Xmas & O's... Ho Ho Ho

The NBA is back in what has been the fastest turnaround in pro sports history. Aside from early training camps, only the Rockets were inept while returning to their home market. A small group of Houston players got together for haircuts, prompting contact tracing protocols. James Harden disregarded most forms of professionalism, respect and safety. He may be a walking playoff birth, but I will no longer be cheering for him. Houston was the only team reckless enough to cause a cancellation during the first slate of games. The Association will hopefully deal with less boneheaded moves down the road. 

I wish all the teams good health and sound bodies. I'll begin to dive into some hoops thoughts with the 20-21 season underway. I watched the battle for LA on opening night and then caught the Blazers on night two. I obviously tuned in again for the Christmas day bonanza. Whether or not I was fully compelled to watch, games were beaming onto my screen all day. I'm glad to see it back. Let's touch on some topics from an assortment of games...

Brooklyn looked good, like really good, on both nights of action. KD was back and Kyrie had it going. Nash's vibes are all over this team. If team play and the extra pass mentality are truly pillars, this team will be the best in the east. The Nets defense was also frisky. Often times their scheme on that side of the ball resulted in the opposition being forced to act with the least offensive-minded player stuck with the ball, or a last second bailout (seen time and time again in the Boston game). Golden State was no match for this team from the Borough of Brooklyn. More on the Warriors later.

It's good to see Durant back. In the third quarter of their second game against Boston he totally took over. His jumper is as pure as ever and there's no hesitation on his part to go by people. The threat of his wet jumper causes not only his man, but the entire defense to have him in focus. With Kyrie sizzle'n and KD unassailably looking like KD, a healthy Nets team is the team in the east. 

Golden State is in trouble, on a Yikes level. Curry hasn't shot the ball well, perhaps the result of defensive schemes that have no one else to worry about. Sure Oubre plays with fire and grit, but he and the Andrew Wiggins experience are shooting like 2 for 100. They don't make shots. Curry alone with this roster hasn't the same gravitational pull. This year is going to be a rough one for dubs fans. 

On a positive note, Wiseman belongs. He's springy and has the athletic abilities to overcome inexperience. It'd be nice to see Steph create some on-court chemistry with the young big man. The rook has potential to be a rim-running monster. Curry and Wiseman should be running some defense-wrecking screen and rolls. That two man game could serve up some mismatches in a hurry, both directly and on the backside.

The Lakers are a decidedly different team, as such they will need time to iron out any newly packaged wrinkles. In the opening night battle for LA the championship team looked unfamiliar on defense, a calling card that I'm sure will be renewed. Remember calling cards? Overall their speed didn't feel right. The Lake Show came out for big rings, while the Clippers came out with a huge, playoff-blunder-sized-chip on their collective shoulders. The Clip joint had a longer offseason and bye-bye P actually hit shots instead of clipping backboards. 

With that being said, LeBron didn't play particularly well when compared to his own lofty standards. He missed a few bunnies at the rim and had some serial turnovers. LBJ also mildly rolled an ankle. Wise to manage his minutes in a year so condensed. After all, the Lakers are playing for Championships. 

AD didn't play a ton on ring night either, but did flash some of his Finals mojo. He's tough to stop, sky's the limit for Davis. Other bright spots in the loss were the flashes Schröder showed and how well Trez seems to fit in while producing. Gasol was a step slow and in constant foul trouble. As the season wears on he'll be tasked to bang bigger bodies and be up to speed come playoff time. There will be a future time and place when we sing his praise. The Lakers aren't overly concerned with their December record.

When Dallas played LA on Christmas we began to see how potent this Lakers team could be; mind you the Mavericks are not known for their defensive prowess. LeBron showed out a little, AD is unstoppable in those gotta get a bucket moments, and both Schröder and Harrell are shot makers who ain't scared. Los Angeles has a lot to be thankful for this basketball season. 

Rip City got ripped. Utah looked every bit the team that could be dangerous come playoff time, Portland on the other hand has some work to do. As a Blazers fan, and Dame believer, the upgraded parts need to be properly used. In an ugly loss Lillard was taken away by the Jazz defense. Whether Dame should've been more assertive is a valid point, yet I don't think that his change of demeanor would have rendered Utah's precision any less damaging. He did perform terribly however scoring only 9 points. Covington and Jones Jr., the two new forwards brought in, combined for 10 points. Those type of performances are not going to get it done. CJ was the only Blazer who showed up. 

Portland looked out of sorts on both ends and they cannot take a step back offensively as they try out new tactics to improve their defense. I'm worried that Stotts is overthinking things a bit; Nurkic and Kanter are not fleet footed. Giles, and perhaps Collins when he returns to action, could be the type of bigs ready to contribute to a more aggressive approach on defense as it pertains to the perimeter. Realistically they should aspire to rank somewhere between 10-17 on defense. The Trail Blazers gotta muster something from within, something more than the norm, which I believe they are capable of. 

