The Streak Continues
posted: 4/11/2009 at 1:56 AM
On Friday night at the Rose Garden, the Trail Blazers didn’t play their best game, shot a low percentage from the field, missed at least seven lay in and dunk attempts, didn’t reach their average in assists, and hit just 73 percent of their free throws. But, they had one big thing working in their favor- they were playing the Los Angeles Lakers.
The frustration continues for the Lakers in Portland, as they have now dropped eight in a row at the Rose Garden, 14 of the last 16, and 21 of the last 27. And, if there was a night the Lakers were going to end this skid, you would have thought this would have been the night. It just had that feel, especially early.
The Blazers were cold and a bit disjointed offensively to start this game. A lot of that had to do with the L.A. defense, which was very impressive. It was clear their strategy was to try and double and triple Brandon Roy, take the physical fight to the Blazers, and try and clog up the middle. It worked- for a while.
The Lakers managed to build a 10-point first-half lead, and seemed to have things going in their favor. But, Portland put together a run late in the second quarter, and trailed by only four points at the half. The Blazers shot just 40 percent in that first half, and the starters were 12 for 32. The Lakers were also beating Portland on the backboards, 24 to 20 at the break.
As has been the case in the last three games now, the second half belonged to the Blazers. They came from 18 down to win at Memphis, from 19 down to win in San Antonio, and again came back after being down double figures in this game. That’s 18 wins after trailing by double figures- that’s tops in the NBA in that category, by far.
There were so many positives that came out of this win for Portland, but perhaps the biggest was that they beat an elite team, that badly needed this game, and won it playing playoff basketball. Nothing came easy. It was physical, and a game you had to grind out. There were a few highlight plays, for sure, but you had to find ways to manufacture points in this contest. The Blazers did that by getting to the free throw line.
Led by Brandon Roy, who figured out ways to attack the Laker defense, the Blazers shot 27 free throws in the second half. Again, they didn’t shoot them well on this night, and if they had even hit their average, this wouldn’t have been a nail biter late.
Because of the missed attempts at the line, they kept leaving the door open for the Lakers, but it didn’t seem to matter. The Lakers ended up looking like they were the team with the youngest playing rotation in the NBA, especially down the stretch, when they settled for bad shots, turned the ball over, and spent too much time barking at the referees. The Blazers calmly, and confidently, finished them off.
Roy, who had 24 points and 8 assists, was maybe more impressive at the defensive end late in this game. He forced Kobe Bryant into several low-percentage shots in the final minutes, and even when he appeared to be on his heels, as he was on one occasion when Luke Walton tried to post him up, Roy recovered and blocked Walton’s shot. The Blazers ended up finishing this game on a 7-0 run. During the final 3:02 of the game, Kobe was 0-4 and had a costly turnover.
As we finishing the TV broadcast of these games, we always try and find a play of the game. Not necessarily the flashiest play of the game, but perhaps a back-breaking shot, or something that either put the game away or turned the tide.
The play of this game, in my opinion, you probably don’t even remember. It came with 1:51 left, and the Blazers were only leading 99-98. Their offense was bogged down and was going nowhere, and it was very late in the shot clock. Steve Blake wheeled to the corner, looked three different ways, and had no other option. He leaned back and drilled a long two pointer to beat the clock. Blake came up with several clutch baskets in this game, but that was the biggest one. He ended with 16 points, 6 assists, and no turnovers.
Not to get off track here, but how good has Blake been this season? As I’ve said all year, I think he’s the perfect point guard for this team. He’s tough as nails, as competitive as anyone I’ve seen, and if you leave him open he’ll knock down clutch shots. And, he has no problem stepping aside at any point to let Roy take over the point. He’s a good defender, and is in the top five in the NBA in assist-to-turnover ratio, meaning he’s very efficient, and is hardly ever sick at sea.
To listen to Nate McMillan's post-game comments,
click here.
Now then, it was difficult not getting caught looking ahead as this game was winding down. If things stay like they are in this western race, the Blazers and Lakers could potentially meet in the second round. I know, that’s getting way ahead, and we shouldn’t do that. I was talking to Kevin Pritchard after shootaround on Friday morning about this topic. He put it very simply, and for a guy who has tremendous vision and foresight, it’s probably not as easy as it sounds. “Live in the moment.” Kevin loves buzzwords, and uses them often. This is currently his favorite. And, it makes sense.
This Trail Blazer team has far exceeded expectations this season. I don’t care what else happens, we’re playing with house money now. We all want more, obviously, but this has been one hell of a ride. And, there won’t be another season like this one. Expectations will be through the roof next year, and the innocence will be gone. Enjoy this now, and enjoy yet another win over the Lakers.
