18 Point Lead

[Plowright]

It's fine, we obviously want Portland to make the play offs so we get their pick this year so we let them take this one :S

[Scottley Crue]

This is a young team with a rookie coach. While Dunlap has been impressive, let's not forget this is his first turn in the big chair as well. Like Keetch, I was highly curious as to why Mullens was in the game late considering his defensive lapses and what Biyombo could bring instead. I don't think Dunlap threw the game, but I do wonder why Mullens stayed in. I just didn't see the value in keeping him in that Dunlap did. I do think sticking with Mullens for so long down the stretch hindered the defense greatly.

This will be one of many learning experiences for this team and coach going forward. The hope now is that the lesson was learned by all.

[SWedd523]

Tank game bitches!

[Chef]

I really wonder if Dunlap didn't throw the game. I can find no other logic for playing 3 guards, MKG at PF and Mullens at C for so long at the end of the 4th quarter. Dunlap single-handedly coached the Blazers back into the game by giving them "all the rebounds."

Mullens doesn't play Center anymore; he's a complete liability there and Aldridge was having a great game; so how better to empower the Blazers?

Seriously; you have a 17 point lead in the 4th and you go small leaving one big who, oh by the way is a horrific rebounder when under the basket? Who does that?

I know Dunlap isn't stupid. There had to be willful intent to this.

we got the lead with a small lineup. he was riding the hot hand. it wasn't the defense per se as much as it was byron mullens defense on LMA. it was beyond atrocious. biz's wasn't much better. LMA was responsible for about 10 pts and 4 or 5 offensive rebounds and extra possessions down the stretch.

that alone should really highlight how much mullens is not a "big man" and how much we need a true big man in the next couple of drafts.

[Wolfpackbobcat]

Seriously, these aren't the Bobcats of last year. There are playmakers on this team. Its time to start judging the Cats a little more harshly. Last night was a disgrace.

[spectre]

we got the lead with a small lineup. he was riding the hot hand. it wasn't the defense per se as much as it was byron mullens defense on LMA. it was beyond atrocious. biz's wasn't much better. LMA was responsible for about 10 pts and 4 or 5 offensive rebounds and extra possessions down the stretch.

that alone should really highlight how much mullens is not a "big man" and how much we need a true big man in the next couple of drafts.

It's not like that's unknown though. Why not go back with Haywood/Mullens or Haywood/Biz? They absolutely tore us up in the paint...didn't LMA get 2 O boards/putbacks off of missed FTs in that last stretch? Seriously?

I agree with Keetch other than it being an intentional tank job. I think it's more Dunlap just being a rookie coach plus our guys not ever having to defend a lead down the stretch.

It was a learning experience which is what this season is all about anyway. Moving on.

[Chef]

It's not like that's unknown though. Why not go back with Haywood/Mullens or Haywood/Biz? They absolutely tore us up in the paint...didn't LMA get 2 O boards/putbacks off of missed FTs in that last stretch? Seriously?

I agree with Keetch other than it being an intentional tank job. I think it's more Dunlap just being a rookie coach plus our guys not ever having to defend a lead down the stretch.

It was a learning experience which is what this season is all about anyway. Moving on.

agree. i don't want to put it on dunlap's inexperience as much as our front office's goal is to find out what they have. they will be deciding to extend both mullens and hendo as well as trading a variety of vets. before they decide on new contracts they want to see what improvements, ceilings etc they are working with.

[StitchJones]

The starting lineup really had it going last night. After the start of the second half he never went back to it. i do agree he has fallen in love with the Walker/Sessions back court to end games, and then adding Gordon to it was overkill. With an 18 point lead we should have had Taylor and MKG in along with Haywood at center.

[spectre]

Maybe...just MAYBE they're trying to up Gordon's value for a trade?!?!?

Be still my heart!

[Keetch]

Leaving only Mullens in the paint left only one big screener instead of the normal 2 that they're used to. That helped discombobulate the offense as well.

And on defense you have no help when Mullens "responds" to a screen from the other team; except MKG who seemed a bit overwhelmed.