If Dame is going to get singled out, the playbook has to diversify on offense too. Mix in some actions where Lillard is moving without the ball. Spring him free without him dribbling the ball. Dame might be the best in the league out top with the ball in his hands, but you can't do that all the time. This team is built to score and Portland needs to be elite offensively. With ten fewer games in an über competitive west, implementing new schemes and players is an even tougher ask this year. I'm intrigued to see how the Blazers play tonight against a haphazard Houston team. Let's go Rip City. 

With so much to process in the world right now I understand how minuscule this post is. I also have an obvious affinity for hoops; there are worst things to be sidetracked by than basketball. Thanks for checking in. Soon I'll be dropping the year-end roundup of my favorite music. Cheers to all during the holiday season, have a happy new year too.

Stay safe and be kind to one another, 

80choices

What Time Is It?

DAME TIME LXI

There are many thoughts that race around as I gleefully watch The NBA bubble at The Magic Kingdom, aka the Association's campus. Ah, campus life. NBA fans can only hope that this North American sports bubble will continue to showcase success, so far the protocols have been stellar.

Sadly I now expect more from the NBA than I do our federal leaders. The NBA is global, worth billions of dollars, and is operated by smart and sensitive professionals. As tricky as this restart has been, or will continue to be, the resources and diligence of the NBA has shown a path to coherent plans and policies. Those planning tactics and implementations are something our nation does not yet possess, nor do they seem to be stressing.

There are other topics and ideas swirling as it relates to basketball. I'll focus some attention to the on-court product. The who, what, where and why moments will always matter when the post season is looming. Storylines will continue to be written. Below are some thoughts on the intrigue of the NBA.

Who? There's only one who. Dame, that's who. He served up 51 and 61 in consecutive games, a 112 points in 81 minutes on 55% shooting from the field and 45% shooting from three. He's literally on fire, consuming flames and then emitting them. A human flamethrower who walks the walk and can talk the talk. He's an assassin who keeps it real, respects opponents, and remains humble. He's a Capital G Gamer. Lillard joins Wilt Chamberlain as the second player to register multiple 60 point games in a season. Damian has three such games this season. Dame time all the time!

Every game matters to the Blazers. Lillard epitomizes their workman-like mantra while also wielding incredibly fiery talents. This team is on a mission. They didn't come to the bubble to play for nothing. By competing as if every game were do or die, Portland is priming themselves for a run. Dame time is ticking, the Association is on watch.

THROW'N MONEY AT THE RIM


Devin Booker deserves a little love too. Make no mistake, Booker is a shot maker. The Suns have shown up looking interested and prepared. They know their roles and their schemes. Phoenix has surprised, proving they belong. Good job Suns.

Both the Blazers and Suns have been playing for something more. Are there two hotter teams inside the bubble? Portland Phoenix would be fire. I mentioned above who may or may not consume and emit flames. Please, more Dame Time.

What happened to the Lakers offense? Are they rope-a-doping their competition? Are they just not good at scoring the ball right now? Will they continue to be the worst team offensively once the playoffs begin? What's up with AD? LeBron? Their collective talent hasn't matched the output from early March. They're not manufacturing many buckets and the rest of the team hasn't been shooting the lights out either. Maybe it won't matter if the two superstars do what they're capable of.

Where do the top teams rank now? The Bucks and Lakers are trending down. The Clippers are even keeled. And the Raptor are trending up. Which team prefers which matchup? Sometimes the Raptors look amazing. The Clippers are trying to prove that the regular season doesn't matter. Milwaukee fans probably have some cause for concern. Will the Bucks represent the east? Boston, Miami, and Toronto could burst Milwaukee's bubble. I've already noted the Lakers lack of production. Maybe the playoffs will show us something different.

Thursday is When we'll know who qualifies for the play-in game. The Blazers control their own destiny after Dame's relentless 61. A win on Thursday earns Portland the 8-seed. Then the Trailblazers would need one win over the 9-seed to advance into the playoffs, where they would face the Lakers. DAME! BRON! DAVIS! NURK! MELO! CJ! GT Jr.! Gimme some of that series. I might spontaneously combust. We all know who's on fire.

Why does basketball feel so good? Thank you NBA. Why does the Western Conference feel like Beyond Thunderdome? Why does the Eastern Conference feel weak outside of Toronto? Who will advance? Who knows? Only time will tell. Only in the NBA.

80choices

The BESTY's 2019

The final year of the first decade in this new millennium is nearing its end. Adios 2019, hello 2020. Over the last 12 months I've been fortunate to soak in my new surroundings, aka Oregon. My new home has introduced me to great people, delicious food, engaging events, weekend bike rides, and wondrous natural beauty. Whether we're kicking it in Rip City, taking journeys, swimming in rivers, or escaping to the coast, 2019 exemplified how a big change in life, can bring about new life. 

In the past I've primarily highlighted my favorite live shows or events of each year. Snapshots that serve as reminders. Life's way more interesting when you collect memories and experiences, rather than possessions or objects. Food and travel appear to me to be far more valuable than stuff. Experiences tend to be priceless; perhaps the truthful food for our soul. I am grateful to do so many things that feel invaluable. I also get to do these things with my best friend. We are after all partners in crime.

