Looking for Five in a Row
posted: 12/02/2008 at 8:21 AM
It's another perfect day in New York City, and the Trail Blazers would like to be as good as the weather tonight when they take on the Knicks at Madison Square Garden, in the second game of this five-game trip.
Monday was a day off for us in the Big Apple, and, as you can see in the photo, we hit the subway and did a little looking around. The city is decorated for Christmas, and this is a very cool time to be in New York. We stay just off 5th Avenue in Manhattan, about two blocks from Rockefeller Center. They haven't lit the big tree yet- that happens tomorrow night.
The team just left for shootaround this morning at MSG, and tonight at 7:30 (4:30 Pacific) they'll tip things off. The Blazers are looking to back up that win at Detroit, with another one tonight. We've talked about the importance of getting the first game on these trips, and the Blazers did that again on Sunday.
Yesterday's big news, was that Brandon Roy was named the Western Conference Player of the Week in the NBA. His numbers were solid, but not spectacular, and to me, this is a sign that people are understanding his true value to this team. In other words, it didn't take a career night for him to get noticed. What people are seeing is that this team is winning, and he's a big reason why. We all know that, and now, nationally, people are seeing the same thing.
I talked to Brandon a few minutes ago in the lobby, and congratulated him on getting the award. His reaction was just "thanks. Now we've got to get this one tonight." That's typical Brandon. Never too high, especially about individual honors, and always thinking about the task at hand. The team totally follows his lead. As I've mentioned many times, this team doesn't celebrate after wins, nor do they hang their heads very long after losses. That's usually the mark of a veteran team, not a young team.
I also had a minute with Rudy Fernandez and Sergio Rodriguez, and they did a little looking around themselves last night. This is Rudy's first time to New York City, and they hit a Spanish restaurant last night, for a little home cooking.
Now, it's back to business, and the Blazers remain very focused. That's never a worry.
The Knicks are coming off a wild win on Sunday against Golden State. They beat the Warriors 138-125. Obviously, the Warriors were willing to play Mike D'Antoni's style, and there was no defense played in the game. This will change for the Knicks tonight. But, it still takes a lot of discipline not to get caught up in the run-and-gun mode.
The Knicks are playing right now with basically seven players. This could change a bit tonight, as Nate Robinson is listed as a game-time decision, with a sore groin. He scored 45 points against Portland here last season, and the Blazers won in overtime. In fact, both games last season against the Knicks went to overtime, and Portland won both.
New York is 8-8 on the season right now, but they've played a very favorable schedule, especially compared to what the Blazers have faced. New York has played 9 of its 16 games at home, and it's opponents so far are a combined 79-152 on the season, or 73 games under .500. The Blazers, on the other hand, have played 11 of their 18 games on the road, and the combined record of their opponents is 155-100, or 55 games over .500.
Here are some numbers to keep an eye on tonight. The Blazers are 0-4 when they allow 100 points or more. The Knicks are 0-5 when held to under 100. But, New York averages 106 points per game. The Blazers are 8-1 when they score over 100, and the Knicks give up an average of 109 points per game. What does all of this mean? Style tonight will dictate everything. Which team will impose its will on the other?
Looking at everything, the Blazers have a huge advantage in talent. And, if they can force the Knicks into a bit of a halfcourt game, this shouldn't be close. But, the Blazers haven't been good at matching an opponent and playing small ball (see the game at Golden State). The Knicks most certainly play small ball. They'll start David Lee at center tonight, and he's only 6-9. If they get Portland into an up and down, wild game, it could be a problem. If the Blazers limit possessions, and slow this team down, they should be fine.
After tonight's game, we'll make the short flight to Washington D.C., and will get set to take on the Wizards on Wednesday night, in the only back to back on this trip.
Talk to you tonight.
RSS FEED
Nate Robinson is scary on the court... hope he doesn't play
Full court defense all night. We have plenty sets of fresh legs on the bench to come in and sub for the tired. This will slow them down and force them to realize that there is more than just offense in the game of Basketball. This is going to be a huge night for Aldridge and Oden!!!
Go Blazers!!! Bring those Knicks back down to reality... and under 500. :)
Die hard blazer fan here in NYC - really excited that you guys are in town
I'd love to meet the guys!
anyway - this is the night that Greg is finally going to show the basketball world what he can do. As long as the Blazers are patient he'll be able to dominate the paint. I wouldnt be surprised with a career night from him right here center stage in NYC
Oh and - what are your thoughts about Martell - when he comes back the whole rotation gets messed up - is there going to be some big trade anytime because the only way i can see the team working if they have an 11 man rotation - unless they play small and dont use Frye that often... I dont know...
The Knicks are garbage... Just a bunch of no talent, no poise thugs jackin up 3's all game. And who cares if Nate Robinson plays, i hope his little pathetic body gets in and sent home by Oden!! I see a solid 15 poing win tonight by the Blazers!!! 108-93
Mike: I don't know how I missed your new blog. I've been checking all morning.
I am not sure where you get all those stats. I don't know for sure what they all mean. Speaking of Stats, Oregon Ducks threw all the stats out the window. I know you knew they would win. But, did you guess it would be by that much.
I agree with you on this being a scary game. They play lots like Golden State. My question is that why can't we go small with them? Can't we run and gun with them? My other scary feeling is that their coach on our coach coached together in the Olympics. So how does that affect the game? I would like to ask Antonio these questions since I can't hear or see you tonight. Sometimes Wheels and tone gets so excited I don't know what happened until the recaps come out. Of course you and I are not guilty of that. But on TV I can see what is happening.
