Pay attention to this one, because Koponen-Blazer things could be happening. Koponen, still just 21, has established himself as one of the better combo-guards in Serie A. However, his future with the Blazers isn't clear and we could b

e seeing the beginnings of Koponen seeking to change that. There haven't been any "let me know when you're bringing me over or cut me loose" demands yet, but it appears that talks between the two parties are happening more frequently. Hippo fills us in:

Almost a month has passed since last Petteri Koponen Watch. Of course, the internet skeptics would like to say this means that P.K. has been mediocre in the last few games and there is nothing to brag about, but luckily, things aren't like that.

It is true that just two weeks ago, Virtus got absolutely destroyed by league-leading Montepaschi Siena (70-100), and after that they lost a 16-point halftime lead on the road against Sigmacoatings Montegranaro. However, yesterday Virtus got back on track, whopping Jonas Jerebko's former club Angelico Biella 79-66 with Koponen being Virtus' leading scorer with 15.

After the return of point guard Andre Collins, Koponen has truly settled into his guard role. Koponen still averages 7,4 fg attempts a game, but he has taken a step back and concentrated on orchestrating team offense instead of taking own shots. Alongside Collins, Koponen has also cut down his turnovers dramatically. Here's a statistical recap of Koponen alongside Collins:

Games - 7 Minutes - 29,3 Points - 12,3 Assists - 1,9 Steals - 1,6 Turnovers - 1,3 2pt fg's - 85,7% (18/21) - (that's not a typo) 3pt fg's - 41,9% (13/31) Free throws - 64,7% (11/17) - (damn Petteri, what's up with that?)

We will most likely see Koponen continue averaging around 12, 3 and 2 with 1 turnover a game throughout the season. The team's roster is full now and Koponen is a crucial part of team's offense, but not a "lone star"; Virtus has eight players capable of scoring 15 points every game. Yes, Petteri Koponen has shown that he's one of the elite guards in Serie A, but you won't see him among league's leading scorers

But what's more interesting is this.

Like the story tells, Koponen's Honka Playboys coach Mihailo Pavicevic spent whole two weeks in Portland, talking with team executives about Koponen's development and performances. But what should the Blazers faithful think about this comment by Mr. Pavicevic:

"Petteri will play in the NBA next season, whether in Portland or not."

What is happening behind the scenes? Petteri Koponen is signed with Virtus Bologna throughout 2012, although it is said that the deal includes reasonable buyout opinion. Koponen has also said that "several" NBA teams have contacted his agent and are willing to trade for him. Pavicevic seems to have traveled to Portland to tell the team executives that the clock is ticking and that Blazers will have to bring Koponen over in 2010/11, if they consider Koponen as part of their future. It will be interesting.

How does Koponen fit in Portland's point guard plans? Andre Miller is signed through 2012, Steve Blake will be a free agent in 2010 and Jerryd Bayless will be under rookie contract until 2011. Bayless hasn't been happy with his playing time and he has shown glimpses of brilliance in limited minutes and Miller is still puzzling Blazers fans, who don't yet know whether he is a good fit alongside Brandon Roy. If Bayless or Blake leaves, Koponen certainly has a spot in the roster, but the question is: Do Blazers already trust the 21-year old Finn enough?

This might not be an answer to the question, but we could always provoke some conversation by looking at the stats. Here are the numbers by Brandon Jennings and Jonas Jerebko in Italy compared to their rookie year in the NBA, and a speculation what might Koponen's rookie stats look like with Blazers in 2010/11:

BRANDON JENNINGS

Italy 08/09: Min 17,0 Pts 5,5 Reb 1,6 As 2,3 St 2,1 To 1,5 2pt 47,9% 3pt 20,7% Ft 64,5%

Milwaukee 09/10: Min 34,1 Pts 17,1 Reb 3,5 As 6,3 St 1,2 To 2,5 Fg 37,7% 3pt 38,3% Ft 80,9%

JONAS JEREBKO

Italy 08/09: Min 27,0 Pts 9,9 Reb 5,3 St 1,1 To 0,8 2pt 51,2% 3pt 37,5% Ft 71,4%

Detroit 09/10: Min 27,2 Pts 8,6 Reb 5,5 As 0,7 St 0,6 Fg 47,5% 3pt 28,0% Ft 69,2%

