Back Home Looking for More (UPDATED)
posted: 1/04/2008 at 12:53 PM
UPDATE- Utah's Andrei Kirilenko didn't make the trip with the Jazz to Portland on Friday afternoon because of lower back inflammation. Jerry Sloan hasn't decided yet who will start in his place at the small-forward spot. It will most likely be C.J. Miles, who has only started one game this season. Sloan could opt to start Kyle Korver, who played his first game with Utah on Monday against Portland. Either way, it will mean more playing time for Korver, and that will mean an adjustment for Blazer coaches. Korver is deadly from long range and this could limit the amount of zone Portland can play. The zone played a huge part in Portland beating Utah in the first two meetings of the season.
Also, Brandon Roy is officially listed as a game-time decision for the game. He fell hard on his tail bone in the win over Chicago, and didn't have much mobility during the two overtime periods. He didn't practice on Friday, and was very sore. He's been taking a beating, and also has a nasty black eye from that game. If he plays, Utah will try and put him on the floor as much as possible. That's become the strategy against Brandon- make him pay for every drive into the lane. If for some reason Roy can't go, Jarrett Jack will likely start at the shooting-guard spot. Jarrett was huge in the win over the Bulls, and delivered the dagger with a three-point play (see photo above- love the reaction of the Chicago fans in the background, by the way). All that being said, I'll be surprised if we don't see Roy in the lineup. He's tough as nails, and after this game, the Blazers don't play until Wednesday against Golden State at the Rose Garden.
Singles and standing-room-only tickets are gone for this game. It is completely sold out, once again. NBA TV is picking up our broadcast of the game, and it will be televised nationally.
Now, back to the earlier post-
We told Brandon Roy on the plane last night that if he had just made the shot at the end of regulation, we would have probably been home at a decent hour. He laughed, and said, "I know. My bad." Then he slowly, and I mean slowly, sat down in his seat and let out a huge sigh of relief. His battered right eye was already starting to swell, and his sore tailbone was aching. Just another night for the Trail Blazers' leader. Rubbing his hand over his eye he said, "man, I don't know if my son is going to recognize me."
We arrived back in Portland just before 3 a.m., following the four-hour flight from Chicago. It was a much more enjoyable flight, obviously, than it would have been if the team had not pulled out the 115-109 double-overtime win over the Bulls. But, there wasn't much celebrating. I think the team was too tired. Before we had even taken off, several players were sound asleep.
The youngest team in the NBA keeps plugging along, while the experts shake their heads and wonder how they're doing it. The win over the Bulls came exactly one month to the day after the dramatic win at Memphis, which started the 13-game winning streak. Going into that game, the Blazers had 5 wins. They've now got 20, and are just percentage points behind Denver atop the Northwest Division.
The schedule doesn't get any easier. Saturday night the Blazers host the Utah Jazz, for the fourth and final time this season. By the time that game is over, the Blazers and Jazz will have played their entire 4-game season series against each other in just 26 days. And, of course, Utah is the only team that's beaten Portland since December 2nd. I have a hard time getting my mind around that one.
Following the game against the Jazz on Saturday, the Blazers are off until Wednesday when they host the Golden State Warriors. Then, on Saturday the 12th, we hit the road for a monster 7-game, 12-day trip that will take us to Toronto, New Jersey, Boston, Miami, Orlando, Atlanta, and New Orleans. Following that trip the Blazers get six straight at home.
I've asked this question a number of times, but it's worth asking again. Dare we ask for more? Our standards have clearly changed, and everyone's expectations have had to be adjusted. I leave the rest up to you. What do you think is going to happen on Saturday against the Jazz? Will this team finally start to hit a wall, following this crazy stretch? Will the jam-packed Rose Garden be able to lift this team to another huge victory over Utah? The rest is yours. Talk to you later.
RSS FEED
Geez - you guys are real troopers! I hope the guys get rested and heal fast. Jazz are not happy about where they are in the standings considering how they did last year. Amazingly, if you look outside our division, we are not even that far off teams like the Lakers for total wins vs losses. Are we for real? You have to, cautiously, say "Yes!" and hope the monster road trip later this month proves us right. I really WANT that Boston win (and I'm an ooold Boston guy and a Celts fan). It's pucker time, folks. Go Blazers!
Of all the games to have after the Bulls game, it should be Utah. If there was ever a game the team should want more it is this one. You said it, this is the only team to beat the Blazers in the last 16. I hope the team is pump because I'm sure the crowd will be. If I were the Blazers I would want blood for ending that streak.
