NBA Cup wise I don’t see us going anywhere, unless LAC has a stinker & we blow them out.

I’ll try do a live coverage for Sunday’s game, however I’m at work early so maybe only a first half then relate to clips before I leave. #RipCity

Overall, we were the better team, looking after the ball & capitalising when they didn’t.

Also making our shots off of 2nd chances, especially at the rim as we tend to not stay calm after a miss.

Sharpe needs to be better but I would point some of that at the coaching & play calling for his game

Going into the 4th the game was mostly in our hands 72-87, & everyone let the 3’s fly to start. Sharpe was getting to the rim finally (something I’d like to post more about soon) & Ant was on fire.

Despite that, SAC showed resilience & came fighting, making almost every 3 they put up.

League Pass then said I’m not allowed to watch the second half so somewhat relying on clips & Real…

On paper, the 3rd looked amazing. Anfernee started to get going offensively, Deni was getting his 3 back, & Sabonis couldn’t get a thing off (despite a post up cut pass he’s great I know)

…they did beat us there 14-8, it’s an improvement especially I saw from Anfernee.

Camara really locked down on Fox too only allowing 1/5 slowing down his rim attack. For a team like ours who is weaker on defending inside, this type of play really helps limit our poorer side on D.

Big momentum shift in the 2nd largely coming from a former struggling Jabari Walker, chasing OREB’s & making the right passes to capitalise on a lost D. His hands felt more secure last night too. Even on a limited role he helped shift the pace against SAC.

Also much better transition D even if…

I don’t typically watch west coast games, being 3am n all when they start, & tonight is no different. Instead of the usual format I’ll watch the game in full in the morning make notes whilst watching then make a full thread from through the game. The joys of living abroad. #RipCity

Dalano & Kris are playing through injury, however hopefully they can carry on their strong shooting nights with the large minutes I expect them to get tonight. Kris being back also means Jabari not being relied on to catch & make plays from inside, & more so be a 5 out style w/ Deni & Ayton inside.

Winning this game should maintain a 3rd place in the NBA Cup, possibly 2nd. I doubt we win the group but beating out teams like the Kings, Wolves & Clippers puts the team in a much better position going forward.

Kings go into the game 3-7 in their last 10 w/ role players struggling. #RipCity

Going into tomorrow’s game, I’d expect to see more 3P shooting to start the game & open the paint to later attack.

Defensively we really need to be active inside against both Swipa & Domas, as well as attacking the boards hard. I can live with giving up tough 3s with the D we’ve played as of late

Ayton has looked well in his return, despite IND getting into the paint as easy as they are. Can see his hand is bothering him but is managing well in terms of his play, even if his face is saying otherwise.

Avdija is the guy. Everywhere he goes turns to gold. Thank you Joe. #RipCity

Sharpe hasn’t been clicking this game however his speed & verticality still give reason to play him, although Banton should see more of his minutes down the line should the shooting continue.

Jabari can’t last. He’s not played well on either end & is struggling to hold a ball. Not much else to say.

…interesting as at first was worried with how big IND played, but with fast hands & being as hot as we were, it worked & should be utilised more against their slow big lineups. #RipCity

I am literally walking through the woods in work uniform, motorcycle helmet to keep warm on the way home, put wee man to bed then some tea before injury ridden Blazers play…

God I love this team too much