We flew to Los Angeles after the win over the Lakers, and not to sound like a broken record, but there was no celebrating, and no one seemed too high over this victory. As I’ve told you so many times, this team expects to be doing this. This is not a surprise to them. Perhaps it’s because they’re so young, and truly are as innocent as they seem.
It’s the second of a back-to-back Saturday night, and the last of this four-games-in-five-nights stretch for the Blazers as they take on the Clippers. The Clips are just about completely healthy, and had a dominant win over Sacramento on Friday night. They beat the Blazers in Portland earlier this season, when they were also close to full strength. What Portland has to do is get off to a slow start and fall down by double figures in the first half. That will ensure victory, correct?
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MB, you do such a terrific job both calling the game and here. Thanks and Congrats. Everyone is in bed but you got your Blog post up after all you did today. Bravo. I waited for it. You are always so thoughtfully balanced; like the Balzers at their best. You fit well. Loved the post except for the last shot at humor which left me cold. Got it, but to me it's not fun or funny. I like it when they run hard and fast and take it to the opponent. Seems to me that is their most successful approach. Tell 'em to practice those free throws tomorrow and tell GO to slow down on his first one. He does typically rush it. All in all it sure was satisfying and full of drama. Thanks again.
Then, sorry, but I just have to say this. Not the least bit pleased by KGW-8 televising the first-roung playoff games. HD is nice but I want Michael Holton and Tony Luftman after we beat the Lakers and whoever. It's enough to send me out to the car to listen to Wheels after the game; maybe during the game; he does a great job. Channel 8 cuts immediately to return to "regular programing." Who cares; channel change time. Really annoying of them. It's like to them it is, "Well, got that out of the way, now let's make money." Not cool.
This game has to be a huge confidence booster for the Blazers heading into the playoffs (I feel more confident about the Blazers after this game.) We beat a team,
that most consider to be the team that is a lock to reach the finals, the Lakers tonight. It was obvious by Kobe's emotions on the court that they wanted this game badly. However, Roy and the young Blazers had the necessary toughness, clutch shooting and the defense to pull this one out.
I hope we win the Northwest Division, but if we don't I would like to see the Blazers take on the Spurs with Home Court advantage in our favor. I think that would set up a memorable match up in the second round between the Lakers and Blazers, Roy & Kobe, Bynum & Oden, Gasol & Aldridge, Vujacic & Fernandez...you get the point. It would be a great series!
for starters, to any lkrs fans who want to get on here and cry about this game, do everyone a favor and get on the lkr blog. this is the blazers blog, so get the hell out, ya bunch of soul-less creeps.
blake was awesome. when he realized what the defense was giving him, he turned the screws. rudy's reverse alley-oop jam from sergio was a thing of beauty. seeing greg battle and joel rebound was epic. the only thing that seemed to go wrong at all was that the guys seemed a little too amped in the first half, and who can blame them? the thing about the win(s) for this team is that they are a TEAM affair. you never get the feeling that they are going it alone, singleminded or singlehandedly. i love watching their togetherness and trust.
GO BLAZERS
Wow!!
The Blazers are getting better and better. They did not play that well tonight yet beat the L*kers. That’s what very good teams can do.
They've put all contenders on notice that if you sleep on us, we can provide you with a "NIGHTMARE".
All playoff teams should remember we've beaten the L*kers twice (& they've beaten Cleveland both times). Plus...we've given Cleveland all that they could want in both games & split with Boston @ Orlando.
I'm probably Oden's number 1 fan after his mom and I loved him owning Bynum and Gasol. I just worry about his explosiveness. He doesn't seem to dunk the ball with authority with that up and under on Bynum. Is he alright? I worry about that. McGrady got rim checked too and he is going to have microfracture. I hope Oden can start getting those dunks above the rim.
Great game. I almost had a heart attack. Blazers need to pound the Clippers.
THANK YOU BLAZERS FOR A GREAT BIRTHDAY PRESENT!
"Live in the moment”, I sure am!
" there won’t be another season like this one"
-Powerful and so true, well said MB. This is so special right now.
Mike: A great report.
You told me at the first of the year that opposing teams uses many different stints throughout a game that causes adjustments on the run. Because of that it makes a good offense appear to be bad at times. I feel this was the case last night. The Lakers truly did want this game and they came out swinging with smother defense and solid offense. That is what made Portland seem sluggish and slow. Portland was actually playing pretty good basketball; it is hard to get assist when you have trouble passing the ball or making shots.