I see no reason why the Blazers can't continue their recent success, especially in the comfort of the Rose Garden. Kirilenko won't be making the trip to Portland with a back injury he sustained in practice. Assuming Roy's tail bone doesn't cause him too much pain, he should be able to lead the team to victory... The big X factor is if Portland can effectively slow down the points in the paint of the Jazz, or at least put up comparable numbers. Go Blazers!
I want more, especially a revenge victory against the Jazz! What a ride. What is that green band on Jack's wrist in the photo?
Hey MB,
Talk about an emotional game! I was exhausted just watching that game. There were several times that game should've been ours, but we let the bulls get cheap baskets by not rebounding. In regards to hitting the wall, I don't think that's going to happen. This team is hungry to win more games and that was pretty evident to everyone last night. Any word on Brandon's tailbone? Will he be ready for Saturday's game against Utah. I love you guys. Get some rest!
Talk about an emotional game! I was exhausted just watching that game. There were several times that game should've been ours, but we let the bulls get cheap baskets by not rebounding. In regards to hitting the wall, I don't think that's going to happen. This team is hungry to win more games and that was pretty evident to everyone last night. Any word on Brandon's tailbone? Will he be ready for Saturday's game against Utah. I love you guys. Get some rest!
I see no reason why the Blazers can't continue their recent success, especially in the comfort of the Rose Garden. Kirilenko won't be making the trip to Portland with a back injury he sustained in practice. Assuming Roy's tail bone doesn't cause him too much pain, he should be able to lead the team to victory... The big X factor is if Portland can effectively slow down the points in the paint of the Jazz, or at least put up comparable numbers. Go Blazers!
Mike;
Thank you for the post. hope Roy heals up before tomorrow night.
I really have a true we are going to win feeling. Most of the time' it is with lots of hope.
good feeling.
We already passed the test when we played Chicago. I didn't know if we were going to win but when we were down and seemingly out, I knew we were far from being done.
hopefully my feeling tomorrow night is right.
Whether we make the playoffs are not is not the issue. the issue is can we keep playing with the same win % and the same intensity after the all star break when all the good teams are going to make a run for the play-offs. They will try to use Portland's lack of experince as a stepping stone for their wins.
I know we are good enough, but I don't know how good our apponents will get when they push every game.
If the team keeps their head, we have already proven we are an alite team.
Can't wait until tomorrow.
GO BLAZERS
hg
Man, what a game! My only, selfish, wish was that you and Mike Rice had been calling it for us instead of the TNT crew, simply because I can't imagine what kind of things would have come out of the Wild One's mouth as the Blazers made their great comeback and battled through double-overtime.
So on top of all of his skill, determination, leadership and class, we can now say that Brand Roy is one tough guy too. Holy smokes to take that shot to his head and then sink both freethrows was clutch yet again. I hope his tailbone and eye feel better by Saturday, and I'm glad he'll get some rest the following week.
And to the rest of the Blazers, well maybe you heard my cheers all the way to Chicago as you simply refused to lose and played another great example of what we like to call Blazer basketball.
Get some rest, and we'll see you on Saturday as the Blazers take the season series 3-1 against the Jazz!
Happy two thousand and Nate everybody!
GO BLAZERS!
I had a bad feeling about Utah, and even though we lost by 10 it felt like we could have won it at the last second. It seemed like we just didn't have a good 4th to pull out the win in that game. I'm extremely confident we will win because I think we are a much better team. It's the Toronto game I'm worried about.
The team seems to think the winning at this point is not a fluke. NBA pundits are starting to agree.
As for the Jazz game, the Blazers either win it or split the season series with them. To do so at this point would be a disappointment, such are expectations.
Remember when the Pacers were in town back in late November? Right, that was the last Blazers home loss. If the team can rest and sufficiently recuperate before Saturday's game, they ought to be able to make the necessary adjustments to beat the Jazz.
That's one thing about young teams - they have young legs! They usually also have young heads, but behind the steady leadership on this team, they're playing far better than their NBA experience warrants.
My oh my!
I am so smitten with this team, and this much I know: The Blazers will continue to be competitive.
After Chicago, I'm really, really worried about the rebounding, and about Roy staying healthy. It was the first game where I really thought, "man, Oden will fit nicely."
MB,
I've been wondering, do NBA coaches preach the old "follow your shot" philosophy, or is that a thing of the past? I'm wondering, because so few players do follow their shots. In the Chicago game alone, there were at least four additional offensive boards to be had, had guys followed their own shots.
At this point MB, I dont know what I could even ask for, that these guys arent giving.
Even though they can win without it, they have the 6th man in their favor saturday.
Everyone rest up, because the Rose Garden will be rocking.
Lets Go Blazers !!!!