PETTERI KOPONEN

Italy 09/10: Min 27,4 Pts 11,0 Reb 2,1 As 1,6 St 1,5 To 1,7 2pt 65,2% 3pt 43,3% Ft 74,5%

Portland 10/11 (?): Min 18,3 Pts 7,1 Reb 0,9 As 1,8 St 1,0 To 1,2 Fg 45,2% 3pt 39,9% Ft 81,0%

-Hippo

Blazers Streak Ends At 9- Lakers Finally Win in the Rose Garden

If there was one positive thing to take away from tonight's loss against the Lakers at the Rose Garden (yes, you read that right), it is that Kobe Bryant didn't actually play; Kobe Bryant still hasn't won in the Rose Garden.

For the first time since February of 2005, the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Portland Trail Blazers at the Rose Garden in a 99-82 blowout.

Led by Ron Artest (21 points, 3 rebounds and 4 assists ) and Lamar Odom (22 rebounds), the Lakers effectively shutdown the Blazers in every category, capitalizing on the Blazer's poor interior defense, ending up with 48 points in the paint to Portland's 22 . On defense the Lakers held Portland to 43.7% shooting and 27.8% from the 3 point line (Thank you Martel Webster).

Los Angeles wasted no time establishing their bigs Pau Gasol (13 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists) and Andrew Bynum (10 minutes and 3 points) inside, meaning to attack the short handed front line of the Blazers. The strategy enabled the Lakers to effectively draw the defense and allow for [insert Laker] to make the open outside shot. Exploiting seemingly every defensive matchup on offense, the Lakers continuously went inside to Gasol. This proved far too much for Aldridge and Howard to handle, as Gasol was consistently able to establish early and deep position, often times stepping in for a lay-in or cutting through the defense on a pick and roll for the easy two.

The Blazers countered by getting the ball in to LaMarcus Aldridge early. Aldridge ended up with 16 points, 12 of them coming in the first quarter. The Blazers began the game on fire from the field, playing aggressive defense, and battling on the boards. The most exciting highlight of the first half came when Laker Andrew Bynum missed a layup, got his own rebound, then was blocked by Jeff Pendergraph when he attempted to shoot it again.

The game remained competitive until the last two minutes of the second quarter, during which the Blazers allowed the Lakers a 13- 4 run. Pau Gasol and Derek Fisher each got easy buckets and Ron Artest hit two consecutive threes. After a timeout, the Lakers inbounded the ball with 2.9 seconds left in the half; Artest caught the inbounds pass, took two dribbles and drained a 35 foot 3 pointer at the halftime buzzer right in defender Martell Webster's face. From there, the Lakers never looked back, coming out in the third quarter shooting lights out and restricting any form of Blazer offensive momentum.

By the time the fourth quarter began, the Rose Garden faithful began to file out, as the Lakers had a double digit lead. Everything McMillan tried did not work, no shots went down, Steve Blake's threes resembled those which he took at the beginning of the season and the defense lacked effort and heart. The Blazers fell apart on every level,

playing like a team adrift without its leader.

As a team the Lakers shot 48.8% from the field and 42.1% from the three point line.

Derek Fisher provided the spark from behind the 3 point line, shooting 50% and finishing with 14 points overall. Leading the bench in scoring was Shannon Brown, who had 21 points. Bynum only played 10 minutes and provided near-to-nothing with 3 points. The Lakers did not miss Bynum however, as Odom contributed 10 points and Gasol finished with 13.

LaMarcus Aldridge led all scorers for the Blazers with 16 points, while Andre Miller contributed 14. Jerryd Bayless, starting for Brandon Roy (Hamstring), had 13 points but struggled mightily defense ( as did the rest of the Blazer team).

The Blazers take on the streaking "Thunder" on Tuesday at the Rose Garden; a dangerous opponent for a team without it's All Star and effectively running on fumes. Let us hope the Blazers can pull together and finish out strong before the all star break, as a win tonight would have provided an emotional boost the team sorely needs as it limps across the first half finish line, barely maintaining its place among Western Conference playoff contenders.

