Standing ovation for Roy, dunk by Josh McRoberts make a fitting end. Well, how about a monster jam by T-Law to cap it off? And then a fast break ally-oop reverse dunk by Travis from Sergio that was just icing.
Good night. Good game. Good season.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Garden Rocks
Roys hits corner three, pushes lead to 21, gets fans free tacos, ends any question of final home game win, sends some to the exit isle, forces team in blue to call full time out. Six players in double figures.
Quarter Closes at 14
Memphis closes it to 14, could be less if they had made some free throws. Blazers need to start fourth strong so as to send the Griz back to Graceland.
Third-Quarter Explosion
J. Jack leads breakout quarter with 12 already after going for zero in first half. Lead up to 18 with less than five minutes to go. Jack again for three. Outlaw jumper makes it 20, looks like a losing season has been avoided...barring a total collapse...something we've seen before but probably not tonite.
Frye and Jones Lead the Way
Memphis is beginnning to implode heading into the half, lots of uncontested turnovers. Roy hits three at buzzer, Blazers take a seven-point lead.
The Rain in Spain
It's raining threes mid-way through the quarter. Sergio making and setting up others. Let's see him get some extended minutes. Blazers take lead 39-38. But there goes Sergio out of the game.
Slow Start Picks Up
If the Blazers want to finish at .500, they better start playing a little more defense in the lane and stop settling for J-shots. Blazers down by three after first quarter, highlighted by LaMarcus slam on fastbreak and three-pointer by Jones. Warrick in blue is killing 'em, but there's another three in corner by JJ.
Final Home Game: Memphis Blue
I've walked through the pearly gates and entered The Garden, where something seems to be growing. There's a festive mood around the team as this is the last home game of the season...people around the organization saying their goodbyes and all.
Back in the locker room, T-Law summed it up about this team. "I'm the old man," he said, referring to the fact that he is the most tenured Blazer on the team. An amazing fact given that he's only 24.
There are some Portland connections on this Memphis team: assistant coach Johnny Davis and former Blazer Aaron McKie playing in his thirteenth season.
If you want a look into the potential of Sergio, check out the play of Memphis guard Juan Carlos Navarro, a fellow Spaniard who preceeded SR Gomez in the European league by a few years.
This is a relatively small team, so let's see if the bigs can take it to them, as was outlined on the chalkboard.
Back in the locker room, T-Law summed it up about this team. "I'm the old man," he said, referring to the fact that he is the most tenured Blazer on the team. An amazing fact given that he's only 24.
There are some Portland connections on this Memphis team: assistant coach Johnny Davis and former Blazer Aaron McKie playing in his thirteenth season.
If you want a look into the potential of Sergio, check out the play of Memphis guard Juan Carlos Navarro, a fellow Spaniard who preceeded SR Gomez in the European league by a few years.
This is a relatively small team, so let's see if the bigs can take it to them, as was outlined on the chalkboard.
Friday, April 11, 2008
Blogging canceled due to injury
Sorry folks, the people at Blazer Beat regret that there will be no live game blog tonight. Our esteemed Blazer Beat blogger, editor and columnist Roger Anthony is down with a illness. But you will be happy to know that Roger, will be back on his butt, blogging away in no time.
Thanks for stopping by. We'll be back on the 15th when the Blazers play Memphis.
The Sentinel
Thanks for stopping by. We'll be back on the 15th when the Blazers play Memphis.
The Sentinel
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Playoff Victory
That might be as close as the Blazers will get to a playoff-like victory this year in the West. What intensity! Boys started to fold at the end but held it together enough to spoil the Lakers' chances for best record in the league. In some ways, this was the most rewarding win of the year, particularly after recent struggles. I liked T-Law's fourth-quarter defense on Kobe, including a couple of steals and contested shots. Clinching moment was Roy taking Kobe off the drive in final minute, much like at end of first half. A couple more games like this and the Blazers are officially not only spoilers but winners on the year. That's a lot to ask for, but you never know.
I can now go home and enjoy my tater tots. Given this game though, I should have ordered Fryes. See you against Memphis.
I can now go home and enjoy my tater tots. Given this game though, I should have ordered Fryes. See you against Memphis.
Flurry: Thug
What a crazy last three minutes. Lakers clearly don't want to lose this game. But Blazers match energy and extend back up to 16 at end of quarter. Lamar Odom body blocks Roy to floor on drive, receives flagrant foul, almost starts fight. This could get dangerous.
Extend
Lakers start quarter strong but Blazers respond. Frye might just have earned his stripes for next year...hitting outside, inside, and throw in a steal. 77-62 Blazers with 3:20 left in third.
Roy Schools Kobe to End Half
Confident Blazers extend lead to 11 at half-time. Roy ends quarter with his patented double-crossover, stutter-step move that gets him by Hall of Famer Bryant and to the basket for a tear-drop bucket.
Let's see how the team psyche holds up against a team atop the western conference and league.
Coach followed my advice and put T-Law on Kobe; he held his own.
Rose Garden is bustin loose...this team needs a win, bad.
Let's see how the team psyche holds up against a team atop the western conference and league.
Coach followed my advice and put T-Law on Kobe; he held his own.
Rose Garden is bustin loose...this team needs a win, bad.
This is a Team Game
With everyone contributing, Blazers take 28-24 lead at end of first quarter. It's just a little reminder that Portland wins as a unit, not standing around and waiting for Roy or Aldridge to carry the day. At least that's how it was earlier in the year. Raef is in, has he made a three all season? Go for it Raef.
Late-Season Heroics?
The once-again mighty (and dreaded) Lakers are in town, and how sweet would it be take down Kobe and his hired guns? About as sweet as Kansas corn last night. I'll be watching out for who is our new Kobe-stopper. Could it be T-Law? Just guessing, but I think we'll see a bit of that. The banged-up Blazers better come out to play tonight or it could be too much yellow and blue to swallow for four quarters. Pass me the tater tots.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Houston 95, Portland 86
Two teams with missing pieces collided at the Rose Garden Thursday night. In the end, the team with the most missing pieces lost to the team missing the biggest piece.
Portland, playing without Brandon Roy, Martell Webster and (yes) Greg Oden, fell to Houston 95-86. The Rockets, playing without Yao Ming, won their 50th game an impressive total that in the rugged NBA Western Conference might not even get you one round of homecourt advantage.
The Blazers' record dropped to 38-38, and the dream of a winning season -- it would be their first in five years -- grew dimmer on the horizon. Portland now needs to win four of its final six games. Granted, one of them against the dreadful Memphis Grizzlies, but find three more wins in this list of five games: San Antonio, Phoenix, LA Lakers, Sacramento (on the road) and Dallas.
Houston's Tracy McGrady led all scorers with 35 points, 26 of them in the second half. Ex-Oregon guard Aaron Brooks also had a nice second half and finished with 12.
LaMarcus Aldridge led Portland with 23 points and Jarrett Jack, starting in place of Webster, finished with 19 and had just two turnovers. But Portland settled for too many long-range jumpers, and once again shot less than 40 percent from the floor. The coldest hands belonged to Travis Outlaw (5-for-18 in 42 minutes) and James Jones, whose 3-point touch has vanished since Daylight Saving Time started. Jones was 0-for-4 overall and 0-for-3 behind the three-point stripe.
The game resembled the Blazers' other three losses to Houston this season. Fast starts in the first and third quarter made the games competitive. But each time, the Rockets forced the Blazers farther and farther away from the basket as the game went on.
Portland, playing without Brandon Roy, Martell Webster and (yes) Greg Oden, fell to Houston 95-86. The Rockets, playing without Yao Ming, won their 50th game an impressive total that in the rugged NBA Western Conference might not even get you one round of homecourt advantage.
