SodaPopinski

What in the hell was up with our play-calling to end the game? Numerous chances to take the lead or tie in the waning minutes. All game long, Dallas' defense was designed to fill the lane and stop penetration or points in the paint. We were getting great looks from about 12' and beyond in the second half, and hitting them at a high percentage.

So, as we're down three with a minute to go, what kind of play does Cheeks draw up? Nick passes up three wide open shots, drives into the lane and throws an ill-advised pass through three Dallas Mavericks. Turnover.

Next play, we're down five. Cheeks draws up a play to have Richie Frahm drive to the basket against three Dallas defenders. Richie throws up a shot that is easily swatted away by Dirk Nowitzki. Cheeks calls a play from the sideline to throw the ball into Damon in the paint, who pump fakes about a half-dozen times and throws up a hook shot that misses and gives the rebound to the Mavs.

Just horrendous play-calling to end the game. Really a shame, because the guys played their butts off tonight to come back from a 15-point deficit in the second half and make a game of it. Really hurts to be done in by the mentally retarded head-scratcher who calls himself a head coach.



-Pop

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mediocre man

I thought his substitution patterns were horible. This guy has got to go.

I implore everyone to email John Nash and Steve Patterson and tell them your dislike for the way our run and gun Trailblazers have become a low scoring team.

Hype #9

I did that a few weeks back. He actually replied.

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b-07-r

roY.

RipCity9

I haven't been so pissed off on my way out of the Rose Garden in quite a while. Horrible coaching as per usual. I am still mystified as to why Cheeks chose to take Zach out for a three play stretch late in the game - a stretch in which we couldn't grab a rebound.

And no, I realize the loss isn't entirely his fault - the pathetic performance at the free throw line was embarassing.

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"The Blazers will bounce on up to the top again, just like they have before. And when they do I'll be cheering for 'em as loud as anybody."

- Bill Walton

Sambonius

It was beyond disbelief on my part, I was astonished at what the hell was Cheeks really thinking about? Not only I was astonished but Randolph was visibly pissed off at Cheeks for taking him out, it made no sense, none at all, if it was for defensive purposes then shouldn't have Damon come out instead of Randolph first?

tlong

The part I was most upset about was the poor execution of set plays after a time-out. I almost never see the Blazers execute a play successfully in these situations.

B_&_B

I really doubt Cheeks called a play for NVE and Frahm to drive to the hoop... they improvised because nothing was open.

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"People say we are coming, but I almost think it's to the point where we are here," he said. "I think it's no longer coming. We are here now."... Brandon Roy.

RedHot&Rolling

Possibly. But history shows that this team cannot run set plays successfully.

Our "play-calling" at the end of games goes back into the Dunleavy days as coach. Common demoninator between then and now: Damon.

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Trail Blazers Fan since Walton was injured the first time!
OSU Beavers Alumni & Fan since Ralph Miller's Orange Express -

"Fans cheer when they have reason to." Stop the programmed noise!!

Paxil

Our execution out of timeouts is the worst I have ever seen. A Portland timeout is the kiss of death to us.

RipCity9

According to the Oregonian, Cheeks told NVE either to take the three OR drive the baseline. So yes, he is indeed as stupid as we thought.

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"The Blazers will bounce on up to the top again, just like they have before. And when they do I'll be cheering for 'em as loud as anybody."

- Bill Walton