[Game] 51/82: Kings @ Portland Trail Blazers 06 FEB 2025, 7pm PT/10pm ET
- Thread starter Caccia
- Start date
Also, another thing about this Kings team? I don't think trying to blast the league with speed is the right call. The Kings have to adapt to being a team that ISN'T built around Fox. The Kings have tools in Keon and Carter to lock teams down for a stretch. They have a big to ride in the post now with Valanciunas. They have DeMar and LaVine who can get buckets late in the clock. Time for coach Christie to find the right identity for THIS team. I get why they ran so much tonight because they didn't want the defense to get set, but use that clock to your advantage.
Do we have a 5 game winning streak in us in the last 31 games. To me that is what is going to take. How about a few nights where we just can’t miss from 3? Our best case scenerio is around 43 wins imo, given the start we had and the remaining schedule. Do that and you likely make the play-in and then you can figure out the next step in the off season.
Yeah, they're playing great ball. Looks like they figured out what really works for them and their core.
I think where I get beyond frustrated is we just get crushed from 3 over and over and over again and we have an elite defensive asset that can help curb that just sitting far too long. Potentially 2, but Christie doesn't trust him at all.
Kind of just clicked with me watching this game about how Camara plays more than Scoot and Sharpe...even with all the draft capital tied to those 2 guys. And can't say it's the wrong decision because he helps all their offensive hubs work. Dude was 2-13 tonight and was still incredibly impactful.
Deebo's got to put the hand up or Christie just has to make that decision and go forward. He's not going to get the full job if he continues down this path and keeping his defenders sidelined.
I think where I get beyond frustrated is we just get crushed from 3 over and over and over again and we have an elite defensive asset that can help curb that just sitting far too long. Potentially 2, but Christie doesn't trust him at all.
Kind of just clicked with me watching this game about how Camara plays more than Scoot and Sharpe...even with all the draft capital tied to those 2 guys. And can't say it's the wrong decision because he helps all their offensive hubs work. Dude was 2-13 tonight and was still incredibly impactful.
Deebo's got to put the hand up or Christie just has to make that decision and go forward. He's not going to get the full job if he continues down this path and keeping his defenders sidelined.
I popped in to make this point, but you did a pretty good job covering it. Additionally, players need to feel how others will instinctively react. Yeah, the sets in offense and defense are simplified, which in the modern NBA is problematic (also why you saw a pretty standard zone the past two games) and we will take our lumps. We're not the same team that went on a run just a month ago, but if we can figure it all out soon, we could make a small dent in the playoffs. We look bad, but we're not really out of it.
And to add, if this was all just about making the play in, Monte doesn't do a thing and hopes chemistry gets them there. This team is what they are rolling forward with for likely at least the next season. Keep building the flow. Summer league is when guys like Carter, Jones, maybe Crawford can take a big step forward and be reliable or featured parts.
Records aside both teams have length that gives us trouble. I still don't think Blazers are for real and somehow they dropped the ball to move pieces this deadline that aren't really helping them. This was a clear year they should be competing for the #1 pick. But let's see the next stretch of games.
Kings could have easily gotten blown out tonight like they did the last trip to Portland and instead it was a game until the final minute or so. I agree. Blazers are hot right now even if they aren't great, there are no moral victories but for a team that just moved in and out a half dozen guys vs. a team that stood pat this week I think it's a good sign.
Then LaVine. Or, you just close with Keon and one of LaVine or DDR doesn't close.
Basically, can't have our cake and eat it too. No more complaining about lack of defense/wing depth/length when our best defender sits the last 9:26 of a close game. Or our rookie FRP, that had one of his better defensive games making plays, played 2 minutes in the 2H. All that blame should be shifted to Doug because he's not utilizing the roster being given. And it's not like there isn't minutes available either.... DDR, Keegan, Zach and Monk were 37, 35, 36 and 38 minutes tonight. You're telling me you can find another 15-20 minutes to get your defenders on the floor?
Basically, can't have our cake and eat it too. No more complaining about lack of defense/wing depth/length when our best defender sits the last 9:26 of a close game. Or our rookie FRP, that had one of his better defensive games making plays, played 2 minutes in the 2H. All that blame should be shifted to Doug because he's not utilizing the roster being given. And it's not like there isn't minutes available either.... DDR, Keegan, Zach and Monk were 37, 35, 36 and 38 minutes tonight. You're telling me you can find another 15-20 minutes to get your defenders on the floor?
As much as DeMarr help on offense, his defense sucks tbh. He lets guys penetrate easily. And once again, Doug is going zone defense and getting burned. Luckily, Portland didn't nail all those wide open 3s...but man, please stop playing zone. It never works. Keegan once again display his softness. His defense in pick n roll and going through screen is too slow letting guy shoot open shots. And then after getting burned, he's like whatever...dude is soft. We need hardnose players that can't stand getting beat...he's not one of them. Trey Lyle ain't it either. Carter should get more minutes...he does the little thing that win games...too bad Doug still trust the vets.