The Blazers' record dropped to 38-38, and the dream of a winning season -- it would be their first in five years -- grew dimmer on the horizon. Portland now needs to win four of its final six games. Granted, one of them against the dreadful Memphis Grizzlies, but find three more wins in this list of five games: San Antonio, Phoenix, LA Lakers, Sacramento (on the road) and Dallas.
Houston's Tracy McGrady led all scorers with 35 points, 26 of them in the second half. Ex-Oregon guard Aaron Brooks also had a nice second half and finished with 12.
LaMarcus Aldridge led Portland with 23 points and Jarrett Jack, starting in place of Webster, finished with 19 and had just two turnovers. But Portland settled for too many long-range jumpers, and once again shot less than 40 percent from the floor. The coldest hands belonged to Travis Outlaw (5-for-18 in 42 minutes) and James Jones, whose 3-point touch has vanished since Daylight Saving Time started. Jones was 0-for-4 overall and 0-for-3 behind the three-point stripe.
The game resembled the Blazers' other three losses to Houston this season. Fast starts in the first and third quarter made the games competitive. But each time, the Rockets forced the Blazers farther and farther away from the basket as the game went on.
5:34 to play: Houston 86, Portland 74
Houston's comeback, unsurprisingly, has not been built around the offensive wizardry of Dikembe Mutombo.
Tracy McGrady's been the man, going off for 21 second half points.
For all their frustrations, the Blazers are doing some things right. They've hit 15 of 16 free throws, and they're outrebounding the Rockets by a 41-33 margin. They seem to have moved the ball well, with five guys in double figures scoring.
Houston, however, does the things that don't show up on the state sheet, but do show up on the scoreboard. The Rockets seem to force the Blazers into a lot of cross court passes, and they get their hands on more than their share of those, deflecting them if not stealing them.
Tracy McGrady's been the man, going off for 21 second half points.
For all their frustrations, the Blazers are doing some things right. They've hit 15 of 16 free throws, and they're outrebounding the Rockets by a 41-33 margin. They seem to have moved the ball well, with five guys in double figures scoring.
Houston, however, does the things that don't show up on the state sheet, but do show up on the scoreboard. The Rockets seem to force the Blazers into a lot of cross court passes, and they get their hands on more than their share of those, deflecting them if not stealing them.
3Q: Houston 74, Portland 63
Houston closes the quarter with a 13-0 run, and for all the talk about the team quitting last week against Charlotte, you have to wonder why the coaching staff didn't invest a timeout in trying to stop the Rockets run.
3Q: 5:36 to play, Blazers 59, Houston 58
A Jarrett Jack free-throw completes and 3-point play and 6-0 run that's put Portland back on top.
The key has been LaMarcus Aldridge, who's hit four of his last six shots and sent Luis Scola to the bench with four fouls. Unless Rick Adelman wants to try shutting Aldridge down with Mutombo, there may not be a good matchup on the floor against Aldridge at this point.
The key has been LaMarcus Aldridge, who's hit four of his last six shots and sent Luis Scola to the bench with four fouls. Unless Rick Adelman wants to try shutting Aldridge down with Mutombo, there may not be a good matchup on the floor against Aldridge at this point.
Halftime notes
Stepping up: Houston's leading scorer at the half? No, not Tracy McGrady. he's got 9 points (and 4 assists). Dikembe Mutombo, at 41, tops the Rockets with 10 points.
Stepping out: Coach Nate called out the club a couple of weeks ago, and tonight Jarrett Jack struck back. A regular feature during timeouts is an "Ask the Blazers" feature that plays on the scoreboard. Tonight's question, posed by a fan, asked the team "Who is the worst dresser on the squad?"
Jack's response: He picked Coach Nate McMillan, and said some of Nate's suits date back to the Blazer's first championship.
Jarret Jack can't possibly remember leisure suits, can he? And I thought Dikembe Mutombo was old ...
Stepping out: Coach Nate called out the club a couple of weeks ago, and tonight Jarrett Jack struck back. A regular feature during timeouts is an "Ask the Blazers" feature that plays on the scoreboard. Tonight's question, posed by a fan, asked the team "Who is the worst dresser on the squad?"
Jack's response: He picked Coach Nate McMillan, and said some of Nate's suits date back to the Blazer's first championship.
Jarret Jack can't possibly remember leisure suits, can he? And I thought Dikembe Mutombo was old ...
Halftime: Houston 52, Portland 43
And the score flatters the Blazers.
The low-point came in the final minute. A mixup in the backcourt left the ball bouncing free between Steve Blake and Joel Przybilla at midcourt.
Blake could have picked it up and risked an over-and-back call and subsequent turnover.
Pryzbilla could have picked it up and risked an over-and-back call and the subsequent vertigo that having the ball 45 feet away from the basket would have caused.
Instead, they both stood and watched as Houston's Bobby Jackson swooped in, scooped up the ball and collected a layup.
The low-point came in the final minute. A mixup in the backcourt left the ball bouncing free between Steve Blake and Joel Przybilla at midcourt.
Blake could have picked it up and risked an over-and-back call and subsequent turnover.
Pryzbilla could have picked it up and risked an over-and-back call and the subsequent vertigo that having the ball 45 feet away from the basket would have caused.
Instead, they both stood and watched as Houston's Bobby Jackson swooped in, scooped up the ball and collected a layup.
2Q: 3:34 to play. Houston 45, Portland 32
Once again, Portland's got no one with a hot hand. LaMarcus Aldridge has been sporadically effective, but he's been settling for too many step-out jumpers, fading out the key and getting a kick-back pass from a driving guard.
Houston, meanwhile, is doing the little things. Example: Dikembe Mutumbo setting a perfect screen at the top of the free-throw circle that freed Tracy McGrady for a wide-open 18 footer. NBA players don't miss those, so it's important to be on a team that knows how to create them. The Rockets are one of them.
Houston, meanwhile, is doing the little things. Example: Dikembe Mutumbo setting a perfect screen at the top of the free-throw circle that freed Tracy McGrady for a wide-open 18 footer. NBA players don't miss those, so it's important to be on a team that knows how to create them. The Rockets are one of them.
Offensive Arithmetic
Some stats for ya:
Houston is 5-for-6 on three-pointers; Portland is 0-for-3.
Portland's big, jump-shooting forwards -- Outlaw, Aldridge and Channing Frye -- are a combined 8-of-20.
Houston is 5-for-6 on three-pointers; Portland is 0-for-3.
Portland's big, jump-shooting forwards -- Outlaw, Aldridge and Channing Frye -- are a combined 8-of-20.
1st Q: Houston 23, Portland 22
Blazer Coach Nate McMillan got some attention after the team lost at home to Charlotte about 10 days ago. The coach called out his team, questioning their effort and suggesting they'd quite on the season.
It wasn't one of McMillan's finest hours: Portland had outrebouded the Bobcats 57-32. Charlotte only shot 55 percent from the free-throw line. Sure, it's frustrating to lose under those circumstances, but you're not mailing it in if you outrebound your opponent by that kind of margin.
Still, McMillan may have brushed up against a hard truth about this young team. It's one that becomes obvious against Houston. The Rockets have gritty, sharp-elbows guys like Carl Landry and Luis Scola who do a lot of the grinding work of blocking out and establishing position on defense.
The Blazers? Not so much. It's particularly obvious when Joel Przybilla's not in the game. Przybilla's the only big man Portland has who'd rather block out than block a shot.
That role will be filled next year, everyone hopes, by Greg Oden. But McMillan's got to be a bit disheartened by the lack of scrappiness this team has showed over the past month.
It wasn't one of McMillan's finest hours: Portland had outrebouded the Bobcats 57-32. Charlotte only shot 55 percent from the free-throw line. Sure, it's frustrating to lose under those circumstances, but you're not mailing it in if you outrebound your opponent by that kind of margin.
Still, McMillan may have brushed up against a hard truth about this young team. It's one that becomes obvious against Houston. The Rockets have gritty, sharp-elbows guys like Carl Landry and Luis Scola who do a lot of the grinding work of blocking out and establishing position on defense.