The lists below look a bit different this year; far less live music and a bit more diversity in terms of pop culture and food. The new year is an opportunity for change and growth. I'd like to think we valued that which we could change, while embracing who we are. The tenth installment of the Besty's is below. Tis the season...

Best Live Events

Design Week PDX | Screen Printing @ PNCA | April 6-13

Game 4 WCF | Warriors @ Blazers | Moda Center | May 20 

Astoria Beer & Food Walk | Astoria CO-OP, Fort George, Buoy | June 23

Port Orford | July 4th Jubilee w/ Parade, Keg Toss, Equestrian Events, Pickle Ball Tourney | July 4-7

Sneaker Week | Party PDX & The Gallery Experience w/ Music by Jazz Cats | August 10-17

PDX Adult Soap Box Derby | Mt. Tabor | August 17

Hood to Coast | Mother of All Relays | Timberline Lodge | August 23

Blazers Bike Ride w/ Bill Walton | Celebrating 50 Years & Retracing the 1977 Parade Route | Music @ Terry Schrunk Plaza w/ Garcia Birthday Band | August 25

Live Jazz @ 1905 | Two Jazz Ensembles | Fall Season (x2)

Nacho Week | PDX Restaurants | Liberty Glass & Oregon Public House | October 10-14 

Rise Up, Young One | Live Performance feat. Song, Dance and Stage Adaptation | Wasatch School | Salt Lake City, UT | November 14

Julia Jacklin | Crushing Tour | Aladdin Theater | November 20

Best Films 

1. Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood (Hollywood Theater on 35mm)

2. Ad Astra (Bagdad Theater)

3. Joker (Laurelhurst Theater) 

Best Meals

Ava Gene's | PDX (M's Birthday Dinner)

Screen Door | PDX (Southern Style) 

Filberts Farmhouse Kitchen | Aurora, OR (Hop Harvest Brunch)

Avenues Bistro on Third | SLC (Fresh & French Inspired)

Providore Fine Foods | PDX | (Sunday Oysters, French Pastries, Salads & Rosé)

Special Shout Outs: Liberty Glass (Old Fashions & Burgers), Life of Pie (Margherita w/ Kale & Arugula Salad), Lauretta Jean's (Pie & Irish Coffee), Fort George (Cast Iron Cookie & Beer), Grand Army Tavern (Cocktails & Italian)

As you can see, 2019 was pretty damn good to us. In addition to these great events, happenings and celebrations, we also had a best friend move to Portland. Lucky us. Here's to 2020, the year of the rat. Ring in the new year safely. 

Cheers,

80choices

NBA Qtr. Mrk.

Spicy Nugs are still available in the NBA. Certain players have been on fire; Dončić, Dame, Giannis, AD and LeBron. Other squads will soon decide on whether or not to tinker with the recipe. Secrets will be shared and trades will be made. What will teams do as the trade date approaches?

Spicy Nuggets (aka hot takes)

1. Luka Lone Star is the best young star. He already shoots and passes better than Giannis, and he's younger than any other guy you'd build around. Luka sees plays and makes passes on an elite level, reminiscent of LeBron. It's one thing to see a pass and another thing to make it. It's an entirely different pass altogether when delivered on time and on target. Hell, only a few players in the league can even make those type of reads and he's one of them. Not only does he make plays, he makes other players better.

2. Milwaukee's the best team in the east, but I'm not confident they make The Finals. Giannis is relying on his physical tools. His numbers are even more insane than last year. He may still need to refine his skills (i.e. dribble, pass, shoot), but Giannis dominates like a young Shaq who can handle the ball. Antetokounmpo undoubtedly has that killer mentality. His infectious pursuit, limitless effort and transcendent ability courses through the rest of the roster. The Bucks play extremely hard. He rubs off on them. They don't want to let him down. Their style of play doesn't tend to translate in the playoffs. Giannis probably still needs help, or maybe he doesn't. Could the Bucks make a trade without pissing off Antetokounmpo? 

3. The Blazers make a big trade. Whiteside, and sadly Bazemore, are the obvious choices with their salaries and expiring contracts. But what if the front office gets real spicy and explores the market for CJ? They should call Cleveland for Thompson, not Love. Then they should call Minnesota and ask about Covington. Maybe target Gordon in Orlando. Let me be clear, I'd prefer to keep CJ. However, if the Blazers could truly get better, I'd contemplate moving him.

CJ, Bazemore and Whiteside have salaries that total $71.5 million. For that much money anything is possible within the NBA trade world. To put that into perspective, Aaron Gordon, Robert Covington and Tristan Thompson total $50 million. Portland could trade Bazemore for Gordon straight up, the money matches. Another scenario could net the Blazers Thompson and Cedi Osman in exchange for Whiteside. Or they could try to pry Covington from Minnesota. The front office in Portland needs to explore deeper than Love and Aldridge. Everyone mentions those two players, though neither are what they need. They blew up their roster this summer, they could reset it again before the trade deadline.