On the other hand, The Lakers were having the same problem. I am not a stats man, but I heard you and Rice say countless times that with Portland shooting a low percentage, you were surprised we were only down by a little. That was because our defense was also good. The only reason they were still in the game was because of offensive rebounds. I am not sure that was all Portland's fault.
The main thing to remember is LA has a much better team than Portland, not in ingredients but in experience.
One more thing, we have to make our free-throws, but I will forgive them.
hg
Ripcityisalive:
If we stay tied with both Houston and The Spurs, The spurs will go to third because of a tie breaker with Houston. It would also put them as division champions and that would be the first tie breaker with Portland. Houston holds the tie breaker with Portland so that makes Houston fourth and Portland fifth with home court advantage being with Houston.
With all that mind blogging stuff said, we are better off with Houston or Portland moving up to third. Either way we would get away from playing Houston.
hg
Mike--
If the Rockets, Spurs, and Portland win out the rest of the regular season, how will they end up--in terms of 3rd, 4th, and fifth? Explain why.
If the other two win out and we drop one, who would we play? Explain.
If the Rockets lose one and us and the Spurs win out, who will we play? Explain, please.
By the way, I'm so glad I was wrong about thinking the Blazers would only win 48 games this season. The Blazers, however, are not the same team they were when I made that prediction. They were struggling with below 500 teams back then. Now, they are a play-off ready, potential sleeping-giant killer! Watch out western conference play-off teams--here we come!
THAT was a great game win or loose! It showed that the Blazers can compete, even when everything is tough to do. You could see that the Lakers really wanted to win the game. They were doing everything they could to make that happen. Not only was it tough for the Blazers. The Lakers wern't playing there best ball either. As you stated, This was playoff ball! when nothing comes easy and both teams have to figure out a way to grind something out. I do believe we have a chance to do something in the playoffs. If the stars are all in line and the Blazers play hard even in diversity and don't give up. IT IS POSSIBLE! GOOOOOO BLAZERS!!!!
if we play in the play-offs like we play in the last 2 games (with energy,with intensity,with determination,etc) I like our chances.
will be great if we end up with the 3rd best record in the west.
MB - great blog as usual...I think you are performing as well as the team this year!
All the things you said are true and I agree that Blake has been a big key for the team. Several of my guy friends would have traded him last year but are begrudgingly coming around now.
I am surprised you didn't mention the bigs at all...The Thrilla and GO were once again a dominant force! As a big man fan Joel has always been my favorite - what a luxury for the TBs to have him all season just quietly working away being the anchor for the team. The move he put on in the first quarter had us up high fiving - who know he could put the ball on the floor and get to the rim from the free throw line! So sweet! GO - man you are coming around. It is awesome to see you relaxed and having fun. Be patient, Blazernation has no doubt that you are going to be a solid double/double big man.
MB - I asked the question before...I know it isn't important and only a girl would want to know but seriously, how many suits do you think Nate owns? He is such a class act and we are extremely blessed to have him guiding our youngsters. The fact that he always looks great just show the class act on the outside.
SUZY Q
Mike:
I know that it is everybody’s concern that we don't play as good the first half as we do the second half. I give that as a credit to Nate and the coaching staff for making great adjustments. Part of it is the opposing offense and defense keeps us down the first half, but can't keep up that pace the whole game. Plus, we never give up on a game.
The 10 point down last night is nothing in the NBA. almost all the games has 10 point swings. Therefore I thought we were always in the game. With the amazing adjustment at half-time, and only being down by 4, I thought we had the game, but this was the Lakers and play-off implications so of course it wasn't a given that we would win.
I shared KP sentiments. If we go out and play our game to the best of our ability and still lose than so be it. I feel we did that. Therefore, it wouldn't have mattered if we lost. BS, I am thrilled that we won
hg
Thanks for the Post Mike. What is it about the Lakers that I hate so much?
I wanted to make sure everyone in Portland(including the Blazers) heard this post game interview with Kobe where he drops an F-bomb and blames the game on not getting free throws.
Here is the link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZsxX1VMsiWw&feature=player_embedded
I have listened to this 10 times and it makes me want to beat the Lakers more each time I hear it. Low class. I expected more out of one of the greatest players ever. He doesn't even take ownership of the loss. The fact that he went 0-4 with a TO.
Rip City(from Provo, UT)
Again, while his stats may not show it (yet)- Oden's presence opens up lanes, and helps create the separation his teammates need to drop shots. His confidence seems to be growing with every game.