The Blazers? Not so much. It's particularly obvious when Joel Przybilla's not in the game. Przybilla's the only big man Portland has who'd rather block out than block a shot.
That role will be filled next year, everyone hopes, by Greg Oden. But McMillan's got to be a bit disheartened by the lack of scrappiness this team has showed over the past month.
Congrats to Bill Bayno!
ESPN is reporting that Trail Blazer assistant coach Bill Bayno will be hired by Loyola Marymouunt of the West Coast Conference.
That means he'll still be spending some rainy winter nights up here in Portland, when Loyola plays the University of Portland in WCC Conference games at the Chiles Center.
That means he'll still be spending some rainy winter nights up here in Portland, when Loyola plays the University of Portland in WCC Conference games at the Chiles Center.
Starting matchup
Blake G Jackson
Jack G McGrady
Przybilla C Mutumbo
Outlaw F Scola
Aldridge F Battier
Couple of notes; Houston starting point guard Rafer Alston may not play ... Martell Webster goes to the bench, replaced by either Jarrett Jack of Travis Outlaw, depending on your perspective.
Jack G McGrady
Przybilla C Mutumbo
Outlaw F Scola
Aldridge F Battier
Couple of notes; Houston starting point guard Rafer Alston may not play ... Martell Webster goes to the bench, replaced by either Jarrett Jack of Travis Outlaw, depending on your perspective.
Blazers vs. Houston: Pregame show
It's "Green Awareness Night" at the Rose Garden, and the Trail Blazers are doing their part by ... by ... well, let's see here. A couple of lights do seem to be turned off up on the scoreboard. But that could be just for pregame.
Still, it's a start.
Still, it's a start.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
extreme blogging
Talk about crazy ... I'm now blogging from my blackberry. Don't know how long this will last. Blazers look good in first half. Lead wiz by 4. Raef is in. Shoot a 3.ok, raef! This has got to be better thxn last nite, worst day of the season.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Huge Run Dooms Blazers?
Suns use third quarter to break open game; maybe those poeets had something to do with it.
Down by 15 with seven minutes left; do the boys of winter have another counter run in them? That would be impressive but it might just be time to order some chicken wings.
Down by 15 with seven minutes left; do the boys of winter have another counter run in them? That would be impressive but it might just be time to order some chicken wings.
Poets Speak Loud
What do two drunk poets think of the Blazers:
"Blazers need more dribble penetration," says C. Bush.
"My favorite Blazer is William Blake," says Dan R, who went to high school with Maurice Lucas. "At least we dont have to call them the 'Trail Bozos.'"
LeMarcus slams are carrying the quarter. Team stays within six.
"Blazers need more dribble penetration," says C. Bush.
"My favorite Blazer is William Blake," says Dan R, who went to high school with Maurice Lucas. "At least we dont have to call them the 'Trail Bozos.'"
LeMarcus slams are carrying the quarter. Team stays within six.
Here Comes the Suns
Big second quarter by Suns extends lead to double digits; Blazers start to play into their fast game, lose a little control. End of quarter draws team within eight.
Shaq jars with Jack, anyone who will listen.
Roys finds himself in rare foul trouble, three so far.
If this game stays tight, watch out for even more fireworks between players. I'm starting to get the feeling that these teams don't like one another.
Slow it down (a little).
Shaq jars with Jack, anyone who will listen.
Roys finds himself in rare foul trouble, three so far.
If this game stays tight, watch out for even more fireworks between players. I'm starting to get the feeling that these teams don't like one another.
Slow it down (a little).
Physical First Quarter
Blazers match the Sun intensity and speed in high scoring first quater: 28-27. Joel and Shaq going at it; both picking up fouls. James Jones gets three-pointer the old fashioned way at end of first quarter: three free throws. Sergio in and looking good with new beard.
Shaq Also Rises
The Suns are in town and I'll be on the blog spot a little bit later. Let me know how it's going. Shaq and the Suns seem to be finding their on-court connection. This would be a nice win, so long as Mr. Diesel doesn't get inside the young guys' heads. I would pay to see Aldridge posterize the lord of trash. Big test for the guards too; I'll be watching how we deal with Nash. What's up with the 7:30 start?
Monday, March 10, 2008
Final: Cleveland 88, Portland 80
What this league needs is some kind of phony NASCAR-style rule where you get points for leading laps even if it's not the last lap.
Were that the case, the Portland Trail Blazers might have gotten more tangible rewards than they did for three quarters of commanding basketball against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Instead, the got another chapter in a familiar story. Against good teams, and without Greg Oden, the young Trail Blazers have a hard time closing the deal.
Which makes them just the opposite of LeBron James. After a somnolent first half, James set up shop high on the wing and rolled his way to a triple-double, with 24 points (15 in the second half), 11 assists and 10 rebounds. Cleveland's big men were the prime beneficiaries of the assists, as journeyman center Joe Smith finished with 18 points and forward/center Anderson Varejao finished with 16 points on 7-of-11 shots, most of them downhill.
Portland was led by LaMarcus Aldridge's 25 points, while Brandon Roy had 15. But it's the numbers you don't see there that tell the story: The rest of the club managed 40 points -- 10 points per quarter! -- and shot just 32 percent from the floor. Only Aldridge and Roy reached double figures.
Coach Nate McMillan tried staying within his rotation, which was scrambled early on by two quick first-quarter fouls on center Joel Pryzbilla. In the second half, he shuttled forwards and guards in and out in in a futile attempt to find a hot (or at least warm) hand. In so doing, he lost track of guard Steve Blake, who played a very solid three quarters and sat idly watching for the first 10 minutes of the fourth.
Still, Portland led from start until the tail end of the third quarter, and the game was tied going into the fourth period.
Were that the case, the Portland Trail Blazers might have gotten more tangible rewards than they did for three quarters of commanding basketball against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Instead, the got another chapter in a familiar story. Against good teams, and without Greg Oden, the young Trail Blazers have a hard time closing the deal.
Which makes them just the opposite of LeBron James. After a somnolent first half, James set up shop high on the wing and rolled his way to a triple-double, with 24 points (15 in the second half), 11 assists and 10 rebounds. Cleveland's big men were the prime beneficiaries of the assists, as journeyman center Joe Smith finished with 18 points and forward/center Anderson Varejao finished with 16 points on 7-of-11 shots, most of them downhill.
Portland was led by LaMarcus Aldridge's 25 points, while Brandon Roy had 15. But it's the numbers you don't see there that tell the story: The rest of the club managed 40 points -- 10 points per quarter! -- and shot just 32 percent from the floor. Only Aldridge and Roy reached double figures.
Coach Nate McMillan tried staying within his rotation, which was scrambled early on by two quick first-quarter fouls on center Joel Pryzbilla. In the second half, he shuttled forwards and guards in and out in in a futile attempt to find a hot (or at least warm) hand. In so doing, he lost track of guard Steve Blake, who played a very solid three quarters and sat idly watching for the first 10 minutes of the fourth.
Still, Portland led from start until the tail end of the third quarter, and the game was tied going into the fourth period.
4Q: Cleveland 79, Portland 76
3:25 to play.
LeBron drops a three-point bomb on the Blazers. His line, on a very quiet evening, is near triple double: 20 points, 9 assists, 8 rebounds.
LeBron drops a three-point bomb on the Blazers. His line, on a very quiet evening, is near triple double: 20 points, 9 assists, 8 rebounds.
It's not easy being coach
Things were sailing along for Portland until late in the third quarter. Coach Nate McMillan pulled Brandon Roy ... and the club's offensive energy seemed to go to the bench with him. The Cavs closed with a rush, and took the lead for the first time.
