Blazers-Warriors Part IV
posted: 3/26/2008 at 10:21 PM
The Trail Blazers and Golden State Warriors meet for the fourth and final time this season on Thursday night in Oakland. The Warriors, who fell twice in Portland this season, need a win to square the season series. But, they need a win for several other big reasons as well. They're locked in the extremely-tight race at the bottom of the Western Conference playoff battle.
As of Thursday, the Warriors stand just a half game ahead of the Denver Nuggets for the eighth and final playoff spot in the west. But, for all the fear that they could fall out of the top eight, they could also move up, as they are just a game and a-half behind the Dallas Mavericks for 7th.
To put the strength of the west this season in context, last season on this date, Golden State was 33-39. They then went on an incredible run, winning 12 of their final 14 games to sneak into the 8th spot in the west. They ended last season just two games over .500. This season ending two games over .500 won't even get you also-ran status. Heck, the Trail Blazers are four games over .500 right now, and have just about no shot to climb back into the top 8.
The Warriors pretty much control their own destiny at this point. That's because they play Denver two more times, and have Dallas twice as well. What they can't afford is losses in games they should win. They've already had some unexpected losses on the home floor this year to teams like Minnesota, Atlanta, and Chicago, who was very short handed and fell in Portland the night before.
The Trail Blazers will not have the services of Brandon Roy on Thursday night, who stayed behind in Portland after injuring his right groin muscle in the win over Washington on Tuesday night. Roy was grabbed by Washington's Caron Butler, and pulled to the floor, in a play that looks dirtier the more times you watch it. I don't think there was any intent to injure, but Butler's reaction after the play was almost worse than the foul.
Roy has been ruled out for at least the next four games, and then will be re-evaluated. I'd be shocked if he didn't end up missing more than four. It just has that feel about it.
LaMarcus Aldridge, who suffered a minor ankle sprain at Seattle on Monday, will be a game-time decision. He's with the team, but doesn't sound terribly confident he'll be ready to go.
The Blazers will have to rely on the same guys who carried them on Tuesday night against Washington. They'll look to Travis Outlaw, who will start at the small-forward spot, as Martell Webster will move to shooting guard (that's if Aldridge goes). They'll also need a big-time performance from Jarrett Jack, who certainly gave the team just that against the Wizards. Webster is coming off two his better offensive games this season, and James Jones appears to be busting out of his slump from long range. The one thing that's not a question mark going in, is Joel Przybilla will get 10+ rebounds once again. That is, unless the Warriors shoot 65 percent and there are just no rebounds to get.
Last night we hosted our weekly radio show, Trail Blazers Courtside, and joining us on the program was Blazers assistant coach Monty Williams. To listen to the interview with Monty,
click here.
Lastly, if you were wondering where Trail Blazers owner Paul Allen was on Tuesday night at the Rose Garden, we've got an answer for you. He was in Spain, watching Rudy Fernandez play. Here's what Casey Holdahl, of blazers.com, said in his story:
Allen traveled across the Atlantic to the city of Badalona, Spain, to watch Rudy Fernandez (whose NBA rights are held by the Trail Blazers) and his current team, DKV Joventut, defeat MMT Estudiantes 97-89 in an ACB League match.
Fernandez made Allen’s trip more than worthwhile, leading all scorers with 30 points in 30 minutes of work while adding four rebounds and three assists in the win. Rudy’s impressive night was helped by going 5-of-11 from three point range and 13-of-15 from the free throw line.
Along with getting a chance to see Rudy play in person, Allen also had a chance to talk to the 6-6 forward’s father during the game. Allen joked that, despite being the owner of the team, he was simply fulfilling the duties of an advanced scout for the Trail Blazers.
The trip might have come as a surprise to Fernandez, but the news was hardly surprising to Trail Blazers General Manager Kevin Pritchard, who talked to Allen on Wednesday.
“He was pretty excited,” Pritchard said. “His trip reinforced what we already know, that Paul is the best owner in professional sports. He loves this team, and is committed to doing whatever he can to ensure our success.”