With Ming & Bynum & probably Howard standing in the way of a championship run, anyone who is still second guessing the wisdom of Oden over Durant doesn't understand that basketball is a team game played with one ball.
MB,
Great post. You are right there won't be another season like this it has truly been special.
While I have been a Blazer fan for 30 years my two boys are just coming to the party. My oldest has been a fan for the last 5 years or so and my youngest now makes time to come over to the house and watch the game just this year. Even my wife will watch a DVR'ed game when she knows the outcome just to watch them play. Blazer games at my house are a family gathering, with texts about the game coming in from my brother and my cousin. Truly, truly a special season.
What a fantastic game last night. That was a playoff style game and maybe the most intense first quarter I have seen this season. The team with the best record in the league came into this game with probably their most motivation of the season, and we fought them all the way to a win.
During the game last night when the L*kers had the lead I still felt very confident that we would win. Why? I just kept thinking to myself that we're tougher than those guys. We are.
I don't know what is going to happen in the playoffs but I would bet that we would win the whole thing before I think we would be swept by anyone. If we do get the Spurs in the first round I feel very confident that we will win that series. I can't believe I just typed that!
I said on here before and I will say it again, this is the beginning of the best team in NBA history. We will be considered the class of all sports. We will win many rings. All-Star vets will take less money to get a back-up role on our team. The NBA will market our young player as everything that is right in sports.
This is only the beginning.
Rip City!
Mike, you are right on the mark with your observations concerning Steve Blake. His unselfish and determined play has been an example for the rest of the Blazers. His crucial shot "broke the back" of the Lakers attempted comeback.
It would have been really sweet to have had those missed jams and dunks completed with authority, but in the end they weren't needed.
Blazers, keep up your energy and determination. You are so much fun to watch, and we also love your civic activities. As a team you are like a welcome extension of our own families.
RIP CITY!
Excellent. The Blazers are streaking right into the playoffs, playing one clutch game after another. It feels good and there's no reason they won't make a lot of noise this time. These guys don't get rattled.
106 points. You're right, MIke, they didn't go about it any set particular way. Which is great. It's impossible to stop a team that comes at you every which way. Inside, outside, long, short, free throws, dunks. Many options and tough to defend.
10 points down? As if that's a problem. Rip City.
By the way first score of the game for the Blazers, best move I have ever seen the Thrilla make.
The up and under dunk on Bynum by the Allfather his best move of the year.
Thanks for the link C.B.B. I am an evil man who took great pleasure in someone elses obvious pain.
just read the l*kers blog. They also list the Blake jumper as the key play.
I'll take'Grotesque Images' for $500 Alex. Answer: His face was runner up for the scariest Halloween mask of all time. Question: "Who is Pao Gasol"? How about "Got an issue, here's a tissue',for $2oo Alex. Answer: He insists he never knowingly committed a foul in his career. Question: "Who is Vujacic the sniveling bitch"?
That's correct. What do we have for him Johnny?
Mike I was one of the kids way up in the cheap seats yelling your name last night after the game. A good way to end a birthday, a win and a good ol fashioned wave from MB. Thanks for all you do and good to see you in person for the first time in six years. Go Blazers
I need to add that Batum did a really good job of defending Kobe.
There have been plenty of moments and games this season where we have seen what this team are capable of. Roy's 52, Roy's buzzer beater against Houston, that first awesome home game against the Lakers where we destroyed them, the punishing wins against the Suns and Utah and the many other awesome plays/games that are too numerous to highlight but easily as important as the next.
HOWEVER, last night's game might just have given us all (both here in PDX and around the country) a glimpse of where this team are headed. Tight from start to finish, ahead and then ten down, quickly pulled back to neck and neck, incredible team play, the Roy/Kobe show in the fourth and then, ultimately, another fantastic win against the best team in the west.
Folks, our city has much to be proud of. This team continues to make great strides. Four rookies and an All-Star, yet here we are 51-28! Playoffs are here, championship may not be here this year but it is within sight and just around the corner. I also think Aldridge is destined to be our next All-Star. He just looks better and better from pretty much everywhere both offensively and defensively.
Incredible team performance.
Now, lets stay focused and beat the Clip, the Thunder and then wrap it up at home against the Nuggets (which I managed to get tickets for)!
roy2rudy:
If you sleep on us, we can provide you with a "NIGHTMARE".
That was priceless.
Do you remember how many dunks we missed that first quarter? I remember 3. Those dunks proved we weren’t settling for jumpers. They should have gone in.