So in the fourth quarter, McMillan's been shuffling the lineup deck looking to recapture the magic. Steve Blake went to the bench at the start of the quarter in favor of Jarrett Jack. Jack's had some good game off the bench of late, but as of now he's 0-for-5 from the floor. Do you wait for him to get going, or bring in Blake, from whom it might be reasonably said that you've gotten everything you might expect tonight.
McMillan's also juggling the foul-prone center combination of Joel Pryzbilla and Channing Frye, though that's allowed him more chances to exploit the hot hand of LaMarcus Aldridge.
And at small forward, you've got cold, cold hands of James (1-for-6), Webster (2-for-7) and Outlaw (4-for-9).
So whaddaya do?
So in the fourth quarter, McMillan's been shuffling the lineup deck looking to recapture the magic. Steve Blake went to the bench at the start of the quarter in favor of Jarrett Jack. Jack's had some good game off the bench of late, but as of now he's 0-for-5 from the floor. Do you wait for him to get going, or bring in Blake, from whom it might be reasonably said that you've gotten everything you might expect tonight.
McMillan's also juggling the foul-prone center combination of Joel Pryzbilla and Channing Frye, though that's allowed him more chances to exploit the hot hand of LaMarcus Aldridge.
And at small forward, you've got cold, cold hands of James (1-for-6), Webster (2-for-7) and Outlaw (4-for-9).
So whaddaya do?
4Q: Cleveland 67, Portland 65
8:30 to play.
Still waiting for LeBron James to take charge ... In the meantime, Travis Outlaw rewards a very patient Nate McMillan with a couple of 15-foot jumpers from the left corner.
Still waiting for LeBron James to take charge ... In the meantime, Travis Outlaw rewards a very patient Nate McMillan with a couple of 15-foot jumpers from the left corner.
3Q: Cleveland 62, Portland 62
Cleveland cranks up some defense. There's more aggressiveness in their play, and Wally Szczerbiak continues his mysterious post-position mastery of LaMarcus Aldridge. Aldridge has missed just six of 16 shots, and three of those misses have come in matchups against the pudgy Szczerbiak.
The Cavs take the lead just before the end of the period, thanks to another late-quarter freeze-up by the Blazers. Their poise left when Brandon Roy went to the bench with about four minutes to go in the quarter.
The Cavs take the lead just before the end of the period, thanks to another late-quarter freeze-up by the Blazers. Their poise left when Brandon Roy went to the bench with about four minutes to go in the quarter.
3Q: Portland 53, Cleveland 45
8:42 to play.
Portland's been in command throughout the game, with the exception of a 90-second wobble at the end of the first half.
As the third quarter begins, Cleveland subs Joe Smith in at center for Ben Wallace. That leaves Cleveland woefully undermanned against the one-postman wrecking crew that is LaMarcus Aldridge tonight.
Portland's been in command throughout the game, with the exception of a 90-second wobble at the end of the first half.
As the third quarter begins, Cleveland subs Joe Smith in at center for Ben Wallace. That leaves Cleveland woefully undermanned against the one-postman wrecking crew that is LaMarcus Aldridge tonight.
It's quiet out there ...
... too quiet, like the say in the movies. LeBron James has just nine points at the half.
Idle thought
Is there another team in sports that can match Cleveland on a tattoo-to-tattoo basis? You'd have to sign Dennis Rodman to take these guys on tat-wise.
Halftime: Portland 43, Cleveland 39
They're down by four, and the score flatters the Cavs. To Cleveland fans, Portland must look like one of those Western Conference bullys, with big guys like LaMarcus Aldridge clogging the lane at both ends. (Aldridge leads all scorers with 17 points.) The Blazers are outrebounding the Cavs 22-16 ... and with the ball in Steve Blake's hands, the Blazers aren't making any mistakes.
Steve Blake, Superstar
The Blazer point guard is, at this point, putting on a clinic, or at least a half-clinic. He's bringing the ball up quickly and making the first pass decisively. He's got seven assists (out of 19 total baskets for Portland) and no turnovers. He's even knocked down a three from the top of the key.
2Q: Portland 32, Cleveland 28; 5:40 to play
Second quarter highlight so far is a flagrant foul on Blazer forward Travis Outlaw, who manages to get the palms of both hands on the head of Cav forward Devin Brown as he tried putting up a shot beneath the basket. He didn't use both hands at once, but instead reached out and got Brown twice as he hustled past trying to block the shot.
Work in progress ...
LaMarcus Aldridge seems to have gotten out of the habit of drifting outside the key and shooting jumpers. With Pryzbilla in foul trouble, he's playing some center tonight.
And he's working the inside game. Twice in three possessions, he gets great position under the basket, only to twice miss short shots against the non-legendary defense of Cleveland gunner Wally Szczerbiak.
And he's working the inside game. Twice in three possessions, he gets great position under the basket, only to twice miss short shots against the non-legendary defense of Cleveland gunner Wally Szczerbiak.
First quarter: Portland 25, Cleveland 14
James Jones ends the quarter by draining a three from the left side and putting Portland up by 11.
Streakers: LaMarcus Aldridge goes 4-for-5 in the first quarter and leads all scorers -- including that famous guy wearing No. 23 -- with 8 points.
Streakers: LaMarcus Aldridge goes 4-for-5 in the first quarter and leads all scorers -- including that famous guy wearing No. 23 -- with 8 points.
Slam dunk strategy
Interesting vignette on a Cleveland 2-on-1 following a Blazer steal. Cav guard Delonte West comes down the court with the ball. LeBron James hustles down the other side, joining him. Brandon Roy is the only defender back.
What to do? Roy has no fouls yet, so he's got a lot of options. Step toward West and the ball? Step out on West? Take the charge?
Or ... None of the above, it turns out. Roy instead opens the lane for West, sliding over to play any pass to James. It results in an easy, warm-up-drill-style layup for West.
Lazy D or Smart Play? As a superstar, James has to be expecting the ball if he hustles all the way down on a fast break. Likewise, Delonte West knows his job revolves around making LeBron happy.
So by playing the pass, Roy forces West to break out of his pre-programmed pattern for a 2-on-1. And if West goes by habit and tries to force the ball to LeBron, Roy's in position to deflect, intercept or steal.
West isn't buying, though. The easy layup makes it 13-8, Blazers.
What to do? Roy has no fouls yet, so he's got a lot of options. Step toward West and the ball? Step out on West? Take the charge?
Or ... None of the above, it turns out. Roy instead opens the lane for West, sliding over to play any pass to James. It results in an easy, warm-up-drill-style layup for West.
Lazy D or Smart Play? As a superstar, James has to be expecting the ball if he hustles all the way down on a fast break. Likewise, Delonte West knows his job revolves around making LeBron happy.
So by playing the pass, Roy forces West to break out of his pre-programmed pattern for a 2-on-1. And if West goes by habit and tries to force the ball to LeBron, Roy's in position to deflect, intercept or steal.
West isn't buying, though. The easy layup makes it 13-8, Blazers.
Good news, bad news
Very strong start for Portland against what looks for the moment like a very sluggish Cleveland team.
Sluggish except for forward Anderson Varejao, who hustled himself into position on the offensive board and drew two quick fouls on Joel Pryzbilla.
Pryz to the bench with five minutes left in the first quarter and Portland up 13-4.
Sluggish except for forward Anderson Varejao, who hustled himself into position on the offensive board and drew two quick fouls on Joel Pryzbilla.
Pryz to the bench with five minutes left in the first quarter and Portland up 13-4.
Blazers-Cavs: Starting Fives
Steve Blake G Delonte West
Brandon Roy G Devin Brown
Joel Pryzbilla C Ben Wallace
Martell Webster F LeBron James
LaMarcus Aldridge F Anderson Varejao
Brandon Roy G Devin Brown
Joel Pryzbilla C Ben Wallace
Martell Webster F LeBron James
LaMarcus Aldridge F Anderson Varejao
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Failed Comeback
What could have been one of the greatest comebacks in team history was thwarted by bonehead plays and tough officiating down the end. Alas, I guess this is what they mean by living with a young team. What's going on with LeMarcus and coach?