That's huge, and what KP said is absolutely correct.
The Trail Blazers and Warriors will be on TNT Thursday night, and, of course, will also be on the Blazers Radio Network, with Brian Wheeler and Antonio Harvey. We can't broadcast against TNT per league rules, so me and Rice had to stay home. We'll be back on the air on Saturday when the Blazers host Charlotte (who beat the Lakers in L.A. on Wednesday night, by the way).
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There is something wrong with the NBA when Caron Butler doesn't get a fine or a suspension or something.
Hey MB, when is courtside on this week? Or did I miss it?
I think it's great that Mr Allen went to see Rudy.
Lets Go Blazers!!!
Bring on the Warriors !!!
I have watched the replay again and again and am even more convinced than ever that Butler fouled Roy at half-court---at the time in real time in person, it looked like a foul, but the ref just stood there and watched! He should be fined and so should Butler. Hey, Mike, are you going to be at the Rose Garden for the Season-ticket holders event for the 20 years and more fans? We thought that maybe you'd be there with Rice because you aren't doing the TV tonight. See you there--Blazer Kathy
Mike;
I think whether Portland wins or lose depends on which Blazer teams show up. They can match up with The Worriers pretty well.
Hope LMA plays even if Perry thinks he slows down the team. He is really important to the team.
I never got to see the foul on BRoy, but it didn't sound fair. And seeing as how we don't get the benifit of the whistle, I'm sure it was.
hg
I honestly didn't see any foul when I was there, but I haven't seen the replay more than once. Anybody have a link to the clip?
First Joel gets his head bashed in by ex Faker Shaq, now Roy has a serious injury due to Butler's dirty play! It's a shame the NBA does nothing about it!!! The NBA needs to clean some of this dirt up!!! Hopefully our guys just use this as motivation and bring the fight to the wee Warriors!!!
-Rip City
To view the Butler hack on Roy, you can go to YouTube and type in "Caron Butler Brandon Roy."
The footage is fuzzy and in regular motion, but it looked like Butler was trying to get a foul called on Roy, who was playing good defense. I don't think there was intent, but what was bush was that Butler just walked away and barked at the refs. Roy, an All-Star-was clearly hurt-and Butler should show some respect for him by checking on him.
I never had much of an opinion on Butler before this incident, other than to think he was a pretty good player-but I certainly have an opinion of him now.
mike:
is the league taking a look at this? this is outrageous. I've seen the replay a more than a few times.I'm pretty sure that the foul was a retaliation for the foul Brandon committed on him during a fast break drive to the basket. Brandon tried to get out of the way at the last second but unfortunately butler burst toward the hoop and got his leg tangled awkwardly. there was no ill intent but i thought Brandon could have walked over and helped him up or at least say R u ok? since butler was in obvious pain. with all that said though, there's absolutely no excuse for a revenge foul of that nature. one that put our best player out of action for 2 weeks! Caron still has character issues in my opinion. yes he's come a long way, but the core of who he is still remains, and it came out on tuesday. remember when he punched Dickau in the stomach while he was down? i hope the league takes action.
MB
Plays like that need to be addressed by the league. There is absolutely no place for that type of basketball to be played. You can hurt someone or potentially end their career. Just imagine that instead of Roy's groin it was his knee buckling ala Shawn Livingston.
What the league needs to do is set up rules to deter this type of play. When an injury like this occurs a review of the play is made. If it is ruled that it appears to be intentional action on the part of the player which contributed to the injury taking place the player should automatically be suspended from play for the duration of the injury.
If a player is stupid enough to potentially injure someone they and their team should suffer the consequences of that decision.
Would have been nice to hear what Allen thought about his game, don't you think? It's probably hard to get anything from Allen, though. Billionares tend to be hard to ask questions of.