Bring on the jazz !!!!
I can't even begin to comprehend how tired these guys must be. They looked too tired to jump up and bump chests after the OT win. We all made up for it though, because we were jumping around as if we had been on that floor. Even if we never won another game (which I know won't happen), I'd be the happiest Blazer fan ever because you guys are just "frickin" awesome. You just never give up and we all love you for that. Brandon Roy took such a beating last night that I could have just cried for him. I sure hope his tailbone will be feeling better tomorrow night because we need to kick Utah's ass for what they did to us last week. I have a feeling tomorrows game is going to be a knock-down-drag-out type game.
GO BLAZERS!!!! and Mike you better get some rest too!!
I think the team has an very good chance of beating Utah in the Rose Garden. The Jazz threw everything at the Blazers last time, and the Blazers know what to expect and how to deal with it: play better defense than last time, rebound, and don't get sucked into Utah's ugliness. Shrug off the cheap shots, trash talk, and "accidental" elbows and score on them, early and often. Get them down and keep them there. Regarding expectations for the next 33 games- it will be harder to have as great a winning percentage as occurred in December now that the other teams are aware of Blazer potential. However, when Brandon steps up as he did last night (incredible game, Brandon), when Steve, Travis, Martell, LaMarcus, Joel, Channing, Jarrett and James continue their hard-nosed, brainy play, and when Sergio can come in and immediately create assist magic, they should win over half the upcoming games. It's a rough and tough life to live for the next few months, but the spring is coming, and Portland fans will be lining up for playoff tickets for the first time in a while.
Mike- Thanks for taking the time to blog so often with your behind- the-scenes insight into the team.
I see us pulling out the Utah 'W' with the Rose Garden rocking! G.S. is playing better, and that might be tough to win- they have revenge on their minds!
Hope BRoy can bounce back and doesn't have to miss game(s)!
Keep up the outstanding work MB
While Mike naps, I'll add my thoughts about last night's game. In the second half, the game started to "feel" like another pivitol game for this young group. It's their first winning road trip and it showed me this team is not likely to follow a winning spree with a losing swoon. Every possession from the start of the 4th quarter to the end was huge and pressure-packed. Yet this team, suppossedly without an all-star guard (Charles Barley is saying Roy should be an all-star) had no turnovers in the 4th quarter and two overtime periods! They handled each possession with purpose and with poise. No forced shots, no charging fouls and some great hustle plays (Aldridge lays out to save a ball from going out of bounds that turns into a score). Maybe Greg Oden really is in his 40s and the other young Blazers are actually grizzled veterans. That or these guys are defying the history of young teams in the NBA. This team plays the right way, doesn't get rattled and carries itself as if they've played together for many seasons. This team hasn't even been together for a full season!
I knew it would be fun to see the players progress individually and as a team this year, but who predicted this?! It is not a stretch to predict this team will continue to improve as the season progresses as they fine-tune aspects of their game that need work (points/rebounds in the paint, steals, fast-break points). The thing is, these are areas that are not glaring deficiencies costing Portland games. They win despite these weaknesses. A little more defensive coaching and simple time and experience should improve these areas. The Blazer's overall effort is winning them games. The Blazer's core players are still 2-3seasons from hitting their full stride. It took 3 seasons for Drexler, Porter, Kersey and Duckworth to work together in their prime, then adding Buck Williams and a few other pieces put Portland at the top of the Pacific Division. This team is in a similar but better position with all key players maturing at the same time and some key pieces yet to come. The winning window for Portland is opening and should be open for many, many seasons.
The leadership of this team is obviously the reason for the rapid improvment, from the front office to the coaches to the players. Oh yeah, and the broadcasters. The Blazers are "connected" and the fans sense it. The Rose Garden is a "must-be" and the Blazers a "must-see". I get goose-bumps when I hear the "MVP" chant at home games for Brandon Roy, a chant I started in section 207 towards the end of the Dec. 17 win vs. New Orleans. Some fans stated chanting "8 straight" and when I saw Brandon at the free throw line, I thought "why not?" I started yelling "MVP, MVP" and some other fans joined in. The last few games I've heard it coming from many other sections of the Rose Garden. I'll take an All-Star selection. I think Brandon would too.
I don't see any the team hitting any walls. They could realistically win 2/3 of the rest of their games and be 3rd or 4th in the western conference. This team is actually a team, and not just a jumble of budding stars with a lot of athleticism. The team is winning because nobody is complaining about playing time and there is no bad blood in the locker room. You ask any one of these guys, even Roy, if they would rather put out an all-star performance and lose or ride the pine and win...I'd bet every single one of them would choose to sit on the bench. That is why we're winning, and only a handful of teams out there can even come close to the chemistry these boys have created.
