Keys to Winning the Portland Series

Now that Portland is focused to shut down Yao RA must make some significant adjustments or it could go down to the wire....

1. If Brandon Roy takes it upon himself to score both Artest and Battier lack the quickness to guard him around screens and off the dribble, he blew past them with ease. I think RA is going to have to find ways to get Lowery on Roy and see if Lowery's quickness and physical play can disrupt Roy. For all the past defensive poweress of Artest and Battier it seems they have lost some quickness on defense. Lowery may be 3 inches shorter but he is much quicker, stronger and a very good positional defender.

2. Aldridge is light out once he gets within 18 ft. - Scola has to find a way to put a body on him and not get backed down. Aldridge did not seem to be that great a passer so if he gets close to the basket we need to run help at him and force a pass.

3. Yao is getting fronted and doubled pretty effectively after making some serious adjustments defensively from game 1. Aaron Brooks has to be more confident and RA needs to get in his head to shoot more. The high pick and roll with Brooks and Lowery was killing the Blazers, Brooks just needs to shoot more. Lowery gets to the foul line.

4. Yao must come out and clear for Brooks and Lowery, run more high pick and roll and Yao can hit the 15 ft. shot.

5. Yao still needs to seal of Pryzbilla better even if it risks an offensive foul. And that pass has to be spot on perfect or Yao will turn it over- can't be a weak pass.

6. This is no adjustment but if the Rockets hit their free throws they can win out. This series will be closer now that adjustments are being made.

7. Do not throw the ball out to Ron Artest as the shot clock winds down, he willl jack up a brick 80% of the time.

8. Ron needs to get in the paint more.

9. Where is Battier and Landry? Poor ball movement is evident simply because neither of these players are getting any offensive looks.

10. Post up Scola more.

RA better make adjustments we don't need to let them come here and steal a game, game 3 is a must win.

 

yes, didn't see it