Portland Trail Blazers: Mike Barrett's Blog

Blazers Dodge a Bullet

posted: 11/18/2009 at 10:40 PM

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Sometimes you have to take a loss along with a learning experience. Other times, you get to enjoy a victory along with the glaring example of what not to do. Fortunately for the Trail Blazers, they were served the latter on Monday night at the Rose Garden.

In total control since early in the first quarter, and cruising along with a 20-point lead to begin the fourth quarter, you couldn't really see the incredibly choppy water that was ahead. In the final minute of the quarter, the once-comfortable lead was down to one point, and when the dust settled Portland survived to beat the Pistons 87-81. It went from a blowout, to a game that was a lot closer than it looked, to near disaster averted.

If you watch NBA games enough you see things like this. A team in command flips off the intensity switch a little early, starts thinking ahead to the next game, only to discover that there is probably too much time on the clock to be unlacing the shoes. Sometimes you aren't fortunate enough to live to tell about these kind of games.

The strange thing in this case, however, is that the Pistons nearly did the same thing the night before, when they came charging back on the Lakers and forced Phil Jackson to go back to his workhorses to finally put the thing away. The Lakers didn't quite flirt with disaster as much as Portland did, but that should have been a sign that the Pistons don't quit.

Using an unconventional lineup, Detroit coach John Kuester did what most NBA coaches won't do- he stayed with the lineup that got him back in the game during the comeback. It was a long, quick lineup that got Portland in panic mode in the fourth quarter, and the aggressive trapping defense put the Blazers completely on their heels. Regulars Ben Gordon and Will Bynum stayed on the bench, as Kuester stuck with rookies Austin Daye and Jonas Jerebko.

In the final minute of the game, thanks to 4-16 shooting in the quarter by Portland, and some uncharacteristic turnovers, Detroit cut the lead to one point. Steve Blake then came through with a huge three pointer with 25 seconds left that made it a two-possession game. Portland made their free throws from there, and escaped with the victory.

Even though Blake took some heat for missing a couple of big threes in Atlanta on Monday in crunch time, this was the third game this season he's come through with a clutch three to essentially put a game away (the game at Oklahoma City, and home against San Antonio were the others).

The Blazers were led by Brandon Roy's 20 points, and LaMarcus Aldridge, who had 20 points and 7 rebounds. Blake had 17, and Andre Miller finished with 10 points and 11 assists. Greg Oden had 6 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 blocked shots.

Portland's defense, which has been the key lately, was very solid again in this game, despite Detroit's comeback. The Blazers held the Pistons to 39 percent shooting, and 81 points. It's the fifth time in six games the Blazers have held an opponent to less than 85 points. That's a big reason why Portland currently leads the NBA in points allowed.

To listen to Nate McMillan's post-game comments, click here.

Because of the big shots, and free throw shooting, in the end of this one, the players could smile, breathe a sigh of relief, and look ahead to the next game. Friday night the Blazers take on the Golden State Warriors in Oakland. I don't care who the Warriors suit up, it's never easy for this team in Oakland. Portland has lost eight-consecutive games in Oakland. Even with all of Golden State's problems right now, there is no reason to think they can put it on cruise control and leave with an easy victory.

33 Comments:

Herr said...: I don't know if I want to watch the game this friday, I can't stand officials being morons and with Corey McGetty (probably spelt that wrong) flopping as a source of defense it's bound to be a frustrating game. That is why the Blazers lost last time in Golden State, without a doubt.

This game, obviously, was scary. I hardly was paying attention but I saw a 52 point start of the forth turn into a 81 point end for the Pistons. Not much to say, except for that a game is 48 minutes. Sometimes longer, but never less. Intensity should never be finished. If the Pistons were to play the defense they played at the forth quarter, they would blow out many teams. The Blazers made a few sloppy turn-overs, but the defense from Detriot was incredible.

Still annoyed about the Hawks game though.

Go Blazers; 11:45 PM
BRoyFTW said...: Every time the Blazers have a chance to finally do something impressive this season they blow it. Atlanta would have been their first real good win of the year. This would have been our first real blow out. I guess it's great our team is coming together, but man they are choking some leads away. Disappointed in their 48 minute effort.

These guys get played millions Nate, play Roy for the full 48 if you have to. Don't put the bench in until the Pistons wave the white flag.; 12:19 AM
jacob said...: Nate, I am begging you. Please cut heavily into Steve Blake's minutes. He is not the answer to anything. Give Bayless a chance to show what he has.

In crunch time, please play Rudy and Miller. Yes, Steve hit a 3 today but he has made so many awful 4th quarter plays the last few years it is truly mind boggling. He should not be closing games for this team, ever.; 12:29 AM
Avery Garmire said...: I think it's a crime against nature that Bayliss can't get playing time. Also I believe Martel should get his chance to 'sink or swim'. Bayless will be a star if only he gets the time to develop. If it costs us a couple games for the sake of the future, that's a fine bargain...This team has what will be three rising all stars. All you need is two athletic, defensive big men and someone as dynamic as BRoy to win a championship...BRoy need to handle the ball in the last half of the fourth quarter. Millers playing time should have gone to Bayliss, all he needs is so time and he will be a star. It's a crime against nature not to play him. Millers money should have been saved to secure our three rising stars. Even if Bayliss costs the team 3 or 4 games that they would have otherwise won; it's just regular season, next season come playoff time; folks will sure be glad to have him.; 12:54 AM
Noah said...: Blame me for the close call. We were up by 20 and I looked away for 10 minutes figuring it would be fine. Thank god I came back for the last 2 minutes!; 1:24 AM
hg said...: Mike: Great to hear your comments. with no Comcast it has been a long dry spell for me.

Although we let Detroit back in the game, it sounded like a well executed game.

If we can go on 13 to 0 runs on them, it sounds feasible that they can do the same to us. We buckled down and got the win and that is what counts.

It seemed to me that teams are doing to us what we did to teams last year, coming from large deficits to win game.

As always, I thank you for taking the time to give us the scoop of the game.

A win is a win.

hg; 2:32 AM
BRoyFTW said...: Had to post my second comment as I'm catching the replay since I missed the game. Greg's shots in the paint look great, really, they actually are looking like good shots just not dropping. Hope he keeps taking them.

The hilarious thing that I just had to mention was Andre Miller making those free throws in the end. The stupid Detroit coach was so arrogant pumping his fist as if he had done something good by fouling Miller. Then Andre's facial expretion after that, it was gold, a truely priceless moment. I loved that.; 2:40 AM
millertime said...: like i have said befor blake is clutch and we would miss him if he ever left. the lakers had hory(typo) we have blake. he is a big part of this team. if you don't know then you prob. won't ever get why he is a perfect fit.next game go blazers; 2:43 AM
G-Pa said...: Hey MB:
good effort win....now, let's either trade Martell or bench him. He's lost out there. We went to the Hawks game - had a great time, BUT it seems the Blazers either get too excited or start thinking too much out there towards the end of games. Let's take the hammer & nail the game shut!; 5:00 AM
Brian said...: As much as Outlaw's crazy dribble dribble jump shots with 17 seconds left on the shot clock drive me nuts, the Blazers are REALLY missing his ability to create offense. It was situations like lastnight where Outlaw creates offense, because the rest of the team goes flat. Sometimes Outlaw gets on fire, and other times he goes 2-10. I use to think that on those 2-10 nights, he was taking offense away from guys like B-Roy and LA (this was definitely the case sometimes); however, I think it has become clear that much of the time, he became aggressive when his teammates were unable to. I think overall, the Blazers need to find more offense. It is tough to win consistently in this league when you're scoring under 90 points.; 5:00 AM
DowntownVinnie said...: Hey Mike ,We missed ya.First of all,in bitchin and Moanin about the last game,I completely neglected to mention Paul Allen's fight with non Hodgkins lymphoma.

Paul Allen is the capitan of our ship.He allows us to get quality players and treat them right.Not only that,but,quite obviously,he is a tremendous fan of the game as well as this team.From one fan to another I would like to send my best wishes to Paul Allen.

We looked amazing for three quarters and some change.Do we have some kind of fear of success? or are we playing down to teams like last year?

It was awesome to see GO get established early.Dre did a great job as a floor general.A little unusual to see misses on the free throws.

Detroit did what we should be doing or should have done With JJ and Melo.They doubled BRoy at the end and made someone beat them .Nate doesn't do that often .I don't think it's part of his philosophy .But because of that, Moneyball Blake hit what seems to always be a timely shot.SteadyEddie is always there when you need him .

It was still a good win, but a nail biter.Having balanced scoring the last few games has really helped the cause.GO and DRE have added other viable options this year.

I feel bad that Martell has been struggling.His outside shot just isn't fallin either.He might be pressin' .I just hope that he gets his confidence back like earlier this year. We need him even more now.

I wish GO would stop getting dumb fouls that make ancientone think he's right!; 7:42 AM
ancientone said...: You would think that the Blazer reserves would come on in the 4th quarter with intensity and concentration to show that they belong on the floor and can be trusted. Not very encouraging.; 7:45 AM
fanman said...: The Blazers will need to review and analyze the fourth quarter decisions and patterns to determine how best to counter any aggressive attempts of the opponent to steal a victory. Otherwise the Blazers are working hard on defense and getting more shots to fall. The ball is being shared, and there is a strong determination to win.

Go Blazers!; 7:59 AM
Pearl Girl said...: I must say that those long hard months without Mike and Mike's banter have kept me anxiously waiting for the 09-10 season. I am honestly disappointed every time the game is broadcasted on TNT. I need my Mike and Mike to get me through the game!!!

A win is a win, but these guys need to maintain a big lead like they had last night... I knew they could do it, but I was NERVOUS. Andre Miller's cocky grin before his final free throws was the perfect slap in the face to Detroit. In all honesty I was questionable about Miller at the start of the season; but all it took was that little smirk and he has won me over.

Bayless is itchin' to play. Put in him! Maybe when we're already in the hole with fouls since he gets a little too aggressive for the officials taste.

I can't wait for Outlaw and Batum to get back in the game. Those two really impact the team. And all of the Outlaw haters out there need to zip it and focus on the Blazers at a team level. It's obvious that we struggle when we are missing some of our key guys. And both of them are important players on AND off the court.

And Mike B., a bit of constructive criticism... Either start wearing some sunscreen or lay of the Mystic Tans. The camera may add 10 lbs for some, but there is no way it adds two shades. Just sayin'!

See you at the game Saturday night!; 9:07 AM
ripcityrudy said...: What I saw in the first 3 qtrs was balanced scoring, movement without the ball, passing, mixing things up which all equaled a big lead. What I saw in the 4th qtr was a lot of dribbling, 3 pt shots, near shot clock violations leading to shots that had very little chance to go in. Its no wonder the Pistons came back.; 9:10 AM
Ralphzillo said...: Blake goes from goat to hero in the 4th Qtr. Yes he hit a big 3 with the Blazers nursing a 1-point lead, but jeez dude- four careless turnovers that led to 8-10 points the other way.

And he wasn't the only passive Blazer out there. Martel had zero spark and Rudy couldn't keep himself from having an affair with the out of bounds line.

Really time for the bench to step up and give the starters some relief or this is going to be a case for burn-out later in the season.; 9:24 AM
blzrfn1 said...: Quit letting teams back in !!!
Put your foot on their throat, and don't let up !!
Looked to me like the daggers that Travis drops in the 4th will be missed more than his haters realize .....
Go Blazers !!!
Bring on the Warriors !!!; 9:38 AM
perrynoid1 said...: with atlanta, the blazers outplayed them twice now for three quarters only to lose in the fourth. thank goodness the pistons aren't as good as the hawks or we would have seen that again. our bench has to pick it up because 48 minutes is too much for any player to consistently perform- as witnessed in the fourth with sloppy turnovers by roy and blake both. Although in the end those are the two guys that won the game. Martell looks lethargic. bayless is too much of a question mark of what he will bring as are the rookies pendergraph and cunningham. juwannaman howard seems out of place. true outlaw is out but our depth is in dire jeopardy contrary to having been perceived the deepest in the nba. I look forward to the trade deadline come february. Blake clearly looks better and more in control then miller (id rather see pryzbilla shoot the three) and as for bayless, my thought is I dont have the patince to wait a year or two more. Aint this his third. Forgettabout it. we've sat on Outlaw for the past seven or 8 and hes still flaky yet "with potential." yes trade talk is a little soon and the blazers look poised to finish the year well but my mind never stops thinking about what improvements can be made. February is approaching fast and I always hate when all other teams make thier deals first to where all that's left is garbage.; 10:45 AM
Travis said...: for starters, best wishes to Paul Allen.

and, a fair warning. if you don't want to read a post that is a bit critical of our rotation, fourth quarter, or steve blake, stop reading. coach nate has forgotten more than i will ever know about basketball, so forgive me for being critical, especially after a win. i'm a near-obsessed fan with an opinion...

for quite some time now, i have been against having such a drastic separation between starting and bench units. either lamarcus or brandon should be on the court with at least one other starter. unless we are up by 20 with 4-6 minutes to go, there has to be one all-star caliber scorer on the floor at almost all times. we scored 8 points in the first ten minutes of the fourth quarter. AHHH! it was really hard to watch. i don't want to complain about a win too much, but being at a game like that and seeing our tepid response to their late game pressure was baffling.

my personal preference for a closing unit at this point would be roy, rudy, miller, aldridge & oden. if as coach says, players determine who plays, he needs to looks at blake's play lately. his turnovers came at the worst possible times, and i think that was a reverse layup he tried at the end but i'm not really sure. it looked like something channing frye tried last year against the rockets in the playoffs before going to the bench PERMANENTLY. in the 4th qtr. the piston guards had steve's lack of foot-speed gaged, and were going around him every time down the court. blake gets to enjoy being effective alongside roy and aldridge, and had three or four chances to seal the game before finally coming through. THAT IS NOT GOING TO GET IT AGAINST ELITE TEAMS OR IN THE PLAYOFFS. as someone posted on blazers edge, it was like watching somebody save everyone after having burned down their own house.

what i really want to see somewhere down the road (i mean late this season or next year) is our line-up being rudy, roy, batum, lamarcus & greg. if the opposing team is going to dare blake to drive, dare miller to shoot from the outside, and double LA and roy, we need all 5 players to show more versatility (players that can do everything, contain dribble penetration and shoot or drive) & even better defense.

anyhow, we are likely to have a tough and scrappy game in golden state. we need to control the pace of the game, and keep them from getting away with going small-ball crazy. can someone post a corey magette flop-o-meter after the game. i have to work, and i'm going to miss the school-yard style of basketball that the warriors play.

GO BLAZERS!; 10:48 AM
fanman said...: millertime: I agree with what you have to say about Steve.

The team needs to have a game plan at the end to prevent players from getting trapped without passing options. They need to actively help each other. Passes need to be crisp and not intercepted.

In addition, sound decisions need to be made about time management and shot selections. Brandon used to attack the basket in crunch time. Maybe it can work again, or maybe he has decided that it is unwise under certain circumstances. There needs to be plenty of Blazers around to collect missed shots but not allow for the opponent to run the ball back without anyone there to defend.

The bench needs to do a better job when they are given the opportunity because the other players have played big minutes and have tired legs. It is easier, unfortunately, to make mistakes or make turnovers while being in this tired state. It is harder for the shots to fall too because the legs don't give the same lift as they would when they were fresher.; 11:21 AM
Herr said...: One thing I'd like to ask is why did Rudy take Andre's place in the first when Andre had 5 assists. I am a fan of Blake, he's a great guy, but Andre is a veteran to this game and basically built the lead with his ability to pass. He plays a lot like Steve Nash when moving the ball, and Steve Nash is the main reason the Suns are doing great this year.

As for Martell Webster, he is trying too hard to come back with a bang. He's always making sloppy plays to get on the highlight reel. One amazing dunk isn't going to last all that long, so Martell needs to focus more on passing the ball or shooting the ball. He's a great player, but it seems he's trying too hard and making a lot of sloppy plays. He got about 3 fouls in 3 minutes. If Oden did that, people would be raging everywhere.

I'm also worried that the points in the paint are on a huge downhill. The Hawks won the paint without a doubt. The Blazers have also been lacking on rebounding because they are becoming a jump-shot team again, something we DONT want. Remember the 41-41 season? Rebounding was a problem and we were a "Jump shot team". We're suppose to be moving forward, not backwards. The Blazers need to focus more in the middle.

Hmmm, guess there was a few things to say about this game. Also I think the first 2 free-throws Andre took he wasn't really trying, he looked like he just threw them up so that he could get subbed out sooner.

Go Blazers.; 11:51 AM
sudelander said...: There is a bizarre political thing with Blake. I am also begging for a cutting of Steve "Blakie's" minutes and developing Bayless but for some reason ( i think B ROY not adapting to Dre yet), he is embedded in the roster.

He's too slow and predictable. He gets KILLED on the perimeter allowing dribble penetration and compromising our bigs. (i.e. Joe Johnson driving late on the fourth to get to the free throw line.)He wouldn't have needed to sink that "clutch" 3 if he wouldn't have had those 2 horrific turnovers in the 4th. It's not the first time either.

I wouldn't miss him (as a ball player)if he went elsewhere. It seems that this team has carried him but he's been able to save his job by committing few mistakes and making the occasional 3 ball.

It certainly seems like most of the organization have a mancrush on this guy. there must be some things that he does well that they are exposed to, and we the viewers are not. I'm sure he's a great team mate and all around good guy. I actually like him personally. He works hard, he's gritty, and he doesn't quit. Unfortunately, sometimes that's just not enough in this league.

I also agree that Martell needs to be let out of the nest and figure it out. Stop coddling him. If he needs to fail to learn, then let it be.

PS Can somebody tell Mike to stop calling Steve "Blakie"? It's embarrassing!

hg: if you would have seen the game you wouldn't be saying a win is a win. trust me. By the way, I heard on the radio that the Blazers smacked comcast around by telling them that if they didn't have something in place by the calendar year's end, they would allow for people to be able to stream ALL the games.; 12:57 PM
OUTLAW FAN25 said...: I'm gonna stop Oden bashing for awhile so. . . your welcome hg!

anyway i was looking at the injury reports and i did not realize patty mills is expected to be back sometime late this month now i know he wont get any playing time but i like this kids future cause unlike jbay he is more of a true point guard although i'm not sure how well he passes but he can score and he played for the Austrailian team in the olympics and i just like his game and that we got him so late he could at least be a good back up right now just in case we wanted to trade somebody. Also and more important Jeff Pendergraph is expected to be back early december and him we could definitely use and sit old Howard down and let are youngsters grow. but we all know that will never happen and its to bad Nate isn't interested in what is best for the team now and in the future.; 1:54 PM
eclecticspider said...: This is an aptly named post MB.

I don't know if I would have thought we would be 9-4 and I would be as concerned as I am.

Right now we have only won 1 game against a team with a winning record and are 1-3 overall against said teams.

I know we can't make the schedule and we play who we play but I think we should have at least 2 more wins and even then the jury would still be out.

The first few games I thought we looked like a team that has read their own press clippings. I think we have righted the ship on that, and Nate, who does about everything well corrected the mistake of not having Richard Pryor start. Still I am not as confident as I thought I would be.

We are having a lot of trouble closing out games. IMO the problem is the clear-out for the Sandman. He just has not been consistent with that step back or pull up 18' shot. The difference in the game against the Hawks was that JJ kept hitting all the shots that we're used to seeing the Sandman hit. Maybe it has just been legs but I feel like the Sandman has struggled all season, but because he is the Sandman he sprinkles a little dust in every ones eyes and at the end of the game he has those same Sandman numbers. Except there is a certain element of clutchness missing. Believe it or not I actually called for the shot in the ATL to go to Rudy before the time out and was pleased when I saw Rudy inbounding the ball as I knew it was going to him. I am not against the Sandman in any way I am just worried.

I am also worried about the Allfather. This young man has had such an emotionally draining experience thus far in the NBA and now we have a giant that will come no where close to the ball with 2 minutes left in a game due to crucial missed free throws. Not good. Worse is that Greg has shot a good enough percentage for people to think that he is a decent free throw shooter. Percentage wise yes but form wise he is horrible. In one respect it is a testament to his focus that he shoots them as well as he does. I would be astounded to find out that it has not been a point of emphasis with the Allfather but I don't see any signs of it. I don't know how he can have a staff of professional coaches and not have learned to bend his knees and absolutely never ever shoot a free throw with your feet flat on the ground which is the case on almost all of his misses. Everyone has a different shot but you can not have your heels touch the floor. You can't.

For all the Travis Haters out there, and yes he frustrates me too, we miss this guy.

These are my concerns not gripes. On the other hand.

The Allfather looks like an absolute monster and I wouldn't trade him for Durant ever. It is true he is coming along slower but his ceiling is MVP of finals I just don't see a small forward ever doing that. Finally I have seen him get a little respect from the refs. He still gets called for the ticky tack man I hate refs fouls, but now he is actually hanging long overdue fouls on those that hang and grab. I expect the Allfather to get in foull trouble but I sit in amazement that there are not more loose ball fouls the other way when I watch the physical battle being waged the entire time he is in the game. Lastly on Oden. Everygame I hear the same thing when there is a shot missed from you MB. It is either "Oden with the rebound" or "Oden keeps the ball alive", that says something.

The play of Rudy might be the silver lining of Catfishes injury.

The schedule is really favorable. There is time to gel as a championship caliber team before that changes. We are close but not there yet. It still could happen this season though. We just have to trust each other and the players need to trust in yourself so we do not tighten up as we have been doing late in games.

Look at what expectations have done to me.

MB, did you read the excerpt on deadspin? For the rest of you, ignore what was just said only bad can come of it as it has for me.

Not this time GS, not this time.

Hello to all those Nurses doing good work at KP. You know who you are.; 2:45 PM
fivehundreddogs said...: I've had to work the last couple games , but was able to follow the box score, so my reactions to the game were all based on statistics and as a wise man once said, "There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics."

I think the team would benefit from letting Blake and Miller each have a team: Miller the 1st, Blake the 2nd. This would mean Rudy could move into the starting lineup, which would allow him and Roy to switch at the 2 and 3. Also, Bayless could slide into the rotation as the backup 2.

The backup 3 and 4 positions are still up in the air. Martell has continued to look frantic, and is in the lineup by virtue of his reputation alone. Howard brings a lot to the table, but he's not bringing the turkey. We need the scoring at that position that Outlaw used to erratically provide... Now if only we had a player with the ability to score without being a defensive liability...um, Dante, you're stepping on my foot.

Whoa! That's right, I forgot we had such a talented, high energy, educated, player warming the bench for us. How lucky! Oh, but what if he messes up and makes a few of those costly "Rookie Mistakes"?

Okay, but then if we don't get him out there, he'll just make those mistakes next year, when we should be expecting steady play; besides we'll only be needing him for about 10 minutes a game. Not to mention, if he gets out of control, there is Pappy Howard who can always cool things down.