Why last night did the Thrilla get so few minutes? He wasn't in foul trouble and we were getting killed inside by the guy who just got out of his wheel chair (because of old age) to help the Bulls... Joe Smith.
I'm also starting to think that our halftime show is not that bad now after hearing Charles Barkley bash us and say that we are not not a playoff team. Well, after the current success of the team I don't see why not? Mike and Mike I really missed your guys commentary last night. I had to listen to Collins who I still hold a grudge to because the way he thought we sucked in 2001 when we were in the Western Conference Finals.I'm getting tired of the media thinking that we are not good. At the draft 2 years ago Stephen A. Smith said that we had no direction and he didn't want to waste his time talking about us. We went on to draft 2 future All-Stars in Roy and Aldridge. Last night was Barkley's turn to bash us after we had the longest winning streak in the NBA this year, that I remind you came against quality teams. I want the recognition that this team deserves.
Go Blazers! It was a hard fought fight last night and we pulled it off! Time for a new streak to begin! Rip City Baby!
Is there anyone out there that dislikes the Jazz as much as I do? These guys are whiny, dirty, and their fans are stuck up. It's been this way since I can remember.
What I'd like to see is the Blazers dish out some of Utah's own medicine and get away with it. I'm talking about a physical game. Let's frustrate Jerry Sloan to the point of him leaving the game early with two technicals. He has a short fuse and I'd like to see him blow it!
Utah will be tough but I've got a good feeling about this one. The fans are gonna be pumped and the Blazers are gonna feed off of that energy.
Go Blazers, make the Jazz sing the blues!
I love it! Everyone who comes to the Rose Garden tomorrow night needs to be ready to be the 6th man this team has come to expect!
That win last night was AMAZING. I was literally out of breath for the whole 2nd half, and both overtimes. I was patiently waiting during the 3rd quarter for our poised team to make their run, and sure enough it came before we entered OUR quarter....the 4th quarter. Gutsy, mistake-free basketball prevailed, and our young, but mature beyond their years, basketball team came out on top once again, and earned a winning road trip! They definately deserve to come home to a heroes welcome!
I'll be there, in my season seats with my cousin....faces painted, in sec. 223, supporting our team loudly, and giving the Jazz the hell they deserve.
If you thought the Denver game was loud (particulary the 4th quarter), you've seen nothing yet! Let's make it 16 out of 17, and 11 in a row at home!!!
Go Blazers!
Hi mike; hope you got some rest.
Since we are starting our winning streak and it is now two. Beating Utah the second time around makes the second 3 in a row much better.
And I know that 3 really could be.
Beat Utah for 3 in a row.
hg.
Wow, what a great game. I had sweaty palms from about 3 minutes left in the 4th until the last second of the 2nd OT.
Rebounds, rebounds, rebounds. It's kind of amazing how we've been winning so much as of late with our poor rebounding. I know if I was an opposing coach, I'd tell my team to hit the offensive boards all night long. I know the fellas are tired but let's hope our fans can lift them to victory tomorrow against Utah.
Before the game last night, Charles Barkley said: "The Blazers won't make the playoffs, they shoot too many jump shots and have no low post scoring." Do you agree with this, Mike? I know the Western Conference is very tough, but Portland has been playing great basketball as of late and I don't see why they wouldn't make the playoffs if they keep it up. Kenny Smith disagrees with Charles and said: "I think the Blazers WILL make the playoffs, but aren't a contender." I definitely agree with Kenny's statement more than Charles'.
Anyways, I predicted 44 wins before the season started and I'm sticking by it! Only 24 more to go! Go Blazers!
I just wanted to take a moment to thank the team for its intelligence and effort in a hard-fought victory.
Ever since the 92 Finals, beating the Bulls, especially at the United Center, has taken on a greater significance to me--more than the current bunch of Blazers could even comprehend. I came into the game depressed from a hard day and went to bed a happy man.
Thanks to Roy, JJ's, LMA, Trout and the whole bunch. If you're not the best team in the NBA, you're definitely the coolest and most fun to watch.
Peace out
Beaverboy
Am I the only one that See's bad calls every night? More then not against the Blazers. How can these ref's continue to get away with the amount of bad calls? I have recorded games and looked at them close, as I am sure a lot of fans have, I am amazed nothing is done about it. Or can anything be done? Is it one of those things that is better of left alone?