Game Again
I guess that Obama halftime oratory worked. Blazers back in game after strong end to third. Nineteen point lead down to six. Lid is closed for Suns.
Dumpster Diving
Down by 19, the Blazers might want to call in Obama for a halftime speech. Oh wait, he's not doing so well in Ohio.
The rim is closed for the Blazers, who continue to throw up jump shots and not attack the basket.
This could be one LONG night.
The rim is closed for the Blazers, who continue to throw up jump shots and not attack the basket.
This could be one LONG night.
Blazers v. Suns: Shaq in Town
Sorry for the delay here. Went to THE HUTCH, a nice place but they are stuck with Direct TV. No Blazers. First quarter looked ugly. Not Shaq ugly. But the boys better get their heads in the game. David Stern is in the house, touting the Blazers as good league reps. Pryzbilla v. Shaq could determine this game. Big flop from Joel gets foul on Diesel.
Friday, February 29, 2008
A Hard Fought Final 5 Minutes: Blazers Beat the Lakers, 119-111
LaMarcus Aldrige...
Well, you can call him Mister Big Dunk, now*.
(*The nickname expires at midnight.)
With 5:08 remaining in the fourth quarter,Aldridge threw down a power dunk that brought the Rose Garden fans to their feet.It was an exclamation point after a hard fought 3rd and early 4th quarter. The jam--a tremendous rebound dunk off a missed shot--came as a surprise to everyone, including Aldridge himself.
After that Roy, Outlaw, Jones and Jack pushed the point, making shot after tough shot. And the Blazers didn't rattle when the Lakers dropped in a pair of 3's late and Kobe threatened.
(Note to Reader: Jones knocked down several clutch shots late in the game. It's good to have him back and prowling the perimeter)
Roy's clutch free-throws with 39 seconds left, confirmed his leadership ability and toughness.
The ankle injury which kept him out against the Clippers was treated as an afterthought. When it came time to take over, he did.
Roy matched Kobe's aggression one to one. His confidence against Kobe was a catalyst for his teammates' success.
So here's the low down:
The Blazers showed toughness and shared the ball. Roy and Outlaw led the way. The Lakers' ten game win streak is over. And LaMarcus Aldridge will sleep well tonight.
Well, you can call him Mister Big Dunk, now*.
(*The nickname expires at midnight.)
With 5:08 remaining in the fourth quarter,Aldridge threw down a power dunk that brought the Rose Garden fans to their feet.It was an exclamation point after a hard fought 3rd and early 4th quarter. The jam--a tremendous rebound dunk off a missed shot--came as a surprise to everyone, including Aldridge himself.
After that Roy, Outlaw, Jones and Jack pushed the point, making shot after tough shot. And the Blazers didn't rattle when the Lakers dropped in a pair of 3's late and Kobe threatened.
(Note to Reader: Jones knocked down several clutch shots late in the game. It's good to have him back and prowling the perimeter)
Roy's clutch free-throws with 39 seconds left, confirmed his leadership ability and toughness.
The ankle injury which kept him out against the Clippers was treated as an afterthought. When it came time to take over, he did.
Roy matched Kobe's aggression one to one. His confidence against Kobe was a catalyst for his teammates' success.
So here's the low down:
The Blazers showed toughness and shared the ball. Roy and Outlaw led the way. The Lakers' ten game win streak is over. And LaMarcus Aldridge will sleep well tonight.
Death by Crossover: Roy takes Luke Walton to the Hoop.
Brandon just gave Luke Walton a strong taste of his ailing ankle by breaking him down with a sick crossover move to the basket. A very pretty 2 points. Roy's change of speed and explosiveness are so deceiving.
Blake is starting to heat up as well. Three 3's in the 2nd quarter. He's shooting with confidence and the crowd is loving it. Can you say "En Fuego!!!" After being down by 10, The Blazers are up by 5 going into the half.
Halftime Score:
Lakers: 59 (55% FG shooting).
Blazers: 65 (55% FG shooting).
Blake is starting to heat up as well. Three 3's in the 2nd quarter. He's shooting with confidence and the crowd is loving it. Can you say "En Fuego!!!" After being down by 10, The Blazers are up by 5 going into the half.
Halftime Score:
Lakers: 59 (55% FG shooting).
Blazers: 65 (55% FG shooting).
That's the End of the 1st Quarter
LA: 32
Blazers: 28
The Lakers are carving through the Blazers' interior defense much too easily. I guess that's the beauty of the triangle offense. But put a body on someone. Hell, a hard foul now and again wouldn't be such a bad thing. LA is shooting 67% and getting pretty much any kind of shot they want.
Thank goodness for the skill of the Blazers' perimeter players. Travis Outlaw and Steve Blake are stroking it from deep. 3 is better than 2, you know. To keep the easy buckets coming, Jarret Jack needs to continue driving to the basket and kicking it out to the Blazers' sharp-shooters. He's at his best when he's being aggressive and not trying to orchestrate the offense.
Blazers: 28
The Lakers are carving through the Blazers' interior defense much too easily. I guess that's the beauty of the triangle offense. But put a body on someone. Hell, a hard foul now and again wouldn't be such a bad thing. LA is shooting 67% and getting pretty much any kind of shot they want.
Thank goodness for the skill of the Blazers' perimeter players. Travis Outlaw and Steve Blake are stroking it from deep. 3 is better than 2, you know. To keep the easy buckets coming, Jarret Jack needs to continue driving to the basket and kicking it out to the Blazers' sharp-shooters. He's at his best when he's being aggressive and not trying to orchestrate the offense.
Roy Shines Early. But So Does Kobe
Welcome back Brandon!
With two early buckets, it looks like the Blazers' team captain is feeling pretty good on that sore ankle. He's got all 5 of the Blazers early points, including a tough pull-up jumper. But the team is down by 8 and Kobe is heating up already. Doesn't he know that he's supposed to come out flat in the second game of a back-to-back. Some physical D is in order. I'm waiting to see which Blazer steps up to the challenge.
With two early buckets, it looks like the Blazers' team captain is feeling pretty good on that sore ankle. He's got all 5 of the Blazers early points, including a tough pull-up jumper. But the team is down by 8 and Kobe is heating up already. Doesn't he know that he's supposed to come out flat in the second game of a back-to-back. Some physical D is in order. I'm waiting to see which Blazer steps up to the challenge.
Pregame Musings: Taking the Kobe Challenge
So Kobe's in town and ready to do his usual assassin's act. In all honesty, the man scares me, and I think this much improved Laker's team scares the Blazers a bit as well.
Let's see if the Blazers can get off to another hot start but follow through with a win this time. They did a nice job beating LA's other team earlier this week. With Brandon Roy and James Jones back in the line-up, let's see if they can build on that momentum.
After watching the pregame segment featuring Greg Oden doing Pilate's, I'm pretty optimistic the Blazers can channel their "positive energy" and come up with a much needed home victory.
Let's see if the Blazers can get off to another hot start but follow through with a win this time. They did a nice job beating LA's other team earlier this week. With Brandon Roy and James Jones back in the line-up, let's see if they can build on that momentum.
After watching the pregame segment featuring Greg Oden doing Pilate's, I'm pretty optimistic the Blazers can channel their "positive energy" and come up with a much needed home victory.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Regrets; What's Going on Here; So Long Taurean
First off, that was my broken promise to blog last Thursday. My regrets. I thought about trying it from my smart phone, but you know, my thumbs just aren’t that fast, or smart.
These last two games against Seattle were very hard on my Blazer psyche. Like most of you, I've got the red-and-black blues bad. What is going on here?
