In this game with the Spurs, the score difference is actually not too big, but after the whole game, the Trail Blazers players are full of a sense of powerlessness. It seems that the gap can be smoothed, but they are always unable to

catch up.

The Spurs' strong ability to control the game, excellent tactical execution ability, and team-first defensive tactics on the defensive end all make the young Trail Blazers refreshing.

The heritage and team atmosphere of a championship team are indeed not comparable to those of a team like the Trail Blazers that is still in the rebuilding period, even if the difference between the two teams' previous records is not too big.

However, during a winning streak, the ranking does not increase.

After a three-game losing streak, the Blazers were ranked fifth, and the gap with the teams behind them was further narrowed. The Blazers urgently need to regain their form as soon as possible to ensure that they enter the playoffs.

However, the adjustment ability of young teams has been the biggest problem for the rebuilding teams in the league as they mature.

After losing to Texas in three consecutive games, the Trail Blazers will go to Memphis back-to-back to challenge the Grizzlies.

The Grizzlies have always played the role of a playoff "keeper" in the Western Conference.

From the Gasol era to the current "Black and White Bears" era, the Grizzlies' record has remained on the edge of the playoffs all year round.

Although there is no too dazzling performance, it cannot create too much upset in the playoffs.

But what I have to say is that every strong team that encounters the Grizzlies will be tortured by their unique playing style.

Randolph hits!

Randolph hits!

After Randolph beat Gasol, he beat him!

Gasol plays!

Gasol plays!

Gasol beat Randolph!

Today's Grizzlies offensive system is built around two major inside players.

Although Randolph was very good in the early stages of his career, he definitely didn't become as good as he does now.

Maybe this is a change of times.

In the original NBA, under O'Neal's "power", which team didn't always have a human shield center inside.

Internal and external matching is still the core idea of ​​most teams in building a team.

There are so many outstanding centers.

However, starting from the Suns and SuperSonics era, the run-and-gun trend led the league.

Faster game pace, more shots, more outside shots, and more reliance on three-point shots.

The league's game style is changing, but it has also further curbed the development and selection of inside players.

Colleges and high schools will train the players that the league needs.

The world is bustling, all for the benefit of the future; the sky is bustling, all for the benefit of the future.

Professional sports leagues, whether individuals or collectives, all pursue profit.

Young players need higher draft picks to get better exposure and wages.

The team needs more broadcast games to increase the team's influence and income.

The NBA league also needs more good-looking games and ratings to strengthen promotion and obtain higher advertising sponsorships.

At that time, the Pistons' top five reached the Finals with their strong defense. However, the historically low scores made that Finals prove that "defense can win championships", but it also made the NBA feel extremely low in the finals.

Embarrassing ratings.

The most popular center in the NBA right now is the center modeled after Stoudemire during the Suns' bombardment period.

You don't need to be too much of a physical shield, as long as you can run and jump, and can cooperate with defenders to play alley-oops.

If you can still practice three-point shooting, that would be very nice.

Zhang Feng is increasingly used in the Blazers because of his significant role on the offensive end.

A big man who is over 2.1 meters tall and can serve as a long-range shooting fortress from the outside already has a foothold in the NBA.

The Grizzlies, who went against the times, assembled two meat shield-type insiders.

Since his debut, Randolph has been famous for his excellent offensive ability and soft inside touch.

Gasol, on the other hand, has a stronger body than his elder brother, and has the unique tactical execution and passing ability of European players, which can effectively help the Grizzlies organize their offense.

In Memphis, the "Black and White Bears" completely scattered the Blazers' inside line.

No matter who the two of them are playing against, if they have a chance, they just dig in and challenge the Blazers' double-team defense.

As long as the Blazers' help defense is a step slower, they will just run in and force a single.

The "Black and White Bears" are on the court at the same time, so they don't need to be out of position. They can easily defeat any inside player of the Trail Blazers in isolation.

Adelaide was even more thoroughly exposed because of his "tonnage" and strength, while Zhang Feng came on as a substitute and was even more helpless on the defensive end when faced with the "human shield impact".

The best performer of the Trail Blazers was Robin Lopez, who was able to rely on his height, footwork, and superior strength to barely parry one or two, and not collapse at the first touch.

But it is true that throughout the game, the Blazers' inside line was completely ravaged.

"Black Bear" Randolph, with 21 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists in this game, performed smoothly.

And "White Bear" Gasol had a near-triple-double with 22 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists.

The Blazers were blown up inside, which also resulted in the Blazers being forced to shrink their defense when the "Black and White Bears" performed extremely well, giving the Grizzlies more opportunities to take shots from the outside.

Today, the Grizzlies' shooting percentage at home was quite good.

Except for Randolph, the Grizzlies played 9 players, 8 of whom shot over 50% from the field, and 6 of whom scored in double figures.

The excellent offensive performance of the Grizzlies team also made Lillard's performance on the Trail Blazers' side empty talk.

Lillard made 6 of 10 three-pointers from outside today and scored 39 points, but to no avail.

When they were blown up in the paint, the Blazers simply couldn't get going.

Whenever the Grizzlies' lead is reduced, the "Black and White Bears" are in the paint, rubbing and rubbing, always able to close the gap.

Zhang Feng barely recovered his touch today, but due to Randolph's nimble footsteps, Zhang Feng didn't get too many shooting opportunities.

He made 3 of 7 shots and scored 8 points. In several consecutive games, he did not perform too well and failed to become Lillard's helper.

The final score was 99 to 109. After seven consecutive victories, the Trail Blazers suffered four consecutive losses.

Facing four Western Conference playoff teams in a row, the Blazers lost all of them, which also further increased the outside world's doubts about the Blazers' strength. The Blazers, who are not good at fighting tough battles, may really be just a flash in the pan in the regular season. .

Not to mention whether they can pass the first round of the playoffs, with the current losing situation, whether the Blazers can keep their spot in the playoffs may be unknown.

The Trail Blazers have played four consecutive games and too many problems have been exposed. The main lineup and substitute players have all been scrutinized from all aspects.

The biggest problem is the Blazers' inside problem.

Especially at the center position, whether it is Robin Lopez or Zhang Feng, they will be targeted by their opponents when facing top-notch centers.

The R team was restricted by "Warcraft" Howard, and the Spurs "Stone Buddha" Duncan

Completely locked up Zhang Feng, defeated the Grizzlies, and was wreaked by Randolph and Gasol in the paint.
Chapter completed!