C'mon Nate, now's the time to prove this team's quality. We dug into the rookie class last year, and came up with Batum. This is the opportunity that a rookie dreams for. Why not give him a chance?; 6:14 PM
fivehundreddogs said...: I just read about Haarlow loosing the road gig. I thought she just had a touch of the flu, and you were just filling in. That's a bummer, but I do get a kick out of hearing Rice just riff away while you vault over the table after hastily yanking off your headset in a mad dash to get to the player you want to interview.

Further on Rice, I cracked up over your story about him grubbing on some Cheetos and just being old. Personally, I want more. In fact, I'm asking for a regular Slice of Rice. In the future though, there's no reason to tone it down, MB--we all that wasn't just OJ and a Dr. Pepper. More like a Screwdriver and a Flaming Dr. Pepper!; 6:40 PM
DowntownVinnie said...: fivehundreddogs.. Was that stats qoute from hg?

I'm with you on Dante's lack of playing time.Howard just isn't providing the punch Travis did.

Also, I have said before that IMO Blake is Broys security blanket and that is why they haven't started Miller and Brandon together yet. I'd be curious to see how many of BRoys assist go to Blake. I think rudy would be more versatile if he keeps workin on D.; 11:43 PM
MGB said...: I took back every bad thing I said about Blake when he hit that shot at the end! Of course if it hadn't been for him we most likely wouldn't have been in that position, but still I'll glad he hit that shot!

What's up with Bayless? Is he injured? I know he hurt his ankle after warmups, is he still out because of that? I see last game was a DNP so I assume so because when the Pistons put in young engery players it would have been the perfect time for Nate to put Bayless in. Any info on that, MB?

I'm actually not to worry about what happen. It's not just a win is a win. You know why? The reason is because basically we got bored and let them back in it. Ok, we got to get that killer instict, but it's not like we wasn't kicking them and haven't played well in 4th quaters when it was tight all the way. We were obviously the better team, but if you let off any team just about can come back. I hate actually getting a 20 point lead like that before the 4th. I'd much rather have a 10 or so point lead so we won't lose focus like we did.

We should kick GS unless we play down to their level, but we've been pretty good at taking care of inferior teams so I don't think we'll have a problem tonite. Love to see us pound it inside to Oden!!

GO BLAZERS!!; 4:35 AM
DowntownVinnie said...: Rain, rain,rain,gotta love it,or not.

Heres a good Blazer history lesson from Wendell MaxeyJr. IMO WendellRocks .http://www.beyondthebeat.net/; 7:40 AM
ancientone said...: eclecticspider
That was a very interesting tome, but after downtownvinnies epics, that only rated one snack. His sometimes rate two snacks and a bathroom break.; 10:19 AM
Travis said...: http://ripcityproject.com/2009/11/19/blazers-87-pistons-81-re-thoughts/

you have to scroll down to the next to last summary to read this one.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/blog/ball_dont_lie/post/Behind-the-Box-Score-where-the-Nets-still-haven?urn=nba,203672

just wanted to show that others see what i do...; 11:25 AM
Charles said...: hey mike great stuff!

i thought i'd take a chance and let you know that two HUGE blazer fans, ripped from their native land and relocated for the time being in San Francisco will be attending the road game @ golden state on friday. we're planning on heading to the arena pretty early and i was wondering what the best time to watch the guys wrap up their shootaround is, or maybe if you and mike (if he's not too busy cheating on the Aflac question) would be hanging around and want to chat if you have time. if not no worries, im just excited to see my team inflict some real damage. go blazers!!; 11:29 AM
baddawg said...: I, like many of you, am not completely comfortable with the state of play from our beloved Trailblazers thus far this season. Their inconsistency has spurred debate about everyone on the team to the point that an outsider, with no knowledge of the NBA, might look at these postings and confuse this team with the Nets. Roy can't play Miller. Miller has taken over the team. Oden is a bust. KP should have taken Durant. Blake should be in the D-league. Actually, his defense sucks and he can't shoot a lick. He shouldn't even be in basketball. Rudy can't play defense either. He should be starting. Travis has never done anything for this team, EVER. Can anyone out there remember him even making a big shot? Didn't think so. Same with Martel. I'm pretty sure he's never scored over 25 in a quarter. LaMarcus is too soft. When was the last time he mixed it up with an opposing player anyway?

All that being said, it's no wonder the Blazers are a miserable 0-13. What? Huh? Their 9-4? Well, that's not too bad. Batum has been out? Travis is gone for most of the rest of the season? I know, but.....I know, but if you look at the schedule it seems like they should be able get to 10 games up in the win column by the end of the month. Did you know they didn't achieve that last year until the 44th game? What do you mean their schedule is too easy? They just won 4 out of 5 on the road. That doesn't count cause they were Easy road games? Oh, I thought they still counted. My bad.

Well..., look, I do live in Portland, and have loved this team my entire life. Besides, I already have all this gear. I'm going to just keep on supporting them if that's O.K.

RIPCITY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!; 12:10 PM

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Blazers Get Tough in NC

posted: 11/14/2009 at 9:25 PM

PERMALINK | VIEW COMMENTS (72) | LEAVE COMMENT |

They haven't all been works of art, but road wins are road wins. This one, however, turned out to be a costly win.

In the first half Travis Outlaw played only 50 seconds before limping off the court. When he went straight to the locker room, we knew it was significant. When PR man Jim Taylor was gone for a long period of time, I knew it meant x-rays. I was still shocked when he returned the news in the second half that Outlaw had a stress fracture in the fifth metatarsal in his left foot.

Early word is that Outlaw will be out at least two months. But, it's difficult to tell at this early time exactly how long he'll be gone. Now, with Nicolas Batum already out, and now Outlaw, all that depth we've talked about will be put to an immediate test.

As for the actual game, it was another grinder. But, it was another victory. That's six in a row for the Trail Blazers, and they are now 4-0 on this road trip. I don't care how you get there, that's impressive.

What's ironic about this whole thing is how Portland is winning. After all, in our last home game, the Blazers turned into this fast-breaking team, with evidently a new philosophy. Usually, up-tempo teams aren't able to go from that style to being a half-court, tough, defensive team just days later. But, that's what we've seen. The ability to adjust to whatever they need to win.

With the 80-74 win in Charlotte, the Blazers became the first team in franchise history to hold four-straight opponents to fewer than 85 points. Consider that all four have been road games, and that's even more impressive.

Watching this team warm up before this game, you could tell this team was dragging. This was the fourth game in five nights, which is always worse than just a simple back-to-back scenario. Joel Przybilla told me his legs felt like they were filled with lead, and that he was fighting a cold. Jerryd Bayless, who twisted his ankle walking off the court before the game, told me he didn't think he'd play. Nothing felt very good.

But, after a sluggish start, the Blazers were able to put together an 18-2 run just before halftime, and led by 8. Seemingly in control, Charlotte came back to close the third quarter on a 16-4 run. But, riding the hot hand of Brandon Roy, the Blazers were able to head down the stretch still in control.

Following another run by the Bobcats, and a late shoving match following a Raja Bell high elbow to LaMarcus Aldridge's head, Portland was able to calm down, hit free throws, and put the ballgame away.

They got this win accomplished despite getting only 3 field goals from the bench, and survived Greg Oden being in foul trouble most of the night. Oden played just 17 minutes, but had 8 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 blocked shots. Przybilla, who is the best back-up center in the league, had 10 points and 7 rebounds, in another gritty effort. Roy had 25 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists.

It's now off to Atlanta for the final game of this road trip. The Blazers haven't swept a five-game road trip since 1991, so that tells you how difficult this will be. The Hawks, who won in Boston Friday, and drilled New Orleans Saturday, are sitting at 8-2. Of course, they won in Portland last week as well.

As for the void left by the loss of Outlaw, I would think what we saw at the end of this game is what we'll see more of- Rudy Fernandez. It'll take a combination of players to step up, but my guess is that we'll see Rudy get more minutes, and a much larger role late in games, where Outlaw usually plays. We'll also see more of Juwan Howard, and will probably even see some time given to rookie Dante Cunningham.

Despite the injuries, and the imperfect play, the Trail Blazers are in first place in the Northwest Division are looking for their seventh-straight win, and are about to get one of their five-game road trips completely out of the way.

Not bad.

72 Comments:

jacob said...: Glad they won. Bummed for Travis.

I am tired of Oden's foul trouble and the way Nate handles it. Oden cannot keep getting himself in foul trouble, but Nate shouldn't be so quick to yank him either. Oden can be an elite center if he can play 30+ mpg, but it doesn't look like that'll happen anytime soon.

I am also sick of seeing Blake get more minutes at the 2 than Rudy. Ridiculous.; 10:22 PM
MGB said...: Another game, another win, *yawn* getting kind of boring. heh, just kidding! Excellent win on the road. Winning 4 straight on the road in 5 nites is incredible! Doing it at home would be tough, but the road is even harder. While the Bobcats don't have a good record overall, they were 3-1 at home and they showed why fighting the Blazers all the way to the end, but the Blazers prevailed!

Hate to see Outlaw go down. Glad we haven't made any trades like some wanted. It sure looked like he hurt his right foot in the replay, MB, but it's his left?

Well on to the toughest game of the season. I'll be surprise if we can beat Atlanta considering how well they are playing and at Atanta and it's the last game of a 5 game road trip,,,,but I'm waiting to be surprised!

GO BLAZERS!!!; 10:55 PM
aneebaba said...: Yes, not bad Mike, though its hard to see TO go down and of course, so early in the season. Yet, I am loving the fact that Rudy will be getting more time. I hope the team realizes we now need guys to step up and really make a difference. I had predicted a 5-0 trip (on Oregonlive at least!), so we have to dig deep and take it to a very good Atlanta team.; 11:25 PM
sbflat said...: Travis will be Missed, But From what I have seen, Dante Has the same instant offense that Travis brings. Rudy and Martel have been basically shut down offensively and I'm not sure Rudy has his head on straight, that being said, Rudy, Martel, and Dante will need to relax and not worry about over achieving and just play. They are good enough just to go out and dominate if their heads don't get in the way. I believe it is still a little hangover from the new chemistry experiment. Winning and team success will get these guys on the right page soon and that will be a wonderful thing to behold... Get better soon Travis! Go Rudy, Martel, And Dante; 11:26 PM
Baller22 said...: Wow Travis gone... This will be interesting for the Blazers. No doubt were going to miss him but its going to show us some things about other players. I'll be interested to see how Rudy will react with all the extra minutes. Everyone knows that he has wanted the minutes and now hes going to get them.

I wish Travis a speedy recovery. Go Blazers; 11:52 PM
Herr said...: Now for the scary game... I'll be nervous, and sadly I'll be missing it since I have a class. I hope it starts at 4 so I can see at least some bits and pieces of it.

This game was a bit hard for me to watch. I only got 2 hours of sleep between friday and... well now while I type this (about to go to bed though). But besides that, I saw great defense. The offense in the previous two games scares me a bit, the Blazers need to find some rythme if they are to beat the Hawks.

One thing on my mind is how the NBA will react to the little "encounter" that you mentioned. From what I saw, Raja Bell was holding LaMarcus with his Elbow to the head. LaMarcus got in his face, with no real physical action, and all of a sudden I see Gerald Wallace and Tyson Channler (spell check?) charge at LaMarcus, and that got him even more enraged. No fists were thrown, but I'm glad in the end it was the Blazers that got a free throw. The jump ball scenario I thought was dumb, but I'm sure that was what the officials were suppose to do. Brandon Roy got the rebound before LaMarcus gave Raja Bell a piece of his mind. I hope LaMarcus or Brandon don't receive any fines, since they really didn't do anything, and unless they said a few inappropriate things, probably don't deserve a technical, after all Dwight Howard got suspended for doing the same thing *IN THE PLAYOFFS* last season (that Raja Bell did today).

The only concern I have is three point shooting. The Blazers are missing a lot of threes, and they also give up a lot, they have just got lucky that the uncontested three's didn't go down. The Hawks, especially with Mike Bibby, will pose a great threat on the three point line.

Regardless, this road trip was a huge success. Shame about Travis Outlaw, but knowing how this team rolls, "everything happens for a reason". Who knows, maybe Rudy Fernandez will average 10 steals or something amazing while he gets more minutes.; 12:09 AM
Rys said...: Thanks for the post Mike...always good to hear the inside track...bummer about TO but this will good to keep the other bench players engaged in the season. Best of luck to the Blazers in Atlanta...that will be a tall order!; 12:17 AM
Shem said...: One thing I was hoping you would mention Mike that the Blazers so far undefeated at 5-0 wearing their black uniforms this season as their lone loss on the road, they wore white.

My revised goal for the Blazers is complete as I originally was hoping for a 3-2 road trip, but later on based on the play of the team, I boosted it to 4-1 as I mentioned on one of your other recent blogs. Are we asking for too much for a 5-0 trip?

I know there are mixed emotions with Outlaw's game play among the fans and this will be a time where we may see if he's valuable or not. This is also a time for the Blazers to see if Dante Cunningham can help fill that void at power-forward.; 12:20 AM
Oleg said...: Mike mark my words.
Its going to be another 13-game winning streak going into Utah just like they had a year ago, and this time we will get past the unlucky number 13.; 1:20 AM
DowntownVinnie said...: Not bad indeed MB,This team is all about whoever it takes and whatever it takes.The last two games have showed what kind of mode we are in.

It even amazes ME how Dre has meshed with this team. Brandon and Dre have learned that they can cohabitate together successfully with this team.15 pts tonigt for Dre and he had a great 4th quarter that really helped put us over the top.I have also been impressed with his d.It's better than I thought. And he gets a few of those sneaky vet steals, too. He has also proven to be a good third scorer,when needed.And he gets to the line.

The first quartar last night was Bugly,absolutely.Can't remember such cold shooting.I think Byron Scott,who should never have been fired,hexed the arena with his version of The Ball Don't Lie.

Travis had his last highlight for awhile,with a screaming dunk at the end of the quarter last night at NO.Sadly ,today he got hurt. He has our wild card. And he has been workin harder on D and rebounding.It's too bad. Might see DC sooner than expected.Thats good for him . We will be loaded in Febuary when everyone gets back!

LMA has shown me alot of fire lately.Last night when Raja Bell who is well known for that behaviour,got his elbow in LMA's face and LMA got fired up about it. He has stepped up to make this a great one-two punch in the starting lineup,not to mention the way he's snatching rebees.

We are continuing our tradition of being excellent in the third and in a stupor in the early fourth. then we wake up just in time to take over in the last six minutes or so.We just play with teams like a cat plays withan almost dead mouse!

Greg took a charge at NO,just like Joel would.Twas a good sign.Also, another nice interior pass.As his ability to score inside gets better,his passing will too.GO has been a game changer on defense.Joel too,and he is absolutely invaluable off the bench. Leads the league in Off .Rebs off the bench,too.We had 4 or 5 blocks in the first quarter against Charltte.

Yeah ,I think the injury bug is following us,Chris Paul,Tony Parker Travis,JBay. whts goin on with that?I guess if we could destroy most of our competition,thats one way to win a championship.UHH,when do we play Kobe next?heh heh heh!

Rudy has really shown his versatility to play multiple positions on both units and he does it all. He has taken over for Martell as the new Energizer Bunny lately.But thats one of the best things about this team. Different guy,different night,as long as get the win.Sorry about the sandwich maker length post,I had a lot to spew! Two games worth.And I could still write more.But,I will spare you.For now!

..........You still Awake............BLAZERSROCK; 1:21 AM
hg said...: Mike: hg here, I almost set my alarm where I could get up to your blog.

The game was on NBA-TV and I was really pumped up, because I thought I would get to watch the game only to find out at tip off that it was blacked out. That almost ruined my day. This win did take the edge off of my anger, but mark another one up for Comcast. I bet they are really proud.

Back to the game; it is really bad that Travis went down after already losing Pendergraph, Mills and Batuum.

I am hoping that Bayless will be able to return by Monday because he becomes an important key with his ability to create. I don't know how the line-up will be but he can play 2 guard with BRoy or Martell at the three and LMA, Howard or Dante at the four. or Rudy at the 2 and JBay at the 1. That is scary though. But Travis wasn't perfect either LOL.

After the game on Oregon-Live all the trade or bench Travis crowd was in full bloom with happy slide remarks. I was glad there were also many of the mature fan's that realized kicking while Travis was down was not the right thing to do. Although I shamefully lost my cool, there were also many of good supporters. I guess with Comcast, Bayless and Travis going down with injury and The Travis haters crawling out of the wood work was to much. Oh, they don't hate Travis they are just glad he is hurt so as they don't have to watch him play with his low bb mentality.

I don’t think this was a ugly game. We played good tough BB against a well coached solid team. It wasn’t easy, but the Blazers don’t like easy games, they don’t like boring me. It was a fight to the finish exciting game. I thought that technical foul would be against us and they would shoot a free throw and get the ball. I think that would have been a turning point as they could have cut the lead to two.

Well on to Atlanta which will be hell but a win would put me in heaven because our streak would be seven.

hg; 1:58 AM
perrynoid1 said...: cool, more rudy and no outlaw. a dream come true. although i'm not saying im so cold that i dont wish travis a speedy recovery. just a speedy recovery for another team. your trash talk replies affect me none---; 2:09 AM
G-Pa said...: Hey MB: see ya in Atlanta....driving up from Florida!; 3:04 AM
pdxcess said...: MB,
The injury situation is why I liked this team from the start. Our depth is incredible, and you have to anticipate injuries. Hardly any team gets through the season intact. So Rudy gets more minutes? What's wrong with that? Juwaan Howard? The guy can still play. Martell can contribute. Bayless is eager to prove himself, and the kid is an unbelievable talent. Ally-oop dunks when he's on the oop at his size? Sweet. The Blazers are a long way from being what I see they can be. But, this is a great team, and Nate coaches a lot by feel and instinct, so the players know that if they perform, they can earn more minutes if it means the team wins. These guys are unselfish. They WANT to play together. And if Oden continues his upward trajectory, this team can keep winning, even if they don't play their best. And finally, a shout out to LA. Dude, you are BALLIN'! Ditto for Dre!
This team is going to make some big noise by mid-season, in my opinion. It's a good time to be in RIP CITY!; 4:18 AM
BRoyFTW said...: We're starting to see the Greg Oden of Ohio State. When he used that drop step to spin around his defender and go up for the lay up. Loving it. Now if Aldridge can stop playing soft. Enough with the weak outside shots and shying away from contact.

The Hawks game is the real test though. I'm not so confident about that game. We all knew Portland could win all these recend games because of how bad the teams are. This is a game that if we win will actually be the first true sign that the team is starting to figure things out.; 6:05 AM
DephlaterMouse said...: I think one thing to take away from tonight is the continued effort/improvement by Rudy on Rebounding.

Yes, his defense is much improved, but its the rebounding that's impressed me most over this road trip.; 7:08 AM
Scott said...: It has been ugly, but a win is a win! Will see you in Atlanta for the third straight year.; 7:16 AM
James said...: Can't think of a time recently that I've been more proud of the Blazers. Larry Brown has more knives in his drawer than the Broadway Butcher, and he used them all last night. Reminded me of those agonizing Carolina games when Dean Smith made the final minute last for hours. To gut it out under all the adversarial circumstances was a tribute to the team and its coaches. Now I have an officiating question: In the last two games we have seen guards (Paul and Felton) drive into the lane and literally jump sideways into Greg, making virtually no attempt to shoot, so they could foul the big guy out. Why is this not an offensive foul? And if it's not, why can't Greg just back off - pull out the chair - and let the guards crash? What other alternative does he have? Thanks for the excellent reporting, Mike and Mike, and give our best to Travis and Jarryd.; 7:44 AM
hg said...: Herr:

Maybe missing three's is a blessing in disquise. If you live by the three you die by the three sort of to speak. I know if you are forced to take an outside jumper, it might as well be one or two feet back further and make it a three. Nevertheless when they ar taking it to the rim the missed outside shooting isn't missed as much. With good passing you can also get the ball to our bigs at the rim.

I know you have to knock down your shots to open up the middle, but if you can't make them you have to bang bodies in the middle to make your shots.

hg; 8:56 AM
hg said...: Vinnie:

Great post and I could read it all without going to sleep.

Do you remember how we played last year, our opponents was saying you don't want to be under 10 ahead of Portland at the 6 minute mark or you will more then likely lose the game. I think that is BRoy's big plan. The opponents says BRoy just lays back and kind of rocks them to sleep then when least expected he explodes on them.

Both times when Greg was in the game we pushed the lead up to dbl digits, I think. Didn't the lead go up to 16 when he was in and dropped back down as soon as he was benched? Anyway, it shows his value when he is in the game.

Maybe that is the value of the three point guards. They can get the ball to Greg from 3 different spots. I am not a bb whiz, but I don't think you can cover all the passing lanes if you got three or four counting Howard get the ball to Greg. Howard won't shoot as much as LMA when he is in the game, but I bet he will hit Greg with a pass, like Dre.

See now I have to shut up.

"Beating the Bobcat's put us in heaven; beat Atlanta and the streak will be seven LOL!!!

No gotcha this time around. Great post.

hg; 9:23 AM
fanman said...: I feel really bad about Travis. Hopefully he will be able to mend quickly.

The Blazers have learned to win despite cold streaks of shooting. Their defense is paying off. Odds are the shots will fall better.

jacob: With Outlaw out you will get your wish for Rudy to play lots of minutes. Hopefully he can use his many abilities to create more wins for the team. You also should not undervalue Steve's contributions to the Blazer success story.; 9:29 AM
Garrett said...: I love outlaw. However, we all know that this team has too much talent and it can prevent the team from getting the various rotations used to each other. With Outlaw out, Rudy will get his chance to really show this team what he can do over the long term. The injury last year allowed Batum and Fernandez to get playing time. That turned out pretty well. Now the injuries to Batum and Outlaw allow the same thing to happen again this year.; 9:37 AM
hg said...: pdxcess:

You have a great attitude. There is nothing we can do about the injuries, but if we take the positive action and use it as an opportunity to develop projects and bench players with more playing time with our core players, in the long run we will be better.

James:

Boy have you got a legitimate question. I don't understand that either. I remember the time when a defending center got fouls when they failed to hold the center up when they were backing into them. Rasheed was famous for yanking the chair and he would still get fouls for not holding them up. Of course I realize that may have been Rasheed being Rasheed. It still not fair to call fouls like that.

Maybe Greg doesn't see it coming quick enough, or maybe he already jumped sideways to avoid contact and that is why the guards jump sideways.

My only slim guess is maybe the refs are seeing it as the guards shifted sideways to avoid contact and Greg jumped into them.