Another option is for the Trailblazers to go small as I've noted before. Little should start due to his energy and size on defense. He literally flies around. Simons needs to get more run too. I want the coaching staff to get creative on offense and potentially make some hard choices in terms of their defensive schemes as well. Rip City could benefit from a shot in the arm. Portland has nine wins in large part because they have Dame. Unleash a lineup of Lillard, McCollum, Little, Melo and Simons. When they need a big call upon Skal. Run opponents into the ground and battle on defense with a more switch heavy scheme. Nurkić and Collins are obviously missed, and now Hood (DAMN). May the Force be with you.

4. For as much as Ben Simmons can do, he can't shoot. At all. For someone so athletic he looks uncoordinated. His game has remained too raw for too long. He's not a max guy. I'm less inclined to care about his plus/minus regardless of what those numbers suggest. Watch the game. Philly better come to grips with the fact that Simmons and Embiid are far from being a harmonious fit.  

5. Jaylen Brown > Jason Tatum. Jaylen has a higher on-court-IQ and a better feel for the game. He also has more internal grit and fire. As the rest of the NBA gushes over Tatum's potential, I'll ride with Brown. He appears less burdened by distractions. After all, he's an incredibly smart chess player who has his ego in check.

MVP: Antetokounmpo, Davis, Dončić, Harden, James (alphabetical)

Load Management, 

80Choices

NBA 2K19

Cool and clear fall days when the rain holds off are the type of autumn days I'm looking for. October brings lit hues to leaves, pumpkins to front porches, and hoops to the hardwood. Only the NBA can truly quench that basketball thirst. Each season brings new hope, new rosters (notably this year) and the opportunity to start anew. With so much change I thought it best to tip the season off with some ABC's...

A. All the Action is west -

There's so much talent out west it's bananas. As many as seven western teams have legit aspirations to make The Finals. Let alone the depth of teams that won't make the playoffs. There's going to be some extremely disappointed teams after the first round of the western playoffs. Hell, after the conference semi's too. Watch the western conference this year, the competition will be crazy. The west is best.

When will the NBA just take the 16 best teams for the playoffs? The east currently has an easier path through the regular season and way too many sub .500 clubs. Rewarding winning teams who respect the regular season and are more equipped for playoffs is in the best interest of the NBA. Ebbs and flows of conference inequality would be remedied forever by taking the 16 best. The NBA shouldn't want sub .500 in the playoffs, especially if other teams are above .500 in a far superior conference. Only in the NBA.

B. Before the Bucks Build statues -

Here's a hot take, the Bucks won't be as good this season when it's onion time. Losing Brogdon hurts. I trust no one on their team in a playoff series other than Giannis, including their head coach. Antetokounmpo is easily the player I'd currently build a team around if given the choice to pick one guy. His skills and personal traits could translate into a limitless ceiling of potential. He's the reigning MVP with room to improve.

Giannis needs to become a better more reliable shooter, as many have pointed out. A serviceable jumper would empower him take more of the open looks offered to him by sagging defenses. Drawing the on-ball defender slightly closer is nightmarish for opposition. A defense can only hope to slow his interior onslaught. His decision making and passing must take a leap as well. Defenses will continue to coagulate around him, while also clogging interior driving lanes, especially with Brogdon gone. My biggest question, who do they trust to hit a truly big shot? Giannis is a mutant-hybrid 1-3-4-Shaq on offense and defense, but he'll need help.

Which brings me to the Bucks roster, yikes. I'm not as sure about Middleton as I once was, he wouldn't sniff being an all-star out west. Also, did you see any of the FIBA games? Then there's Bledsoe, yikes, and George Hill as their primary point guards—yikes. Going all in on the Lopez twins might be fun, but it could be bad. Coach Bud has great regular seasons then fails to adjust enough in playoff situations. This will only intensify when coaching the reigning MVP. Maybe the Bucks make some moves. Or maybe they can just rely on the improvement of their freakish MVP. Or maybe this team resembles his FIBA national team when it's really do or die time. Yikes. I think I'd rather be Philly. 

Quick aside: Boston had four players on the team that finished seventh at FIBA, yikes. Brad Stevens will have them playing solid ball, but they're not representing the east.  

C. Continuity is lost Currency -

There is zero continuity for teams to start the regular season. Whether rebooted or retooled, they'll need time to gel. Some teams have new coaching staffs. Other franchises will be transitioning due to players coming back from injury. Many are facing a combination of these factors, a team like the Lakers faces all three. Anyone relying on rookies will need to allow time for their young stars to acclimate. Continuity can be built. Talent and fit can offset continuity, the combination of all three is basketball's most beautiful choreography.

A range of talent reshuffled over the summer beyond the seven all stars who switched jerseys. Duos are back. Trios and quartets may or may not still exist depending on how you view Utah, Philadelphia and Golden State. There's no clear cut favorite. I believe there are nine legitimate teams with a shot at the title, which makes for a more compelling regular season. The NBA could benefit from this after the run the Warriors are currently on and the streak LeBron had. In-season trades and buyouts are highly likely; next summer's free agent pool is not as deep. Names such as Beal, Love and Paul will continue to swirl in rumors. If the lack of continuity causes teams to struggle, GM's will hunt talent.