I'll give it a shot to provide some sort of however-less-than-satisfying. answer The recent swoon is a combination of things. Tired legs, injuries of sorts, and much-improved opposition fighting for the playoffs. But most off all, it is the lack of an inside game. This team should keep its motion offense and jump-shooting ways, but the lack of any interior presence is dictating how other teams are playing us, double-teaming guards and in particular Roy. They're overplaying passing lanes and pushing us out farther and daring the Blazers to shoot open but long-range shots. Instead of all those mid-range shots we were getting earlier in the season, we're being extended too often into three pointers or contested deep shots. All of this because we don't have any threat down low that can force a double-team once in a while or force guards to sag from the outside. There's more to it than that (including cold shooting) but we need to change it up once in a while from the motion to a more traditional scheme. Sometimes it seems like this team has only one set of plays on offense.
So long to Taurean Green. This seems like a small move but one that the Blazers might regret in a few years. What bothers me is that we are trading a player with unknown potential at the pro level for a player that has demonstrated to play a fairly limited role on any team.
For the record, I haven't given up on this season This team is young and streaky. And it's that streaky part that needs to turn. I'm convinced that the mentality has to be us against the world, which begins tomorrow against the mighty Celts.
—TLW
These last two games against Seattle were very hard on my Blazer psyche. Like most of you, I've got the red-and-black blues bad. What is going on here?
I'll give it a shot to provide some sort of however-less-than-satisfying. answer The recent swoon is a combination of things. Tired legs, injuries of sorts, and much-improved opposition fighting for the playoffs. But most off all, it is the lack of an inside game. This team should keep its motion offense and jump-shooting ways, but the lack of any interior presence is dictating how other teams are playing us, double-teaming guards and in particular Roy. They're overplaying passing lanes and pushing us out farther and daring the Blazers to shoot open but long-range shots. Instead of all those mid-range shots we were getting earlier in the season, we're being extended too often into three pointers or contested deep shots. All of this because we don't have any threat down low that can force a double-team once in a while or force guards to sag from the outside. There's more to it than that (including cold shooting) but we need to change it up once in a while from the motion to a more traditional scheme. Sometimes it seems like this team has only one set of plays on offense.
So long to Taurean Green. This seems like a small move but one that the Blazers might regret in a few years. What bothers me is that we are trading a player with unknown potential at the pro level for a player that has demonstrated to play a fairly limited role on any team.
For the record, I haven't given up on this season This team is young and streaky. And it's that streaky part that needs to turn. I'm convinced that the mentality has to be us against the world, which begins tomorrow against the mighty Celts.
—TLW
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Next game Blazers vs Seattle
Don't forget to return to this blog for play by play Blazer Beat commentary, Thursday February 21st, at 7:30pm when the Blazers go toe to elbow with the Seattle Supersonics.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Final: Houston 95, Portland 83
The Portland Trail Blazers, the youngest team in the National Basketball Association, looked like a weary bunch in the second half Monday night against Houston.
Playing their third game on a four-game road trip, the Blazers hung tough with rising power Houston. But a 10-1 Rockets run at the start of the fourth quarter closed the deal. For Houston, it was a seventh straight victory and a win that put them three full games ahead of Portland in the race for one of the final Western Conference playoff positions.
Since their 13-game winning streak was snapped in Utah, the Blazers have gone just 10-11. Where has the magic gone? The last two games against Houston offer some insights.
First, Portland lacks a consistent inside scoring threat. A lot of NBA games are won by dominating the space under the basket. In that kind of game, Portland has just one card -- LaMarcus Aldridge -- to play.
Second, we've reached the portion of the season where experience and execution begin to trump energy. Come January, the veteran teams -- you know the names ... Dallas, San Antonio, Phoenix -- shift into a higher gear.
On Jan. 25 in the Rose Garden and again in Houston Monday night, Portland started off in command against the Rockets. Superior speed and shooting put Portland on top early in both games.
Then Houston began dominating play around the basket. The 7-6 center Yao Ming used his long arms to intimidate shooters and deflect passes. Role players like Carl Landry and Luis Scola collected the loose balls and rebounds that were going to Travis Outlaw and Channing Frye in December.
Playing their third game on a four-game road trip, the Blazers hung tough with rising power Houston. But a 10-1 Rockets run at the start of the fourth quarter closed the deal. For Houston, it was a seventh straight victory and a win that put them three full games ahead of Portland in the race for one of the final Western Conference playoff positions.
Since their 13-game winning streak was snapped in Utah, the Blazers have gone just 10-11. Where has the magic gone? The last two games against Houston offer some insights.
First, Portland lacks a consistent inside scoring threat. A lot of NBA games are won by dominating the space under the basket. In that kind of game, Portland has just one card -- LaMarcus Aldridge -- to play.
Second, we've reached the portion of the season where experience and execution begin to trump energy. Come January, the veteran teams -- you know the names ... Dallas, San Antonio, Phoenix -- shift into a higher gear.
On Jan. 25 in the Rose Garden and again in Houston Monday night, Portland started off in command against the Rockets. Superior speed and shooting put Portland on top early in both games.
Then Houston began dominating play around the basket. The 7-6 center Yao Ming used his long arms to intimidate shooters and deflect passes. Role players like Carl Landry and Luis Scola collected the loose balls and rebounds that were going to Travis Outlaw and Channing Frye in December.
4:00 to play: Houston 86, Portland 72
After building a six-point lead in the first quarter, the Blazers scored just 48 points in the next 32 minutes. That's a 72-points-per-game pace, which won't win you too many ballgames outside the Pac-10 Conference.
4Q: Houston 73, Portland 62
First five Portland possessions of the quarter: Long, late clanging jumper from Jack ... Late jumper by Outlaw, partially blocked ... Turnover ... Missed turnaround 10-footer by Aldridge ... Long missed jumper by Outlaw ...
It's not quite a meltdown: Houston is playing very good defense. But Portland hasn't got anything in its playbook. Still, McMillian waits until the lead hits 11 before calling a time out.
It's not quite a meltdown: Houston is playing very good defense. But Portland hasn't got anything in its playbook. Still, McMillian waits until the lead hits 11 before calling a time out.
After 3 quarters: Houston 69, Portland 62
With Houston up by five with about 2:30 to play, Blazer Coach Nate McMillian ordered up a zone defense ... Pryzbilla picks up his four foul with 1:12 to go, banging Yao from behind in pursuit of an offensive rebound ... Channing Frye, in for Pryzbilla, gets called for traveling while serving as the high post, then picks up a 3rd foul by holding Yao ... Roy goes scoreless in the quarter.
Midway through 3Q: Houston 58, Portland 51
Fraying at the edges? Joel Pryzbilla picked up a foolish third foul early in the quarter jostling with Yao at center court ... Brandon Roy is back, but his touch from the foul line isn't. He's a very uncharacteristic 2-for-6 .
Halftime: Houston 44, Portland 43
In our last Blazer Beat game, we lamented the lack of an inside game against Chicago. Tonight against Houston, Portland's had a huge edge -- 26-12 at one point -- in points-from-the-paint. LaMarcus Aldridge had 14 first-half points.
So trailing at halftime by one point is discouraging. In the Jan. 25 matchup between these two clubs at the Rose Garden, Portland got out to an early lead only to see Houston gradually tighten down the lane.
Brandon Roy at the half: 8 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists.
So trailing at halftime by one point is discouraging. In the Jan. 25 matchup between these two clubs at the Rose Garden, Portland got out to an early lead only to see Houston gradually tighten down the lane.
Brandon Roy at the half: 8 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists.
Midway through 2Q: Portland 39, Houston 32
Is Houston worried? Coach Rick Adelman brought the starting frontcourt -- Yao, Scola and Shane Battier -- back in.
Battle of the second units
Both coaches have gone pretty deep into their benches early in the second quarter. most nights, this would be Advantage, Portland. But Rick Adelman has developed a nice second unit with former Duck Aaron Brooks, forward Carl Landry, and ex-Blazer Bonzi Wells.