I thought many times late in the third quarter that Greg wasn't in foul trouble yet and neither was Joel; that we should have put them in together on Bynum and Gasol. That sure would have been awesome.
hg
BRoyFTW: I might challenge you on being Greg's number one fan. I think Greg is trying to be more conservative. Remember, he slammed a couple in the SAS game that bounced out. And that rim check’ "he said", was somebody hitting him down low and knocking him sideways.
I gotta feel he is alright until somebody tells me different. That is the only way I could make it through the day.
hg
I was a bit disappointed last night. No brawl? That didn't seem much like a Lakers vs Blazers game at the Rose Garden! I wanted to see some revenge from Rudy! Oh well, we are the better team, and I doubt Rudy would be that low.
Great win. I got to ask MB, can you do us a favor, give us a good laugh, and let at least one of the Laker fans post slid? I want to see how pathetic people can be over a loss.
How much did "Mike Rice's friend" spend on those shirts? That guys got too much money if he's able to flash around that stupidity in our house!
Regardless, not much to say about last nights game because it was expected. Help ruin the chances of L.A. getting another championship, and help our chances of getting one!
Where is Portland, Oregon? LA sure knows, and they're running in fear from here!
Good blog MB - and you're right, Blake was awesome.
Oh and since it's nearing the end... a lot of reporters and writers think that Pheonix is going to do what Portland did, get rid of a lot of their stars and try to rebuild a more defensive focused team. Do you think the Blazers should get in on that?
c.b.b. - thanks for the link ... stay classy, Kobe ... I had a rabid Blazers fan gal sitting next to me last night who kept calling him a "cheater" and "adulterer" ... I had to remind her that he was/is likely much worse ...
MB - thanks SO much for an amazing blog ... don't know if it was your words (including some amazing wordmanship - such as Blake not getting "sick at sea" this year - so right on!) ... and/or just being at that game last night ... but I nearly found myself choking up a few times as I read your post to my 10-year-old daughter!!! ... so true - "live in the now" & it will never be like this again!
Wow... just listened to that c.b.b. Shows how low class Kobe is.
If people don't mind, I'd like to compare the three top MvP mentions this season from the perspective of a fan that is not a fan of either of the players team.
Kobe Bryant vs Dwayne Wade vs Lebron James
-------------------------
Kobe and Dwayne look to score all the time, Lebron James on the other hand (dedicated to MR) takes less than 5 shots the first quarter most of the time. Lebron James averages a triple double, Kobe and Dwayne Wade average about 30+ points a game.
That's all I really got to say. Should MvP be Most valuable player that ball hogs, or should the MvP award be team based, where the player helps his team win 37-1 at home and have the best record in the NBA?
Last season was pathetic, seemed Stern was desperate to get Queen Kobe an award he doesn't deserve.
Oh and I agree completely with warrior. I'm glad all Blazer fans get to view the Blazers, it kind of makes me feel down that I have comcast and I get people posting here telling me how much it sucks that they don't get to watch. But like warrior said, it goes to Oprah or some lame garden show. I want to hear stats, highlights, and all that good stuff, and I hate the news - I'm sick of hearing everything wrong in Portland when I'm trying to watch a good game. And last but not least... there is no further replay. I was scheduled to work last night, but *luckily* I was under the weather. I wouldn't have been able to watch this game, and I missed the first Blazer vs Laker game. I want to be able to watch the replay, especially in a playoff game. Some of us don't have a set schedule, so we have no idea until the thursday before the week when we have to work, and a lot of us work in the evening.
If they're going to have it on KGW-8, please at least tell the comcast sportsnet people to have the replay! Even for TNT games! That'd be awesome!
sorry i didnt read any replies to this ridiculous post but.....i think it is awful rude of warrior, to be so upset that kgw is airing the first round....for money????? Excuse me but i rarely get to watch games because i am not allowed to watch csn, BECAUSE OF MONEY, and now this guy wants to take away my chance to watch playoff games....this fellow should be ashamed of himself for being so selfish
Repeat after me: THE WAY TO BEAT THE LAKERS IS TO GET KOBE CHUCKING.
You could tell by the look in his eyes that his brain had clicked off, like a beagle chasing a rabbit, during that last stretch. He was coming off a hot streak, he was feeling it, and in his mind it was THE GREAT KOBE against the Upstart Challenger, Brandon Roy, going one-on-one for the victory.
