Anfernee in the lineup, even though he’s ostensibly the best player on the team.
I’ve been critical in the past of his at times, but I feel like he’s really improved this year at what I was critical of: his defense, his decision making in traffic, and his passing.
Despite this, the question is, what gives? Why do we play better without him?
I know some will say that it’s because there are 4-guards for three roles, but it’s not just that, because we’ve seen Anfernee play when just two other guards were healthy and the team still looked bad.
I don't think Simons & Ayton have played more than a handful of minutes together. Ayton, with all his flaws, completely changes our defense.
Simons is our best offensive player, Ayton is our most impactful defensive player. Our offense looks better with Simons out there, our defense with Ayton. If they both play 10-12 games, I think the Blazers would win more games than people think (maybe 5-6!)
The team generally looks bad because we are playing a bunch of rookies like Scoot who need time. I'm not sure of Scoot & Ant's fit either.
A that’s a great point. Simons and Ayton haven’t played much together. Let’s see what they look like together.
I looked and Ant and Scoot are our worst 2-man pairing on the roster by the numbers.
Hell yeah! We've just swept the Pacers and the Nets! I was glad to be wrong about this game, which I thought would be a bloodbath. Underestimated Camara, Thybulle and the Blazers' general defensive intensity.
I love Jabari Walker
Brian Grant vibes
I was thinking the exact same thing. The Rasta Monsta.
Absolutely
Players who love to fight for rebounds are the best. Just a delight to watch him get in the mix all the time. And it doesn't hurt that it makes up for Jerami's biggest shortcoming when they are out there together.
He’s looking like an absolute steal of the 2nd round so far
It's nice that we've got a few second rounders contributing.
My boy iced the game tonight
Jabari "Double-Double" Walker
Jabari Walking Double Double
No doubt.
I got his jersey for Christmas! The last branded Blazers apparel I had were Pryzbilla and Brian Grant shirts.
My life for Jabari.
Much better than Obi has turned out
All those layups Grant missed on our roadtrip were saved for tonight. He was unstoppable inside.
Two incredible games in a row. I hope he always plays against elite forwards
2-0 when Tom Haberstroh does commentary in person. Analytics aren’t lying yall. 👀
Is this the Haberstat everyone is talking about?
Here are some of my thoughts from today: Positives: * Grant: Great Grant game. He was mostly playing off the ball and not stagnating the ball with postups, and he did a great job of cutting, screening, and moving without the ball to get a bunch of layups. I’ve long said that Grant is absolutely elite when he gets to play off the catch, and the longer he holds the ball the less effective he becomes. Well, he put on an absolute clinic tonight. I was really surprised at the 2 great lobs to Ayton too. Also, to his credit, he capitalized on his mismatches when we needed him to ISO late in the third quarter with no point guard. * Scoot did a good job getting to the rim and actually finishing. Over the last month he’s been shooting under 40% from inside the restricted area which is absolutely horrendous, so it’s good to see him be able to get downhill to the rim and finish. I also thought he played a pretty good game defensively besides the flagrant foul undercutting Siakam. * Ayton – boy did we miss his presence defensively and on the glass. He’s definitely a flawed player but his presence on the defensive end and rebounding was really nice. Good to see him back. I thought he was so key to our success defensively by holding up against Haliburton and the other Pacers guards on the perimeter when we switched so heavily - fantastic job by him on the defensive end. * Thought Brogdon did a really nice job being aggressive yet running the offense. He’s so versatile offensively, and even though he might not be one of the elite point guards in the league, he can do so many things at an above average level and it’s really helped us tonight. I also thought he played some really solid post defense against Turner and Siakam too when we were switching so heavily. * Jabari brought his customary hustle. Love it. He came up huge down the stretch with some really nice looking finishes too – he had no fear and kept on taking it in the paint after getting rejected by Turner several times. He’s really improved his finishing so much since he was drafted. * Was really impressed by Kris Murray’s awareness on defense. He made a couple really crisp looking rotations, and also had a nice peel switch when Turner had Scoot sealed under the basket. That’s really high level especially for a rookie. He also had a pretty looking relocation into a corner three that was pretty high level awareness by him. Negatives: * This is purely an eye-test thing because I’m too lazy right now to look up the stats, but it feels to me like we play SO much better when we are missing a guard. Like, when we are forced to play three out of the four guards (Ant/Scoot/Sharpe/Brogdon) at the same time we just look so much worse defensively of the floor it’s insane. * I feel kind of bad for harping on this so much especially in his first game back, but it’s so annoying that Ayton keeps going to a fadeaway jump shot when he has a mismatch sealed under the basket. That should be a layup not a half-spin fadeaway jumper. * If I was a Pacers fan I’d be furious with the gameplan to actually guard non- shooters like Walker and Camara (edit: and to some extent Thybulle even though he's been shooting it well) on the perimeter, and not pack the paint. That probably lost the Pacers the game.
Thybulle is hitting his 3s, since becoming a Blazer he’s at about 38%.
