This is currently my favorite lineup to watch play. To be fair though, they've been playing against some seriously inferior competition so they look better of course. As a bench unit I love it though, Calderon makes the right plays, Nance and Black are all hustle, Ingram is showing nice defensive instincts, and JC looks pretty much dominant. JC looks quicker, yet more in control, and better defensively, he deserves to start, but if he's gonna be with this unit for a while I'll at least enjoy watching it.
I knew @LakerFilmRoom would like this game. I love how many GSW sets we're running and yet I love the pace Luke is implementing new stuff. He knows where his team is at. Some of these plays
What's the range of position in standings in the West where Portland is thought to be able to finish this year? Good warmup to kick their butts tonight in getting ready to kick Golden State's butts on the 15th and 19th.
Better test tonight against Lillard, let's see how we do. Also Bresnahan just said "Nick is one of two three point threats on the team, the other being Calderon." Now I remember why I haven't watch pregames the past couple games.
LOL did Mikey forget DAR is on the team? What an odd thing to say after watching him light it up from deep the last couple games.
Soooooo close but no . If Russell was hitting like he was the last two games, JC too, easy to make misses as well, we win that game. And that's Portland. Loving how we are IN the games though. No more foul stench wafting 15 miles from Staples over Griffith Park hills, into my neighborhood and house from this guy's rotations and personality and coaching skills. What a difference already with a good coach.
The squad is at least competitive and showing moxie... An indication that they are not having their behinds handed to them on a game by game basis. There's encouragement...patience by the coaching staff. They are being taught without having to deal with being sent to the brig. For now, I can tolerate losses given their youth and experience...what I won't stand for is lack of effort and weak wills.
Russell got the shots he wanted, but they just didn't fall. He also got fouled with no whistle on 2-3 of his shots in the paint. Ingram will get his shooting mojo sooner than later. Those were the only real bummers last night. When Russell and Ingram have even average shooting nights (~45%), we're going to be in most games if we keep playing like this. Also, props to Swaggy. He's playing great on both sides of the ball. I just hope he's being a mature influence in the locker room.
Ingram's got a few things attributing to his struggles I think: 1. NBA level conditioning - playing with the big boys ain't easy. 2. Not being a 1st, 2nd, or even 3rd option just yet. He's taking what's being given to him, so the aggressiveness is not ready to come out. Still learning the offense. 3. NBA length 3's. They're not a close as he thinks it is. But I'm not worried though, he's doing the right things offensively and defensively, and the rest will come.