D. Dallas, Draymond, D'Antoni, Davis & Dame -

DAL -

Dallas has two unicorns who might wreck shop this year, deal me in. Last year Luka became one of two rookies ever to put up 21 points, 7 rebound and 6 assists. He did so at 19 against superior competition (Oscar did it in 1960-61). Porzingis looks like a 7'3" Ivan Drago and Lonestar looks svelte. Dallas was smart to bet on Kristaps knowing that Dončić is a budding superstar. Lonestar and The Zinger might just take Dallas to the playoffs. The complimentary pieces look nice and their coach is one of the best, but this comes down to the two unicorns. I for one think these two will come out with something to prove. The unicorns of Dallas have my attention, hopefully the grab yours.

GSW -

Dray and Steph... If you believe Steph is the best player on earth, his team has to be a contender. If you also believe Draymond to be a top 15 player, then his team has to be a lock for the playoffs. These two guys play on the same team, a team that's appeared in five straight Finals. No one should feel sorry for Golden State regardless of off-season moves, roster flaws, and injuries. They added a young all-star perimeter player in D-Lo and have coach Kerr's prowess to push the right buttons. The Warriors offense may shift a little toward pick and roll action when DeAngelo's running the offense. They also have a shiny new Death Star Center. Trust me, they're fine. No other team can lose an all-world guard (Klay), an all-timer (KD), and still begin the season with three all-stars. They'll be major players no matter what, champions don't die easily. I'm most interested in how opposing teams will guard Steph, and as a result, how well he does individually.

HOU -

Russell Westbrook and James Harden will make Houston way better. Unleashing Westbrook at times to rest Harden will help long term success. The two most ball dominate guys are complimented by a pretty damn good roster. When it matters most this team could be, as Russ said, "scary, and not for us." Their potential outcomes on offense and defense is infinite. Russ is a big variable, but he always plays extremely hard and a change of scenery might just unlock the next dynamic phase to his game. I'm excited to see the Rockets play when injected with some West-beast.

The rest of the Rockets knows how and what to do. If Russ blends in well, they're a threat for the one seed. I love Russ. I also really like PJ Tucker and Eric Gordon. Toss in Capela if they go big, or Rivers should they go small, and D'Antoni has some tough five man lineups. They also have the most prolific offensive force in the NBA. James Harden will continue to light the world ablaze. He hankers for the accolades only postseason success can bring, good. The Beard's hungry, he'll be looking to cook the competition come spring, and now he's got Russy.

LAL -

LeBron and AD are going to lay waste. Who starts? Who finishes? Which five man unit is best offensively? Defensively? Can it be one in the same? Who guards other elite point guards? Avery Bradley apparently. Who makes the final roster? Which player will they sign with their exception? Just how good can A.D and LeBron be together? The Lakers have questions. They also have the two best answers, AD and LeBron. 

POR -

The Trailblazers turn 50. Yesterday I was able to see the newest squad at Fan Fest. The intrasquad scrimmage was held on their new, commemorative floor inside Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Bazemore and Hood looked good, rookie Moses Brown played well too. I'm so hyped for Blazers basketball this year. There are some what-ifs heading into the season. The roster looks dramatically different from last year's team that went to the WCF. Team scoring probably won't be a problem, but what about the D? Youth and acquisitions may fill the void left by Portland losing their two primary wing defenders.

The culture that Dame and the Blazers have created will hopefully influence newcomers. Hassan  Whiteside's physical gifts are impressive, but he's also been seen as a stat chasing malcontent. Bazemore should inject the second unit with a bit more athletic play-making and defensive upside. Nasir Little could provide a spark with his size and athleticism if given a chance. He physically resembles a prototypical wing defender. Vets like Pau Gasol, Anthony Tolliver, or Mario Hezonja may surprise as well.

A handful of guys remain. Collins and Hood should see an increase in minutes and responsibility. Both Collins and Hood have tremendous upside, now they'll be asked to perform at a more consistent level on both sides of the ball. I'm exited to see Simons get more run perhaps too. He's young and athletic with a quick release shot. And when will Nurkić return and to what proficiency? Which leads to the two most important Blazers, Dame and CJ.

Not only is Dame one of the best leaders, he's one of four players to average 25 points and 5 assists over the past four seasons (LeBron, Harden and Curry are the others). CJ and Dame were the second highest scoring back-court in the NBA last season, averaging a combined 46.8 points per game. They're key to Portland's success as primary scoring options. Hopefully Dame and CJ can lead Portland back to the WCF. As the season warms up, Dame's already on fire.

E. Extra season -

Eastern Conference Playoff Teams:

BKN, BOS, MIL, PHI, TOR = (locks) \ DET, MIA, ORL

Western Conference Playoff Teams:

DEN, HOU, GSW, LAC, LAL, POR, UTA = (locks) \  SAS

F. Finals = LAL v. PHI

Go Rip City,

80choices

NBA | WCF | WTF

It must be nice to lose a two-time Finals MVP and not skip a beat. If Durant is going to sit out the entirety of this series, force someone other than Curry to score 30+ points. Portland unfortunately let the last two games slip away after big leads were snatched back by the Dark Side. The second and third games of the Western Conference Finals epitomized the tales of two halves.