So with 50 seconds on the clock, down 3, when the situation called for three passes ending with an easy Pau bucket down low for a quick 2 (or two shots at the foul line) it was.............. THE GREAT KOBE putting up a closely contested fadeaway jumper for 3... Clank, rebound, panic foul by LA, and that was ballgame (even if the Blazers were HIGHLY SKETCHY at the line with the pressure on).
I'm a Laker fan, too (take a hike yourself, Trevor!) and I've seen this more than once this year -- Kobe regresses into becoming THE GREAT KOBE and tosses up ill-advised shots late in the game. Sometimes they fall, sometimes they clank out -- but they often aren't the BEST play for the situation, as was the case last night.
Yep, the way you beat the Lakers is to get Kobe chucking...
"hg" is wrong about how the playoffs will shake out in his comment. If Houston, Portland, and San Antonio end up with identical records, then Houston will win the tie breaker against San Antonio (having won 3 of 4 against San Antonio) and will be in the 3 spot. Blazers have the tie breaker against the Spurs (having won 3 or 4), and will be in the 4 spot. Thus, San Antonio will be in the 5 spot.
If the Blazers win the rest of the games, then the worst seed they could possibly get is 4. If the Blazers lose 1 game, then the worst seed they can get it 5. The Blazers can be the 3 seed if they win out, and Houston loses 1 game. They can also be the 3 seed if they win out, and Denver loses to the Kings. The Blazers can be the 2 seed, if they win out, Denver loses to the Kings, and Houston loses 1 game.
I think that covers it.
The Blazers are for real. They aren't two or three years down the road, they are right now. The similarities between this team and the 77 championship team are scary. I got $20 on the Blazers at the start of the season at 35-1 odds. I was just in Vegas last week they are now 8-1. People are beginning to notice us. Oh, and by the way Cleveland isn't making it to the finals. Its Blazers-Magic. Blazers in 6.
Mike, I went to the Cavs homepage to see any celebrating that our boys beat the Lakers last night, I'm sure the second best fans in the NBA were cheering for the Blazers last night.
Anyways, I click after click I ended up finding this great article.
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/lakers-roy-friday-2361725-night-shots
Brian:
Here are the standings in the West, 2-7, after the games on Friday, April 10th. Each team's remaining games are listed after the record.
2. Denver 53-27 (Sacramento, @Portland)
3. Houston 52-28 (New Orleans, @Dallas)
4. Portland 51-28 (@Clippers, OKC, Denver)
5. San Antonio 51-28 (@Sacramento, @Golden State, New Orleans)
6. New Orleans 48-31 (Dallas, @Houston, @San Antonio)
7. Dallas 48-31 (@New Orleans, Minnesota, Houston)
8. Utah 47-32 (Golden State, Clippers, @L*kers)
--As you can see, the Rockets and Spurs both won tonight. Portland remained in the same place relative to both teams despite the victory over L.A.
--The Jazz lost to the Spurs tonight, notching their 32nd loss. The Blazers can now finish no lower than the 7th seed even if they lose every game remaining. One more victory would ensure Portland at least the 5th seed.
--The Blazers could still climb as high as the 2nd seed. A win against the Clippers tonight would tie them with Houston. Portland does not hold the tie-breaker with either of the teams in front of them and must surpass their record to finish ahead of them.
--The Hornets lost along with the Jazz but the Mavericks won. Dallas and New Orleans have identical records. Utah is one game behind. If Dallas manages to win in New Orleans Sunday afternoon they would have a good chance of retaining the 6th seed. If not it's up in the air between the Hornets, Jazz, and Mavericks for those last three spots. It could go any way. We won't know for sure about the tie-breaker between New Orleans and Dallas until after their game but we do know that Dallas has the tie-breaker over Utah while the Hornets would lose to the Jazz in the event of a tie.
This is from Blazers Edge. Probably what you have said. All the scenarios gives me a head ache. We will all have to wait to see how it all pans out. right now I am concerned about The Clippers, If we don't take care of business I think we can still end up in sixth (losing the rest of the games.)
hg
Is there anything contractually that prevents CSN from having a post game show? I agree with others, that the only bad thing about games being on KGW is the lack of pre and post game coverage. I understand KGW has to return to NBC programing, but a post game show on CSN, wouldn't interfere with their game broadcast at all. If this is a problem, it's time for the blazer office to think outside the box, and make this happen for the playoffs. We want that extended coverage, and to hear from the coach after the game. There is no reason a deal can't be worked out, especially if CSN directs people to KGW when their pre-game coverage starts, and CSN agrees to show roller derby reruns, or some other non-competing program during the game. The late night replays would be nice too. I've had to catch a few games that way this year.