Box Score

Sophia Brugato | Twitter: @Sophiabiabia | s.brugato(at)gmail(dot)com

Here's the release from the Trail Blazers:

BRANDON ROY SIDELINED THROUGH ALL-STAR BREAK

Portland guard to undergo PRP therapy on Monday

PORTLAND, Ore. - Portland Trail Blazers guard Brandon Roy will miss Portland's next three games and the NBA All-Star Game with a right hamstring strain, it was announced today by General Manager Kevin Pritchard.

"Unfortunately, I'm not where I was hoping I would be physically at this point," said Roy. "It's a setback and I'm obviously disappointed, but my entire focus is getting back on the court, contributing and helping our team down the stretch."

Roy initially injured his hamstring January 13 vs. Milwaukee and re-aggravated it January 20 at Philadelphia. He has missed 11 of Portland's last 12 games heading into tonight's game with the L.A. Lakers.

"This was not a decision that any of us wanted to make, but in the end we had to do what was best for Brandon," said Pritchard. "We're hopeful that this extended rest will put Brandon in the best possible position to return to the line-up shortly after the All-Star break."

Roy will undergo Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy with Dr. Neal ElAttrache at the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic in Los Angeles on Monday.

Roy leads the team in scoring (23.1), free throws made (213) and minutes (38.3), and ranks second on the squad in assists (5.0) and steals (1.03). In just 40 games this season, he has led the team in scoring 25 times and assists on 15 occasions (including ties).

Everybody knows the Blazers have won 9 games in a row against the Lakers in the Rose Garden. It's the longest home winning streak against the Lakers in the NBA. But tonight will be Portland's toughest test during that streak against Los Angeles. With Roy, Oden, Przybilla, and Outlaw out, and the Lakers at near full strength, it is almost mission imposssible.

Los Angeles Lakers coverage at Forum Blue & Gold and The No-Look Pass.

Overall Winner:

We told you there would be giveaway! For those of you who are a little short on cash or just love to win prizes, it's your lucky day! We are giving away Bust a Bucket shirts.

Here's how it works: Register with our site(email included), and leave the following comment/answer: Who is your favorite Blazer of all time and why? We'll be giving away one of each shirt so you have two chances to grab one! Bonus points for any Bust a Bucket era flashbacks! Not really, we want to hear ALL of your stories!

• The giveaway will run for just a few days until Monday February 8th at 8:59PM PT.
• To enter, register and leave your comment about your favorite Blazer and why, below. You'll be automatically entered.
• (2) winners will be chosen.

Good luck!

Disclaimer: We are out of all women's smalls, and inventory is fairly low across the board. We'll do our best to accomodate you on the shirt of choice when the winners are picked.

Since Roy has been injured I’ve started appreciating him in a more refined way. I had previously enjoyed him only for his pure awesomeness. I never worried about identifying the importance of every single thread in his superhero cape. Early in his Blazers career I got so tired of enumerating his strengths that I decided to nickname him “Everything” so I could be done with it. This not only allowed me to be even more lazy with my game recaps by providing the obvious “Everything was everything” line, it also let me simultaneously reference Diana Ross, Brand Nubian, Lauryn Hill, and the band Phoenix. That is some excellent demographics coverage.

One highly valuable contribution that Brandon Roy brings to this team is a massive reduction in uncertainty. When Everything is healthy we just know that certain bases will be covered. Without Roy I really have no idea what this team is going to do on a nightly basis, I just know that it probably won’t be as good as if he were on the court.

Headed into the game against San Antonio, Portland was 4-6 over their last ten. Only one of those wins came against a high quality opponent. That two-point victory over Dallas required 52 points from Andre Miller, which was great, but not something you want to depend on every night. I wondered if we were finding a new certainty: if Roy is out and the opponent is good, someone needs to have major blowuptuation for Portland to have a chance.

The positive news, at least for tonight, was that the Spurs have been dealing with a rough season themselves. They haven’t managed to do much better than Portland’s injury-depleted roster has managed up to this point. Of course, they are still the Spurs. Over the years I’ve come to hate that San Antonio somehow manages to convince everyone that they suck before they piece it all together and are suddenly contending for the title. They may not be what they used to be, but I won’t pronounce them dead, or even “too old,” quite yet.