In addition, Adelman has moved Argentine forward Luis Scola into the starting lineup. Scola's sound fundamental game is the perfect complement for the unique skill set of Yao Ming.
In addition, Adelman has moved Argentine forward Luis Scola into the starting lineup. Scola's sound fundamental game is the perfect complement for the unique skill set of Yao Ming.
First Quarter: Portland 24, Houston 18
Very active group of Trail Blazers on the floor. Roy quick on the double teams, Aldridge twice beating Houston back down the floor for fast-break layups. Portland is taking care of the ball better -- just three turnovers thus far -- and outrebounded Houston in the first quarter.
Double teaming the biggest guy
Portland takes a 21-16 lead with two minutes to go in the quarter. The Blazers have taken command because Brandon Roy stole the ball from Yao min on back-to-back posessions after Yao had set up on the left side of the basket.
Houston 15, Portland 13; Webster with a 3
Martell Webster's role with the Trail Blazers has been something akin to Ed McMahon's on the old "Tonight Show."
McMahon would warm up the audience before Johnny Carson took the stage. Webster's primary role with Portland this year has been to hit three-pointers in the first and third quarters while everyone else is stretching their legs.
McMahon would warm up the audience before Johnny Carson took the stage. Webster's primary role with Portland this year has been to hit three-pointers in the first and third quarters while everyone else is stretching their legs.
Time to make a stand
Is Feb. 11 too early for a must-win? Yes.
But is it too early for a crucial game? No, it turns out. A short month ago, the Trail Blazers were knocking on the door of the Northwest Division lead. Now, they find themselves as the No. 10 team in the NBA's topheavy Western Conference, looking uphill to a playoff berth.
Houston was one of the teams left in the dust by Portland's 13-game winning streak. The Rockets, though, come into tonight's game powered by a six-game winning streak of their own. With Brandon Roy scheduled to return to the lineup, tonight's a chance for the Blazers to reassert themselves.
But is it too early for a crucial game? No, it turns out. A short month ago, the Trail Blazers were knocking on the door of the Northwest Division lead. Now, they find themselves as the No. 10 team in the NBA's topheavy Western Conference, looking uphill to a playoff berth.
Houston was one of the teams left in the dust by Portland's 13-game winning streak. The Rockets, though, come into tonight's game powered by a six-game winning streak of their own. With Brandon Roy scheduled to return to the lineup, tonight's a chance for the Blazers to reassert themselves.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Too Close for Comfort
A good win, but rising expectations say that it shoudn't have been this tight.
J. Jack redeems himself with a great assist and clutch foul shooting. B-Roy bails out the team in the fourth quarter, can't miss a free throw on purpose.
Onward and upward. In a strange twist, the road trip might do the team good.
J. Jack redeems himself with a great assist and clutch foul shooting. B-Roy bails out the team in the fourth quarter, can't miss a free throw on purpose.
Onward and upward. In a strange twist, the road trip might do the team good.
Kissing Your Sister
Ok, that first half was better than nothing but the Blazers should be up by a whole lot more. The crowd is really not into it either. The refs really should swallow their whistles.
I think this three-guard lineup is just an experiment until James Jones comes back. I do like the fact that coach is willing to change up the starters. That says something about his trust in Martell's fragile ego.
I think this three-guard lineup is just an experiment until James Jones comes back. I do like the fact that coach is willing to change up the starters. That says something about his trust in Martell's fragile ego.
Short People Rule
Coach's decision to start three guards appears to be working. Blazers are a step faster than road-weary Chicago. And wouldn't you know it, even with shorter players on the court, the team is getting more inside looks. Let's put in five guards.
Running with the Bulls
This here is another tough matchup tonight against the Bulls, which perhaps is a test of the team's resolve after that tough loss to Denver. (Let's not talk about that game anymore, okay?) Furthermore, the Bulls are looking to avenge that double-overtime victory the Blazers took at their place a couple weeks back.
The Bulls are physical inside with big Ben Wallace and not-so-little Joe Smith, and while I wouldn't expect to beat them on the boards, the team better be close off the glass or it could be tough. Don't expect Smith to go for a season-high 31 points like he did last time, but for some reason this guy enters a time warp against P-town.
Victor Khryapa, the Blazer fan favorite from a few years ago, is still with the Bulls and getting more playing time given injuries and now that Bulls' coach Scott Skiles has hit the road. Look for the Russian forward to play 10-15 minutes tonight. He's only averaging 3.6 points a game in nine games played, but VK might have something to prove against the team that dealt him away.
Does anyone have James Jones' phone number? I'd like to meet his tailor.
The Bulls are physical inside with big Ben Wallace and not-so-little Joe Smith, and while I wouldn't expect to beat them on the boards, the team better be close off the glass or it could be tough. Don't expect Smith to go for a season-high 31 points like he did last time, but for some reason this guy enters a time warp against P-town.
Victor Khryapa, the Blazer fan favorite from a few years ago, is still with the Bulls and getting more playing time given injuries and now that Bulls' coach Scott Skiles has hit the road. Look for the Russian forward to play 10-15 minutes tonight. He's only averaging 3.6 points a game in nine games played, but VK might have something to prove against the team that dealt him away.
Does anyone have James Jones' phone number? I'd like to meet his tailor.
Monday, February 4, 2008
Iverson Wins on Final Shot, No Kidding
Unfortunately the Blazers gave this one away. A missed free throw at the end of regulation and a loss of dribble (turnover) with less than 15 seconds in overtime turned what could have been a sweet win into a bitter pill. And again, as in the loss to Cleveland, we have to ask: why didn't a double-team on a Hall of Fame player come at the end of the game? Jack on Iverson, any one player on Iverson, at that point, just doesn't work. Just as with Lebron, you have to make someone else beat you.
And for the record, I saw one player (Travis) try and post up in the second half. Why is it that this team can't play with its back to the basket?
Last year, this would have been a moral victory. No more.
And for the record, I saw one player (Travis) try and post up in the second half. Why is it that this team can't play with its back to the basket?
Last year, this would have been a moral victory. No more.
Dogfight Goes to OT
The dogs must be barking...another overtime game. This is becoming a strange habit.
No Post Offense
A great second quarter, but it is becoming painfully obvious that the Trail Blazers have NO inside game. They didn't post up a single time the entire second quarter. LA made one phantom attempt but that's it. This is something to watch down the road. Granted, the team runs a motion offense but it can't count on outside shooting to carry them all the time...when the shots go cold, leads evaporate or deficits mount as teams go on huge runs fueled by long rebounds and fast breaks...see first quarter. LA and Travis are able and should be forced by Coach Mac to post. B-Roy can and should do more of it as well. I'm tempted to boycott my blog posts until somebody on the team acutally posts...but that could be a long time coming.
Good to know that Nate Boy is in the house...straight from the LC campus. He got a tic outside the Garden for $41, a bit of splurge but the kid is working hard.
Can someone answer my long-standing question about the Garden: How come there isn't a single rose in the place?
Good to know that Nate Boy is in the house...straight from the LC campus. He got a tic outside the Garden for $41, a bit of splurge but the kid is working hard.
Can someone answer my long-standing question about the Garden: How come there isn't a single rose in the place?
Ketchup with those Frye's
Channing Frye is on an early sizzle. He just might be the new Blazer Beat poster child. Just imagine if they let him bring his dogs to the Garden.
Rivalry Continues
In what has become a great divisional rivalry, the boys of winter take on the Nuggets. Has the makings of a spirited game and one of the most important mid-season match ups with potential play off implications down the road. Both teams want and need this win. I'd look for Roy to take (a) charge early.
BTW, I learned the other day that Frye and his girlfriend are big dog peeps. Where's the off leash area at the Garden?