I believe it used to be that when Monday Night Football was on ABC, you could switch to ESPN for extended pre and post game stuff, so it has been done before.
I'm sure it would be a problem to get the TNT games, because they have their own crew doing the games, and would likely be more protective, but KGW and CSN use the same broadcast crew. Paul Allen can make it happen. It would be good for all involved, so veto the territorial middle managers, and get it done. Because, frankly it's rediculous to have reduced coverage as we reach the pinnacle of the NBA season. I agree the most important thing is to show the games on free TV so the whole city can see them, and in HD, but let's keep our in depth coverage on CSN, or KGW can commit to more serious coverage before and after the game.
Re: Kobe's post game comment.
I scoff at people suggesting that he's low class for making that comment. He wasn't on live television (from what I can tell), and he was fired up because his team just lost a big game. Kobe is one of the game's great competitors. Why would he not answer the question with enthusiasm?
Re: the Blazers
I've been getting in arguments on a message board about it this week, but I truly believe that Roy/Aldridge is as formidable a G/F duo as there is in the league. Other duos like Bryant/Gasol, Deron/Boozer, Paul/David West, and Howard/Turkoglu(or Lewis). Both of them hold the game down on both ends of the floor, and if the Blazers can find a third piece to bring consistent play like LA and the Natural, then they're right there at the A-Class of the league. The dangerous thing is that they have at least a few players with the capability to do it in Oden, Outlaw, and Rudy--not to mention Webster. Steve Blake and Przybilla are gonna be getting it done regardless, but aren't as explosive as the others I mentioned.
Let's win out, and take some swagger into the playoffs! Get em Blazers!
Kobe wants the Blazers in the playoffs?!? Be careful what you wish for. His ego gets in the way of his common sense. Not that he has an overly abundant supply of it, i.e., the feud with Shaq, the Colorado hotel, going to the mall to get an $8 million make-up gift for his wife.
I proposed a while ago that the Blazers would get to the conference finals this year if they avoided the Lakers in the second round. Now it looks like they will face them there. Fine by me. But it would be so much sweeter to knock them out with a chance to go to the NBA finals on the line. Portland's chances of winning on the road are much better than anyone else's coming here and winning in the RG, especially with the Blazers playing their best ball of the season.
My son and I have tickets to the Denver game and our anticipation is immense. The Thuggets are our real last test of the regular season and I can't wait to see G.O. wipe the ink off of "the gamehen". I hope we get a chance to face them in the playoffs as well, as their type of run and gun play hardly ever gets a team out of the second round. It's a definite statement game on Weds.
Not that I'm looking past the Clips and OKC. O.K., I am, but I doubt the Blazers will. Both will be well played games and both relatively easy wins. It's the chance for them to fine tune before the finale against Denver and the start of the post season. It will also allow them to get a bit of rest for those playing big minutes.
It's all good in Blazerland, with so much more to look forward to. Thanks, KP, for cleaning house and restoring this proud franchise, this proud city really appreciates it.
RIPCITY!!!!!!!!!!!
Nate McMillan deserves COY honors! All these other coaches that people are noting are simply unworthy THIS YEAR. I'm not saying they're bad coaches...
Mike Brown shouldn't get COY when it's the season where LeBron finally takes up defense. His teammates have simply followed LeBron's example, not Mike Brown's. I'm not saying he's a bad coach, but he shouldn't get COY for having arguably the best player in the league finally decide that defense is a priority.
Jerry Sloan? Really? Is this because of the whole "21 years as a head coach but no COY award?" The Jazz are worse than they were last year. Why award a coach for coaching a team to a lesser record? Granted, he's dealt with injuries. But on paper, considering the continued emergence of Deron Williams, and with guys like Paul Millsap stepping up with the absence of Carlos Boozer, there's really no significant reason why the Jazz should be worse than last year.
George Karl. Again...really? The only reason for the Nuggets being where they are today is because of a guy named Chauncey Billups, not because of a guy named George Karl. If the Nuggets still had Allen Iverson, they would probably not be #2 in the West. Billups should be in a list of MVP candidates instead of Karl being on the list for COY candidates.
Eric Spoelstra's situation is similar to that of Mike Brown's. You can't credit your coach for a team's success from last year to this year when your team has the third best player in Dwyane Wade reemerge himself as a beast. Put Dwyane Wade on a team with an unstellar supporting cast and my 10-year-old little sister could be their coach. Dwyane Wade has been the difference, not Eric Spoelstra.
