Whats up with Blake Griffin?

[dasani]

After the ASG, he hasn't looked as good. In the past few games he has been totally dominated by Z-Bo and Elton Brand. I was a huge fan of Blake so I am not hating. He came out really explosive now he isn't looking too hot. Are defenses shutting him down?

[Megatron]

Hes tired.

Thats what happens when you go 100 MPH every single game and dont pace yourself.

Rose will follow in his footsteps shortly.

[dasani]

yeah I can see that. He needs to pace himself better...because he can burn our real quickly since most of his game depends on athleticism and strength.

[tgreanier]

It takes a lot of energy to jump over the hood of a Kia.

[CoachBo]

That's Griffin's style. Imagine what the fatigue would be like if he actually tried to play any defense?

[PosImpos]

He's effectively a rookie.  Not use to playing at this level for this long.  He had to hit the rookie wall sometime.

[jdz101]

Hes tired.

Thats what happens when you go 100 MPH every single game and dont pace yourself.

Rose will follow in his footsteps shortly.

God I hope your right about rose for the celtics sake.

[indeedproceed]

He's effectively a rookie.  Not use to playing at this level for this long.  He had to hit the rookie wall sometime.

+1 and Tp.

I was on my way to post something similar. And by similar, I mean exactly the same.

[Bahku]

(See previous post).

He's a rookie who, for a period of time, was feeding on the adrenaline of being "The Wonder Kid" of 2010/2011. After the culmination of that phase at the All-Star Weekend, the reality of 48-minute games and much larger and more experienced opponents, has begun to sink in.

It's just a normal phase that most rookies experience, but his re-emergence as a superstar in the making will be tempered with a bit more reality and a slightly smaller chip on his shoulder. But make no mistake ... this kid, (if healthy), has a huge and very bright NBA career ahead of him.

[PosImpos]

(See previous post).

He's a rookie who, for a period of time, was feeding on the adrenaline of being "The Wonder Kid" of 1020/2011. After the culmination of that phase at the All-Star Weekend, the reality of 48-minute games and much larger and more experienced opponents, has begun to sink in.

It's just a normal phase that most rookies experience, but his re-emergence as a superstar in the making will be tempered with a bit more reality and a slightly smaller chip on his shoulder. But make no mistake ... this kid, (if healthy), has a huge and very bright NBA career ahead of him.

Wonder kid of 1020?  Blake is going to have a long, long, looonnnnng career apparently.

[Bahku]

(See previous post).

He's a rookie who, for a period of time, was feeding on the adrenaline of being "The Wonder Kid" of 1020/2011. After the culmination of that phase at the All-Star Weekend, the reality of 48-minute games and much larger and more experienced opponents, has begun to sink in.

It's just a normal phase that most rookies experience, but his re-emergence as a superstar in the making will be tempered with a bit more reality and a slightly smaller chip on his shoulder. But make no mistake ... this kid, (if healthy), has a huge and very bright NBA career ahead of him.

Wonder kid of 1020?  Blake is going to have a long, long, looonnnnng career apparently.

I finally post something worth quoting! TP (jeez)

[toinewalka]

I noticed he hasn't been the same player after the break as well and I think you can attribute it to a few things:
1)  He is getting a little tired.  This is the first time he has played a full NBA season (obviously) and he has been playing 110 mph the entire time.  He'll learn to play in spurts like every great does and when to get his rest and take care of his body.
2)  People start to figure you out.  They have the scouting reports, they have the statistics, they know to keep him from the basket and frustrate and bang with him.  It's earing on him and getting to him.
3)  Skill set.  He will most likely gain better footwork through his career, a slightly better jumper, better 1/2 dribble moves, and a better, more calm and collected back-to-the-basket game.  Until then, he will still have to rely on running the floor and jumping over people, which will be there at times, and other times not.

[footey]

I noticed he hasn't been the same player after the break as well and I think you can attribute it to a few things:
1)  He is getting a little tired.  This is the first time he has played a full NBA season (obviously) and he has been playing 110 mph the entire time.  He'll learn to play in spurts like every great does and when to get his rest and take care of his body.
2)  People start to figure you out.  They have the scouting reports, they have the statistics, they know to keep him from the basket and frustrate and bang with him.  It's earing on him and getting to him.
3)  Skill set.  He will most likely gain better footwork through his career, a slightly better jumper, better 1/2 dribble moves, and a better, more calm and collected back-to-the-basket game.  Until then, he will still have to rely on running the floor and jumping over people, which will be there at times, and other times not.

I agree with this, especially the 3rd point. He seems to have limited bag of tricks, and teams are figuring out how to defend him better. I know that the Celtics did, even though they lost the 2nd time (not due to him).

[zerophase]

Rookie wall.. no problem... just needs to get use to 82 games compared to the season in college.

[IrishGreen]

Hes tired.

Thats what happens when you go 100 MPH every single game and dont pace yourself.

Rose will follow in his footsteps shortly.

He actually looked off the pace last night even though they got the win. This was largely due to how bad Deron Williams was. 1-12 from the field. And we give out about Rondo?