We can see how valuable Greg is to us when he is in the game, and so can our opponents, so they are going to design plays that will try to get Greg in foul trouble; you and I know he doesn't need much help in that department. Therefore since the season is young let's look at it on the positive side and hope Greg learns to re-act to the guards better.

hg; 10:04 AM
FBM said...: Greg's alternative when gurds come into the hoop is just to back off slightly and wait till they release the ball and then bat it against the backboard, or bat it somewhere, or sometimes just catch the ball (Difficult but , on occasion, doable). He'll learn that with his height advantage he can do block their shots from the side. But yes, if the refs allow players to just throw their bodies into Greg, we ahve a problem.; 10:24 AM
DowntownVinnie said...: hg...........Thats why I don't go to O Live much there are a few jackasses over there.; 11:03 AM
baddawg said...: The Portland Trailblazers lost another member of their family last week. It wasn't anyone that many of you out there will know. This person didn't wear a '77 championship ring, nor was she a member of the great Blazer teams of the 1990's, but she is indeed part of this extended Blazer family whose arms extend far enough to reach TomL in Hawaii, and to others all around the world. Her name is Joan Gallagher, she was a loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She was an avid Blazer fan, a great friend to my own mother, and I was lucky to have known her.

Joan (pronounced Jo Ann) worked with my mother at Kaiser for more than twenty years. They became friends, and when my mom called me to tell me the news, I knew it would be tough for her. Joan was the type of friend to my mom that is at first entrenched in each other's daily life, then is separated by daily life, but has roots that are unwavering. I am sure they both understood this, and believe it to be the basis of their love for each other.

While Joan's daughter was on the phone with my mom relaying the news, she came across Joan's Blazer blanket. She was melancholiously pleased she had found it, as their family had been searching for it exhaustively. It was one of Joan's most prized possessions, and she had made her wishes known that when it was time for her to meet her maker, she wanted to do it wrapped in her beloved Blazer blanket. It meant that much to her. It means that much to me.

I find it of little coincidence that I have each and every time in this blog, concluded my entry with a big, bold proclaimation of RIPCITY!!!!!!!!!!! Today, the RIP stands for "rest in peace". Stay warm and peaceful, Joan, wrapped in your Blazer blanket and in God's arms. You are truly missed.

RIPCITY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!; 11:07 AM
blzrfn1 said...: Heal quickly Travis :(

Go Blazers !!!!
Bring on the Hawks !!; 11:33 AM
hg said...: baddawg: a very touching and emotional felt message. God Bless her and her family and you fellow blogger.

hg; 11:33 AM
RTE said...: Good win, the Travis situation put a damper on it for me, but the road trip has been a success no matter what happens in Atlanta on Monday.

Hoping to see Rudy step up, and maybe some more minutes for Dante.; 11:33 AM
ancientone said...: I hope the Blazers show true mettle in this adversity. A chance to show real character.

Greg needs to show some BB IQ and learn what is going to be called a foul and adapt. He doesn't do the team any good sitting most of the game sitting on the bench and expecting the rest of the team to pick it up to cover for him.; 11:46 AM
DowntownVinnie said...: baddawg....very heartfelt.May peace be with them,and you as well.; 12:47 PM
DowntownVinnie said...: ancientone............I think its hard to be an agressive defender and not get fouls.But he does need to know when to hold em and know when to fold em!IMO it's not for lack of bballIQ.; 12:50 PM
Andrew Baertlein said...: This is going to be Interesting now with Outlaw down probably more like 3 months at least. Bayless could be out 2 weeks. Our roll players are going to have to step up even more. Rudy, Martell, Joel, And especially Cunningham are going to see more time. I'm excited to see what cunningham can bring to the table.; 1:45 PM
fivehundreddogs said...: I gotta say, I'm feeling some guilt for my last post. I really poured it on old TO, then he walks out and gets hurt. I just want to assure y'all that I was not poking the foot of my Outlaw voodoo doll, or abusing my supernatural powers in any way. It's a shame when any player goes down...especially when that player can give you what Travis does.

Luckily, we have real depth at that injury plagued position and Martell, Rudy, Dante and Juwan have enough talent between them to make up for the loss. I feel like any day now, Rudy and Martell will get those threes dropping and create the spacing that guys like Bayless and Miller thrive in. So all you die hard Outlaw fans can pull your heads out of the oven. We'll be fine.

In other news, if these last couple games are any indication, I guess I should just turn off my television until the 3rd if Oden gets two fouls. I think McMillan is smart for setting that precedent, as it will inspire Old Greg to lock it up, but maybe he should mix it up now and then so other teams can't scout that and just send their guards at him. If I were a coach, I'd much rather have a couple guards in foul trouble than deal with the big man for the entire first half.

I trust Coach to sort it out. He's already done wonders with this group. I know I'm a total homer, but if this team gets into the second round of the playoffs, McMillan deserves Coach of the Year. Not only has he worked the rotation to fit his team's needs, but he has done it with his starting SF and two rookies injured(remember Mills and Pendergraph?), and two vets joining a young team. Sarge should change his nickname to Doctor with all the chemistry issues he's solving.

In closing, I'd like to go against the grain and call this game on Monday a win. I think the team will rally to make up for their fallen comrade against a squad that they can beat. The Blazers and the coach have come a long way since that home loss, and I doubt the same mistakes will be made.; 1:53 PM
LTG said...: hg, you win the award for most posts ever. Lol.; 2:15 PM
DowntownVinnie said...: hg.....in addition to that,I'll give you the MVP....(Massive Volume Poster). Keep up the good work ,please,it'll make me look like I rarely even post!Looking forward to my boy DC gettin' his feet wet.I said earlier this summer that I thought he might suprise some people with his skills.I just never thought he would get the chance this early.

Good luck DC.

BLAZERSROCK; 3:43 PM
andrew said...: I don't think all the fouls on Oden are all his fault. I think some of them are the fault of the guards, when the defense breaks down on the perimeter it puts Greg in a vulnerable spot. I think also the refs are calling fouls based on reputation and not what they are seeing. NBA basketball used to be a big man's game, now it's a guard's game. Now, a guard can run into Oden and a foul is called on Greg. Joel and LaMarcus have been in foul trouble too. Let the big men play the game the way it's supposed to be played!!; 3:54 PM
OUTLAW FAN25 said...: yes players get in the paint and draw fouls on oden but when joel was a starter he would not consitantly be in foul trouble night in and night out. What oden does is he is a shot blocker so he jumps at everything if he could stay on the ground and keep his feet set and let the players come into him they would not call as many fouls. I agree that some of the calls a rediculous but thats the leauge we live in.; 4:22 PM
hg said...: LTG: It is the fault of all you posters that cause me to post so much. I find everything about the Blazers so interesting that I have to comment on it. Then once I start, I don't want anybody to think I left them out. Don't you feel bett that I read and answered your post?

OK! some times I get the hot head from bashers and write on my own. But honest, read my post, most of them are in answer to someone else.

I got in trouble once for posting to much. so I tried to quit. It is like being an alcholic. posting is very additive. It might have something to do with me being old and ancient with very little else to do.

I won't promise you that I won't post as much but I will try.

hg; 5:21 PM
hg said...: Vinnie, I am really looking forward to seeing Dante too. Travis wasn't usually so important that we can't get along without him because of his inconsistencies. I don't know that Dante can play the athletic game that Travis did, but if he can develop a consistent inside shot and provide enough d to give LMA a breather he will do ok.

Everybody is saying that Rudy will get Travis playing time, but they don't usually play the same position so I don't know if that will work.

Oops getting close to a massive volume poster best I shut up.

hg; 5:29 PM
David Sykes said...: Greg is finally coming into his own. It has amazed me how little patience everyone has. He will be a force for many years to come. It is unfortunate that he appears to get a lot of poor calls from the refs. Remember when Roy didn't get the calls. I will feel sorry for other teams when Oden gets more respect from the refs, it will almost be unfair. He gets the boards, blocks and is starting to command a double team for the first time on a regular basis. This will open everything up for us. Sorry about Travis but it is easy to see that Nate will be able to milk many positives out of this unfortunate situation. Now come the playoffs we will be truly deep. Go Blazers.; 6:38 PM
DowntownVinnie said...: Ok any body got any predictions on how many minutes DC will get Monday? If any . Don't forget about Sarges trust issues.

Millertime says I'm not a very good fisherman.

Here fishy,fishy.; 7:35 PM
Jared said...: I am so glad to see that Outlaw is injured. He hurts us more than he helps in my opinion. He has more skill than most on the team, but has no court smarts.
Rudy is a much smarter player and passer than Outlaw at the moment and I am so glad to see him take over.; 7:41 PM
DowntownVinnie said...: Oh, by the way ,My guess, depending on foul trouble,is DC will get 8 mins and 48 seconds on Monday night.; 7:49 PM
Travis said...: baddawg,

thanks for you comments.

all,

my long held suspicion is that what we will get with outlaw out of the line-up is consistency. we will sacrifice up and down dynamics. this will be interesting to see, especially with juwan howard as the chief contrast. juwan will likely go from spot minutes due to fouls or blow-outs, to having 10-15min a game. i think that the bulk of the minutes will be absorbed between lamarcus and howard. rudy plays a different position, and coach will probably keep dante in the spot minutes/getting his feet wet role.

where we may lose a little offensive punch and the ability of travis taking a jump-shot anytime anywhere on the court, we may gain from more disciplined and consistent defense. our rebounding/blocking out may benefit as well. i also think that we will have to rely more on team movement and ball movement to create offense in the second unit. i also would love to see greg and juwan on the court together since oden would be the target of more passes from howard than outlaw.

these are the type of developments that are incredibly interesting to see play out. you never really know what will happen until they play a few games. rudy may take more shots, and if bayless can get back on the court, we'll see more attacking on offense from jarryd.

it is also interesting to see how polarizing travis outlaw is to many fans. i try to be honest about often feeling conflicted watching his play. i feel very bad for him being injured, but am also curious to see if him being out of the line-up will give our team a slightly more fundamentally sound approach and cohesiveness. in our first two losses he shot 1-9 and we were lit-up by trevor ariza and carmelo anthony. and in contrast to that, he has hit many huge and game winning shots in the last couple of years. this season he has had some momentum changing threes and is shooting .387 from behind the arc. he's something of an enigma.

i do think that we will take it to the hawks in atlanta, and am looking for a monster game from none other than lamarcus aldridge. josh smith roams the court looking to block shots. if our guys can hit lamarcus with a few sharp passes as smith cheats, LA will make them pay.

GO BLAZERS!!!!; 8:25 PM
DowntownVinnie said...: Jared......Its one thing to criticize ones skills .It is another thing to say that you are glad that someone is injured. That seems rather callous,since Travis,like him or not, is believe it or not,yes, an actual human being ,just like you and I.And,you never know ,he might be pretty bummed right now. So,Maybe you can find a different way of expressing your sentiments. ........ Da' Vinster; 9:29 PM
fathom said...: hg:

Getting back to you:

Yeah the Hawks are hot and the Blazers are on fire. In my opinion we are a better overall team but the pieces they have are in great shape so it will be an excellent game. Winning 5 straight on the road is tough. Even thought the Wolves and Griz were struggling it still couldn't be easy, after all, you have to beat them, they won't beat themselves...not at home.

Without Travis, it will be tough. Not to worry, sweeping this trip can be done, just not likely easily. It's not about revenge anymore from my stand point. it's playing solid and smart basketball. We have Greg and Joel to our advantage. If we can control the glass, stay out of foul trouble and drop our freebies we should have a pretty good chance.

Crawford, Horford, Smith and Bibby are the guys to watch. If we don't let Josh Smith look like LeBron that would be nice. He likes to creep in traffic and snag rebounds too which gives them numbers so I think that's a key.

Execution, good shot selection, getting numbers on the glass, composure and confidence will be motives for victory not revenge.

In the East I like the Hawks. They have nice talent assembled down there but here we are, playing like a seasoned contender. Either way, the Blazers can make it happen no doubt, I just hope Atlanta offers better sportsmanship than Charlotte. I know he's only human but I have never seen LA so mad, not even against KG.

Our guys are finding and filling their roles. This is really fun to watch. Blake and Miller playing together, Greg showing brilliance, Rudy and Webster, Bayless..etc. I just hope Travis is ok, he is an important piece.

thanks for the comment

cheers

fathom; 10:12 PM
swords said...: nice article thanks for sharing this with us. i am so happy to hear about won...

Daggers; 11:49 PM
Tom L said...: 6 in a row but it really sucks about Outlaw!!! We are definitely gonna miss him.

And yet again. . . what is the deal with the refs calling every foul they can on Greg? I just saw this website that I hope will be up and running soon http://freeoden.com/
and I guess this is a preview for what it will be at http://www.youtube.com/user/FreeOden52#p/u/4/FS7tkKhI920
Hope it's ok to post something like this (it's not my idea but I think it's a good one). Every game the refs seem to call at least 2 to 3 phantom calls on Greg, and I honestly don't know how Greg doesn't snap sometime and go after a ref! Well these are only a tiny tiny bit of vids that show what I remember seeing while watching the games. Also if people don't think it's a big deal, I looked last week and Greg leads the league in fouls per game. I think that's a big deal. I think the number one pick should be able to show what he can do in a fair environment, plus we who pay for the idiot refs and the nba want to see Greg play, and not see refs calling extreme touch fouls 2 or 3 times a game. There needs to be some sort of holding these refs accountable publicly because it's obvious after watching these clips and the games that they are not monitored or correctly evaluated. He had no fouls the other day, against a bad team, I guarantee once we play the Lakers they will call the game in their favor to give them an easier chance of winning. This is why all the great players want to play in a huge market like the Lakers or Boston. They get the calls MOST OF THE TIME and an obvious advantage. You guys have eyes too, this is getting ridiculous and almost blatant. And I didn't even mention Donaghy.

Yes I know Greg makes silly mistakes sometimes. Everyone does, but not everyone gets phantom calls as consistently as Greg which magnify every mistake he does make. I'm tired of the Blazers dealing with this crap, just like Sheed getting called for all those T's, some just for looking at a ref. Why are they allowed to continually get away with this? I know Rice would have my back, lol.; 3:00 AM
hg said...: I know I said I would try not posting so much, but after last night’s loss by the LAKERS, we are in second place in the division. If the play-offs stated today, Phoenix would play OKC and we would play the Kings.

hg; 7:27 AM
ancientone said...: Downtownvinnie
that's what BB IQ is; 9:28 AM
fatkid said...: It sucks that Travis got injured. With a healthy team down just Nic B. I felt like the Blazers had a chance at the one or two seed in the West. Now it feels like a three or four seed is more likely.

Roy will have to expend more energy throughout games and the floor won't be spread as easily without one of our better outside shooters(not to mention clutch shooters).; 11:00 AM
millertime said...: this will be a big game tonight against the hawks. this will push us into a national spot light if we win. it won't be easy but i think broy is done fooling around and has his edge back mabey even alittle sharper. did you see some of those fade a ways over the bobcats. whew thats superstar stuff right there. broy and la need to score tonight if the blazers are going to win. i expect broy to go big real big.
i can't wait to watch the game
go blazers; 12:05 PM
DowntownVinnie said...: hg.........Stop hypercorrecting.Post on Brotha,So how many minutes for Dante?; 3:57 PM
DowntownVinnie said...: ancientone..........Perhaps,but I know from playing the game that it is hard to be aggressive as a defender, then turn that off and just let guys go..Call that IQ if you want.I just don't see Greg as someone with a low BB IQ.

All I'm saying is that its hard to be aggresive and be passive the next minute.Ok, Joel does it, But he's a vet, too.Point taken,nonetheless.; 4:09 PM
Travis said...: it should not be an automatic foul every time greg oden touches josh smith. watching that was pure bu!!s%!$.; 7:28 PM
fathom said...: Hey,

I don't like the fact we have been swept by Atlanta but...4 outta 5 isn't bad. Hopefully now we can get some rest.

The only remark I have...in the second half of the Atlanta game we went back to the jump-shooting thing with out having anyone set for a rebound other than Greg. That was something Travis was doing really well for us. Smith, Horford and Pachulia got the big ones when the momentum was shifting.

Rudy was on fire, that was a joy to watch.

Overall the team showed some heart and for that I can't be disappointed at all.

Go Blazers; 9:49 PM
hg said...: OK!! I can't stay away. this is my take on last nights game.

From the advantage point, in front of my radio listening to KRCO 690A.M., It was clear the Blazers was taken out of the game by the Refs. OK, so I am a little bitter. I will take the word of all the posters on that though.

All in all, if we look at the way the cards were stacked, we can feel darn proud of our team’s effort:
1. They lost a rotation player, Travis regardless of all the arguments was in the rotation.
2. They were in game 5 of a five game road trip. That is rough for any team regardless of the quality of opponents.
3. There were two back-back’s
4. Four games in five nights and the last game with one game rest.
5. Arguably, we were playing the second best team in the NBA at the present. the Trailblazers being the best. (homerism intended)
6. We were playing on the opponent’s home court where the calls usually go toward the home crowd. In fact it is expected.
7. Our emotions may have gotten in the way, Greg’s free throws, BRoy’s missed three, and maybe intimidation from Smith.
a. I wouldn’t have the emotional part any other way. that is what makes the team fight the battles from day to day.
8. We never gave up the ship. Although we were the losers in this close encounter, there will be many that goes in our favor.

These are my feelings; they are marred by homerism, no TV and just plain love for the Portland trailblazer team.

hg; 9:52 AM
Travis said...: greg having to take rudy's free throws was a horrible mis-call from the refs. our degree of difficulty in scoring to potentially win or tie the game went way up, and took more time off the clock. a crucial incorrect call that should not be overlooked. also, the refs HAVE to adjust to the fact that everyone is now mini-flopping against oden. josh smith lost a ton of my respect as he acted like he was being assaulted when oden touched him, or just plain fell down. i know greg is very strong, but is smith REALLY that WEAK?!?; 1:54 PM
ancientone said...: It was a very good road trip. The last game we got outrebounded and ran out of gas in overtime. JJ showed why he is an allstar. Our centers were outplayed but Oden made it to the end of the game- a positive.

Anybody know what happened to Blakes shot on the trip.; 1:57 PM
Herr said...: I haven't complain about the officials so far this road trip. Remember that.

Hg - the radio wasn't lying. Blake wasn't out of bounds (they even have that on the game recap on nba.com), and Rudy, regardless of the shot going in or not, was goaltended. The Ball without a doubt was going to hit the rim.

Those 2 calls ruined any hopes for the Blazers winning. Even though it doesn't guarantee that the Blazers were going to win the ball-game, it just gave up all hope. I will admit though the Blazers played sloppy, but that could be because they played a tough schedule.

I guess traveling isn't a violation in the NBA during a forth quarter. The Blazers had about a 12 point lead gone because the Refs shadowed over good Portland Defense. There is a reason traveling is a turnover in this league, and doing the violation yet not getting punished for it just gives good rewards, sounds a lot like stealing if you ask me.

The hawks traveled 3 possessions in a row, and each ended with 3 points for the hawks. Than Joe Johnson was denied by Andre Miller, which should have been a jump ball or a travel, but yet the refs refused to call anything, and he hit the 3.

All of these occurred in the fourth quarter and were game changing. Every replay the broadcast showed had an official looking at the violation, but not blowing their whistle, yet they stare at the feet of Steve Blake who has his feet *HOVERING* out of bounds? To me that's not just "oh I didn't see it", that's just an official debating (giving them credit there) whether or not they should make the call.

But let's not deny the Hawks of their win. They earned it, but I truly think this would have been a 5-0 road trip if the officials would have made the calls. Not only did the Hawks get to jump back, but it took Portland out of their rhythm.

Regardless, a successful road trip indeed. The only game that's close to this date that scares me is the one in Golden State. Get ready to see more officials acting like morons buying Corey MaFloppy flops.; 3:36 PM
DowntownVinnie said...: Ok ,I'll leave the predictions to Merlin.

A couple of things bugged me tonight.

Why do we continue to let one person beat us without doubling.We see it all the time against Brandon.Why don't WE do it?Is this part of Nate's philosophy,or what?

IMO this was one of our worse third quarters this year .We stunk it up.We should have been up by 20,at least.Maybe we had tired legs,tough schedule,blah, blah ,blah.I just think we let this one get away.Every loose ball seem to fall in their hands.I don't know what the stats were,but we let them get a lot of offensive rebounds in the second half.

It was as uncharacteristic of a shooting performance for Steve as I've seen.Yeah,He was the Lobster in the first half,some killer assists,highlight stuff for sure. I'm not sure where that went in the second half.That and he started doing the penetrate and retreat thing that he does.God, that annoys me.

In the third, we started that stand around and expect BRoy to take over thing while we watch.

I'm trying not to complain about refereeing.But in overtime,there were more than a few questionable calls,And from one of the best in the biz, supposedly.But ,we didn't put ourself in a position to win,calls or no calls.All I'll say is some of those calls were flat laughable.

On a positive Rudy played great.Way to step up.He was in mid season form.We are lucky that he got us to overtime.

This was agutwrenching loss,Blood and Guts as Rice said.Argueablly this Atlanta team is as hot as anyone in the league,Slammed Denver,beat Boston at home.So,I shouldn't take it so hard.I guess I expect the best and this just wasn't it.We really should have had this one.Way, way too many opportunities missed.W'ell get em Weds. BLAZERSROCK; 4:16 PM
MGB said...: Tough loss, but to go 4-1 and 4 of them in 5 nites and then the only loss in OT isn't doing that bad!

I agree there was some bad calls, but I actually thought the call out of bounds was a good one. Ya, his heel was up, but the ball of his foot looked like it was on the line and it just has to barely touch it and you are out of bounds.

Anyway, now back home to home cooking! GO BLAZERS!!; 5:37 PM
DowntownVinnie said...: I guess while I was bitchin and moanin about the last Blazer loss,I had to stop and realize that I had completely forgotten to mention Paul Allen and his personal fight with non-Hodgkins lymphoma.

He is the capitan of our ship.He is ,in addition ,quite obviously, a tremendous fan of the game and of this team.So from one fan to another,I'd just like to send my best wishes to Paul Allen. Keep up the fight,bossman.; 7:48 PM
John C. Holter said...: Nate McMillan's bizarre player substitutions and favoritism are the concealed signs of a disturbed man. He is always going to be a .500 win percentage coach. I think Pritchard knows this, but hasn't convinced Paul of 'Mr. Sonic's' ineptitude. It's sad to see so much talent wasted by poor coaching.; 12:45 AM
Herr said...: Hey Mike, I don't know if you'll read this but I became a fan of yours on facebook, and watched your plane trip video. I laughed so hard when Travis Outlaw said he hates Rice lol!

It's not hard to identify me if you ever take a look. Go Blazers!; 12:54 AM
Tom L said...: ok Blake committing his trademark "low assist/t.o."(stepping out of bounds) at the worst possible time, near the end of a close game. This is exactly what I've been talking about! "Oh but he has a low assist/turnover!" and "We won 54 games last year!" Whatever. We should have won this game.