Great game guys, you are the heart and soul of Portland. I seriously think we will put a hurt on the Jazz, and blow them out. I think we won't lose but maybe a handful of home games the rest of the season.I will be rising with them all the way
GO BLAZERS
You get what you work for! Clearly- you guys have put your best foot forward. There arent any walls to hit! Utah is a mere Bush in comparison to what you guys are going to accomplish this year.
ty
Formerly known as NY Knicks Fan;-)
I am amazed by this Blazers team! At this point I think the Blazers can beat anybody! Chicago was a playoff team not too long ago and are playing better these days. They led by 14 points. The Blazers never panicked. In overtime the Blazers fell behind by 4 points and still showed the character not to panic. The Blazers look not only like a good team - not only like a playoff team - but they play with the confidence of a champion! I think they will win their next 2 at home and 5 out of 7 on the road trip and have a record of 27-15. Then let's see if Charles Barkley still thinks the Blazers won't make the playoffs!
HOW ARE WE DOING, NATE?
Nate is the foundation we need so much
He drills and draws so we can have some punch
After Chicago it is obvious our Jack is back
He drives to the basket and finishes even with a hack
Martell is steady with the outside shot
He defends and scraps to keep the team hot
When Joel is in the middle he’s a formible foe
When he goes up he blocks with a heavy blow
With eight assists Sergio keeps us in the game
He can dribble and pass the Wolves look so lame
In the fouth quarter Travis sets the court on fire
Chicago sees an example in which to aspire
Frye can do most anything well
Draws a crowd and the tickets all sell
Blake always manages to keep his cool
When the openings there he’s the 3 point tool
Aldridge brings to the team a soothing calm
He slides to the basket and dunks with his palm
With Brandon setting the pace they all take heed
He gets the best from everyone and keeps them in the lead
david,
Not much they can do about it. The refs are human just like us.
Ed - nice poem, but you forgot to mention JAMES JONES! he deserves a part in your poem because he is the best 3 point shooter in the league! his performance won the game last night - he played great defense and offense! he doesn't get the credit he deserves.
GO BLAZERS!
How about
James Jones play is a must
Makes our Oppontites eat our Dust
hg
After all is said and done
If there’s any lack Jones gets it done
The veteran clutch gives advice for free
He blocks the critical shot and gets the essential three
Hi all. Ok what is the deal with the write in on the allstar site? Is it just me or what? I can't get the site to take a write in vote. Any help would be appriciated. **********GOOOOOOOOO BLAZERSSSSSSSSS************
To ED
Touche
hg
I am curious in Overtime situations especially why not put in a fresh body for the first minute to give a starter a rest?
I was surprised as well as they have played lately we didn't see Reaf or Joel play any of that second half or overtime. I think Raef has come along nicely and I have always liked his desire to play tough.
Utah is a very dirty team, lead by their dirty captain Boozer. Damn, I hate that team. I liked them better when Stockton and Malone were their. Don't get wrong, I'm a Blazer fan through and through. I love them when their losing and love them even more when their winning. This team is for real, they play with heart and direction. Good job Nate! Beat those dirty Jazzes down and leave them there. However, don't stoop down to their level, we're better than they are. Peace
Great updates Mike! You said the game will be televised nationally, I have Dish Network satellite, what channel is NBA TV on? I hope I can get the broadcast. If anyone else knows how I can get the game, I would appreciate it. Thanks and go Blazers!
Beamer 138
I have dishnetwork and NBA TV comes on 560. but I have the NBA package. It may be different on yours
hg
all i can say is wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
we sure can play team ball
we have so many weapons one goes down three step up i just love watching blazer ball
rip city baby!!!!!!!!!!!!
3rd and 4th quarters we obliterated Utah even with Roy on the bench. We were on our feet and yelling and clapping with Jazz fans around us. It was priceless shutting them up! We are the better team. There is no doubt now. Utah, if nothing else, is mentally broken now whenever they meet up with us. Next!
how would you like to be paul allen today seahacks pull off a great game, the allen flies to portland and sees the blazers win. O how did allen get to the blazer game so fast? i saw him on TV at like 5 after the seahacks games then he was at the blazer game by the time it started.
Hey Mike,
How about Brandon's righty-lefty layup making #1 on NBA.com's Amazing Plays for December? Check it out on the Top Ten's of December at http://www.nba.com/video/topten_archive.html
He's finally getting the credit he deserves. If he doesn't make the All-Star game, it's a shame.
J.P.Unger
Ed - thank you! that's much better :)
I was at this game...and I was in that picture of Jack at the end of the game, howling for joy:
Read it here
Go Blazers!
When the Celtics or Lakers visit other cities, do they inspire better performances than the Blazers do?
Other teams need to elevate to playoff intensity just to compete with the Blazers.
Keep it up, you guys!
Post a Comment
<< Home