Gregg Popovich? Come on, now we're just playing favorites. He would definitely get the nod if his team secured home court advantage with an ailing Tim Duncan. That would show the sign of a coach worthy of COY. Again, I'm not saying that either of these coached are bad, just not THIS SEASON'S COY material.
All this being said, I can't find any argument against Rick Adelman nor Stan Van Gundy. Both coaches have made a difference for their respective teams. Given season ending injuries to Tracy McGrady and Jameer Nelson, neither team has done worse, like many expected, but they've exceeded expectations.
Nate McMillan has lead the youngest playing rotation in the league to potentially hosting a first round playoff series, while playing four rookies a considerable amount of time (MB, I forgot the stat that you used previously about that). Really, the Blazers should be #2 in the West if you give us the games against Orlando (where Hedo made the lucky 3 at the buzzer), and the Clippers (had Blake made those free throws down the stretch). It's not all about one player in this case. Knowing what goes on behind the scenes, thanks to MB and Quick, really puts into perspective how much this team depends on Nate.
THE REAL TOP 3:
1) Nate McMillan, Portland
2) Rick Adelman, Houston
3) Stan Van Gundy, Orlando
here's to a good effort tonight against the Clippers. the guys need to get used to picking off games in the staples center:)
coach mcmillan will probably get coach of the year next year.
personally i feel very inspired by this team and organization, and just want to say thank you.
GO BLAZERS
Hey guys, ease up that Kobe kid, he had a rough night. To be fair to those poor, poor Laker fans, here's a comment that shows a little more humility on the part of their hero:
"Even when we're having championship runs, we usually come up here and get our butts kicked," Bryant said. "They play us tough here."
Poor little dude. I bet Phil Jackson gave him a spanking he won't soon forget when he got home. I saw Kobe getting frustrated, putting up unwise shots and all that, and couldn't help thinking about Jackson grinding his teeth while he watched the game from home...the thought still puts a smile on my face! At least he didn't have to deal with the terrible weather and "depressed" faces...HA!
Oh my, I can't wait to see them in the playoffs. That will be fun! Now lets snip the Clips! Go Blazers.
Anyone else noticed that the Blazers are suddenly closing out quarters with a burst of scoring?
Against the Lakers, they closed out the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th quarters with authority, and they just did it to the Clips in the 2nd.
It amazing for such a young team to have developed this kind of consistency at the end of quarters.
One question, MB: what is the team's technical foul free throw percentage? It can't be as good as their percentage on normal free throws.
Hey Mike, enjoy your blog.
You're dead on with your comments about Blake. He IS the perfect PG for this team, and anyone who thinks he should be the backup or traded away needs their head examined. I find it difficult to fathom why that sportswriter in OKC (for example) parroted Ric Bucher's remarks about Portland not having "THAT" PG. I've watched Blake's career since he was a Maryland Terp, and even then to me it was obvious that he was going to crush his doubters, and he has -- starting with his play in the ACC all those years ago. Now he's doing it in the NBA and it's not really a surprise to me.
Go Kings!!!
Our only chance to catch Denver is in the Kings hands now. They don't have much of a chance playing in Denver -- but stranger things have happened...
Looks to me like Stephen has offered a fine way for Chef Jared and others to get the game, which I would agree is the higher value, and for the many who really want it to get pre and post game coverage. Put it out there and Portland can solve it. Blazers have really gotten focused and committed on getting it done and I expect we all owe a good part of that to Nate and his staff.
-is there a way for us to make it so that the kings have to WIN their next two games in order to get the best chance at getting blake griffin?
-i bet kobe wishes he had had more than 2 assists against us, but maybe he just isn't that smart!?!
-our center position in the last four games 15.5pts 18.25rebs 2blks. their combined season averages 14.2pts 15.7rebs 2.3blks the guy who wears the TRADE ODEN shirt to our games should be sent to a basketball 101 session taught by the wild one.
-it's pretty amazing how much zach randolph sucks.
-i love seeing our team able to go on a run almost at will, even with road weary legs after having shut down the lkrs in the final few minutes the night before.
-we have a completely solid, well defined 9 player rotation going in to the playoffs.
-can you imagine this group if they stay together for the next 6 or 7 years!?! (i know, i know, we're focused on what is right in front of us.) but seriously, blake and joel would be 35, and everyone else 30 or UNDER! please, please, please let this happen...
Cole:
LeBron learned from Nate in the Olympics how important defense is.
That should be another vote for Nate.
hg
hg
Excellent comment, I completely forgot about that. This organization needs to spread the word around the league, and ESPN and whatnot. We get forgotten about in the suddenly "empty" Pacific Northwest.
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