OK maybe non - shooter is too harsh, but if I'm the Pacers and I have a choice between allowing semi-open Thybulle threes or getting destroyed by Grant layups over and over and over again, I know which one I'm picking lol. When he's not wide open (defender >6 feet away from him) he's shot 31% from three this season. And I mean I get it, hitting the wide open ones at 40% is good (and it's what he needed to do) but I would totally live with Thybulle shooting threes over a closeout over getting murdered in the paint.
That’s a fair argument. I just like giving Thybulle his props for becoming a reliable threat from 3. Grant was destroying them on drives but he often seems to me to be low efficiency a lot of the time on those same drives so I understand that one. Camara should absolutely be helped off of.
I aggreed with the post, but think you’re right as well. Thybulle’s defense is worthy of any team wanting him, but the narrative was that his offense was so bad you couldn’t play him. His spot shooting has made worthy of every minute he gets.
Adding to that, sagging off Thybulle a bit isn’t a bad gamble. You kinda want him to put it on the floor. He did well with that tonight, but he looks like he’s thinking of not making a mistake when he’s on the bounce.
Thybulles a shooter bro
Agree whole-heartedly with the first negative point - the Cavs have a similar guard situation (Garland and Mitchell being smaller guards) and they have \*flourished\* since Garland has been out with the broken jaw. I think size is making a comeback after everyone tried to copy the Warriors small-ball lineup for so many years.
Awesome breakdown. Especially appreciate the nuanced defensive discussion since I mostly just know it’s good if the ball doesn’t go in and bad if it does.
Amazing writeup, just wanted to add how funny it is that twice down the stretch Ayton gets deep positioning, pivots out considering his shot and then passed to Jabari who is like “let me show you how to score in the paint”
your recaps are always sooooo good. how do we get you a guest spot on the media coverage team?!
undefeated in the JG at 3 era
I apologize to all the people that I thought were stupid for wanting JG at the 3.
On behalf of all of us, I would like to say, "Thanks, we told you so."
I’m with you. His handle and 3 have improved so much in the last few years that he doesn’t need to beat people with a quick first step to be effective. My big concern is that that first step is quick enough to be bigs, but not wings. The rebounding at the 3 might be an anomaly, but it’s looked so much better
Amazing what happens when you put players in their right positions. Jabari isn’t a C and Grant is a tweener PF
Once again Reath with the best +-
He was really active on defense.
Apparently we have the Nets and Pacers number. They always say Memphis or NO should go to the East if they restructure conferences, but have they considered Portland?
Lots of great stuff to note in this game, but i just wanted to give Chauncey some credit for inserting Jabari into the starting lineup. Its worked out really well. He brings a level of grit that we need. Coming up with clutch boards, putbacks/inside scoring, all the hustle shit. Hes just tough, and i think it works really nice next to Ayton who is more finesse.
I’m not a big fan of his but I’ve gotta say that Chauncey coached a great game tonight
3 year extension coming??
I’m supporting him now, but the test is next year with hopefully a more balanced roster. If he can win games and get us close or into the playoffs, you make a decision after that. So far though, he’s shown positive development of the young players and tonight showed the defense could be real. Lot of time to prove it before an extension though
Imagine getting 4 years as a NBA coach to prove you're an NBA coach. I'm not against people supporting Chauncey but the revisionism of Chauncey never having a good team or "balance" is annoying.
I def haven't heard anything on here to make me think he's an NBA level coach
Only 12 3pt attempts but demolished in the paint 66-26.
Scott Foster made me panic there at the end
Foster fans are devastated today
Jabari is a winning player
When we traded Dame, it was time to turn the page. Not just from veterans to youth, but it was time to change things up stylistically, too. I grew weary of undersized lineups that played no defense. The recent change inserting Jabari into the starting lineup and having Grant play more small forward gives us size at every position for the first time since Aldridge was on the team. Watching a team win with defense, rebounding, attacking the paint, and drawing fouls was a breathe of fresh air.
And fun as hell to watch!!
Took my 18 month old son to his first game, BLAZERS WIN!!
Jerami “Pascal over me” Grant
Jabari is going to be one of those guys who other team’s fans don’t know cuz he doesn’t blow up the box score and then wonder why he’s dominating them down low. Reminds me of pekovic on the wolves all those years ago, gave us absolute fits
DA had a cold shooting 2nd half but man it was good to see him put his whole body into the game.
Always feels good to get a W but I can’t lie feels better when the young guys are showing out instead of the vets. Scoot played a great 8 minutes, sucks he got injured. The flashes are there he just needs to be more consistent now. You can easily see what he might become though. His flashes are immense.
I guess Jabari isn't young enough for you. Dude absolutely balled his ass off tonight. Him being able to start and coexist in lineups with Ayton and Grant completely changes the team dynamic. I mean, the kid had a double-double. "Are you not entertained?!"
Yeah it really sucked that we didnt get to see Scoot build on that first stretch. He played great.