None of that really mattered tonight. Portland came out with energy early and, get this, utilized some sort of foreign strategy called the “fast br-eak.” Rudy seems quasi-magical when he’s on and running; tonight it lifted the team to a higher level in the first half. All the while, Miller was managing Portland’s sudden exuberance adeptly. The results were impressive: Portland shot .575 from the field and amassed 18 assists in the first half. It was some of the most beautiful offense we’ve seen this season. Bloggers and local-media peeps that act like they aren’t bloggers were reaching for their classic “WHY DOESN’T THIS TEAM RUN MORE!?!” templates before realizing that even with all of that hot sexy offense Portland went into the half down by two.

In the second half San Antonio settled into a groove on both ends. Forcing Portland into a half-court game neutralized much of any athletic advantage the Blazers exploited in the early going. With Roy out, Portland’s main option in the half-court is a LaMarcus Aldridge jumper. Nothing against Aldridge, he has been playing great lately and tonight was no exception, but without Roy to orbit around in those situations the team looked hopelessly lost at times.

While Portland was hamstrung on offense they never figured out a way to stop the Spurs from getting buckets. Tony Parker kept scoring just enough. Ginobili started hitting a little bit. Doug Collins kept calling Tim Duncan a “spicket.” DaJuan Blair was not in a Blazers jersey (unfortunate). Oh, and Bayless left the game injured, because somebody had to. San Antonio outscored Portland 21-15 in a third quarter that was as unenjoyable as the points scored suggests.

Then in the fourth quarter, as we’ve seen over and over again regardless of which Blazers are on the floor, this team refused to quit. I used to accept the “too young to know better” line, but there is more to Portland’s drive than naiveté. Heart is ingrained into this team’s culture. They kept working and while the shots were there for San Antonio all night, eventually the Spurs started missing. LaMarcus stayed hot and Andre Miller, who was shooting cold throughout most of the game, started making critical buckets and was always able to find a teammate in position to make something good happen. Most often this teammate was Martell Webster, who hit two big open threes in the clutch (5-5 from distance on the game) and iced the game from the line late (4-4 FT, all game sealers).

It was another inspiring win by the Blazers. A wide open Ginobili three-point attempt and an inexplicable late foul by Miller didn’t manage to spoil the party. We all get to walk around and talk about the “amazing heart” of this team once more. Now please, everyone, get healthy.

BOX SCORE

Photo: AP

Here at Bust a Bucket, we try our best to reach out to other NBA writers and bloggers in order to gain valuable perspective from people who no doubt know their team the best. In preparation of tonight's game against the San Antonio Spurs, I spoke with Michael De Leon of Project Spurs about Manu Ginobli, the health of Tony Parker and his favorite key player of the season.

Here are my answers to his questions. The Blazers need to win this contest.

Go Blazers!

Sophia Brugato: The Spurs overall have a better record than the Blazers and are considered one of the elite squads in the Western Conference; if not of the entire NBA. However, they are an even .500 at 14-14 against conference opponents and are 8-9 on the road. Can you comment a bit on their recent struggles ; both on the road and regarding their record against conference opponents?

Michael De Leon: I would not consider them an elite team this season for exactly the reasons you stated. As far as why they are struggling, I doubt even Pop could give you the answer to that. Early on in the season we used to give the standard excuses about the team needing to learn the offense, having to adjust to 7 new players and building chemistry. But we are past midseason now and it's a little too late for excuses. As someone recently said on our podcast, Pop is just throwing everything at the wall right now and hoping something will stick. We've seen several different rotations and starting lineups and we just can't seem to find the perfect mix.

SB: Against the Blazers, what will be the most efficient point of attack for the Spurs in order to get the win. (Hint: pound ball inside, aim for Pendergraph and rebound more than us)

MD: To injure any Blazers big man still standing. Really, the Spurs just have to execute their offense, step up the defensive effort and take care of the ball. I know that sounds elementary, but they have to go back to basics so that the Spurs don't get manhandled by a Blazers squad that is mostly injured right now and using bench players as stopgaps.

SB: What is the status of Tony Parker, will he play? How will that change things offensively for the Spurs?

MD: The latest is that Tony will play, but I doubt he starts or plays major minutes this game. With the way George Hill has been playing, he really doesn't need to. Even with Tony playing, I don't think it changes a lot offensively. He's been struggling with plantar fasciitis, which has affected his speed. Whereas before he used to relish 1-on-2 fast breaks, now he'll bring the ball back out to the key and set up the offense, essentially killing the most effective tool in his arsenal.