I have always said that the #1 asset for the fans of the Portland Trailblazers is Paul Allen. It starts at the top, folks. It doesn't matter how good your executives are if they are limited by their owner. Allen has consistently showed the willingness to do whatever it takes to bring a great product to blazer fans. He's been dedicated and loyal to the people of Portland. He's just the best owner in sports, period.
hi,
yesterday night 4 am in Spain, with BROy injuried, Blake and Jack starting the game... One might think, today is the day to see Sergio playing ten minutes at least, as his team isn't fighting anymore for a playoff spot... But mister "I'd make MJ feel unconfident" let's him in the bench till the game is lost. At least, Blake and Jack played good yesterday....
From Spain we can only say one thing: FreeSergio! We don't want him anymore in Portland(and we are afraid about what u can do to Rudy), we want him anywhere else. And I'm afraid he won't be traded this summer (because management/scouting don't seem to have talked with coaches in years). And he won't go to the Olympic games with the national team.
And Finally, Nate you'd better not come to Spain you won't have much fun. We can send u some Rudy tapes, don't worry. And not because Spain isn't funny, just because every single basketball lover doesn't like McMillan right here
People who know Sergio can't beieve he has developped into an awful player, when we all saw him even shooting well three years ago.
Trade Sergio this summer or a bunch of Spaniards will come to kidnap him
I agree with the Rodriguez sentiments. The Blazers have succeeded in destroying the confidence of a player who once penetrated and made great passes. Now he he so worried to make a mistake in his 5 minutes of play that he is paralyzed. Jarrett Jack is an abomination at point gaurd. He is an off gaurd at best. Last night proved it. 1 assist and 4 turnover in over 30 minutes. Why can't Rodriguez have one game where he plays 30 minutes? I think Nate has a thing for jack. Can he not see the absolutely terrible passes he makes on a game by game basis. I mean horrible lazy passes. His defense does not make up for his short comings. He is a horrible point gaurd. I hope, like Drazen Petrovic, Sergio gets traded and is allowed to play and flurish with a team that helps his confidence and doesn't destroy it. Perhaps Fernandez is watching and won't risk playing for Nate. Wow, what a joke.
The Warriors made a few adjustments on defense that helped, but most signs pointed to Portland simply losing the will to compete somewhere in the third quarter. I wouldn’t expect the same from the Nuggets or Mavs, but Nelson made the most of Portland’s feeble resistance by resting Davis and giving the end of the rotation extended minutes.
that's what was written about us after the Warriors game. Ouch! I thought it was a poorly coached game from our side. Poor substitutions and no fire to win.
A great example of Nate's attitude is his reaction to finding out that Oden was having some fun in a pickup game. Nate spoke as if Oden is a piece of equipment, not a human being. Doesn't McMillan understand that Lincoln freed the slaves in 1865? His coaching has managed to destroy the enthusiasm the team showed before the season started.
There's an important difference between guidance and dictatorship: a leader sets an example, while a tyrant stands over the shoulder of someone else and criticizes. Time for a coaching change.
Perry,
Let me get this straight, you want to get rid of Aldridge and the coach? If you want those guys gone, which guys should stay and why? Also, how long have you watched basketball? You don't have to answer any of these questions because I really don't care. Do us all a favor and stick with Star Wars and Star Trek. Blazer basketball is not your strong point.
I disagree with Nate's substitution patterns sometimes but I also realize he's dealing with young inconsistent players. That's tough. And if he didn't tell Oden to cool it he wouldn't be doing his job.
Wow, I'm bored. Replying to a nerd's ridiculous remarks.
perry,
still smokin, eh? it sounds to me like nate and the blazers just want to make sure everything goes as perfectly as possible so he can be a force NEXT year. sometimes 19/20 year olds don't make the best decisions. he still has to be careful. the team is working very hard to give him the best training and recovery possible.
you say that "a leader sets by example, while a tyrant stands over the shoulder of someone else and criticizes". well, i ask you, would a tyrant get out and do the same hill workout as his so-called "piece of equipment" if that's the way he viewed him?? instead of watching over oden's shoulder he ran with him because he wanted to experience what greg did!! (see sunday's oregonian). so most of us see that nate is a leader because he is the ultimate professional. he proves that by his actions and many of the players have said that he is their leader and they try to be like him. as both a player and a coach he has proven to be a class act. nuff said.
it's funny, i love mb's blog and usually just skim through the comments for amusement. i usually don't see the need to interject my opinions but you seem to bring out something in me. i guess i just like to hear from people who know what they're talking about.