I want the Blazers to show some more fire. Draymond's a total spaz who's always yapping and acting a fool, he also apparently never fouls anyone (Iggy too for that matter), but he does come to play. It pains me to say, but Green was the best player on the court in game three. He pushed pace, anchored their defense below the three point line, made the right reads, and simply put, played harder and with more passion. His rebounds that lead to him running the break were demoralizing. He wanted it and attacked. He was as Kerr put it, "a wrecking ball."

When Quinn Cook, Jordan Bell and Jonas Jerebko make an impact, especially in the WCF, it fries the opposition. This was all happening sans KD and without Iggy playing in the second half. It's probably too late, but Rip City should to do to Steph, what Golden State is doing to Dame. Portland needs to have a diligent defender stay attached to Curry's hip at all times. When Steph doesn't have the ball they need to fully deny him. If Steph does come off of ball screen action, blow it up and double him hard. Make him pass it to the screener or elsewhere. How many times has the basketball world seen this story over the past five seasons?

On offense the Trail Blazers may try playing Lillard off ball, again similar to what Golden State does with Steph at times. If Dame's man is going to be glued to him, run Lillard off some non-ball action to try and free him up, or to get a favorable match up. One thing's for sure, the high ball screen action is not working for Dame, or for the Blazers in general. If Portland continues to play that way the screener should slip more often to shake things up. Portland's best lineup during game three was probably their third quarter quintet of CJ, Mo Harkless, Lil Curry, E.T. and Meyers. I'd like to see more cutting action from the Blazers, especially from Dame and CJ. Let Turner or Lil Curry initiate some of the offense, that way Portland can try and counter some of Golden State's over-aggressive defense on the perimeter.

Another thing, when Portland's playing with the lead, they need to act like they have the lead. There's no need to hoist a deep three when you're up. The Blazers need to get back to their unselfish play and work the ball side to side or inside out. The half court possessions in which the Trail Blazers make less than two passes rarely result in a quality shot, regardless of the outcome. Move the ball and move your bodies.

Not only has Dame struggled on offense, he's dying on screens when defending on the  perimeter. He cannot be a zero on defense, especially when he's turning the ball over. I love Dame, but this is gut check time with a win-or-go-home game four looming. For granted his ribs are jacked, but he's got to get back to that laser focus in order to overcome the greatest of hurdles.

At the start of the series it was no secret that the Blazers had to do all the little things in order to have a chance. And even though Portland looked damn good in the first half of games two and three, one issue has irked me; their lack of physically boxing out. I realize that the rebounding numbers are going to be skewed due to Portland's poor shooting percentage, but defensive rebounding is crucial against the Dark Side. You cannot give them extra chances after they initially miss, it's back breaking. Golden State tends to capitalize on those chaotic extra chances following an offensive rebound or broken play. My notes have a repeated message, BOX OUT.  

No team has ever come back from an 0-3 deficit, and yet, I still want the Rip City Rebellion to fight for their first WCF win in almost two decades. Let's go Blazers, I want to keep watching Portland basketball. I don't want this team to get swept. Hell, I don't want no gentlemen's sweep either. The Trail Blazers have been outgunned thus far. Perhaps too much underdog energy has crept into the series. Who cares about odds, or Death Stars, or Mike Breen's over-the-top favoritism. F all that S. Let's start with one victory and go from there. I'll keep believing, hopefully the Blazers locker room believes too. Only in the NBA.

"so you're telling me there's a chance"

eightychoices.

NBA | (Intergalactic) Conference Finals

The conference finals have descended upon the cities whose teams are still in the hunt. Now NBA fans get almost science fiction-like match-ups. A comic book battle will be waged in the East thanks to Giannis and Kawhi's freakish talents. The West resembles an intergalactic struggle as the Rip City Rebellion takes on The Dark Side. Thanks to CJ the rebellious three seed advanced. I'm hyped for the Western Conference Finals. Tuesday's ping pong balls also create some nice pregame window dressing.

Game 7's

Welcome to the Hood, northeast Portland to be more specific. Rip City was feeling good Sunday afternoon as the Trail Blazers weathered game seven at altitude. CJ was blazing Nuggets with his silky jumper and delectable mid-range game. He racked up 37 points in a 100-96 victory. His hustle to perfectly time a LeBron-like block definitely kept the momentum in Portland's favor. Dame went 3 for 17 from the field and the Blazers still found a way to win. Rodney Hood's emergence has been fun to cheer for. I wish him a speedy recovery, the Blazers will presumably need him (or E.T. phones home). Who else wants some more Zach Collins? I'm loving ZC's energy, effort and acumen. And big ups to Kanter for adhering to his faith-based fast while still doing the in-game dirty work with one shoulder. Rip City Rebellion reporting for duty.

...CJ!

Portland embodies selflessness and togetherness, almost something more than team. A common thread weaves through the entire squad. Their shared and collective journey has brought them to this opportunity, no matter how daunting. Each Blazer exudes that willingness to want it for the next guy. Their team play and leadership exemplifies this ethos. Learned or intrinsic, the magic and mentality of their unity disseminates belief. Don't listen to the naysayers, just believe and remain together. 