But the bigger problem is Nate doesn't seem to care about that, so he kept Dre out of the end of the game and out the whole OT all the while Blake thinks he's the best three point shooter in the league giving the Hawks a chance to comeback. In fact almost all the attempts in the 4th and OT were jumpers! They weren't falling, this is when we need Dre!!!

And why didn't we go back to Rudy after he drained that 3 at the end of regulation in OT??!? This team, and Brandon need to learn to at least try a guy when he seems hot! He didn't shoot again until under a minute to go. Why are we going to Blake so damn much for offense at the end of a close game?! Plus Nate comes up with some of the most ridiculous plays out of timeouts at the end of games!; 3:22 AM
fanman said...: Herr:

I agree with what you have observed. Hopefully we will get refs tonight that are fair.; 9:46 AM
millertime said...: i would ecko what herr said that the refs pretty much handed the game to atlanta. i watch the game and was so pissed about the refs who called fatom calls the whole 4th quarter. the up and down on johnson and the blake out of bounds call along with them not calling over the back on most of the hawks when greg clearly had the rebound then three hawks would be hanging all over him. the travel at mid court was also out in front of all three refs. i will give the hwks credit for the game but if i was one of their fans or one of their players i would not hold my head up high or even act like they should have won that game. it was just like that laker game a few years back. looks like the refs made some side bets on the hawks. portland was the better team the hawks just had 8 players and we had 5.; 10:33 AM
Travis said...: hg,

nice post with the list.

herr,

well said, i am in total agreement with your post.

now that i am done venting about the loss, i'd really like to give the team and coaches big props for going 4-1 on the road. one loss in OT to the top team in the east? not so bad...; 1:10 PM
Travis said...: i'm going to refrain from writing what is actually on my mind, and just try to be happy with the win...; 10:26 PM
fanman said...: Tom L:

Blake was in because Dre was messing up earlier. If you watched the replay, Steve was not out of bounds. The refs head was out of bounds.

Andre is not perfect and neither is Steve. I do admire what they can do for the team.

It is not just one team member that loses the game. You could also say that Brandon should not have missed his three point attempt or that he should not have taken it to begin with.; 8:12 AM

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Blazers Roll in Minny

posted: 11/11/2009 at 9:30 PM

PERMALINK | VIEW COMMENTS (82) | LEAVE COMMENT |

There was probably a bit of a fear of a let down by the Trail Blazers. And, it was discussed several times that Minnesota was coming off two embarrassing losses and would likely be extremely determined to get a victory on the home floor, where they've been better this season. As it turns out, once again, they were no match for Portland, which was too big, too deep, too sharp, and too determined.

They actually trailed by four after the first quarter, as the Timberwolves brought some early energy. But, the Blazers got it rolling in the second, outscoring Minnesota 32-19, and then exploded in the third quarter, outscoring them 35-19. Game over. The final was 107-84.

Greg Oden's improvement continues with each passing game, and was as dominant in this game as we've seen. He was his usual game-changing self on defense, and also scored 18 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, and finished the game with no fouls. He was also involved in the highlight of the night. After Andre Miller created a steal, Oden scooped up the ball at midcourt, took a few dribbles, dished to LaMarcus Aldridge who gave it right back, and Oden slammed it home with two hands. It was one of many Blazer highlights on this night.

Portland used a balanced attack again, and got a great performance from the bench. The bench has been solid, but didn't shoot well in Memphis on Tuesday. On this night, Rudy Fernandez had 15 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals. Martell Webster finished with 16 points, and Travis Outlaw had 9.

The three-guard starting lineup was effective once again for the Blazers, as Miller and Steve Blake combined for 15 assists. In the fourth quarter we saw an extremely rare point guard-to-point guard alley-oop pass. Miller completed a long feed to Jerryd Bayless, who slammed it down.

The Blazers ended up shooting 55 percent, outrebounded Minnesota 41-29, and had 30 assists. They also recorded 17 fast-break points.

Believe it or not, especially for all the hand wringing that we've seen early this season, the Blazers are off to their best nine-game start since the 1999-2000 season. They also improved to 3-1 on the road. In fact, the Blazers have now won 7-straight road games not played in Houston. Is that obscure enough? If not, here's this. The Blazers have now beaten teams from the "M" cities 25-straight times. That would include Memphis, Minnesota, Milwaukee, and Miami. Okay, that's out there a bit (you get the idea we've got time on our hands on the road?)

We're now off to New Orleans, where the Blazers take on the Hornets on Friday night. The road trip then continues in Charlotte, and finishes in Atlanta.

To listen to the audio of my post-game interview with Brandon Roy, click here.

82 Comments:

BRoyFTW said...: I've been getting some messages from friends saying that they got to give it to me that I did support Oden no matter what. I'm so happy he is doing well. I love how he changed the game on both ends. What he does makes the game easier for everyone.; 10:00 PM
Michael said...: First post here and first post EVER !! ...

Good stuff MB - congrats on WAHS HoF from a Corvallisite.

I hope the Blazers can keep up the good stuff, especially GO, when we start playing GOOD teams again.; 10:06 PM
MGB said...: Oden was excellent, having a double double by half, but someone you didn't mention was Joel. Oden goes out and Joel comes in and gets 11 rebounds and 4 blocks! Is there a better center combo in the league? I don't think so!; 10:09 PM
aneebaba said...: Mike!! Greg running the fast break! That brought tears (of happiness) to my eyes!So great to see the guys cheering after that play. And Rudy!! What an awesome stat line he had tonight - great to see as well. ATL looked good tonight, but on a good note, The Nuggets lost again, so if we can continue this play, we can be right there with them. Chris Paul is a terrific play, but I think we should also take care of the Hornets. Thanks for the quick post MB. GO BLAZERS!!!; 10:17 PM
teradasan said...: Great balance and team chemistry tonight. Rudy had a great game yet will go unsung. Love this team; great bunch of guys who are serious and have a good time winning. AND they've hit 85% their freethrows over the past five games! Whodathunk?; 10:34 PM
Herr said...: I'm calling it right now. 5-0. Hornets basically went downhill and are trying to "learn". They played no defense against Phoenix, and we all know how "good" Phoenix does on defense. All the Blazers have to do on friday is have Greg get another ZERO fouls game. Charolette is somewhere, but they can't even find themselves. Atlanta will be the biggest task, but I'm sure somewhere in the Blazers mind they want some revenge.

With road trips going this way, where the Blazers have garbage time early in the 4th, on the road, and this early in the season - than this team could easily become a threat on the road.

Right now I don't care for the score - just watching Greg playing the way he has been is so much fun. Really makes up for the frustrating start of this season.

Go Blazers!; 10:38 PM
Shem said...: Mike, after hearing your analysis against the "M" teams, I was ready for you to say, "We're now off to the next letter of the alphabet when we play in New Orleans Friday night." Oh well! :D

My hope was for the Blazers to have at least a 3-2 road trip and we're off to a great start. Hopefully how we'll get better than at. At least a 4-1 overall trip is now my hope! :D; 10:40 PM
mrblazer said...: Can't even say how excited i am in what i'm seeing from Oden. We've all known the potential. It's just nice to finally see some of the things for which we've been waiting an awefully long time.

I love the way Rudy plays the game. I always have. I knew there was much more to Rudy's game than what we saw, last year. Rudy needed to learn and get acclimated to the NBA. Now, Nate is kind of letting him go.

I gave Nate a hard time for his performance vs. Atlanta. I believe it was deserved. However, i'm impressed that Nate is letting these guys play and not trying to control everything from the sidelines. We knew the day would come when he would need to do so. Champions don't have their coach dictate their every move.

My apologies, but i'm not going to get out of here without throwing out a bit of criticism. Outlaw just drives me crazy. He finally put in a good shift. Followed it up with a terrible one. He had zero rebounds, tonight. At this stage of his career, that should be surprising. It didn't make me blink.

Martell looks a little rusty. However, you can always expect defensive rebounding and effort on defense (even if mistakes are made). The only thing you can truly count on with Travis is that he will jack up plenty of shots and play wildly inconsistent.

I hope as the season goes on and the rotation tightens up, Travis loses most of his minutes in favor of Rudy and Webster. The kind of team we're looking to become just doesn't have 25 minutes a game to roll the dice with. Everybody should able to be counted on for something at this level.; 11:05 PM
hg said...: Mike thanks for the early post. Don’t have to wait for early hours of the morning. great game and great post:

All the cities starting with M, I know you were a stats nut, or are you going to tell me this is in your job description.

Oden is becoming a beast. The team is going crazy and my head is spinning big time; we are tied with Denver in division and sixth in the Northwest. Not bad for the fear and the doubters at the beginning of the season.

I hope the naysayers and the Greg is a bust poster has the guts to say they are mistaken with a little sincerity. The team is for real and so is Oden. I know they will say well we haven’t played anybody great yet. All teams in the NBA can play great, and you can’t play THE WIN LOSS RECORD. Just wait until Friday night. I am not guaranteeing a win, I am guaranteeing a hard fought game and that is what makes the Blazers for real is the determination and no quit or no nonsense game.

hg; 12:21 AM
DowntownVinnie said...: Another fine post,Mike.Blazers look good.Every night its somebody different,it seems like. The balanced scoring is what is crazy.last night 5 players in double figures and two with nine. How can you stop us when we have so many weapons?LMA has looked dominant both games.He owned Zach(not that zach ever played D).Last night he looked even better.He has been rebounding like he should.Which makes us with GO and ,Joel,a rebound gobblin machine. Watching games got fun again in a hurry. .GO with his second Walton like pass against Memphis.He has played against two formidable big men and played two of his best games.I'm proud of the big guy.He actually got TRIPLE teamed last night.Thats respect,baby.He has become a game changer on both ends.It was cool to see him and LMA runnin the fast break,which led to an Oden Jam.He ran back up the floor with a big grin on his face .Not to mention last night -ONE FOUL .He is brimming with offensive confidence. Look out NBA, this is the new and improved GO . I have never seen so many highlights in two games.The last game Rudy was spectacular. He ran the team with machine -like precision.4 assists off the bench in both games. I know a lot of posters want him to start.But,he is so valuable to this second unit with his multi-skill set.He definitely helps JBay by running the show.Then last night he got his shot going.Rudy and Martell are just playin great together,both contributing.As amatter of fact Last night they played most of the 4th and the starters rested .Same thing in the Memphis game.Through the third intothe 4th ,the second unit actually out played the 1st unit. Once again the three guard lineup rocks.Dre-10 dimes,Blake-5,Roy-5.The unselfishness of this team is incredible .I guess considering Sarge is coaching its not so much of a suprise. The D from both units has just been superb,closin out on shooters,switching,perimeter d,And with the two big men and Trav and Martell,its like a block party inside.Rudys D has improved,I'm noticing he's workin harder than last year. With all the Blazer talent,I don't want to leave out Travis Outlaw. His monster jam in Rudy Gays face was insane.He has stepped up his d,shot selection.rebounding,and all the other intangibles that make good NBA players . I think the thre guard thing benefited the whole team. Its been like a shot in the arm.I also have this theory that Steve is the link that allows BRoy and Dre to play together .Maybe thats why it is working so well.Is it just me or does Blake hit the most timely shots when we need them.Even if he's been cold all night.I could get used to 30 assist nights,YEAHHHHHH!; 8:24 AM
hg said...: MGB:
I have to agree with you completely on that. they are a scary good tandem. I had just stated on Blazer talk that if they can stay out of foul trouble, the twin towers can be re-instated, but then I realized that GODen (new nickname by storiestold) and LMA are a pretty good twin tower set.

hg; 8:24 AM
hg said...: mrblazer:

Joel won't let Travis get the rebounds. Joel is a rebound hog and should be ashamed {:>).

It takes all types and all kinds of players to make up a team or make up the NBA for that matter. Wouldn't it be dull to have all the players’ categorized into one type to fit our fantasies?

Travis is not everything that is needed in a BB player, but I don’t know anybody that is. Do you? To me that is what makes him special and good. He does not go out and pull out the list that mrblazer wrote up as do’s and don’ts. He plays his game which appears to be in reckless abandon, but wins many of the games for us because he is not afraid to play his game. Stereotyping is common in sports, but you won’t call Travis, Mr. Robot.

hg; 8:37 AM
MN Blazer Fan said...: When Greg spike-blocked that shot by Flynn like a volleyball, I yelled so loud that my wife jumped. =) The fast break was great too, but lucky that Greg happened to be there as Andre snagged the ball ... still fun to watch though!

The Blazer shots looked so smooth in comparison to the T'Wolves, especially in the second half when the 3-pointers were flowing. I got a sense of time slowing as I watched each shot in process. That's the sign of a focused shooter with the right mechanics.

Except for some ragged (but not surprising) play from Travis that kept my head shaking, the team was really solid. I loved the energy Rudy and Martell brought on the defensive end.

Go Blazers!; 9:02 AM
baddawg said...: I, too, have got to give props to Nate. It is not just because of his decision to go to the 3 guard line-up, but that is part of it. It has more to do with him being less stringient on his substituion pattern and being a seemingly better "in-game" coach. Admittedly, having 3 guards in the line-up to start the game has turned his conventional substitution pattern on it's head a bit, but Sarge deserves credit.

At one point, with both 'Dre and Blake on the floor, Miller was running the point, the Blazers had two consecutive horrible possessions, and it looked liked the offense was starting to stagnate. The next time up court, 'Dre had the ball, and Sarge called for him to get the ball to Blake, who then initiated the offense for an easy score. It's nice to have such options. (Oh, and Vinnie, step down from the ledge. I wasn't saying Blake is better than Andre.)

I also like that Nate let GO go for close to 10 minutes of run to start both halves of the game. Last year, if GO hadn't already been in foul trouble, Coach would have surely had him out of there by then.

This year's team is Nate's truest test of his abilities as a head coach in the NBA. Managing all this talent and adapting to the changes of the off season is harder than it sounds. I give him a "B" for his effort thus far. Keep it up!

RIPCITY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!; 9:18 AM
hg said...: Vinnie buddy:

I do not criticize writing skills often and I don't criticize spelling, but because I enjoy your post very much. I am asking you to put in a couple of paragraphs or change of topic marker. I keep losing the flow of what you are trying to tell me.

Sorry to be critical, but you know me.

hg; 9:58 AM
hg said...: Vinnie:

Look at the bright side, I agree with your summary of the games and 3 guard line-up. Except, and you know I always have an except.

You are arguing against putting Rudy in the starting line-up because of his value to the second team. All last summer I was arguing with you not to put Dre in the starting line-up because of his value for the second unit. Now, I need an explanation. What is the difference?

peace

hg; 10:04 AM
fanman said...: The three guard line-up of Roy, Blake, and Miller offers lots of vision, flexibility, cohesion, ball control, and shared point making. We rely on the substitution or mixture of our other guards to create more speed or different looks. They are very talented and are often able to score, or find ways to score, especially when we need to wear down the opponent. They have a HUGE responsibility. It is important that they take care of the ball in their enthusiasm to excel.
You can't say enough about Greg and Joel. We are looking more to them to contribute in big ways. Their growth has been very evident.
Our depth and willingness to share are important keys to winning games. The games are fun to watch, and you can tell that the team is able to enjoy the fruits of their labor.; 10:24 AM
J said...: Your article mentions going to "Charlotte" to face the Hornets. Actually, it's against the New Orleans Hornets, since I make that mistake all the time. Silly teams who switch cities on us...

It's so nice to have your blog to look forward to after each blazer game. Keep up the great work. Love the random statistics. Can't wait to see if the 'M' winning streak will continue next Saturday.; 10:50 AM
J said...: Oop... disregard that last comment about Charlotte. I'm just getting myself all mixed up. :-P; 10:51 AM
ripcityrudy said...: One aspect of the three guard line up is that finally Bayless is getting some PT and making the best of it. I really worried he'd be forgotten when we got Dre but Nate pulled one out of the hat with this rotation.

Also love getting to make all the Oden's a bust naysayers eat crow. Keep it up Greg!; 10:53 AM
ripcityrudy said...: Also just read that the Hornets just fired Byron Scott. Should make for an interesting game as a team in that situation will sometimes be more motivated.; 10:55 AM
hg said...: I am sure everybody already knew this but, the Saturday game vs the Bobcats. and the Nov.23 game vs Chicago is televised on NBA-TV. That gives me two more games to watch unless Comcast has the right to block them also. They didn't last year.

hg; 11:40 AM
Travis said...: some thoughts:

do we have any concerns that brandon is going to get worn out having to carry the team!?! we legitimately have 5 players that can bring the ball down court and get things started. AND, coach is starting to develop new offensive sets that give brandon the ball without having to go 1on4or5. AWESOME! and, in a pinch, greg can bring it downcourt!

addition by shaqtraction in phoenix
46-36 in '08-'09
8-1 so far in '09-'10

it will be great to see how we play out this trip. the hawks game should be a good test at the end.

the nuggets showed their age and lack of depth dropping one to the bucks. they probably just couldn't handle the second night of a back-to-back against a bunch of young guys.; 12:30 PM
hg said...: Travis:

I think they were fortunate to get by the young Bulls the night before.

With Greg we have a four guard line-up. {:>).

I don't think we will have any let down as the first two were the easiest. If we had played Atlanta and the Bobcats first, then they might have let down. Of course they could very easily over-look NOH thinking that NOH might be in a state of frantic after losing their coach. But that would not be wise.

hg; 12:58 PM
CRISPYDOGG said...: Great game once again; 1:37 PM
MGB said...: hg,

How about Odenator?

I agree and was just about to post the same thing, I like reading Vinnie's posts, but wish he'd throw a few paragraphs in there to make his post a lot easier to read.

Glad you are going to be able to watch the game Saturday. It's been so sweet being able to watch every game this year! I've been in heaven and wish every Blazers fan could be too. My wife is a Blazers fan too, but mainly goes to games for me, so she hasn't been quite as happy. Last nite she said they are having a game on every nite!! I told her no, they are playing 4 in 5 nites and she said that's the same thing! :); 1:40 PM
CRISPYDOGG said...: Im happy GO is finally showing why he was the number one pick! he is going to be one of the most dominant centers.. and is already showing signs that he can stay outta foul trouble

lets finish the road trip 5-0; 1:41 PM
Herr said...: Sorry to go offtopic here, but with the new fan voice I can't talk there. Hornets, in my opinion, are going downhill. Firing Byron Scott after 9 games in the season is just horrible. He was a great coach, it's just the team that has problems working with each other.

After watching the Blazer game I started watching the Phoenix game. 75 points in the first half? 90% of their shots were uncontested and too easy. The Hornets weren't communicating on defense, and hardly any offense. If there was a battle against Paul and Nash, Nash basically wiped the floor clean.

I think it was a mistake firing their coach, who's been with them for like 6 years? Just like firing Terry Porter for the Suns was a big mistake. Only reason they are doing good is because Nash is leading the team and realized how much of an embarrassment last season was.

Anyways, I'm anxious to see this upcoming game. I say Blazers win by 30, but that could be just me a bit ticked off that Byron Scott, who did a good job in New Orleans, was fired.; 1:52 PM
Kelsey Rose said...: where has Rebecca Haarlow been?; 2:44 PM
whitefeather said...: Blazers are doing well and I am very proud and keep up the good work. Only 2 issues I see right now. ROY ROY ROY...did we forget about him..hes not getting as many touches as he used to and hes not getting to the line like he alwas used to..Roy is usually 24-26-30 points type of guy..last 3 games 2-20-14...ok numbers for most players but not this FRANCHISE player..Im super happy about everything else about the team..and love it that Brandon is getting his team mates involved cause we need that to ultimatly WIN!..But the ball needs to find Roy more and also some more pick n roll for Aldridge his numbers are down from previous seasons too. Oden......keep up the goodwork big fella! :) GO BLAZERS!; 3:16 PM
blzrfn1 said...: MrBlazer...
remember that Travis always starts the season slow, and he is actually ahead of what we normally see this early in the season from him. :)
Think about how good this team is going to be by February !!

My only question now, why didn't Howard get any time last night?

Go Blazers !!!!; 3:41 PM
OUTLAW FAN25 said...: Ok so heres the deal Oden has had a few good games this year including a great second half on tim duncan but you can not call the oden haters wrong yet seeing as we are only 9 games into an 82 game season.

I am an Oden hater i will admit that but if he averaged 10ppg
, 10rpg and 2.5bpg i would be more than satisfied and i think a lot of other people would to but also is that really #1 pick material? (and yes i am including the defense the shots changed and what not). But if you are not the best player out of your draft class i dont think you can say he is a legit #1 because kevin Durant was and is the best player in that draft and Al horford and Joakim Noah were both in that class also and they are both better than oden right now on offense and at least equal on D and thats all i am gonna say right now and hey 4 years down the road if i am wrong i will be the first to admit it.; 4:20 PM
hg said...: Odenater is fine with me. I have been calling him Greg because he was asked what he preferred and he said Greg. and since he may be our new enforcer, I figured he could back that up.

I don't know if I even checked NBA-TV last month, I may have already missed some games I could have watched. Not likely after only 9 and I have got to watch 3

I am so glad that I didn't know what I was talking about when I said no, no, no, keep Andre in the second unit. That is what I get for getting my knowledge of the game from the posters. Everybody said he had to have the ball in his hands to be effective. He is most effective after he passes the ball because he knows where to pass and where to go after he passes. Being a floor general is his strength an being a floor general is not BRoy's strength. That is because if there is a job to be done it is easier for him to do it himself rather then get someone else. I know, because I have always been the same way. That is not the way to run a team.

Oh Well I am glad all of you and mainly Nate is smarter then me.

hg; 4:29 PM
DowntownVinnie said...: hg......I'm sorry all my thoughts run together .I try to make paragraphs ,but when I post ,It doesn't come out that way.I'm not that great on the keyboard,any help?; 5:19 PM
DowntownVinnie said...: hg.you and your damn excepts.Sorry ,it took me a minute ,I had to come down from a ledge!The difference.Why do you make me think so hard .It hurts my damn head.The difference is now we have results to compare.This summer it was just conjecture.Have Phi Slamma tell you what that one means .(Just kidding ,I don't want to wake Gollum).Anyways other than that there is no difference,Ok,bro.; 5:28 PM
DowntownVinnie said...: hg...greg ,four guard offense....SWEEEEEEEEEET,I don't always give you props for your sense of humour, cause I wasn't sure you had one at first!; 5:33 PM
DowntownVinnie said...: MGB.....thanx for the props.I tried to put that into paragraph form .It didn't come out that way.What am I doing wrong. I am keyboard challenged.Any help?; 5:36 PM
Christopher said...: This my first ever post, so a few things I need to say.

#1: Mike, I absolutely love listening to you guys during the game. You guys do a fantastic job.