I concur with Albert... Free Sergio!!! Send him home to Spain where the skills of a 35% shooting benchwarming clankmeister can be better appreciated!
Olé, Olé, Olé!!!
t
thedanman amd blazerchic,
I started caring about the Blazers in 1974. I sat in Section 86 for Bill Walton's first game in the NBA, a quadruple overtime affair where Walton's free throws and Lenny Wilkens's play (he was player / coach that year) were key in a win against Cleveland.
I was in the stands for Walton's "Stuff Heard 'Round the World" over Kareem in the team's playoff win over L.A. in 1977, and I was lucky enough to see Billy Ray Bate's tip-in of a Kermit Washington lob pass to beat Philly.
I used to videotape Blazer games; in fact, I have several tapes of playoff games the year Portland beat Phoenix for the Western Conference championship.
I was at Pioneer Square cheering the team when Terry Porter wore his "Init 2 Winit" baseball cap before the championship finals against the Pistons, and I suffered when MJ led the Bulls past the Blazers.
When Paul Allen traded away the guts of the 1990s team, fired Rick Adelman, and allowed Rasheed Wallace to throw temper tantrums like a four year old; when Stoudamires' biggest problems were stashed in the ceiling of his house; when even Scotty Pippen's presence couldn't induce the rest of the team to pay attention. I got discouraged, disgusted, and disinterested. When the Rose Garden became a glitzy music box instead of a gym; when the sound system was louder than the cheers of the crowd, I figured real basketball was over in Portland.
But last summer, the players started to put together something on their own- something of their invention- they showed up early to practice on their own, and started giving a damn about the game for its own sake. Then, with Zach gone and Blake back it seemed like there was a chance I'd once again get to see an exciting, running, spirited team in Portland.
However, during the course of this season, I've watched as Nate has insisted on micro-managing every facet of the game (except Jarrett's turnovers). Despite the fact that the Blazers have had no chance of winning a championship this year, Nate has chosen favorites and kept others on the bench. He has instituted a regimented, machine-like offense that is downright boring. Brandon and Lamarcus are both extremely talented, but running the offense around them is as exciting as watching paint dry. Last night I started counting when Lamarcus would receive a pass on offense, and six to eight seconds would tick by before he decided to pass or shoot. Boring, ineffective, and easy to defend.
I've preferred watching the ball movement that has happened when Roy and Aldridge were on the bench, because it is just more fun. The team has been successful in those situations, and I prefer that brand of ball.
I've expressed these opinions now a couple of times this week and been called a crack smoking idiot by people who know nothing about my love for the game and the team. It makes me laugh, because I think people who worship stars and don't appreciate the game are, in my opinion, ignorant of one of the great joys of sport- a running, gunning, exciting team. Maybe they should be watching "American Idol."
I think the Blazers as they are now have the potential to be an exciting team, but Nate will have to change his approach to get that, and if he doesn't, I'd like to see Paul Allen (not "Mr. Allen" as some of you so humbly address him) get someone in here who will. If that offends you, then enjoy the offense. In the meantime, try to live with the idea that not everyone thinks like you do.
Perry. Right on the Money. I have been a Blazers/basketball fan since 1977 when I was 12. I know and understand and have played basketball for years. I was a pass first shoot second point gaurd. I learned to view the court with my periferal vision and I was good. Watch Jack's poor decisions and the coach's unwillingness to pull him from the game is confusing to me. Rodriguez plays 3 minutes and perhaps has a turnover and is benched. He is so worried about making a mistake now that is game has been ruined. Remember the game in Atlanta where he had 16 points 6 or so assists in about 20 minutes. Give the guy a chance. Only a handfull of time has he played over 10 minutes this year. How in the hell can you determine someone's game worthiness with those kind of minutes. Wow!
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