BTW, I learned the other day that Frye and his girlfriend are big dog peeps. Where's the off leash area at the Garden?
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Green Coming In, Blake Left Calf Contusion
Green is coming in at next dead ball! Thanks coach. Blazer braintrust reports that Blake has left calf contusion; return doubtful.
Bring on Taurean Green; If not now, when?
Keep this lead for a few more minutes and I think it's time to bring on T. Green. The rookie deserves it and it would give the crowd something to go nuts over. If not now, when? It's raining in the Rose Garden, threes that is. Come on coach, put in Green, the shortest player on the youngest team in the league.
Steve Blake Is God; Roy Looks OK; Blake Down
Sigh of relief on Roy's return from rolled ankle. And it's a good thing, I just voted for him three times for the All Star team.
Blake is hot as it gets, 23 points early in the 3rd. Is this just Blazers shooting lights out from the three or terrible Warriors' defense? Doesn't matter much. 24 point lead. Not much to analyze here. Let's see if Roy can get triple-double with bad ankle and tailbone. That would be Jordan-like.
I'm sitting in PDX Magazine's chair...don't tell anyone.
Blake's down with what looks like knee to calf. Probably just a bruise.
Lead is 18 now. Need to hold it up to show to league that you can't come back on this team anymore.
Blake is hot as it gets, 23 points early in the 3rd. Is this just Blazers shooting lights out from the three or terrible Warriors' defense? Doesn't matter much. 24 point lead. Not much to analyze here. Let's see if Roy can get triple-double with bad ankle and tailbone. That would be Jordan-like.
I'm sitting in PDX Magazine's chair...don't tell anyone.
Blake's down with what looks like knee to calf. Probably just a bruise.
Lead is 18 now. Need to hold it up to show to league that you can't come back on this team anymore.
Blazers v. Warriors (16 minutes to tipoff)
Ok, Blazer Beatniks, I'm in, scaled the Garden walls and snuck in through the back door, the media entrance. What are they thinkin'? I'm not media, I'm a blogger.
Saw H. Semler on the way in. He's working audio for the telecast. Good to know that Kristin Rogers-B will be in the bowl as well. I'll text her later. All you Sentinel writers and Blazer maniacs better start chiming in later.
Tonight's game against Warriors should be a tough test, a true Western Conference rivalry. This is a full-chested, guard-oriented Warriors team with Baron Davis carrying the load, but don't look for the boys of winter to do much double-teaming, at least at first. According to the coach's chalkboard, one-on-one defense is the priority. "We just gotta keep our hands up," says J. Jack, my secret weapon down the stretch in the fourth quarter. Strength versus strength against Davis, and Jack carries the most muscle at the guard position.
Sports Ilustrated is in the room, interviewing Lamarcus Aldridge before the game.
I asked Taurean Green about what characterizes this team and he like others couldn't put words to the Blazer's style (Roger's Anthony's question). Still, he said, "We just keep learning, getting better, sort of like a college team." Green reports that his worst rookie initiation so far was being thrown in the cold tank in San Antonio. Water was 20 F. but he didn't have much say in the matter.
I asked Raef and Chaning to describe the Blazer's style too, and they couldn't come up with any specific words. "We just play 'our game," said Green. What exactly "our game" is remains elusive though.
Channing Frye reports that he loves Portland and says that a couple of his favorite spots are OBA and the Horsebrass Pub. Maybe I'll go over to Horsebrass after the game. Frye goes there after every game. His girlfriend lives in Portland. We need to get him over to NP.
I'm situated up in section 2007, the overflow media section. Nothing like being overflow media.
And the beat goes on.
(Black) and Redpen.1000
Saw H. Semler on the way in. He's working audio for the telecast. Good to know that Kristin Rogers-B will be in the bowl as well. I'll text her later. All you Sentinel writers and Blazer maniacs better start chiming in later.
Tonight's game against Warriors should be a tough test, a true Western Conference rivalry. This is a full-chested, guard-oriented Warriors team with Baron Davis carrying the load, but don't look for the boys of winter to do much double-teaming, at least at first. According to the coach's chalkboard, one-on-one defense is the priority. "We just gotta keep our hands up," says J. Jack, my secret weapon down the stretch in the fourth quarter. Strength versus strength against Davis, and Jack carries the most muscle at the guard position.
Sports Ilustrated is in the room, interviewing Lamarcus Aldridge before the game.
I asked Taurean Green about what characterizes this team and he like others couldn't put words to the Blazer's style (Roger's Anthony's question). Still, he said, "We just keep learning, getting better, sort of like a college team." Green reports that his worst rookie initiation so far was being thrown in the cold tank in San Antonio. Water was 20 F. but he didn't have much say in the matter.
I asked Raef and Chaning to describe the Blazer's style too, and they couldn't come up with any specific words. "We just play 'our game," said Green. What exactly "our game" is remains elusive though.
Channing Frye reports that he loves Portland and says that a couple of his favorite spots are OBA and the Horsebrass Pub. Maybe I'll go over to Horsebrass after the game. Frye goes there after every game. His girlfriend lives in Portland. We need to get him over to NP.
I'm situated up in section 2007, the overflow media section. Nothing like being overflow media.
And the beat goes on.
(Black) and Redpen.1000
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Welcome Back to Blazer Beat Blog
Blazer Loyalists:
Welcome back to the Blazer Beat blog. After some winter hibernation and holiday cheer, team Sentinel returns to the court of basketball commentary.
Let me first confirm that the era of Blazermania III is here. I lived through the first two versions, first with Walton and then Drexler, and can say without question that the disease has taken the town under its infectious grip. It’s like the flu; you know it when you got it and Portland’s got it good.
This Wednesday will mark my first turn at in-game blogging. Check it out here. I intend to feature some pre-game discussions with the players, quarterly reports and real-time exclamations as the game goes along. Let me know what you think during the game…I’ll need some company sitting there on press row, me and my laptop broadcasting to the world.
Down the road, look for fellow Sentinel writers to do the same.
BTW, I have a great suggestion to the Blazers for a give-away bauble…small, cheap AM radios with Blazer logos on them. How cool would it be to know that the entire Garden crowd is listening to the play-by-play by Wheels and Rice? The commentators themselves could orchestrate some pretty cool fan actions without the opposing teams knowing it. For example, they could incite the crowd to yell “brick house” just at the right moment during free throws or tell everyone to stand and turn their back after a particularly bad officiating call.
If I don’t see you at the game, I’ll see you in cyberland on Wednesday. Golden State will be a tough challenge, but the boys of winter will be rested and ready. --- (Black and) Red Pen 1000
Welcome back to the Blazer Beat blog. After some winter hibernation and holiday cheer, team Sentinel returns to the court of basketball commentary.
Let me first confirm that the era of Blazermania III is here. I lived through the first two versions, first with Walton and then Drexler, and can say without question that the disease has taken the town under its infectious grip. It’s like the flu; you know it when you got it and Portland’s got it good.
This Wednesday will mark my first turn at in-game blogging. Check it out here. I intend to feature some pre-game discussions with the players, quarterly reports and real-time exclamations as the game goes along. Let me know what you think during the game…I’ll need some company sitting there on press row, me and my laptop broadcasting to the world.
Down the road, look for fellow Sentinel writers to do the same.
BTW, I have a great suggestion to the Blazers for a give-away bauble…small, cheap AM radios with Blazer logos on them. How cool would it be to know that the entire Garden crowd is listening to the play-by-play by Wheels and Rice? The commentators themselves could orchestrate some pretty cool fan actions without the opposing teams knowing it. For example, they could incite the crowd to yell “brick house” just at the right moment during free throws or tell everyone to stand and turn their back after a particularly bad officiating call.
If I don’t see you at the game, I’ll see you in cyberland on Wednesday. Golden State will be a tough challenge, but the boys of winter will be rested and ready. --- (Black and) Red Pen 1000
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