#2 I also love reading these posts after each game. You give us an insight to the game not usually seen, expecially with all the travelling you do with the team.

So now to last night's game. One of the most interesting thing I have noticed is the minutes the players are getting. During this current streak, not including the Spurs game, nobody on the blazers has played more than 27 minutes in last 3 games. That is less than half a game for any player! Now take into account that 2 of those games were back to back, and you can see how those type of minutes have such an impact. Where previously Roy and LA are in for 35-40 minutes, they are getting so much more rest to be able to come out and push it the next night. This team is so deep and versatile it is scary. I see the team just now beginning to gel and the possibilities are endless.

Thanks again MB for work during the game and on the blog. It really keeps me excited for the next game. Here's to a win in N.O.

GO BLAZERS!; 5:47 PM
don said...: It's great to see the team coming together after a tough preseason and first few games for real.

Lots of credit to Nate for changing his system to accommodate the players he has! Not many coaches out there can or will do this. Now, Nate has a PG he trusts to call plays and is allowing the team to take advantage of what they see on the court rather than calling so many plays from the bench. This results in much smoother and more instinctive play on the court. And, oh, those fast break points!

Miller has always sliced us up before, now he can slice and dice opponents for us :-)

BRoy's stats will suffer some, but I think he'll gladly trade some stats for a shot a the gold ring.; 6:44 PM
DowntownVinnie said...: OUTLAWFAN25...........Is your pourpose to be like Kendrick on O LIVE.First of all, Odens Stats arePPG-10.1,Rpg-8.70,BPG-2.2 pretty close ,so maybe your next post might be a happier one.Or maybe not.I am choosing to see all the positives about Greg Oden,of which there are many. Your vision is somewhat more clouded than mine,apparently.But you are entitled to your opinion,according to the rights of free speech and such.Thats about it,though.; 6:46 PM
Dai Ichi said...: We die hard blazer fans took a trip to the big easy just to cheer the blazers on! See you guys on Friday night, goooooo blazers!!! Look for the 'swat the hornets' sign in section 108.; 8:37 PM
mrblazer said...: blzrfn1,

The best thing about Travis, for me, is that he is always available. I guess he can be counted on for that. He doesn't get injured. I also like his explosiveness when he decides to bring it.

As you say, he is a slow starter. However, that's usually because he's rusty from playing video games all summer. This summer, he decided to work on his REAL game istead of his virtual one and came to camp in shape. Like he said in his tweet, this is his contract year, and he's looking to get paid. So, i'm not surprised he isn't quite as awful to begin the season as usual.

Hope you're good, btw...we should get together before a game, sometime.

hg,

Ok, travis isn't a robot....that means he deserves 25 minutes a game? I enjoy your enthusiasm and unrelenting optimism, hg. It's refreshing. It truly is with salty guys like myself around. However, outlaw will either get it together as the season progresses, as blzrfn1 believes, or he will run out of time to procure some consistency.

If your point is that he marches to the beat of his own drum, that's fantastic. Perhaps he can turn an empty 5 gallon bucket upside down and play it between his legs as he cheers from the bench. I'm not asking for a Brandon Roy clone (although that would be nice).

Nope, just asking for a rebound or two. The fact is many nights from my couch or seat at the RG, I get as many rebounds as Travis. Only, i do it with fewer TOs, better shot selection, and more effort on defense.

All kidding aside, i'm just saying Travis better get it together on a more consistent basis, or i believe his minutes will diminish in favor of guys who do.; 10:58 PM
Travis said...: oh, how i'd love to see us alone at the top of the northwest division at the end of friday night. i'll be at work trying to catch bits of the game on the radio and tv.

GO BLAZERS!!!; 12:28 AM
G-Pa said...: Hey MB: great stuff - see ya in Atlanta!; 3:13 AM
hg said...: @OUTLAW25:Ok so heres the deal Oden has had a few good games this year including a great second half on tim duncan but you can not call the oden haters wrong yet seeing as we are only 9 games into an 82 game season.

I am an Oden hater

OUTLAW FAN25:

So here is the deal, I hate you. Travis the Poster, MGB, Fivehundreddogs, Downtownvinnie; are much better posters then you. They are understandable, have tolerance and patient. They are not perfect but at this time much better then you, , therefore I hate you. Now down the road a piece if you muster up to them I will quit hating you and will be the first to admit I am wrong by hating you

Have a good day

hg; 6:25 AM
DowntownVinnie said...: Here's a nice piece on BRoy. http://columbian.com/article/20091112/BLOGS05/911129994/-1/blazerbanter; 7:09 AM
DowntownVinnie said...: MGB............In my random spewing ,I also forgot Joel.

So many players so little time.

Yes, Joel is a horse.He could start for a lot of teams.Its nice when Greg goes out,because I know defensively and rebounding wise,we won't miss a beat.

I set this up for paragraphs.See if it works,Toodles.Time to load the riding mower and the blower and slog out into the rain.As the leaves fall like little dollar bills!; 7:20 AM
hg said...: That I have to agree with. I am not blinded to Travis's downfalls, nor do I think he should get a free ride. All I really feel, is if he has to sit or be traded for the betterment of the team then so be it. But, not because he does not stack up to somebody Else's standards.Anybody we put on the floor has their upside and downside, The coach just has to weigh the difference.

You get more rebounds because you are not up against Joel the rebound monster LOL.

hg; 7:34 AM
DowntownVinnie said...: How can anybody who has even half a heart hate Greg Oden? I just don't get it.Thanx hg for being the defender of justice.You remind me of Sam the eagle From the Muppets.Search wikipedia if you don't know who that is. I think you might find striking similarities between the two of you.Keep fightin the good fight,bro!!!!!!!

BLAZERSROCK; 7:38 AM
hg said...: Vinnie:

After you type one thought end it with a period. not space and period .that is confusing. but when you want to start a new thought or new paragraph just hit the enter button twice. for a break between paragraphs or once if you want to tighten up the space.
see how it works this way

this is the way to do it if you want a break between two paragraphs.

You do pretty good except right after a game. Then like most of us the excitement of your brain goes faster then your fingers can type.

Peace buddy

hg; 7:46 AM
hg said...: Careful Vinnie, I put up with you don't I? That is humorous. But, I can't take credit for the four guard offense, which was supposedly Greg's reply to an Oregonian interview. I didn't hear the interview, but it must have been hilarious.

hg; 7:51 AM
hg said...: While I am on the Vinnie subject, if you have Microsoft words in Office or works you can go to tools and check the grammar and spell check and it will give you many hints on how to construct a sentence. Just copy and paste your post or write it there and copy and paste back to the blog sight. That is what I most generally do.

This is what your post looks like after it has been checked.
hg......I'm sorry all my thoughts run together. I try to make paragraphs, but when I post, it doesn't come out that way. I’m not that great on the keyboard, any help?

This is what it looked like before it was edited:
hg......I'm sorry all my thoughts run together .I try to make paragraphs ,but when I post ,It doesn't come out that way.I'm not that great on the keyboard,any help?

last of grammar lesson's

hg; 8:06 AM
hg said...: Vinnie: That post to MGB was much better to read. I do know what conjecture means. Also in words, you can Highlight it right hand click on the word and either look up or find synonyms.

OK, I was just wondering why Rudy needs to be on the 2nd unit and Dre on the first. It is obvious to see why Dre is needed on the first unit, but I am not sure about Rudy. Of course I think it would work either way with Rudy and Steve. Remember I feel Steve has more upside then he is credited for.

Any way you slice it, with Greg getting it going, with Nate making up new plays for BRoy and me finding out that Andre’s strength is being a floor general and not having the ball in his hands, Steve’s outside shooting and ball handling along with Dre’s, so the defense can’t double or trap one because we have three guys that can bring the ball down the court and set up the offense. Not to forget alley-oop and hitting cutters. We have a good offense.

hg; 8:27 AM
baddawg said...: The Outlawfan25s and Tim Leglers of the world are a dime a dozen. They are just two of the countless number of people out there that have no clue what they're talking about.

There wasn't anybody out there at the time of the draft that would have taken Durant ahead of Oden. Greg suffers a brutal injury his rookie year and now he's a bust? Really? C'mon, pull your head out.

Durant will continually put up his 26 a game, not play a lick of defense, and never win anything. Can you say Glen Rice? In fact, 5 years from now, when GO is working on his third ring, there will be Durant, still trying to get his team into the playoffs. Then, at the end of his career, he will whore himself out to whatever team needs a hired gun and he still won't get it done.

Tim Legler actually said the other day that Marc Gasol would have a better career than GO. Marc frickin' Gasol? How Legler even has a job as an NBA analyst is beyond me. It must be a pretty good gig. All you have to do is take a quick scan of the internet and you apparently have all the info needed to form your "expert" opinion.

What Outlawfan25 and Legs don't realize is how good GO already is and how close he is to pulling it all together. When he does, he and the Blazers are going to run roughshod all over this league, and if you look closely you'll see Durant standing off in the distance sobbing, because he wasn't picked by this team.

RIPCITY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!; 8:58 AM
hg said...: MGB:

Somebody suggested GO52 or G52. I could go with that since I am a lazy typer.

hg; 9:05 AM
blzrfn1 said...: Yes Mr Blazer, we should go to a playoff game this season !
We should have a lot to talk about by then.
email me.....; 12:13 PM
fatkid said...: Mr. Blazer...

How old are you because you sound like an 84 year old grumpy old man.

Travis Outlaw is a huge part of the team. It would be a sad day for blazernation if Travis were to leave. You don't get the nickname Mr. 4th quarter without doing a lot of things right. Did Travis not respond to a fan mail letter from you or something? Not many teams have a backup that can come in and do the things Travis brings to the table. It's sad how little Travis is appreciated by many on these blogs. One more thing to get off my chest (sorry, now I sound like a grumpy old man). Who are these fools that keep calling Nate McMillan a bad coach. Are you kidding me. He is one of the best up and coming coaches on the planet. Listen to what other legendary coaches have to say about him. When I read these types of comments, it makes me think that Portland fans are ignorant (try thinking before you post something foolish and emotional).

Anyways... Oden is closing the gap on Durant very quickly. If this pace continues he may be considered a better player by the end of next year.

Looking forward to watching Portland beat down NO tonight.; 1:07 PM
Reese said...: Just Wanted to say to all the oden haters.... durant and noah and hoford and all the guys from that draft class with oden r not guys u build a team around. they will be pieces of other guys puzzles. oden will be a franchize player. forwards are a dime a dozen a dominant center is hard to find. im ouy....; 1:36 PM
DowntownVinnie said...: hg....thanx for the lesson .'preciate it.wife gave me the 'enter clue last night,but thanx again.Do you know who 'Sam the Eagle' is on the Muppets?

Yes not only do I get frenetic after games,but in general ,I think way faster than can type.

As a rule I don't use spell check cause I was school spelling champ as a kid.

My big moment!Downhill ever since.; 3:21 PM
fathom said...: Hey there MB,

Thanks for keeping the Blazer faithful posted.I don't know if anyone has commented on this but I think it's good PR for our man Brandon. Paste this to your browser:

http://blog.us.playstation.com/2009/10/portland-fans-go-crazy-for-brandon-roy-at-the-nba-10-the-inside-launch-event/

Anyways, just popping in to say Go Blazers and I am hoping ever so realistically to A: go 5-1 on our road trip or B: 6-0 AND also just from my own observations, I feel that each of these teams deserves to get beat by Portland simply because they are statement games (although all of them are in a way) based on what happened last year and this year vs. the Hawks. In a perfect world I guess...Wait a minute! The Blazers are pretty darn good. Greg Oden, you rock...

cheers,

fathom; 3:31 PM
fathom said...: I am really happy with the team and i know it's still early but I believe that Rip City is starting to come into form now. Also about my last comment, I am not trying to overlook New Orleans. They are a hurting and struggling franchise with a lot of talent and a lot to play for. Also, I feel bad for Coach Byron Scott and it was not right for all the blame to fall on his shoulders. They way our team is playing though, I would not find it overly optimistic to say we could walk away with a 'W' on their homecourt tonight. This year has been so refreshing and fun so far...Go Blazers

fathom; 3:37 PM
OUTLAW FAN25 said...: Baddawg:

It was actually a debate to who they said would go #1, but we needed a center more so thats who we took. A lot of people said Durant was the best player in that draft which he was but they said Oden was gonna be a dominate force inside which he really wasnt in college and we new it was gonna be a project for the future and also Oden was lucky to go to an organization that actually cares and has had sucess in the past. Durant is stuck in OKC and that team had nobody but him and Jeff Green as rookies and Durant was the best player on that team also Lebron doesnt have a championship yet is his carrer gonna be what you say about durant? and Marc Gasol is actually stuck in the same circumstance as Durant but worse in memphis.

hg:

you cant hate me for statin the facts just because you dont like to hear it. The truth hurts sometimes, and once again you have not disproven what i have said.

and somebody said my vision was clouded when i must be the only one that can see Odens terrible corridnation.; 8:18 PM
phi slamma said...: After taking a mild hiatus, I can see that things have gotten totally out of hand. Vinnie: The fact that you even know who "Sam the Eagle" from the muppets is, is disturbing, surely you know that? Oh, may I call you Shirley?
Fatkid: I have no doubt that you are both immature and overweight, as your username suggests. I agree that at one point in his career, Travis was called "Mr. 4th Quarter". This was a generous title, as it could have been said that his first three quarters sucked ass. Travis' shot selection is about as erratic as my heart beat after a two-day twinkie binge. So you think that Portland fans need to think before they speak do you? Is that cucumber you hide under your pillow a sex toy or a midnight snack. I suspect, both. Stop supersizing at Mickey D's and post a meaningful idea. Just sayin.; 8:22 PM
Andrew Baertlein said...: Great team effort tonight. They needed it with the shooting struggles we have witnessed over the course of this short season so far. Impressive numbers from bayless again. He is slowly working his way up the totem poll. 3 Pg's will not work. There should be a trade this year I think to aquire a low post that will go to the rim for some and 1's I like a guy like Jason Maxiel. Either we do that or play Cunningham more.; 12:16 AM
DowntownVinnie said...: AHHHHHH......Phi comes back ,just like Dre,the grizzled Veteran,comes back in mid season form.Like Gollum from a long sleep.; 9:49 AM
DowntownVinnie said...: Hey Phi Slammarama.....What do you think about the three guard lineup and all the newfound Blazer hype?Give me the good, bad and the ugly.; 10:14 AM
hg said...: Vinnie:

I looked up "Sam the Eagle". I am not a censurer (condemnation of your article), I am an Editor (text corrector of your article). Actually, I recently tutored college student’s essays for grammar and sentence structure. I merely copied and pasted the essay’s in words, corrected it for spelling, sentence fragments and essay construction. I got paid $15.00 an hr and smiled all the way to the bank.

I wasn’t speaking of your spelling, it still isn’t that bad, if it is written where I can figure out the usage I have not a problem with that. In fact, it is lots easier then some of the abbreviations I run into. I don’t worry about your sentence structure either. I believe everybody in the world including me uses fragmentized sentencing including and mainly me. In short I am not a critic, just was having trouble keeping up with your train of thoughts. Nevertheless you learned something new as you want BRoy to do and you will find that it takes lots of concentration and practice. Gottcha!!!!

I hope you can think faster then you can type. One word per minute in thought is pretty slow or you can have my problem that I can type faster then I think and have the same results LOL!!!!!!

hg; 10:15 AM
hg said...: Phi Slamma on your comment to Fatkid:

In last night’s game, how can anybody pick on Travis lack of Offensive BBIQ when the whole team was guilty of playing with their heads in the N.O. sand? No body could hit a shot and everybody was saying will somebody please step up and start shooting. Now, if those shots would have gone in the basket, what would the post be?
• “TO’s flamboyant offense win’s another game”. I guess that wouldn’t be.
• Maybe “Regardless of how rotten TO is, he slopped in a couple of shots and gave us a commanding edge over a otherwise sloppy game”.
• Maybe to the real TO naysayers, It would be “To bad Travis made those shots, now the coaches might want to keep him and I want him gone”
Just saying LOL.

hg; 10:32 AM
hg said...: OUTLAW FAN25 says:
"I am an Oden hater i will admit that but if he averaged 10ppg
, 10rpg and 2.5bpg i would be more than satisfied and i think a lot of other people would to but also is that really #1 pick material? (and yes i am including the defense the shots changed and what not). But if you are not the best player out of your draft class i dont think you can say he is a legit #1 because kevin Durant was and is the best player in that draft and Al horford and Joakim Noah were both in that class also and they are both better than oden right now on offense and at least equal on D and thats all i am gonna say right now and hey 4 years down the road if i am wrong i will be the first to admit it."

hg says:
I could care less what your assessment of Greg is, I was just commenting on your statement of reasons for hating. If you think Portland made a mistake then join a big crowd. But hating Oden for not being what you think he should be or because he is not the best specimen in the world is pretty narrow. Therefore in my book you are much less of a specimen than most posters so therefore I hate you.

Don’t you think that is silly since I don’t know you?

hg; 10:50 AM
phi slamma said...: Vinnie and HG: I'm now going to start addressing you two as a couple, in one swoop of the keyboard. You know Vince, I like the 3-guard lineup. I don't think anyone can argue with the results. At first I thought our rebounding would suffer, but that hasn't been the case. I think that this solution allowed Andre to soothe his ego about starting, while simultaneously not demoting Blake. Hg, you have always been a big supporter of Travis and Greg, and a fierce defender of all that is blazer. I use to throw some digs about Oden, but you'll notice I haven't done that this year. Greg has done a very nice job out there. Now Travis, picking on him is like shooting catfish in a barrel. I can no longer say that he is inconsistent. I can count on him to be unpredictable every game, therefore the most consistent player on the team. I'll back off him for awhile as a personal favor to you. Take care.; 11:34 AM
hg said...: Phi Slamma:

I was not feeling you were unjust to Travis on his selective shooting and inconsistency. I feel the same way. I was just commenting on last night’s game. Other posters from other sights were slamming Travis for his bad play including his travelling. I just thought it was unfair to attack his game without mentioning the rest of the team's downfalls.

I have no problems with your feelings toward Travis. I am not blinded to his faults. I try to accept them because he is a Blazer, plus I can see the fault of most other players. Any fool (not pertaining to you) can see fault in anybody they encounter, except me of course {:>). But the real test is finding good in the person that has many faults. It is true as a BB player you have to look harder for Travis’s good then to say BRoy’s. I look at the good, the bad and the ugly(Vinnie) in everybody. IMO, Travis has many upsides that can benefit the team.

If Trading Travis or benching Travis is for the betterment of the team then I would go for it. To braw beat him for having a low BBIq and wanting him off the team for that reason is what upsets me.

You are alright; I enjoy your intelligentsia even if I am not wise enough to enjoy it at times.

hg; 11:57 AM
fivehundreddogs said...: Don't blame ya for not posting a blog on last night's game: that was uuuugly.

So I guess the point guards of the league better watch themselves. First Parker, now CP3. I'm calling this three guard lineup The Headhunters! Bibby, you might want to take it easy on Monday...; 12:30 PM
fatkid said...: Phi Slamma-

First of all, that was a funny post(I used fatkid because I have a sense of humor, not because I'm fat sherlock). Second of all you have a valid point even if you are a sick and twisted dirty old man. I was wrong to address "portland fans" as a whole. I should have been more specific about fools like you and your boyfriend Mr. Blazer (Mr. Blazer, I appologize in advance for this below the belt comment).

Good ugly win last night. I guess we should trade the entire team after that one, right Phi?

Here's to hoping the Blazers can keep it rolling!

-Dave (I'll use my real name so Phi Slamma will stop having fantasies about a little fat defenseless kid.); 12:54 PM
hg said...: fivehundreddogs: you may be on to something. Tonight might be a challenge to keep Wallace in tact. Do you think we can corral him as well?

hg; 12:58 PM
fathom said...: Travis could be T-Mac if he had the ego and the FG attempts and he is a glue guy on this roster much like Martell and Rudy. I believe, at least at this point we need all of these diversified styles on our team because it makes us less predictable to other teams. Travis is having a good season too so I have to stand up for him. Basketball IQ, come on please...all he has to do in most cases is rise up and shoot over his man, drop a trey, crash the glass for a dunk or tip in, or slash and drive through the lane. I am really seeing his maturity this season and like him as a player more then ever. Plus he's got all the talent and none of the ego like GO, LA and BR.

That's just what I see. Correction: this is a 5 game trip not a 6 game, to correct my above posts.

Go Blazers; 1:43 PM
fivehundreddogs said...: Oh boy! Like Phi Slamma, I had taken a few days off from following the thread and just caught up on all the action I missed. This is good stuff, people! Hg hates OUTLAW FAN25, mrblazer is getting crap from some dork named fatkid, and Phi Slamma himself continues to cut the fragile egos of the world to ribbons. Just priceless. I'll go ahead and weigh in just to keep the storm rolling.

OUTLAW FAN25... If I were to find my polar opposite on this site, it's you chum. You like Outlaw and hate Oden(BTW, MGB and Hg, my vote is still for Old Greg).

Personally, when I see Outlaw out on the floor, my blood pressure rises. I just know he's going to half ass everything and still get more minutes than Rudy, who full asses every minute he's in there. I can count on terrible shot selection, no rebounding, and him looking like overcooked spaghetti stuck to a wall whenever a pick comes along. All this from a guy that's been on the team for 6 years?

Then you look at Oden, who has shown more improvement in one summer than Outlaw has shown over his entire career, and you really need to wait 5 years to recognize that he is a quality center? Just because once upon a time you doubted his potential, does not mean that you must stick to it when all evidence is to the contrary. That's just being pig headed.

Alright! Who's next? fatkid, step right up.

That comment by mrblazer was my favorite that he's ever posted. He was honest about his criticism of Nate, but gave credit for his being inventive and starting the process of handing the reins over to the players, who are now ready for that responsibility. Mrblazer then went on to accurately sum up Travis' poor performance and express his opinions about where the team should go with his minutes.

Nowhere in his post was there any reason to get your knickers in a twist. Just because it sounds like an earthquake when you wear corduroys, you think you can come on here and vent your wheezing frustration about a sport your mom won't let you play cuz her "Widdle Chubby Wumpkins" might stub a chunky toe trying to grab a rebound. Think again, chorizo.

Whew! That's all I got.; 1:56 PM
Travis said...: i'm looking forward to us taking the division lead by our own doing tonight.

GO BLAZERS; 2:15 PM
DowntownVinnie said...: My comment about Sam the Eagle was referring to you fighting for justice on this site and fighting for what is right.Like SAM the EAGLE would.

It was not in reference to my grammer Lesson.

Spank Charlotte tonight,Blazers

DomiNATE; 2:39 PM
DowntownVinnie said...: Phi.........Yeah ,I thought rebounding might be an issue.,as well .One Reason is that Dre averages about 4 or 5 a game,So does Roy.That and LMA has stepped up in the rebounding department,big time.