SB: Who has been the most instrumental role player this season for the Spurs and why?

MD: Without a doubt it's George Hill. I was one of very few people that didn't throw a fit and jump off a bridge when the Spurs selected him in last summer's draft, and he's starting to make me look pretty smart. While he did show some potential last season, this season he's shown so much improvement, not just in his ability to run the point or play the two, but he's a lot more confident. That's the number one, must-have trait in a point guard and something that has been missing from a Spurs back-up point guard since Speedy Claxton.

Kelly Dwyer says Hill is overrated, but I couldn't disagree more. He's shown a lot of poise and has been a key contributor whether he's starting or off the bench.

SB: The Blazers have approximately 716584 expiring contracts this season, of course the contracts belong to no one of significant importance; but the Spurs do. Talk a bit about Manu Ginobli, his role on the team, and what the game plan should be without him on the Spurs squad. (sad thoughts , I know).

MD: Manu has played well lately, but there's no question his time is limited. I don't think the Spurs can get someone for him near equal value, so I'd prefer if they re-signed him to a short-term deal. Maybe 2 years with the second being a team option. He'll also have to take a pay cut. If he would agree to that, I think they should definitely keep him around. Without Manu, we'd be losing a big part of our bench. He's part of why the Spurs have the league's highest-scoring second unit and you can't overlook what he does on the other end of the floor.

Without him, Roger Mason would be sure to see a lot more minutes, and while he can shoot, he's no Manu. I don't think San Antonio is quite ready for a Manu-less Spurs team.

Author clarification: I am losing the nickname and will be posting as myself from now on. For those of you who didn't know, Sheed = Matt Scheelar.

Remember last year when we used to compete with the Utah Jazz? You know, we win at our place and they win at their place. Tough, down to the wire games. That hasn't been the case in three games against the Jazz this year.

Despite Portland's injury situation, they've been able to compete with, and sometimes beat, the best teams in the league. But every single game against Utah has been a joke. Tonight, it was more of the same as the Jazz shot 62.7% from the field and beat the Blazers convincingly once again, 118 to 105.

Although the end result tonight was the same as the previous games against Utah, it started out different. I remember feeling blindsided during each of the first two games. I was barely able to settle into my viewing station before Utah took a 32-17 first quarter lead back in November and began the game last week on a 21-2 run.

The common denominator in both of those beat-downs was Carlos Boozer, who averaged 20 and 9 in those games but did not play tonight. Initially I felt there was an inkling of hope with him inactive tonight, but alas, our losses at the hands of Utah are about much more than Carlos Boozer dominating the paint. The real reason we're getting abused by Utah is defense. Granted, we don't have either of our centers, but Portland just has no answers for a team with a highly skilled, dual threat point guard who is not only capable of scoring but even worse, finding his open teammate.

I swear every one of these games goes the same way at one point. Utah is passing, making the extra pass, guys are cutting, and viola someone is open right at the rim. Half the time Portland looks disoriented, shocked or just plain indifferent on defense. The Blazers should know by now that they can't play catch up against this Jazz team. Utah has now shot over 60% against Portland in each of the three games this season, a truly astonishing statistic that can't just be blamed on "hot shooting."

Realistically, it's just another game and a team that frankly can't be beat without Brandon Roy and at least one of our centers. We can accept that, right? I guess I will for now. Portland just needs to shake it off and get ready for San Antonio tomorrow. The Spurs haven't exactly been torching teams, and the Blazers have beaten them twice this year already, but they still pose a major threat. They'll come to Portland ready to play with or without Brandon Roy and it won't be easy for the Blazers. Short-term memory loss and fresh legs will get us through the season!

Box Score

Bad team defense, bad man to man defense, just bad all around. Allowing Okur to dominate. Plain and simple, keep him out of the paint. Losing the assist battle 32 to 17. Utah moves the ball well, we simply do not. Early on, I recall multiple bonehead or bad plays by Martell and Steve Blake.	LaMarcus put up big numbers and got to the line a lot. More of that please. Martell seemed to get his stroke back to some extent. Batum was stellar in his limited action, why no PT for the frenchman? Bayless was active at times, trying to make plays. That's a good thing in a game like this one.