Belief is needed for camaraderie, camaraderie builds into rebellion, and rebellions face off against brutal opposition—Rip City brings hope. Hope and belief can be powerful weapons. Some laser beam accurate jumpers and Wookiee-like interior rebounding would help the Rebellion as well. The Dark Side has reigned for too long. Rise up Rip City Rebellion and cast down the evil empire. Every sound minded NBA fan in the galaxy should be pulling for the Trail Blazers. To quote the American philosopher Flavor Flav, "This is a call to all you sleep'n souls, wake up! Take control of your own cipher, and be on the lookout for those spirit snipers, try'n to steal your life." Down with the Dark Side. Go Rip City Rebellion!    

North of the border Toronto and Philadelphia took game seven down to the wire. Kawhi put on his cape and saved the day with his plink, plink, plink, Plinko-like buzzer beater. For those unaware, Leonard's a two-way monster. He's set the bar during these playoffs with his performance. More on that later. Everyone of his 41 points was needed. Toronto only scored 92 and won by two. Again, he's a beast. Both coaches played seven guys with Philly's starters stacking serious time (I don't count Monroe playing two minutes). In a game that was so distilled, the team with the best player won.

...Ka-WOW

Avengers will assemble in Milwaukee as Giannis and Kawhi clash for supremacy in the east. They're probably the two best, two-way players remaining in the playoffs. Sorry KD, your team is too good. More on that later. It's a coin flip to say who's better, Kawhi or Giannis? This series will showcase their otherworldly talents, as well as something less talked about, their tenacity. It's no wonder these two guys are perhaps the best in the league. They don't seem to share the AAU, buddy buddy bullshit, or self delusional grandeur that infects the Association. I think this is Milwaukee's series. I trust their players and system more than I trust Toronto's. This will be a Clash of the Titans. Here's to hoping their assignment is to guard each other more often than not. Release the Krakens.

More On That Later

In the above paragraphs I typed, more on that later, a couple of times. Later is now. Here's a quick dish on who I think has been the best of the best during these playoffs. A top five shall suffice. 

1. Kawhi Leonard: He's a two-way monster who can shut down the other teams best perimeter player and still get you 30. He's also clutch and has the demeanor of a poker player that not even James Bond could get a read on. Feel free to take any other player listed below and ask yourself, is that guy gonna take this Toronto team as far as Kawhi can? I think not, but Durant probably comes closest. Leonard is doing the most with the least around him. Did you see Toronto playing game 7 hot potato?

2. Giannis Antetokounmpo: He's your likely MVP of the regular season and he might be more athletic than, dare I say, peak LeBron. He annihilates opponents without a great jump shot, although he takes them at the right times to keep the defense honest. Not only is he gifted, but damn if his attitude isn't all seek and destroy-like too. There's nothing not to love about this guy. His path to the NBA is unique. Unlike the trajectory of many top American hoopers who get coddled, spoiled and insulated via AAU circuits, sneaker companies and DI shenanigans, Giannis knows only one team, the Bucks. His loyalty is to the game. 

3. Kevin Durant: The most gifted scorer in the NBA and an OG unicorn. A seven foot perimeter player who can pretty much do everything. Just not on his own. It's unfair, I know, but so is his team. That's why I have him third. He's not doing it by himself. I get it, no one really does it by themselves. But come on, who else has a 6x all-star, 2x MVP, point guard, who happens to be the greatest shooter ever? Who gets a 3x all-star, 2x all-NBA, do-everything, defensive player of the year as their fellow forward? Does anyone else have a 5x all-star, 3x all-NBA, shooting guard with the record for most points in a quarter, who also happens to be an all-time shooter? Which other team has two different Finals MVPs? You get my point. No other superstar in the NBA is flanked by such a collection of elite talent, it makes the game so much easier. The most bizarre thing is, they probably need him more than he needs them. Boo Death Star. 

4. Damian Lillard: First thing's first, he's an awesome human. Second, he might be the best leader in the NBA. He loves his team like family, believes in team first play and is unselfish. His game is too legit to quit. His range seems infinite, hello logo. His handles are mad. He's got the quicks to get to the rim and finish. His nerves are that of a steely ninja assassin. He's Dame Dolla, the best MC in the Association and it ain't even close. He doesn't show off, he shows up. He's from Oakland and loves Portland. More importantly, he ain't scurred. In the battle for good versus evil, it's Dame Time. 

5. Nikola Jokić: He put himself on the map if he hadn't already. His body double never showed up and he just kept showing out. He plays center and point guard. There is absolutely nobody else like him in the NBA. He racked up playoff triple-doubles at a rate that put him in the company of Magic Johnson and LeBron James. Nuff said. Nice work. Maybe next time tiger. 

In a Galaxy Not Far Away... 