Don't think anyone will call him soft anymore.; 2:44 PM
hg said...: Thank You Kindly sir:

We just got to go out and do our thing and keep our heads in the game, don't look ahead to Monday night and forget about Home cooking until Tuesday.

Just a small order

hg; 3:02 PM
fathom said...: Get well soon Trav. Like I said above, I am still impressed with your game this year and I pray for strong and swift recovery. It really shows that depth can go quick when a man that contributes like Travis goes down.

That scuffle against the Bobcats really displayed poor sportsmanship on their part. The Blazers were pulling away through execution, gritty play and excellent coaching. Charlotte was frustrated I understand but we were clearly the team in control, not the team trying to manipulate the refs, stop the clock and throw up quick make up buckets. But that is all behind us now. Stay healthy Blazers, you are playing great (as far as the 'W' column is concerned).

Once again a swift and strong recovery to Trav, Nic and Bayless.

Well, on to Atlanta. We are a better team IMO, the question is are we prepared and ready to take one down there on the road. It's not too overly optimistic for me to say we can but it's a loooong season.

I am proud as always to be a fan. Thank you Portland from 1-15 to coach, GM and the chair (ball boys included).

fathom; 8:06 PM
hg said...: fathom: I think we are building up momentum and confidence as we go. We now know that Atlanta has a hot team, We know we have a hot team. We just have to put it on the floor one more time on this road trip and hope for the best. They are doing great

I do not believe the team will be content with just the four. They will try hard for a full sweep. What do you think?

. We can welcome back the bandwagon supporters. but we know they will just leave again, therefore we can not count on them.

lets make it seven

hg; 10:19 PM

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Trip Off to a Good Start

posted: at 12:16 AM

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The Trail Blazers shocked us on Sunday with their sudden ability to run, gun, and push the tempo under just about any circumstance. Tuesday, in the first game of this road trip, they did an about face. Rather than attempt to run with a struggling team, who’d much rather run, the Blazers turned it into a half-court contest and frustrated the Memphis Grizzlies.

Memphis doesn’t defend, but they can score. They came into the game averaging 106 points per game. Portland simply decided to turn the screws defensively, control the tempo, and held them to just 79 points, in the 93-79 victory- the 8th-straight victory over the Grizzlies.

Brandon Roy, who was just 1 for 6 against Minnesota on Sunday, led the Blazers with 20 points, and also recorded 7 assists. He got plenty of help. LaMarcus Aldridge helped get the team off to a great start, and ended with 16 points, and 12 rebounds. Steve Blake was productive again in this new three-guard lineup, scoring 14 points and going 4 for 6 from behind the three-point line.

Perhaps the most impressive Blazer, however, was Greg Oden. He picked up two quick fouls in this game and played just 4 minutes in the first half (this game was tied at halftime). In the third, Oden went to work on Memphis. Not only did he start to score inside, but took over on defense, completely closing the middle. Oden had 14 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 blocked shots, just in the second half. It was another big step in the right direction for Greg.

Even though it’s more fun to watch a game like we saw on Sunday, which was like a track meet, it was impressive to see Portland successfully change the game plan to fit the opponent. Good teams are able to do that. And, yes, I think Sunday was the exception for this team and not the rule. They won’t push like that too often. In fact, I don’t think this second game against Minnesota will be much like the first one. But, who knows. Sunday was so surprising who’s to say they won’t try that again. It just probably won’t come on the road. Teams always run more at home.

I also don’t expect Wednesday’s game to be as easy as Sunday’s was against the Timberwolves. This team is desperate for a win, and is coming off a 46-point loss to Golden State. That followed their showing in Portland on Sunday. After something like that you either come out determined, or give up completely. I’ll give them the benefit of the doubt here.

I’m typing this as we’re flying to Minneapolis, watching Rice eat a bag of Cheetos, and drink a Dr. Pepper and Orange juice (not all at the same time, but close). It’s very impressive. I have to sit facing him, believe it or not. He also sits with these glasses way down on his nose and reads game notes from around the league and every three or four minutes shouts out various numbers, fact, and gives us opinions. No one answers.

We’re expected to arrive in the wee hours following the win in Memphis. But, flights always seem shorter after a victory. And, it’s actually like 60 degrees in Minnesota, and not -60 like it usually is.

25 Comments:

BRoyFTW said...: OMG, I am just catching the replay right now. When Oden went around Zach and dunked it my jaw hit the floor. The smile on my face was stuck for a full minute. Man, that was freaking amazing. Oden comes in and the whole team gets better.

Yet you check the Thunder boxscore and they are losing to the kings. No matter how many points Durant scores, his quick sand offense. The more he shoots the worse his team gets.

I've told people we made the right choice, and man are they eating crow. The haters have nothing to say now.

One thing I am loving is when a big guy fouls the Blazers have Miller, Webster, Blake trying to take the foul.

Yeah these are weak teams, but you can see it coming together. Lets destroy the T"Wolves.; 12:55 AM
Michael W. said...: Yeah well you are coming in early november, don't worry the next game out here will be in the negatives.

Can't wait to see the game tomorrow night, I have my blazers shirt in the wash now and tickets ready to go!; 1:01 AM
timbo said...: The Memphis mess was a good game, strategically, but not a really pleasant thing to watch. Still, a road win is a road win.

Travis usually does well in Memphis, but that was one of the worst games he's played in a year. That was an unpleasant surprise.

One down and four to go...; 1:09 AM
JCubed said...: I just want to say I'm happy to see the Blazers getting back on track. I can't wait to see them play some really good teams again and see what they can do there.

Also, it's really good to see a smile on GO's face. I'm very excited to see his improvements this year.

I'd like to make sure that everyone knows that we have 4 Blazers on the All-Star ballot (B-Roy, Dre, L-Train, and GO), and it would be REALLY cool to see as many of them make the team as possible. Get to voting!

I have a question that I'm hoping somebody can give me a good answer too. I'm wondering about the foul trouble our centers have been finding themselves in. I'm wondering if Greg (I say as if I know him) is still having the same kinds of issues he was having last season, or if it's something else. I'm confused because I don't remember Joel getting this many fouls either. Is it the officiating? A more erudite perspective on this would be very welcome.

Last comment is that I read somewhere that Rudy wasn't sure about his role on the team, especially with the recent development of the Blake-Miller-Roy thing. It also mentioned that he supposedly makes less here than he could in Spain. I don't know how valid it is to say that he's somewhat disgruntled, but if he is, if you could just let him know that the fans really appreciate him.

Anyhoo, vote on the All-Star ballot, and go Blazers!; 1:30 AM
G-Pa said...: Hey MB: nice 2 wins....; 3:08 AM
hg said...: Mike: Great update, I missed the second half because of my famous bowling, the first half was scary. but now much was happening.

I didn't get to hear Gregs explosion. Must have been exciting.

Thanks again for the update.

hg; 3:10 AM
aneebaba said...: Hey MB - Nice post of course as always. It was good to see GO attack from what I saw on the highlights on ESPN and NBA.com. Also, nice to know that we can shift gears and get results all the same. Wasn't too worried about B. Roy getting his during the game. I think LaMarcus should get or aim to get a double-double most games and that would be a good sign for any given game in terms of his contribution, even if the points are less than 20 in those cases.
Additionally, nice to see Blake back to his old self, if I can say that. If he's nailing those three's most of the time, we are in good shape.
You're right, we are going to have to play harder vs. Minn this time and this is where I'm interested in seeing this team improve, take care of both games in these home-and-away's, meaning not necessarily back-to-back games of course but just playing a team twice in close proximity time-wise.
Also, we HAVE to do the same vs. ATL, especially since we lost at home to them. That will be another test to see where we are in terms of resolve.; 5:20 AM
aneebaba said...: Oops, also weanted to say I was laughing at that imagery that you generated with that description of M Rice - hilarious! I can totally imagine him doing that! Bless him though, we'll take him any day of the week. He's been there throughout all the years, back when the Shonz was doing radio, so always found his voice to be comforting and glad he's still around in some capacity, even if not on the radio.; 5:23 AM
MN Blazer Fan said...: The second half of the game sure was more enjoyable to watch than the first half. I loves me some Oden playing time ... he is so fun to watch when things are rolling.

My wife and I will be at the Target Center tonight - I will stop by and say hello. Go Blazers!; 8:37 AM
msblazerfan said...: The comment about Mike Rice cracked me up, thanks Mike.

This is such a great time to be a Blazer fan, like many others I was not engaged when the roster was comprised of arrested adolescent pot smokers and dog fighters and even worse.

This team however from the very top to the bottom is a pleasure to root for.

I'm only sad that Ime wasn't picked up, but I guess one can't have everything.

Thanks Mike, you are a part of what makes being a fan so great.; 10:25 AM
Herr said...: Good game last night. Unfortunantely due to the shootings here in Tualatin it took 1 hour (when it normally takes 5 minutes) to get through town to my house, so I got home around 3 minues left of the 2nd quarter. The game made me nervous at that point, but than Greg led the team on defense. I beleive that Greg is one big factor of why we won this game, and will be the reason in a lot of upcoming games. It may have taken awhile for him to start, but better have an explosive center with a young, talent and smart team than being with a very young but still talented team.

You can tell by Brandon Roy's facial expressions that he is a good leader. Scores 20 points, a few rebounds and a few assists but acts like it was nothing and there was still a game going on when coach called him to rest. When you have a leader that is never satisfied, you have a leader that will push you to do everything you can to win and improve, and thats what this young team needs in Brandon Roy.

Good game, except I don't think Joel fouled out. Those guys working the clock and stat sheet need to wake up and realize this isn't a boring slow baseball game!

Good luck at the game tonight and go Blazers!; 10:30 AM
fivehundreddogs said...: One trade off to having a city that is so fired up about their team is you get a lot of folks that don't know the rules of proper fan conduct.

Since a good friend and I were unable to catch the first broadcast of the game, we checked the guide and saw there was a replay at 10:30. So we met up at the bar around 9, had some drinks, shot some pool, and were on our way out the door to catch the game at my place, when we ran into some friends of friends and a former coworker smoking out front. They wanted to catch up, but I explained that we had to scoot so we could catch the replay of the Blazers game.

"They won", says a friend of a friend. I couldn't believe it. My jaw dropped. The suspense was gone. I had really been looking forward to this game, thinking that it was going to be a good challenge. First game of a road trip... Randolf always hangs some points on us... Mayo can do some damage... But no, it was ruined.

We still grabbed a case of Tecate on the way home and watched the game, but it wasn't the same. As much as I would like to hang all the blame on that schlub, I should know better than to say anything about the game in that situation. He thought he was doing me a favor! As though I had been agonizing about the score and hadn't heard of such fantastic inventions as television and the internet that could ease my troubled mind and along came a hero to lift the weight of a possible loss from my shoulders... Moron.

So take notice potential spoilers! If someone hasn't seen the game, ask before blurting out the outcome.; 10:36 AM
fanman said...: It was nice to see the flexiblity of the offense and the defensive passion. Greg is really finding his groove more and more. Not all of he Blazers had a great shooting night, but they contributed in other ways.

Who knows, maybe we will be able to run and jam tonight. The game will dictate.

Nice road win!

Go Blazers!; 11:04 AM
millertime said...: where looking better and better pretty good game. the second half was alot of fun and alot of cheers both kinds. again tonight what ya say. go blazers; 11:30 AM
jacob said...: Great 2nd half from Oden. Now, if we can just get rid of his foul problems...

Good win. I am going to continue harping on this though-- when Steve Blake is playing the 3rd most minutes on the team and Rudy is 8th, something is wrong.; 11:50 AM
blzrfn1 said...: I hope all the "fire Nate" and "Oden's a bust" Blazer fans are choking on their words now !!

I'm more convinced than ever that Zach will do anything to get his numbers:)

Go Blazers !!!!; 12:31 PM
fivehundreddogs said...: I'll go ahead and throw my lot in with those calling for Rudy to start. A second unit of Blake, Bayless, Martell, Cunningham and Przybilla would be pretty unstoppable behind the starters. Of course all this is thrown up in the air when Batum returns, but that's still awhile off.

However it all works out, I would think that we would want our best alley oop passer(Miller) and our best alley oop dunker(Rudy) in the same lineup. Just makes sense. Also, I think having Bayless and Blake in the same group wouldn't be the end of the world. When you want to run some hustle plays, put the ball in Jerryd's hands, when you need a cool hand, let Blake bring it up. They could even each other out.

Earlier, I had said that having Rudy and Bayless in together was a real shot in the arm for our offense, but upon further thought, I think it looked a little frantic out there. It worked out for a couple plays, but ended up kinda confused, with Rudy bouncing around like a puppy that knows you've got the ball behind your back, and Jerryd seeming like he got ahead of himself and looking a little lost. I say put that puppy in the starting lineup with the Quarterback who'll reward that energy, and bring Steady Eddy in to cool Rex out when he can't get a good read.

What we're doing now seems to be working, but I don't know how it will stack up against Atlanta next week. I can't wait to see what Nate lands on. This team is yet to solidify, so he's still got some wiggle room. I'm just glad that everybody has started playing to their level. Regardless of where they are in the rotation, if each individual player just buys into the team and gives their best, we can go far. Then once that rotation is set, the sky's the limit.; 12:47 PM
Rys said...: Loved the highlights on ESPN, Greg going around Zack, that was sweet...then running back on defense and licking his fingers ready to check someone! I'm almost ready to trade half my fantasy team for GO!; 2:54 PM
G-Pa said...: Hey MB: see ya in Atlanta!; 6:10 PM
MGB said...: Some complained about Nate's new rule that Oden wouldn't play any more in the first half after his second foul, hg :), but you can't complain about the results! 18 pts, 11 rbs, and zero fouls! Oden would have even better numbers if the game wasn't a blow out. That's in less than 3 quarters!

Got to love Miller running the offense. 9 points and 10 assists. Not to shabby and I think he's only going to get better as he plays more with the Blazers.

2-0 on the road so far this trip. Hope we keep it up!

GO BLAZERS!!; 7:16 PM
DowntownVinnie said...: 500........It's agreat theory but the last two games,Rudy has been tearing it up with the second unit.Because of that,the second unit is giving first unit a lot of rest for long season.; 7:17 PM
hg said...: MGB: The results would have been just as good if he could have done some in the first half.

I am not complaining about the win or lost. I am complaining about being in the game gathering momentum and sharpening skills in a relatively easy game. I realize with all our talent Nate can use pt as punishment, but Greg's development is going to be very important later on. Is taking playing -time for punishment worth it?

I know I am over-reacting and nothing will become of it, but if Greg wants to stay in the game he just needs to quit playing D. that would be no good. Let him play with fouls and get use to it. Put it another way, if he is going to be on the bench anyway, he has 6 fouls use them then sit on the bench.

hg; 7:59 PM
MGB said...: hg,

I was talking about tonite's game, not the second half of last nites game. Oden didn't have any fouls and played until the game didn't matter because of that fact.

I'm with you on he's better on the floor than on the bench, but if he does foul out he can't come in and help us either. The results I was talking about is tonite he didn't get any fouls! The only thing that is keeping him from developing is staying on the floor so in the long run what Nate is doing is going to help him and the team. Nate just doesn't want him to reach in and get tick tack fouls when it's not even important at that point of the game. He doesn't want him coming in the 4th when it's important and Oden already has 4 fouls and then has to play tenative because he can't afford to foul out.; 9:03 PM
hg said...: We ended up tied with Denver tonight. We have the second longest winning streak behind the L*kers. in the northwest. We do good doubters

hg; 9:39 PM
hg said...: MGB: Good Point.

hg; 9:45 PM

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Blazers Hit High Gear

posted: 11/08/2009 at 10:45 PM

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This is an impressive looking box score.

The Blazers shoot 50 percent from the field, 47 percent from behind the three-point line, 90 percent from the line, collect 49 rebounds, 35 assists, score 21 fast-break points, grow a lead to as big as 28, and coast to a 116-93 win.

I know the Timberwolves are rebuilding, and are young (where we were once), but Portland played one heck of a game. And, as impressive as the stat sheet is, it doesn't tell the complete story. You have to consider that this was just the second game since rolling out a new starting lineup. Just the second game where this team truly bought in to Nate McMillan's new philosophy of pushing the tempo, and really the first time that I can remember where Brandon Roy's offense wasn't even needed.

The most impressive numbers on the page? You probably think I'm going to bring up the 21 fast-break points. But, 35 assists on 41 made field goals is out-of-this-world impressive. It's the best example of teamwork, unselfish play, and probably the biggest sign that this new philosophy, at least on this night, was a tremendous success.

Yes, it was just one game.

We've all heard the coaching staff say "we want to run and find a way to get easy baskets." But, most have said (yes, me too), "I'll believe it when I see it." This is mostly because we've never really seen them commit to this kind of style. The last couple of years we've seen, at times, and effort to push the tempo, but that has usually been followed by Coach Nate tugging back on the reigns at the first sign of trouble. In this game it was run, run, run. Everyone bought into it.

Make no mistake, this style of play is extremely contagious. This team that's always looked built to run, was flying up and down the court, racking up highlight after highlight. Even after the occasional turnover in the open court (something that's bound to happen when you play this way), they would go right back and run again. If you know me, you know I've never really cared about the turnover total when it's balanced by other positive numbers. It's risk-reward, and I love the fact that they were willing to roll the dice.

This is why Andre Miller chose Portland, and why McMillan decided to go to this new starting lineup. It won't work this way every night, obviously, but there's no going back now. Well, hopefully we continue to see this, even when other teams make an effort to take it away. And, they will. Everyone scouts the heck out of everyone, so adjustments will be made to try and find weaknesses in this new system.

Miller did a great job at quarterback in this game (21 points), but it wasn't just him. Steve Blake brought the ball up the floor on occasion, and so did Roy and even Rudy Fernandez. And, even though Rudy has yet to find his touch (2 for 6), and Roy wasn't really looking for his shot (1 for 6), they were both a huge part of why this worked. Rudy had 6 assists, 5 rebounds, and 4 steals. Roy ended with 7 assists and 6 rebounds.

Probably the only player as happy as Miller about this new approach is LaMarcus Aldridge, who is made to run. Aldridge, who went just 3 for 10 against San Antonio on Friday, finished with 19 points and 10 rebounds in just 25 minutes.

As McMillan always says, running starts with defense and rebounding. That's where Greg Oden and Joel Przybilla come in. Greg successfully shut down the middle again, Przybilla had 13 rebounds again, and both were firing outlet passes to the guards to get the break started.

Now comes the bigger test. Everyone, with the exception of maybe Phoenix, looks to run a lot more at home than on the road. Will we see this Blazer team on this five-game road trip? The real feather in their cap is, they now know they can have success doing this. And, if it's taken away, they know they've got Roy and Miller to break down defenses in the half-court set.

Monday we'll fly to Memphis and get set to take on the Grizzlies on Tuesday night. Then it's Minnesota again, Wednesday in Minneapolis. Friday and Saturday it's another back-to-back with New Orleans and Charlotte. The trip ends in Atlanta next Monday. It should be noted that even though Portland has four games in five nights on this trip, none of the opponents will be facing the second of a back to back when they host Portland.

To listen to McMillan's post-game comments, about this game, and looking ahead at the trip, click here.

Talk to you from the road.

28 Comments:

Herr said...: Great post Mike, but unless I missed it, you forgot one thing. Brandon Roy only had 2 points in this game. 2 out of 116 came from our All-Star. There is nothing more you could have wished for than the way the Blazers played in this game. Your best players had fun, felt confidence, and got a lot of rest. That is crucial into going on the road for 5 games, which I believe you mentioned 4 were in 5 nights.

Two great games at home, and to think I was about to press the panic button after 2 loses at home.
These 2 games are just a raindrop before the downpour.

One thing I love about this new starting line up is that it gives Jerryd Bayless a chance to play. You can tell by the way he plays that he wants his minutes, and that he's working to earn them. This new setup should finally give him what he deserves. He's improved greatly on his shooting, and has improved on handling the ball.

The assist total in this game was amazing. The ball movement was good and everyone knew exactly where everyone was.

When the Blazers play teams against a back-to-back, this new strategy will be perfect, especially against older players.

I'll probably be missing tuesdays game, but I'll watch it when CSN plays it a 2nd time in the very early morning.

Good luck and Go Blazers!; 11:54 PM
Shem said...: Mike, pinch me!!! I'm dreaming!

Shock #1: Nate McMillan lets go of some control by handing the keys to the offense to Andre Miller.

Shock #2: All that running/fast breaking. I couldn't believe what I seeing. You hear the Blazers talk about doing this, but then you just think it's talk until I finally saw it. It was almost like watching the Phoenix Suns. Channing Frye is probably wondering why the Blazers didn't do that while he was there! :p

I think my Christmas present came early Mike. Well, I was always someone who doesn't mine getting gifts early! :p

I saw Roy's post game interview about adjusting to the new system and I have and it makes me wonder if he was thinking about running and filling the lanes to get easy buckets himself. That would be nice to see that from Roy as it would give even fans some comfort that he's a part of the new system because everybody wants to see him do well. At the same time it almost seemed that Roy in a way took the game off since it was going so well -- meaning he was taking the game off in terms of taking a pounding on his body; something he does mention that is hard on his body, especially an upcoming road trip around the corner as there were times Roy could have just drove to the hole and went to the foul line and he elected not to.

Now, granted this game was against Minnesota, but who better to try something new like that again to help build some confidence. Better to try something new like that against a team that isn't going somewhere this season versus a more talented team who may go deep in the playoffs in May/June.

I also liked seeing Nate go deep in the bench and spread the wealth like that as it will help build confidence in the upcoming road trip as we're going to need as many fresh bodies as possible, especially when you're going to have four games in five nights. Hopefully the Blazers can repeat enough of that this week.

Man, do I love the energy that Rudy and Bayless bring to the team. Rudy is so talented and it's great that we're seeing more of that this season as I'm sure people are shocked to see some of his flashy passing. On top of that, he hustles and at times it looks like he's playing the last minutes of his basketball career and wants to make it memorable when I see him go full out for a lose ball or some other hustle play.

Anyway, good game. Looking forward to listen to both yourself and Mike Rice this week on the road trip. Enjoy! :D; 12:42 AM
jacob said...: A really good game. I still don't understand-- if you are going to play Miller at the 1 and Roy at the 3 (which I like)-- why would you not play Rudy at the 2 instead of Blake? Blake gives you nothing that Rudy can't.

Also, I know Nate is treating Greg like a starter and resting him in a blowout, but wouldn't this have been a good game to keep feeding him the ball to work on his offense? He was looking good out there-- keep developing him.

It was great to see them run today. Andre Miller can really help this team.; 12:49 AM
hg said...: Thank you for the quick up-date.
We are getting so used to Greg improving that we are starting to take him for granite?

