The Blazers don't make a point to run and take a quick shot every possession like the Suns. But when the other team doesn't hustle back, they will get breakaway baskets. The 2nd unit, when Sergio is in the game, actually pushes the ball more than the 1st unit. Nate McMillan finally figured out it would help the Blazers to get easy baskets every now and then. More recently, they like to run especially at home when the road team is on the 2nd day of a back to back. This is what happened with Phoenix and Utah. But if the other team gets back on defense, they won't force the issue. BrooksBall, good find on the stats with and without Landry. Very strange, but I think it had more to do with the effort level of the Blazers than anything to do with Landry. The first game was in Portland and the 2nd game was here, where I thought the Blazers played fairly soft and uninspired. I don't expect that tomorrow. Pipe, the way LA is playing now, I don't think Chuck could do anything with him. But if anyone on the Rockets could slow him down, it's Chuck. I view this recent run as part of LA's growth process and want to see how long he can keep it up. Here is what bugs me the most about a Blazers vs. Rockets matchup (and this is a change in opinion from earlier in the season): The result depends on how well the Blazers play, not the Rockets. If the Blazers bring their "A", the Rockets can't beat them, not the other way around. The 2nd thing that bugs me is the Rockets PG play. The Blazers are weak at PG but are still better.
I totally agree and that's an interesting way of putting it. Earlier this year, and last year, Blazers-Rockets games were mostly determined by how well the Rockets played. If the Rockets played to their potential, they would usually win. The tides have now turned. As bad as Brooks has looked, I don't think PG is our biggest problem despite popular opinion. Lowry is better than Brooks and Alston so we've improved in the short term and long term. Even if Lowry started here on out, I still don't think we'd see much overall improvement because of another, bigger issue. Many teams have had success and won championships with mediocre and 2nd tier PGs. Our biggest issue by far, in my opinion, is secondary scoring and specifically, wing scoring. It's nice when your PG is consistent in his primary role while chipping in offensively but contending teams almost invariably need a solid wing scorer. Yao is our most consistent offensive weapon and that's not a good thing given how easily he fatigues and gets taken out of gamesk, not to mention his inability to hold onto the ball and avoid TOs. Artest is a fine two-way player but defense is and always will be his strong suit. He is acting as our primary wing scorer and second option on offense. He will continue to do so until this season ends and that just won't cut it. I don't blame Artest. McGrady went down and that is just what it is. Wafer can be effective for stretches but he can't shoulder the load. Barry is just a spot minute outside shooter. My list of priorities for next season and beyond would be: 1. Legitimate scoring SG/SF 2. Backup C 3. PG upgrade, even if Lowry starts
IMO the past 4 summers, PG has been the #1 need for the Rockets. We can debate this after the season. The other things you mention are very important also.