Both conference finals resemble science fiction. In our reality the Marvel Universe has infiltrated the eastern conference. A hardwood war will be waged as a Greek Freak confronts the quiet claw of a Finals MVP. Their end game, the NBA Finals. The Star War out west carries galactic ramifications as the Rip City Rebellion takes on the Death Star. Hopefully there's a round ball equivalent to a thermal exhaust port. That way the Trail Blazers can target in on it with their proton torpedoes. I'm all in on the Rebellion. Go Rip City! 

Only in the NBA

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OKC goes Bye-Bye

Damian Lillard waved bye bye to the Thunder last night in an immediate classic after he air-mailed his final dagger en route to 50 points, booking the Blazers a second-round matchup. This was his game, his series, his time. There are few players in the league with his skillset, fewer still are blessed with his temperament. He's ice cold in the eyes of his opponents, and yet he's warm, enduring and humble to the Rip City fans who love him. Hell, if you like basketball, you gotta like Dame. For the sake of appreciation, just look at where he shot that game winner from. 

Dame's first half was flame-throwing; he kept the Blazers afloat while CJ dealt with foul trouble. Lillard's shot-making is artful and relentless. He wants it. I thought Curry and Collins brought a lot of toughness and intangibles to the table in the first half. Curry also played well late in the game as both teams stayed "small". Mo Harkless, mo problems was at it again, bringing all the little things to the game that coaches love—his willingness to do what is asked of him. He and Aminu play the role of role-players perfectly, no easy task in the ego-driven NBA world. Regardless of Dame's point total before halftime, it was his sense of timing and commitment to team that stood out alongside his heroic shot making. He kept his team in the game. And therein lies the point, his team. The Trailblazers are a team; they trust each other and exude togetherness. He remains calm and thus the team operates under a sense of calm. Even after he hit a 40-footer for not only the game, but the series, there he is, calm, waving bye bye to the team that lives within the volcano that is Russ. 

If Damian's first half didn't impress quite enough, how bout his first shot of the third, another deep-ass three that found the bottom of the net. "He's having a night," a direct quote from my most trusted game watching partner. I replied, "F*ck'n daggers." As the game unfolded with multiple momentum swinging runs, there was Dame trusting his team. His kick out to Chief in the corner after he drove baseline from the opposite side was another snapshot of his ability to make the right choice. Then he hit a three to put the Blazers up nine, forcing OKC to call a timeout. After that timeout the Thunder went on to take a 15 point lead. The team that played like one still had enough to fight back however. CJ finally warmed up (We saw you Nurk! and so did McCollum), hitting shots that proved pivotal down the stretch. There was lil Curry making a defensive play, and there was Mo making clutch free throws, and then there was Dame.

Lillard would wind up making a driving layup to tie the game one last time, his next shot was game! You know what time it is, Dame Time. How's about a nice even fifty in your eye? BYE BYE. 

Only in the NBA,

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OKC in PDX

PG13

There are not five players in the NBA playing better basketball than Paul George right now. I saw the Thunder take on the Trailblazers at the Moda Center last night and I walked away with an easy assessment; George was the best player on the court and it wasn't even close. Let me go off on a tangent and list the handful of players that are at the top of their game who could be debated as playing the best right now as of January 5th (not who is the best).

Harden is obviously a cheat code on offense what he's doing is crazy. The Beard is creating roughly 70 plus points on his own during his recent, blistering stretch. On the flip side he's not close to emulating PG's defensive presence. Giannis and Kawhi are similar in their two-way abilities. However, Antetokounmpo doesn't have a jumper and Leonard doesn't seem that fun to play with even when he does wreak havoc. LeBron is LeBron and in the playoffs we've seen how he reaches other levels not capable of basic humans. He's currently rehabbing and the Lakers have gone 1-4 in his absence. That leaves Anthony Davis who is playing out of his gourd and yet the Pelicans sit at the 13th spot three games under five hundred. Sure Durant deserves to be on the list but he's not playing that great right now and his attitude is suspect. I don't doubt his talents, he's probably the second best player on the planet, but you wouldn't know it by watching his team (which happens to also have Steph, Klay and Draymond). So I'm left with the idea that Paul George and Anthony Davis are perhaps the hottest and most talented two-way players in the Association right now. Of course I would build my team around Giannis or AD long term and I would choose LeBron or KD if it was one guy to take me to The Finals, but I'll ride with this Paul George anytime.

Now back to George... he's the best two-way player I've seen this year. He's so good and plays so hard while making it look so smooth. He's always in the right spot and intellectually he's reading plays before they unfold. Paul George would be so fun to play with and seems like a great teammate. Not only is he unselfish, he's also willing to do whatever it takes to help his team win, he has all the tools on both sides of the floor. It was a treat to see him display his talents in person. Through the years I have been wowed by a few players live—Giannis, Gobert and LeBron come to mind. George has now entered that list and not because of his physical size or alien-like gifts. Instead it's due to his fluid and poetic basketball style, he can do it all and does so with class. The Thunder won for the first time in Portland since 2014. The final score was 111-109. As a result the Blazers fell to seventh in the west and OKC rose up to the second spot. Only in the NBA.

Paul George @ Portland Jan. 4th - 37 pts (10-23 fg, 5-9 3pt, 12-14 ft) | 8 rbs | 2 ast | 1 stl 

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