It sounded like he was involved in many of the fast-breaks. Wheeler gets very excited at times and it is hard to understand him {:>). Didn't Greg get the rebound on one end pass out and trailed the play and got the dunk on the other end?

It sounded like a great game. I had posted on Or-Live that we should not play down to the Timberwolves, but pour it on and let the bench play quality minutes and that is what happened. It sounded great to have Dante in the game scoring.

aneebaba: This did the trick for me how about you? I just wished I could watch instead of listening on Radio.

Now, it is to take care of business on the road and keep the streak alive.

hg; 12:58 AM
aneebaba said...: Good win. I hope Rudy can find his touch soon. Yes, it would be great to see this team get some easy baskets. We should get these next two wins, especially vs. the Wolves and get some revenge vs. Atl. Good to see LaMarcus get his usual numbers and of course, Miller to get going, which will hopefully be often in this system.; 3:42 AM
Ralphzillo said...: This is one of the few coaching changes that Nate has made that I tip my hat to. Bold and aggressive instead of reactive.

It gives Greg and LA more room to work and finally adds some offensive movement.

Plus it also allows Bayless to get out there and make positive steps.

The only concern is whether Roy will wear down a bit guarding the 3 every night.; 9:14 AM
RyanRTE said...: @Hg

Greg did get the board and go down to get the feed for a dunk by Blake like you mentioned FYI, He showed us some new moves that I don't think we've seen from him yet, he even busted out the pull up jumper. and the defense on Jefferson was pretty impressive as well.

I was watching the game and I couldn't believe what I was seeing, we're not asking the Blazers to be the new phoenix Suns, I think all we want is to push the tempo and if easy baskets present them self then take them, if not we have Miller and Roy to break down the D.

I wonder how Batum will fit into the new style of play, With his defense I think it will present even more opportunities for the Fast Break and people will reward him.

Go Blazers!; 9:35 AM
jwcole1947 said...: Some are saying this style won't work against teams like LA. I say let's try it before we assume it won't work. I think the defense with this lineup is markedly better than the opening night lineup. I think defense stats should be based on point deferential, not total points. I think that we can all agree that teams win championships are great defensive teams.

The nice thing about this team is its versatility. We have the players to play any style.; 10:40 AM
eclecticspider said...: Very impressive.

With the talent this team has, last night is the way were meant to play.

I don't know whether to be happy with coach or mad. I am and have always been a big Nate McMillan guy but waiting to put Andre Miller in the starting lineup was a no brainer. We have now missed an entire pre season and the first 5 games to gel with this lineup.

A lot was said about how the Sandman liked to play with Blake, but it seems that everyone else would benefit more by Richard Pryors ability to run and dish. I hope this does not trouble the waters for the Sandman as as soon as we get done stomping the T-wolves reporters are asking him baiting questions because he didn't put up big scoring numbers. I can't stand that kind of reporting. Thankfully MB I never hear anything like that from you.

I sound like I am complaining, and will stick now to the positive.

Rchard Pryor has great ganme and brings to this team all of the things that I envisioned Kidd bringing.

Travis seems to be more focused this year and is playing a little more physical than I remember.

Physically Hollywood has looked great. His game has also been very solid and does not show a lot of rust.

Rudy was great when asked to play point last night.

Contrary to a deranged poster earlier on this site the Allfather is not the worst center in the league but is actually becoming one of the better centers. There are no stats that show how his man will not rotate away from him on defense and our guards are able to get to the rim. It is a full time job for the other teams bigs to battle that giant.

There were positives galore to take from this game but I don't want ancient one to have to make another sandwich so.....

Rip City.; 10:53 AM
aneebaba said...: hg: Dude, so cool of you to mention me - actually I'm in Europe studying and though I could watch the games on JustinTv or other similar sites late at night, too much work to do, so I just try to feel a part of the gang back there by commenting here and on Casey's blog. MB - thanks for your update and yes, let's keep it rolling and eventually take our game to the next level.

Peace from Prague! (hope this isn't getting annoying! :-) ); 11:12 AM
fivehundreddogs said...: Fun game. So far I've gotten pretty lucky with the games that were a part of the Boston Package(Season Opener and this one). It was great to see this team get out there and run. I also got to see my Dream Bench in garbage time. I think a 2nd unit of Bayless, Rudy, Martell, Dante and Przybilla can really do some damage.

How awesome to see Cunningham come out and play a few minutes! That guy plays such solid defense! Sure, it was against an easy team, but I loved the way that he was able to help out but always stay in front of his man. I really think he has a future with this team.

Speaking of futures, Jerryd's seems to be rapidly approaching. At this rate, if he continues improving, I'd be comfortable going into the playoffs with him as our backup PG, behind Miller, with Mills as our third. Right now though, I'm just happy McMillan has found a way to get him some minutes. Eventually there will have to be some movement in the rotation, but not yet. In about five months though...

How does this new lineup hold when Batum returns the starting 5? Everything's going to get shaken up then. Suddenly, Blake won't be battling Miller for the starting spot, he'll be trying to get the better of Bayless for the backup. Then, Outlaw, Martell and Nico will be back to duking it out for SF minutes, with the possibility of Cunningham being the dark horse. Unless Nate want to keep Dante in the running for the backup PF, which is just as competitive between him, Outlaw and Howard.

I don't like the way this could go. Mid-season is not the time to still be sorting out roles, but that's just when this could go down. Oh well, there are worse problems to have than an excess of talent. Just ask Minnesota.; 11:36 AM
millertime said...: wheres all the nate haters!!! still one game at a time and why would running on the fakers not work. didn't the suns beat the lakers this year it might have been the celtics but either way why not? case of liquor says we finish above denver.; 11:49 AM
millertime said...: wheres all the nate haters!!! still one game at a time and why would running on the fakers not work. didn't the suns beat the lakers this year it might have been the celtics but either way why not? case of liquor says we finish above denver.; 11:49 AM
OUTLAW FAN25 said...: i wanted to say you can get the nba broadband leauge pass and if you wanna fork over the 100 dollars it might work but i signed up for there free preview they had and got the blazer games by using a missouri zip code so they wouldnt black it out and i watch the game on my computer i am not sure if when you sign up you have to put in more information but for i watched 2 games on it. its up to you if you want to try it or not i dont wanna sacrifice the 100 bucks if it doesnt.; 1:37 PM
fanman said...: This line-up is "just what the doctor ordered". Look how it created fluid play, excitement, aggression, defense, and smiles of accomplishment. It is share-o-rama slamma slamma. Every player shares in the enthusiasm and enjoys the winning more than the individual point totals that they can accumulate.

You gotta love it. I sure do.

GO BLAZERS!; 2:09 PM
George said...: Mike, I can't tell you how happy I am to see this team running and scoring in the 100's. This is what this team is built for with all the young blood and athleticism. No one should be able to stop us in the open court.

I think this road trip is a big early test for this team. I know the competition isn't the highest and I think that's why it's a good test. We should either go undefeated or 4-1 on this trip. Imagine how much better our defense would be too if Nick was in there.; 2:55 PM
BALL'N northwest said...: FINALLY FINALLY FINALLY.... I have been pleaded my case for almost 2 years.....and we finally push the rock.... we should have been playing this type of ball all along....Maybe we would have beat Houston last year if we ran.....Maybe i'm biased because I'm a running point myself, but you dont change your coaching style or system to fit the type of personal that you have...I like Nate of course, but what took so long to make this change?
And how long will it take to fix the starting lineup? Why can't he just sit Blake, and start Rudy or Martlell....we all know its coming so why wait? I have my Ideas on the delay but only Nate really knows.......JUST DO IT.....
Blake is a good shooter but Andre is a way better player and a playmaking PG.....
Great game WOW if Oden could play 35 min, a game he could put up 18, 12 and 4 a game.......
I'm very very very happy about the new tempo ITS ABOUT DARN TIME......; 3:28 PM
Jay said...: Great to hear all good news about the Blazers' last couple of games. Too bad I can only actually watch two games the rest of the month (the two KGW games). Comcast? Not available in my area, even if I wanted it. NBA League Pass? Blacked out in my area. What were the Blazers thinking? Is that any way to gain fan support? This sucks!!; 3:35 PM
DowntownVinnie said...: Mike,First of all,Congrads to you and your dad .Nice post. Dare I say,THE RUN AND GUN Blazers.I thought -Nellie was coachin ,except we played D! Wow,did we up the anty or what.This game was the epitomy of unselfishness for this team.The 35 assists on 41 FG was other worldly,but the 21 fast break points were something way foreign to us,for sure.I like the new look Blazers Rudy really ran the second unit well .Didn't he ,hg.. .... IMHO he really showed his leadership skills tonight ,like I have never seen. They almost outplayed the first unit in the 3rd. I must say Trav has been playin incredible,shot selection,rebounding ,D. -I loved the block on Jawai.It was a true SWATTTTT.Need I say more about Dre. He had a great attacking style game that he is known for. It was good to see him in the flow. Gregs drop off dime to Dre in the lane was reminiscent of Bill. It kinda took me back for a minute. It was indicitive of GO's new found patience on offense.If he adds that to his arsenal,mannnn.I also forgot how much I missed Rudy flashing the THREE sign,such glee on his face.And his between the defenders legs dish to Joel for the throw down had Joel laughing all the way up the court. DC got to play at garbage time , which I had hoped.6 points,3-4 shooting,Solid D.Was glad he got time ,JBAy is rockin fo sho.Nice jumper ,good and one,12 points,great contributions,definitely comin on. BRoy was The PRO'S PRO with only 2 points ,7 assists,6 boards ,but a great floor game .He was unselfish and he deferred to others.That is why he is so great.There will be nights when we need him to do more and he will. We were just PESKY on D,Rudy -4steals ,Dre-2steals GO- 2 steals.Great win. LLOOOOOOOOOOVVVE the fast break style, Don't fix it if it ain't broke.I missed seing us DomiNATE..; 4:24 PM
MGB said...: Sounds like it was a excellent game. I had to choose between watching my Cowboys or my Blazers and since the Cowboy game was more important I watched it. I did record the Blazers game though, but I've been so sick I haven't had a chance to watch it. Can't wait to check it out.

This road trip is going to be tough. I always feel any road trip that we can go .500 is a good trip. If we can go 3-1 it'll be a excellent road trip. The road is where we need to improve from last year so we'll learn a lot about this team in the next four games.

Go Blazers!!!; 5:33 PM
CRISPYDOGG said...: Hey guys I just signed up to start leaving comments since I enjoy reading what everyone has to say about the Blazers everyday,so I thought I would join...

I have followed the Blazers all my life and I lived in Portland for 12 years, but now Im in So Cal but I have league pass so I dont miss any games :)

I have to say watching the Blazers has always been exciting, especially these last two years, but I had always hoped they would develop a faster game like they showed last night finally! I think we have seen a starting line up and style of play that will be most successful for us rather than living and dying by the jump shot.. I was happy to see the blazers getting easier buckets rather than relying on long jump shots..

Im also a big Roy fan and thought he had an amazing season last year, and at the time I thought the team relied on him having a strong performance to win a game.. but this year I feel confident in our team as a whole and feel like they are much more complete than last year with much more depth..this should serve us much more when playoff time comes around :)

Nate deserves props for finding a line up that works in starting two point guards, even if it took until after the fifth game, and losing two games we easily could have won (Denver, Atlanta) :(

Im hoping we can go 5-0 on this road trip, which looks very possible if we can continue the up tempo play and come out with the same energy that this team plays with at the Rose Garden!

Since I have league pass I sometimes glance at other games going on and the fans elsewhere just dont get all that excited..
The fans at the RG are like none other in the NBA! We LOVE our team! Im having fun following the team with everyone, its great to see the fan support!

GO BLAZERS!!; 9:20 PM
hg said...: RyanRTE: Thank you for filling me in, I thought that was what happened. That means Greg is getting in shape and fast. Wheels was screaming, and I couldn't get it for sure what he was saying. It does sound like Greg is getting better every game.

My thoughts on Batman in this system would be he would be like a bat(pun intended) flying to the basket. All his steals he got and solo dunks would happen just that much more with help defense and Andre, BRoy, Rudy or who ever is in with him.

hg; 10:09 PM
hg said...: aneebaba:Talking about the blazers is never annoying to me, and I am sure not annoying to anybody else either. I am not trying to get you to admit your age, I am just wondering how many years you have been a blazer fan. I have been rooting and tooting since the get go of 1970 although I don't remember names and such. I wasn't much of a BB fan, because of no TV, poor radio reception and what have ya. In fact come to think about it not much has changed.
anyway that tells you I am old but not always wise. I do love the Blazers

Peace

hg; 10:46 PM
Herr said...: The game starts at 5pm? Perfect! I get out of PCC at 5, and have something at 8! Hope to see a great road game win tomorrow. Rudy Gay and OJ Mayo however are making Memphis a future playoff contender. The Blazers need to take this game very seriously and stay focused.; 1:37 AM
millertime said...: well about to go touch weights and get some beer for the big game tonight. i know what your saying the grizz but every game is a big game to me. a win is a win. it will be nice to see zack"the big goof" radolph see what kinda work ethic we want from our team. glad those days are over.go blazers; 2:04 PM
aneebaba said...: hg: I was only referring to the "Peace from Prague" message in terms of annoyance. Wow, you're old! LOL, just kidding. I'd have to say I've been a fan since the early 90-91 from my recollection, so I've been through both the good years and bad. I was born 2 years before we drafted The Glide. I'll let you do the math!; 7:07 AM
hg said...: aneebaba:

I was going to say you are so young you are just getting out of pull-ups, but remembered after bladder cancer surgery I am just getting out of pull-ups LOL. somethings never change.

I don't remember the year Clyde was drafted. I remember he was mad at Ramsey for not starting him his rookie year and Ramsey just kept saying Clyde you just don't understand the NBA yet. I am not sure but Clyde may have been part of the reason Ramsey was let go. Now don't quote me on that IMO.
I'll look up the year but I know it was in the early eighties.

"Peace from Prague" Also isn't an annoyance.

hg; 9:02 AM
hg said...: TO whoever wants to listen:

I gotta say that one foul a quarter is very bad on Nate’s part. Greg gets 6 fouls use them. I could go with three a half , but not one a quarter. Taking away Greg's playing time arguably is good punishment for Greg, but not for the team or ME

Since Greg is still in a learning mode and fouls is part of the learning and the more he plays the faster the learning process will be, so I think it is a down right stupid way to punish a budding super- star. As matter of fact, why punish him at all? Make him shoot 1000 foul shots and run 10 miles, but don't punish the team and the spectators that want to watch him plus loosing some growth in the team chemistry. Stupid, stupid, stupid, and I am the one that says Nate can do no wrong.

hg; 9:46 AM

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New Lineup Downs Spurs

posted: 11/06/2009 at 11:23 PM

PERMALINK | VIEW COMMENTS (55) | LEAVE COMMENT |

A new wrinkle against an old nemesis did the trick.

It wasn't a masterpiece, by any means, but the Trail Blazers were able to put together a wire-to-wire victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Friday night at the Rose Garden, winning 96-84.

The Blazers, who won last season's series against the Spurs 3-1, blew out to a 15-point first-quarter lead, thanks to a new starting lineup. The upped that lead to 17 in the third quarter, and then held on as the Spurs charged back. After San Antonio cut the lead to 80-77 with 2:30 left, Steve Blake nailed a huge three pointer on the wing that pretty much put the game away. Blake also had the dagger three against the Thunder in Oklahoma on Sunday.

There was a buzz around the Rose Garden when I arrived at the building Friday afternoon. Everyone was talking about a new starting lineup. When I finally did my pre-game TV interview with Nate McMillan, he filled me in. He said he would start Steve Blake and Andre Miller together in the back court, and would move Brandon Roy to the small-forward spot.

McMillan said he wanted to get quicker, get better passers on the floor, and didn't want to sacrifice Blake for Miller in that starting five. It was a bit of a surprise, as everyone assumed Miller would eventually start, but thought it would be at the expense of Blake.

The lineup immediately set a different pace at the start of this game, and it was clear the plan was to push the tempo and look to get easy baskets. The Blazers, despite some shaky shooting in the early minutes, built a double-digit lead, and led 29-14 after one.

The Spurs, who were playing the second of a back to back, never did go away, however. Even after losing Tony Parker to a sprained ankle late in the first half, San Antonio continued to make the Blazers work and continued to hit big shot after big shot to stay in the game. Blake's three, and Greg Oden's defense, finally put the game away.

Oden, who was up against crafty Tim Duncan in this game, ended with 14 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 blocked shots. He ended with five fouls, but was able to stay in the game. After he picked up two quick fouls in the game, Joel Przybilla came in and grabbed 10 first-half rebounds. Przybilla ended with 13 rebounds in 18 minutes in the game.

As for the new backcourt, the ball was certainly in Brandon Roy's hands less, but it didn't hurt his production. He finished with 24 points on just 15 shots, and also grabbed five rebounds. Blake ended with 15, and Miller, who struggled from the field (2-9) finished with 4 assists and 6 rebounds.

There's still plenty of room for improvement, as the Blazer bench unit shot just 8 for 24, and the team finished with only 11 assists, but to make a change this major, and to beat a very good San Antonio team, had everyone feeling like the change was a success.

The Blazers played great defense on the Spurs all night, and held them to just 38 percent shooting. Oden constantly bothered Duncan, who ended up just 5 for 14 from the field. And, Manu Ginobili, who's been playing great off the bench, was just 4 for 14.

On Tuesday, Atlanta outrebounded Portland by 10, and that didn't sit well with the Blazer coaches. The team responded by outrebounding the Spurs 48-37. Portland was also very, very good at the foul line, going 27 for 30 on the night (90 percent).

McMillan is still, obviously doing some searching and some experimenting, but he appears to have settled on this lineup, at least for the time being. Not only did it get Miller into the starting five, but created a chance to use Jerryd Bayless, who played his first minutes of the regular season. He played only five minutes, but kept the heat on the Spurs and showed flashes of penetration at the offensive end, and solid defense.

To hear McMillan's post-game comments, click here.

The home stand wraps up on Sunday when the Blazers host Minnesota. Then, we're off on a five-game road swing. This was a small step, in the bigger picture, but much-needed win over a very talented team.

55 Comments:

jacob said...: great win. Oden was great. If Blake keeps playing 38 minutes on a team this deep, I will go insane. How is Rudy not a better option than Steve at the 2 if Miller is at the 1?; 12:33 AM
hg said...: Great Game, great post. You looked sharp tonight and I don't even have a man crush on you. It might have been because it has been so long since I have seen you and the wild one.

I was so happy with Greg. I was happy that they finally got the ball to him. I said on Trailblazer Talk with Don Wayne that if they would just get him the ball a few times he might fumble, a few times he might miss a shot and he did but most of the time good things would happen. playing straight up on Duncan was better then the Pt's he scored. Him not hacking at the guards was also powerful. All in all he played a great game. I hope this cools the bunch of Natehaters and Odenhaters on Or-Live and a few on this blog.

Great game Greg and Joel together got 26 rebounds? That combo is much better then the guard combo in my book.

I won't see you on Sunday of course and I have to miss courtside on Monday. But, will look forward to your post. I thought the Wild ones suit was sharp also.

hg; 12:44 AM
fathom said...: lets go Blazers!

fathom; 12:55 AM
BRoyFTW said...: I am just now catching the replay and I am loving Greg Oden's offensive moves. What happened to him over night? The moves looked so fluid and I love the aggressiveness. Man we need to feed Greg the ball.

After that play then Aldridge started attacking in the post and that twin tower 1-2 punch was starting to really break the Spurs down. Just how we all invisioned Greg and Lamarcus meshing.

Of course I still expect we are a month or two away from consistant play, but it was just refreshing to see Oden step up. Man, even when Duncan blocked him it was a great spin move under the hoop.

Is there a way where Greg can put his hand on top of the ball so when players try and strip him they hit his hand? That's his big weakness on offense.; 1:07 AM
MGB said...: Great lineup change by Nate. I admit I felt Miller would be starting sooner or later, but keeping Blake in did surprise me. I think it's nice having Webster come off the bench, which is no disrespect to him, just we need his boost coming off the bench.

Was real happy with Oden's play on national tv no less. While his numbers were not dominatining what he does on the floor isn't only about the stats in the box score. Anyone watching the game could see how much he means to Portland. Then to have Joel come in as a back up. How sweet is that?

Love to see Rudy passing the ball. He makes some really nice passes you just don't think are availbe until you see them made.; 1:30 AM
aneebaba said...: Hey MB - Totally a great win for us in the big picture, but yes, plenty more to be done. I was hoping we would somehow get this win, as we also beat SA early last season as well. I hadn't read about the new lineup until after the game :-) but hey if it works, then go for it Nate! Anyways, hopefully this boosts our confidence and the next 3 games should be W's as long as we stick to the game plan and focus.

As always, peace from Prague!; 1:40 AM
Herr said...: Blah, I missed the game! I thought it was on Comcast Sportsnet so I was going to watch it later. Instead I was playing a board game called "Risk" and let's just say my performance in that game was more depressing than the Bobcats in Boston.

Regardless, good to hear a win. I did get a peek at the last few minutes of the 1st while gathering things to head out to a friendly gathering. I saw hustle, lots of hustle, and that was good. I also saw great communication and ball movement, which was also good. And every rebound being worked for.

This was a big improvement from Tuesdays game. But we should give some slack to the Spurs, they are an old team and came off a blow-out loss to the Jazz yesterday. But the Blazers performed well, and worked for this win. They will become a dominate team in this league, AGAIN.

It's a great day to be a Blazers fan, now that we can spend our weekend talking about a win come Sunday night against the T-Wolves, but it's nice to see that Denver and Boston loss tonight, to two teams I didn't really expect them to finally lose to. I think Denver is starting to show their weaknesses, scoring only 88 or so against the Heat, who aren't the best defensive team in the league.

One thing that makes me nervous though is that the T-Wolves can be a good threat in this league. If they want a win, they will give everything they have. They nearly beat Boston, who is arguably the best team in the league. The Blazers need to play hard like they did tonight to win on Sunday, especially since there is a 5 game road trip coming up. Leaving Portland on a win will give them a lot of confidence.

Great blog Mike, hopefully ESPN will show a few clips of the game.; 2:46 AM
Scott said...: Mike

Outstanding summary of a terrific win for these guys - against strong competition too! On a side note - Kareem is in Memphis seeking a job developing their centers - can you think of anyone better to develop our fledgling star? Mo is great, but Kareem is Kareem.

http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2009/nov/07/kareem-may-help-grizzlies-big-men/; 6:11 AM
G-Pa said...: Hey MB: nice win boys.....; 7:31 AM
betty miller said...: The score keepers need to know that when the Blazers are at home they should be listed as last on the score board.That drives me crazy, so I watched ESPN last night, They,of course, had it right.; 7:37 AM
hg said...: jacob: Rudy is a little out of sync with his shot after missing pre-season with back spasms. With this line-up Nate can insert any of our guards at one or two since it wouldn't effect BRoy's minutes and apparently his game. Even JBay gets to play. hip hip hurray!!!!!