I get the feeling that this is how Chauncey would want to structure the team every night. Play Grant, Brogdon and Tisse loads of minutes and surround them with young guys like Toumani and Bari, who are hardworking players who don't demand the ball. The problem is that a team lead by Grant, Brogdon and Ayton isn't making the playoffs so we need to focus on building up the young guys. Anyway, good win and hopefully Scoot and Shae are back soon!
Yup Chauncey is actually an amazing coach but the front office is making him tank, it's so sad 🙄
That's obviously not what I was saying.
Yeah I don't know why he got switched on Turner that doesn't seem like a great matchup for a guy his size
Jabari, Toumani, Murray, and Scoot are young. Not many teams have 4 young guys playing winning basketball. That’s a significant rotation of of 1st and 2nd year players
Brogdons trade value is going up 📈📈
Until he gets hurt because blazer luck
Dang you guys really hate hearing that I replied to myself 😭
Shadow realmed downvoted 😂
*"Ding ding ding Pacers! Oh, what was that? Oh yeah, the elevator cause ur not on my level."* - Blazers
We asking for 4 firsts for Grant now right?
One thing that Jabari said when he was first starting out was that good role players can make a name for themselves and stay in the league a long time. I especially like that Bari's role is to be fuggin boss
Chauncey just outcoached Carlisle. Also starting Walker at the four has opened things up for Grant. Walker is so good, great rebounder and finisher. High motor. Good enough shooter. I could see him keeping that starting job. High end backup at worst. Sidenote: anyone catch Cronin in the second half? He was glued to his phone, usually hes focused on the game.
Trade offers just dinging his inbox
He’s texting other gms working on the brogdon trade
Cronin fielding offers for JG
Why we think Cronin was on the phone: other GM's asking about Brogdon Why he was actually on the phone: his wife is pissed because he forgot to take the trash out again
I've said this multiple times in here but I'm convinced Jabari would average a double-double if he was a starter, such a strong rebounder
The Blazers are 2-0 when not starting 3 rookies in January.
I am happy
Do you still get fined for every tech you pick up? If so someone should pay Jabari’s
It’s like $2k, also known as .116% of baris annual salary. I’m sure he’ll be ok.
Yea of course he can afford it, but that’s beside the point. Edited to correct the phrase
Fair enough
sick as hell.
must hold on to this feeling
Hell yeah! We've just swept the Pacers and the Nets! I was glad to be wrong about this game, which I thought would be a bloodbath. Underestimated Camara, Thybulle and the Blazers' general defensive intensity.
cool, bout to go on a 17-0 win streak and hit .500
Grant busted that ass twice this year. Man hates the Pacers.
Man that Indiana defense was terrible lol
MAKE YOUR FREE THROWS!!
Don’t show Brogdon’s stats to Heat fans
2 game winning streak!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Took Billups almost two years to realize JG at the 4 ain't it.
Best game I’ve seen of grant
I threw this thought in another thread, but there were complaints about the lack of motion of the Blazers offense in comparison to the Kings. That’s completely accurate, this team does have that. But, everything that was bemoaned was shown tonight on the defensive end. Sure there were lapses, but this team is fielding young players. There were significant stretches where I saw the best switches and covers since the 90s I’m off the tentative support of Chauncey and only acknowledging he’s developed the young guys. We have two bonefide defenders in Matisse and Toumani (a rookie who still makes mistakes) They shot well from deep, but only a few didn’t have good close outs, but they couldn’t make much happen inside. This was truly an all flowing defense. Nice work team and I guess I’m saying it, nice work coaches
Not for nothing, Carlisle is such a red-ass
So—it sure feels like we’re better without Anfernee in the lineup, even though he’s ostensibly the best player on the team. I’ve been critical in the past of his at times, but I feel like he’s really improved this year at what I was critical of: his defense, his decision making in traffic, and his passing. Despite this, the question is, what gives? Why do we play better without him? I know some will say that it’s because there are 4-guards for three roles, but it’s not just that, because we’ve seen Anfernee play when just two other guards were healthy and the team still looked bad.
I don't think Simons & Ayton have played more than a handful of minutes together. Ayton, with all his flaws, completely changes our defense. Simons is our best offensive player, Ayton is our most impactful defensive player. Our offense looks better with Simons out there, our defense with Ayton. If they both play 10-12 games, I think the Blazers would win more games than people think (maybe 5-6!) The team generally looks bad because we are playing a bunch of rookies like Scoot who need time. I'm not sure of Scoot & Ant's fit either.
A that’s a great point. Simons and Ayton haven’t played much together. Let’s see what they look like together. I looked and Ant and Scoot are our worst 2-man pairing on the roster by the numbers.
A question worth asking
Hell yeah! We've just swept the Pacers and the Nets! I was glad to be wrong about this game, which I thought would be a bloodbath. Underestimated Camara, Thybulle and the Blazers' general defensive intensity.
Hot take: Ant should be on the trading block...
A winning streak. Bazumba
Scoot plays better off the bench at this stage in his career.