Batman and Travis should be able to run with them. If Jerryd had more playing time he could confuse Nate Roberson.
Throw out the stats, Our Blazers are destroying stats and records by the hand full and they haven't even got started yet.
hg
Any chance you could put up the mp3of "Blazers Courtside" from last night? If so it would be greatly appreciated.
Anticipation is growing for tonight's game vs. NY. I won't be able to watch it though as I have satallite instead of cable. I will have to rely on the old fashioned method of following the team, listen to the radio.
I am so glad I found this message board. Most boards are frequented with a bunch of immature posters with nothing useful to say! All I have seen is first class posts here!
Just a delayed comment on the trade rumor of Outlaw for Connor: KP PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE DO NOT MAKE THAT TRADE! Yes, I realize we may have a pending logjam at the small forward position, but that would NOT be a fair trade. Outlaw is far better than Connor at this point in his career. He has the ability to take over a game and be unstoppable, and Connor is not close to that and may never come close to that. Thanks for listening!
Joel and Greg should have a BIG night on the boards and with throw-downs. I don't see NY being able to stop them. Let's just hope that they can make it up and down the court.
Would it be better for us, to cherry-pick with Greg only playing under our basket tonight?!!! That way he doesn't twist an ankle or get too fatigued.
JK... But seriously...
Hey Mike, now that MOJO is off the air for Comcast, do you know on which channel the CSN HD games will be broadcast?
I hope we smash the Knicks, I hate them so, But I do like seeing Roy and Robinson playing together again!!, even though there on oppiasite sides.
I hope we smash the Knicks tonight??
Mike,
My name is Kris, I have been a die hard, crazy Blazer from for 20 years this year. I grew up and still live in city that hasnt had an NBA team for nearly 40 years. As a kid, I watched the Blazers and the Pistons play in the 89 Championship and have been a Blazer fan ever since. I buy NBA league Pass every year and I absolutely never miss a game. I stay up late every game night, for I live in Eastern time zone, and sacrifice my sleep for Blazer basketball. I was able to travel a long distance last year, closest place they play to my home, last Feb for my birthday to see them play live. We lost and Roy didnt play in that game. Man, I have been a NBA fan for so long, and Roy is an aboslute stud ballplayer. I was given the opportunity to travel to Denver later this month, to see them play Mon 22nd. Thats a long flight, but I have a friend who lives in Denver will be staying with. I am pumped! Watching this team play this year has me feeling like a kid again, reminding of the years with Drexler and all those great seasons. Its been years since excitment like this has been created. Thanks for keeping fans like me, updated with your blog. We really apprecitate what you do for the fans!
Thanks
Kris
The surprising qualities of this young team continue to amaze. No fourth quarter "choke jobs" like so many teams of recent past. Different set of "heros" each and every game. My only regret is I didn't get to see the game! However, I did listen to most of it and loved the fact that everytime the Knicks would make some sort of mini run, the Blazers would step up and answer.
Fernandez was the key in the fourth quarter. He would easily be a starter on half of the teams in the league. Outlaw stepped it up after a subpar performance against the Pistons. Roy was his usual exemplorary self, and Aldridge put up nice numbers. Once again, a team effort and another road win. With the Blazer's brutal early season schedule many are surprised with their record.
Great win tonite! Again we start out 2-0 on a 5 game road trip.
Took us 3 quarters to warm up, but Roy kept us in it and then our deep rotation wore NY out and then we took control in the 4th.
Again the online stream I found of the game froze with 2 mins left! Sure wish Comcast would make a deal with Directv!!
I tried to post a reply to your last blog entry earlier today, but couldn't so I'll post it now. Actually it was to a couple of comments.
TonyW,
Excellent post!
mrblazer,
I don't know if I'd included Pippen with the others considering he didn't play most of his career here.
And while I love Roy, I don't think he'll pass up Walton for #1.
This post has been removed by the author.
Another big time performance from our young beloved Blazers! Well not "big time", more like "sloppy". Even though we didn't play our best tonight you can see how deep this team is. The starters were soso but it was the bench that lifted this team to victory tonight. Outlaw, Pryzbilla, Rudy..Rudy..Rudy!!.
Pryzbilla, The hardest working man in the NBA (remember what Rice use to dub Chris Dudley a few years back?) "The Thrilla" once again showed his value tonight by grabbing some big time board and well time rejections. This is truly the funnest team to watch in the NBA.
What pleases me is how quickly we our seeing this team develop and grow together. And please all talks of us needing a point guard should ceases and desist. Blake is an excellent point guard who can run the plays and make the open shot. Coupled with the resurgence of Spanish Chocolate, we'll do just fine at the pg position.
Is it too early for, "Roy for MVP" chatter?? I think not. Look what the guy did to Chris Paul!
All we need to do is get settled in once Martell is back and figure what rotation is going to work best. Oden needs to just keep playing. I think tonight I finally accepted the fact that he's not going to get 30pts 20rebs a night. I'm fine with that as long as he keeps getting the board and shows a defensive presence in the paint I'm content with that. Again, he's only 20yrs!!
As for trade talks, not now, wait and see how we fair around mid-march. Some of you might be pleasantly surprised.
-Rip City Revival!!!
Post a Comment
<< Home