BRoyFTW: This is a question not an answer, but I thought if your hand was on the ball that your hand became part of the ball. Is that right or wrong?

hg; 8:16 AM
fanman said...: I really liked the look and efficiency of the new starting lineup and the substitution pattern. This was smart and allowed the team to keep up the offensive pressure. It also allowed team members to get some rest in between which then translated into renewed vigor and relentless defense. The Blazers were working much harder on the defensive end. It wasn't perfect, but it was a needed improvement.

Greg .....Wow! HIs momentum and renewed confidence needs to keep going, and Joel was solid as usual.

I want to thank the coach, his staff, and the team for creating this Rip City moment in time. Hard work and planning paid off.

GO BLAZERS!; 8:21 AM
baddawg said...: I like the new starting lineup... against the Spurs...playing on our floor... on the second night of a back to back.

The energy and flow that those 5 played with at the start of each half was great, and I won't be surprised to see Nate do the same over the course of the next three games, but this lineup seems vulnerable against teams with big, aggressive threes. This team needed a shakeup, though, and they got one, courtesy of Nate.

It was, however, the play of our bigs, that brought us this win. It would be nice to see Nate mandate that Greg take one of those open 12 foot face up jumpers in the 1st quarter of every game. He can make that shot, and when he does, it gives him more room to operate in the paint. The Vanilla Gorilla was a huge lift off the bench.; 9:08 AM
DowntownVinnie said...: Man, where do I start,I had heard some scuttlebut about a possible lineup change, but I did not expect this one.Ok,Nate you are a freakin genius.This was exactly what we needed.Our passing was as crisp as I've seen yet,with the exception of a little stretch in the fourth.We were looking inside with considerably more frequency. GO owned TD last night.His offensive game really came to fruition.It was great for the big guy and his confidence.I love how he gets fouled in the fourth and walks to the line with a steely-eyed resolve and just drops two like he was a 10 year veteran.I had no dobt that he was gonna drill both of them.This may be his coming out party. It was great to see JBAY get on the floor.He responded with a couple of great JBAY patented drives to the hoop with an and one.Had a couple of to's ,but he'll never learn if he doesn't get off the bench.Nate,your'e a freakin genius. I'm trying to type with a broken finger,so,this taking forever.....Joel was an absolute monster on the boardsTrue,he is such a compliment to GO. Doesn't care what his role is, just comes to work with that great midwestern lunchpail attitude and blocks shots and collects 13 rebounds off the bench.What a stud! The slam by Martell at the end of the quarter was another highlight on Sportscenters top 10 plays. I could put almost every Blazers name in this post because it was a team effort,Defense ,Passing,Shot selection ,.We just looked like we found our rythym. Blake and Miller played well together with both scoring double digits.This lineup could work,plus JBay will get to develop now. The fourth was a little chippy,but we pulled through several Manu and Duncan "Star Calls" by the refs.I'm not complainlng about the refs in general cause its futile ,but Manu and Timmy get a lot of calls that GO should get.Thats all I'll say . Even though Rudy didn't score, he was workin hard on D and had a nice bacdoor to LMA.Our cornerstone,BRoy was atypical,but we've come to expect that now,have'nt we? Excellent win.Nice adjustments ,great attitude on D,tonight ,too. Nate,Did I happen to mention that you're a freakin genius . BLAZERSROCK; 10:35 AM
blzrfn1 said...: Whatever wins!!
Go Blazers!!!!; 10:55 AM
millertime said...: the hand is part of the ball. good show watched the game from the pub in my new broy jersey.slowly but surley were getting better. blazers; 11:04 AM
hg said...: Vinnie: I knew you would love this line-up with Dre starting. I have been arguing with you all summer and into this short year that Dre and BRoy would be a disaster together. I will submit my statement of being "WRONG" I am not getting weak in the head just seen for my eyes what could be. This was a work of genius on Nate's part, he got his cake and ete it too. Kept Steve in the game and got Dre in the game for passing to everybody and calling the plays.

Of course if we keep this line-up we can insert individual parts without disrupting the the flow.

Ya gotme on this one.

hg; 11:39 AM
RyanRTE said...: Great post Mike, I was at both the Hawks and Spurs game and in comparison things just flowed a lot better with this line-up. The hawks game it seemed that everything took so much effort, which was the exact opposite it seemed for the Spurs game. Oden played very well, I was really impressed at his little 2-3 minute run when he picked up the 2 early fouls and came back in and played great without fouling. Miller's floor management was as good as it gets, even with him struggling from the floor he had a great game. Blake did good as well, he's back to taking those three's and hitting them on top of that. I think this line-up was a good move by Nate, Although in the long run we're going to have to decide who's gonna come off the bench and who's gonna start. Hopefully we get this win Sunday so we can go into this Eastern conference road trip with some momentum.

P.s, the jerseys were cool.; 12:22 PM
OUTLAW FAN25 said...: before everybody starts believing in this team you might wanna wait for some consistancy which we have still never seen from this team yet and we played an old spurs team that was extremely overrated coming into the season. They were comin off a back to back and im pretty sure the bulls handeld them better when they played them than we did last night.

Oden will not do this consistantly and i can gaurntee that if LMA shot doesnt fall consistantly you think odens jump hammer throw will? i think not; 12:33 PM
hg said...: OUTLAW FAN25: We the good Blazer fans believe in our team whether the are Champions are starting over. The team plays hard, they don't give up and they are getting darn good.

I doubt that you are a Blazer fan, just some bored idiot that needs attention. We will go on believing in our Blazers and you go on being hum bug and chopping us. You can't beat us down for whatever your position is.

Have a beautiful day and I am sorry you are so sad.

Hg; 12:50 PM
Darrel said...: MIKE - We need your voice! We need you to help us fans get the comcast sports net games on other providers, I know you have nothing to do with it but you have the resources to get the players and owners involved. In these economic times and 1 year contracts we have to sign with current providers we cannot keep ordering several packages to watch our Blazers! We deserve it if you look online there are so many disheartened fans missing out on what is to be believed a great season, please help !!!!!; 1:01 PM
MGB said...: hg,

You're lucky we didn't make a bet on Miller starting! :); 1:06 PM
hg said...: MGB: I am lucky; I wouldn't have bet you that he wouldn't have started eventually. I felt that he would it just couldn't be forced. Like somebody that occasionally agrees with me said, it had to be evolution instead of resolution.

But now that I have seen it with my eyes, I can see that Andre is quite a floor general.

I think the reason for Steve and Andre playing together is ball handling. It might take both of them to make one pg. Blake for his out side shooting and ball movement and Andre his play calling, his passing and ball movement.

hg; 1:25 PM
Herr said...: I liked hearing that Rudy was going to the paint more. I remember hearing Antonio say on the radio "He was in the dunk competition, that is what he should be doing". I 100% agree. Rudy is a great 3 point shooting, but he can amaze this crowd and league with his ability in the paint. I also saw a great pass from him on the NBA highlights to LaMarcus. After seeing that, I'd agree with Jacob. Starting Miller at the 1 and Rudy at the 2 I think would be a great choice, or at least having Rudy come in for Blake since last season Rudy had troubles being a starter.

Or maybe even have Rudy take care of the ball and play the 1.; 1:41 PM
mfre1111 said...: hg, You are a true Blazer fan & knowledgeable of the game! I salute you!! Great to see Nate experiment with the line up. I bet that shakes a few players into playing harder and working harder. It also makes the other teams wonder, and not be able to prep for a team that they don't know what they are going to see in the starting line up. The coaches need to throw different looks at different teams. It works! All in all a great effort by everyone. I loved seeing Bayless and his endless energy and Dre directing traffic. It was Great to see Odens hook working and The Thrilla doing what He does best. He is such a defensive presence and rebounder. Great game!
Goooooo Blaaaazzzzeerrrssss.
On a second note: Not that he hasn't gotten recognition, but it was Wonderful to see the Schonz Get a Number (70) He has been such a big part of the Blazers and Is deserving of much more. When they put his number in the rafters "I WANT TO BE THERE"!; 2:32 PM
DowntownVinnie said...: hg.I echo your sentiments completely to Hater OutlawFan 25.Like Mama said"If you can't say anything good ,don't say anything at all".Hes probably a closet Laker fan!Thanks for being a positive influence on this site. BLAZERSROCK; 2:35 PM
fanman said...: RyanRTE:

The beauty with this line-up is that we don't have to decide who in the long run is going to start and who is going to come off the bench. They both start and make variations as the game dictates. That is why it is so smart and how it will propel the Blazers forward with confidence. This makes it a team effort. ENOUGH of the idea that one has to start and the other has to wait for awhile to get in the game. THEY BOTH START....pure genius, as Vinnie has indicated. The point is that the flow is better, and the coaching staff will recognize when to shift out of the pattern, during the game, if necessary.; 2:36 PM
ancientone said...: So what happens when we come up against the bigger small forwards (Carmelo Anthony, James etc.)? Nice to see Greg get enough time to really get into the game.; 3:21 PM
hg said...: baddawg and ancientone:

When we play bigger threes then we just move BRoy back to the two and put in one of our bigger players. probably Martell. Otherwise this line up gives us the flexibility that Nate has been preaching. As to who sits and waits between Steve and Andre, that might depend on the opponents. IMO, from now on Andre will be starting with BRoy, LMA and Greg with whoever is needed as the fifth. But as you said. baddawg. it was the centers that made the difference and it was the ball movement of the guards that got them the ball.

My brain is going a mile a minute. Now that I know that Andre can play with BRoy we can have the big four, with specialized five. I can imagine ARBLO,ASBLO, ABWLO That should Be ABlOW LOL! Andre, Brandon, Lamarcus, Oden, Webster.

The list can go on and on but the main thing it would stop the controversy of who starts. Andre being a great floor general will be very important in most games.

hg; 3:58 PM
hg said...: mfre1111: I thank you for your acknowledgment.

It is true I am a true Blazer fan and sometimes too much of a homer. Hell I am always too much of a homer.

I get most of or all of my knowledge of the game from reading post and putting little pieces together. Therefore my knowledge comes from fellow Blazer fans like you.

There is one poster that posts on Trailblazer talks that talks about the real way to watch the game is watch the games inside the games. Like seeing when pick and rolls are coming, clear outs, traps, so you can see them in advanced. I am not good at that yet. I can do it when I record and watch it and stop it about 100 times, but when I am watching the game I get so involved in the excitement I forget all that.

Thanks again

Hg; 4:17 PM
millertime said...: i like the new line up as well we are small but big at the same time. if oden and LA can out rebound the other team we can run when miller is in the game. when blake is in the game we have a slower pace. when andre is running the point i notice how he is looking for blake on the fast break on the three point line and in other situations that is giving blake open threes. i don't know about you but beside roy i would have blake being the best open shooter on the team. he is average at everything else but when he shoots the ball hes money. that works really good for miller who is starting to find him when he is open and roy already does find him so i predict blake gettin more shots and more points all from open shots created by roy and miller.

the blazer team last night looked good and was fun to watch. They need to play all 48 minutes with intensity.; 5:52 PM
Travis said...: k-mart goes out in the 2nd qtr of the nuggs loss to miami friday. they lose badly, and then get blown out by the hawks. they will have problems like this all season. we on the other hand have greg, joel, lamarcus, travis, & juwan. this is where kp and the blazer brass deserve big props for putting together a team that is built to endure the rigors of 82 games + playoffs. the nuggets are starting ronaldo balkman at power forward.; 7:21 PM
OUTLAW FAN25 said...: hg: if you will look, i had a very positive post last game after the lost. I just think everybody gets to excited over a win which i will take any way we can get them to but i will criticize the way we win and lose and i really enjoyed how you didnt disprove what i said you just attacked my allegiance to the team.

I have and always will be a blazer fan.; 9:03 PM
Travis said...: ime udoka with 5pts, 3rebs, 3stls, 1blk, 1asst in 20min of a kings win vs. utah; 9:12 PM
hg said...: OUTLAW FAN25 Wrote.

"before everybody starts believing in this team you might wanna wait for some consistancy which we have still never seen from this team yet and we played an old spurs team that was extremely overrated coming into the season. They were comin off a back to back and im pretty sure the bulls handeld them better when they played them than we did last night."
__________________________

I was attacking you saying “before we start believing in the Blazers”.

A true Blazer fan always believes in the team win or loses. There is such a thing as loyalty and love for the team even when we are not winning. Of course I didn't attack you thinking that the Spurs are old and overrated, I believe that too.

I did not attack your belief that the team is lacking in consistency, hell everybody that watches us play knows that. And we don't care if the Bulls handled them better then we did. We handled Atlanta much better then Denver did, what does that prove?

You are entitled to your opinions, I can't and wouldn't try to stop you from that, But I will attack you telling me not to believe in my team because of their inconsistency and because they only beat a broken down washed up team. I don’t care if they make mistakes and doesn’t fit into the shoes you have made for them yet, they are a great team and will go far if they continue to play hard and learn by their mistakes. That is all I was attacking.

hg; 10:59 PM
hg said...: Travis:
Are you kidding me, the Kings beat the Jazz. With us beating the Spurs and coulda woulda shoulda beat Atlanta, Denver and Houston the second time with the score being so close, being as how Atlanta beat Denver much as you and I was saying with them relying on two for their wins.
That makes us right up there with the elite teams.

hg; 11:14 PM
Pamela said...: Had a great time at the Garden tonight watching the WinterHawks beat the Seattle Thunderbirds in OT -- shoot-out style. The night got even better when I saw that Denver and Utah both lost. Looking forward to tomorrow's contest against the Wolves. GO BLAZERS!; 11:56 PM
OUTLAW FAN25 said...: hg: Instead of believing i guess what i meant was dont get so excited over one win its an 82 game season and if not for a 15 point first quarter lead in that game we prolly lose we didnt really play that well the rest of the game.

I guess more of what i am sick of is the way the nba plays i would much rather watch a college game or high school game because the refs let the players get away with more and they actually play defense which is why i like watchin the celtics they are in my opinion the best team in the nba to watch cause they leave it all on the court on both sides of the ball and the intensity that KG brings to that team is something the blazers are lacking i would just like to see them play with that fire.; 1:27 AM
G-Pa said...: Hey MB: 2nd unit....Rudy needs more minutes (JMHO) - he needs to get into a flow. I like Bayless also. Starting unit = miller, roy, oden, rudy & lamarcus; 4:41 AM
hg said...: OUTLAW FAN25:

Fair enough. I get excited just watching them play because of Comcast.

Just because the Spurs are getting old and is over rated that does not mean they still can't have great moments. All or most teams can put a run together, why? maybe they catch us napping or push us out of our rhythm. I just never felt like we were gong to lose.

I probably would agree with you about the Celtics except KG in my opinion has become a horrible Butt head, and he used to be one of my favorite players. Talk about the refs not calling fair. The Celtics and the Lakers has been and will be the favorites for the refs and the NBA until Kobe and KG retires because of the Media.

Last but not least. Just because the Blazers are not experienced enough to know how to play both ends of the court and they don't always produce as they should because of lack of fire at times, in which at times the Celtics and all NBA teams are guilty of doing, to me all that does not mean the Blazers any less exciting. As said I just like to watch them play or even listen when we can get radio reception without driving half way to Portland. As long as they play hard and never give up, because they will not win all the games and they will always have bad nights.

The inconsistency of Greg, IMO, will get less and less. The excitement of him is because of the entire controversy and fan brow beating that he has gotten in the last two years. He is still only 20 he has taken all the static and insults from fans (yes, I include you) and he is still fighting to get better, against other NBA experienced centers, but seemingly against the refs also.

I still disagree with your opinions, but then the way I feel is just my opinions. Maybe in my ripe old age I have just learned to enjoy what my team brings to the floor win or lose. I have pride in them. If you look, you can find imperfection in any team or anything. That is easy. What is hard is to find greatness in a team that has been playing below average BB.

Peace

hg; 8:18 AM
hg said...: G-Pa:

I have been reading all over the Internet and everybody agrees with your alignment, other then at times Martell. The thing is that Rudy, IMO, is still recovering and resting from those muscle spasms and is not 100% and can only play limited minutes. Don't under estimate Steve's value at the 2. Steve can't bring it like Rudy but he can do it until Rudy's health is gets better. Also with this new style, I think JBay could play the two better then the one. Slide Steve over to the one and insert JBay when Andre gets gassed.

hg; 8:30 AM
MGB said...: Speaking of starting lineups the lineup I wanted to see before the season started, before Batum was injured even, was Oden, LA, Webster, Roy, and Miller. Actually, switching Rudy for Webster doesn't look that bad to me.

Btw, hg, how many places did you read of a starting lineup of Oden, LA, Roy, Blake, and Miller before Nate started that unit? :); 9:43 AM
baddawg said...: Here it is Sunday morning, and it's like DejaVu all over again. As I was headed to the kitchen, still half asleep, I again stepped on my dog's half-eaten, razor sharp bone, and again fell face first into two tickets to tonight's game. I have no idea what's going on in the world outside my own reality, but, man I love that dog!

It will be interesting to see how Nate goes about this game. I, like many of you, have questioned his approach in the past, but he definitely pulled one out of his hat against SA with the 3 guard lineup. I won't be surprised to see him go that way tonight as well.

But, just as was the case against SA, it will be the play of our bigs that will determine the outcome. I hope to see GO knock down a face up jumper early and start posting his man up about 3 feet further out from the block. He seems to have more trouble when he's right on the block with less room to operate. With nowhere to go, it has been easy for opposing guards to double down and strip him. Plus, this way he has room to find a cutter in the paint if he does get doubled.

I also expect to see the strength of Joel start to have a bigger imprint on these games. Our size and our depth will begin to pay dividends, and I expect that we will go on a bit of a run these next few games, even though many of them are on the road.

Anyway, look for me at the game, I will again be sporting my Blazer gear. Gotta take the dog out. Goog dog!

RIPCITY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!; 9:46 AM
hg said...: MGB:

I don't recall hearing it until game time. If you were refering to my comment of hearing Gp-A line-up of having Travis or Martell instead of Steve that was after Nate big change. When did you Know it?

hg; 11:27 AM
DowntownVinnie said...: G-PA...I agree that Rudy needs more playing time.But not at Martells expense.No disrepect to Rudy, but Martell defends better,Rebounds better, blocks shots and,IMO is the energizer bunny of the Blazers.Rudy is a better passer and shooter.I would like to see Rudy play more with the starters and there will be times when the situation dictates such.But I think Martells overall game is a bit better,and when his jumper starts droppin,hes gonna be a triple threat.Plus the second unit needs Rudy's ballhandling skills to help out JBay. Heres to a big time butt kickin for Minnesota. DomiNATE; 12:24 PM
MGB said...: hg,

No offense, I was just pointing out just because you haven't read about something somewhere else doesn't mean it's a bad idea. Maybe I misunderstood what you said in a earlier post.; 1:11 PM
hg said...: Vinnie:

Now that Andre is in the starting line-up I think he will stay there. Depending on our opponents I think Martell will be in the starting line up as much as Steve. In fact if Rudy was 100% after his back spasms then I would say That Rudy might play the three more then Steve, but don't discredit Steve, he is still very valuable to this team as is Travis.

I think, or hope that Nate will now go away from his massive subbing and just rotate at different intervals.

hg; 1:21 PM
hg said...: MGB:

I was referring to him saying that the line-up should be Andre, RUDY, BRoy, LMA, and Greg. I was just stating that I have read all over the Internet that many is feeling the same way. me included I may add.except when our opponents warrants a bigger line-up then it should be Martell and BRoy go back to the two. But, I was just reminding him that Rudy is not going 100% yet and can't play long.

Also, I think now that Miller is starting we will have the big 4 and depending on the opponents one of the others. What do you think?

hg; 1:27 PM
MGB said...: hg,

See, I did misunderstand you. I thought you were against that lineup and said you didn't see anyone else saying that was a good lineup. My bad.

Btw, I for one like Blake a lot. While I think Miller should start there is no way I want to get rid of Blake or anthing. He brings a lot to the BLazers and has a important role be it starting or coming off the bench. At least in my opinion.; 1:37 PM
BRoyFTW said...: HG: I think hand being part of the ball has to do with shooting. Like when the ball gets released you can hit the hand but not the wrist. It's such a hard rule because it usually gets called a foul.

Rule is the hand is part of the ball at all times. 9/10 if a center gets his hand hit going up while being stripped it's a foul. We should all be experts watching Shaq get fouled for the last 13+ years.; 1:40 PM
Travis said...: my current thoughts about line-ups run along the following lines. we need 48min of center play from greg and joel, 36min from lamarcus and 36min from brandon. the rest requires focus, intensity and precision.
when dividing 240min of playing time between 10 guys, there are lots of options. once you take 120 minutes from the equation, there are 120 minutes left. we need six guys to take those minutes and put us over the top.
the players that give us those minutes are blake, miller, outlaw, rudy & martell. blake, miller and outlaw currently get the bulk of the minutes. rudy and martell will come on stronger at different points in the year, and then late in the year nic will likely come back.
as long as we roll this way generally, we will be in good shape. coach nate will have to recognize to different degrees who of our players is hot, more healthy, and what match-ups we face from week to week. the most crucial thing to realize is that we are much better off than most teams with these rotations, players and coach.; 4:13 PM
DowntownVinnie said...: I like his rotation and substituting last game.Ithink it was put well by someone this summer.Travis is a wild card'depending on the night. I actually like Blake and Dre playing togrther, but I'm not adverse to Rudy playing that spot. I still like Rudys ballhandling to help out JBay; 4:44 PM
hg said...: BRoyFTW: Thank you for clearing that up.

hg; 8:25 PM
hg said...: MGB:

No, I think it is a great move. The reason that I understand that Steve is in there with BRoy and Andre is they want to push tempo and transition Pt's. while cutting down turn overs. Steve, Andre and BRoy are the best ball handlers we have.

sure liked the game tonight.

hg; 8:31 PM
phi slamma said...: The fear put in the hearts of opponents of the Minnesota Timberpoodles notwithstanding, the Blazers looked adversity in the eye tonight without blinking. They defiantly wore their cloves of garlic against their hairy nemesis, the werewolves of Minneapolis, yet it was the latter who profoundly stunk up the court. The Blazers offered its fans a glimpse into basketball nirvana, with its balanced scoring and admittedly, belated gut-check. Brandon who, I ask you? I'll take 3parts L.A., 1 part "Confidence", followed by a chaser of "delirious enthusiasm" any day over 100% reliance on any one player, period. Now that's a cocktail I'll slurp happily all night long. Burp.... Babooshka! That's so very, very nice.; 9:27 PM