Sometimes a win is just a stepping stone to regaining confidence. Tonight Portland had to win a road game in New Jersey just to stop the bleeding. Not to say that last weekend's losses were completely devastating, but lately every Blazer loss has taken on a life of its own. The city is living and dying by the team right now, and with just 23 games left, a win to start the current 5-game road trip was a great start.

As is the case in a lot of NBA mismatches, the better team took a big lead, the underdog made a spirited run and eventually the better team won. Simple enough. Obviously it would be nice for the Blazers to continue to dominate the Nets, but at this point, the mentally fragile Blazers just needed an opportunity to get clutch shots, free throws, and even some defensive stops. Yes it was against New Jersey, but we'll take it.

Even though Portland didn't put New Jersey away sooner than the final few minutes, they still won the game for a reason. The main reason? Turning the ball over just 4 times(3 according to the box score) and New Jersey not scoring off any of them. Portland also shot 54% from the field and had 23 assists to New Jersey's 14. Portland also made a concerted effort to defend Brook Lopez and force other players to make jumpers. The Nets shoot, and make, the fewest three pointers in the league. It was a good game plan even though Courtney Lee torched the nets with 4 of 4 threes and Devin Harris was simply too quick to handle. Both New Jersey players scored 28 points but it wasn't enough to get their 6th win.

One of the most dominating aspects of the Blazers 19 point first half lead was the play of LaMarcus Aldridge. He's been getting grief for not being a go-to guy in the 4th quarter but you can't argue with him getting the game going early on. When Aldridge is hot, he is un-guardable. The semi-frustrating fade away jumper cannot be stopped and when he's cutting and his teammates are finding him, look the hell out. I love a focused LA.

The starting back court also put on quite a show. Andre and Brandon combined for 11 assists and zero turnovers, but most importantly Brandon Roy looks healthier every day. With the season winding down and Steve Blake out of town, the so called lack of synergy between Roy and Miller seems like a thing of the past. These good performances by our best players also show why a win against the worst team in the league can be a good thing. Guys are regaining their confidence and a real test will be tomorrow night in Toronto. I still think the Blazers can surprise and go 4-1 on this trip, let's hope that the Blazers feels the same way.

Box Score

Allowing New Jersey to hang around. Courtney Lee and Devin Harris going off for 28 points. Marcus Camby spraining his ankle and scaring the crap out of Blazer nation. Batum 1 of 4 from the field, 0-3 from three as a starter tonight.	Roy, Miller and Aldridge not only having big offensive games but also zero turnovers combined. Keeping Brook Lopez from dominating the game. A win. Roy looking noticeably better and playing much better.

---

Comments (9)

...
written by Goosey McGhee, February 23, 2010

Even though they damn near lost the game again because of late game failures...you have to be pleased and somewhat relieved that Brandon looked like his old self again.

• 
• +0
• 
• 

...
written by thebigoutdoors, February 24, 2010

I think it a crime that Nate did not raid the Nets with fast breaks. Last night’s game was a gold mine for fast breaks, but Nate continues to mine lead? Can anyone deny that a play off team can not be last in fast breaks? Give me a GD break. We have Andre who dishes fast breaks as well as anyone, Bayless who is faster than anyone, and Nic who streaks and receives like a split end. If Camby plays, he knocks the ball out to Andre. Then we play the Nets who lead the NBA in FB points allowed, and do we capitalize on this? I rarely saw a Blazer even look down court (except Dre) after a D rebound, or rarely anyone even try a quick in bound. No wonder opposing teams get more second looks, because their guards can hang in their half court longer when there is no threat down court. Mix it up, Nate, especially when the other team sets up in the third quarter to counter your offense. Even my wife could see that.

• 
• +0
• 
• 

...
written by DogPissJones, February 24, 2010

So what you are saying is that if Aldridge is focused and aggressive, he has the physical tools and skills to be unguardable...yet we as Blazer fans should quit harping on him and be happy with 16 and 8 a night?

point, set, match....DPJ

• 
• +0
• 
• 

...
written by Sheed, February 24, 2010

Not that bad if you consider him a 2nd or 3rd option. Plus with a healthy center and Brandon Roy, how's he going to get more than 8 boards a game really. It just doesn't necessarily work that way.

• 
• +0
• 
• 

...
written by Billy Hoyle, February 24, 2010

@thegreatoutdoors - To answer your question, yes a playoff team can be last (or close to it) in fast break points. Here are the bottom 8 in the league in FBP. Not that I wouldn't like to see more from our team as well...

*22 Orlando (38-19) 12.5
*23 San Antonio (31-23) 12.4
24 Detroit (21-35) 12.1
*25 LA Lakers (43-14) 11.8
26 Washington (20-34) 11.7
27 Milwaukee (27-2 10.5
28 New York (19-37) 9.8
*29 Miami (29-29) 9.6
*30 Portland (33-26) 8.7

• 
• +0
• 
• 

...
written by Billy Hoyle, February 24, 2010

Sweet smiley. And it's the bottom 9 thanks to my 3rd grade math skills, but 5 of the 9 are playoff bound.

I'm not expert but I do know that fast breaking teams tend to give up more offensive rebounds. So depending on what a team considers more important, defensive rebounds or FBP you pretty much have to choose one or the other. Since we've been so undersized lately, my guess is that we're focusing more on just getting the rebounds rather than trying to leak out and potentially give up more offensive rebounds and second chance points.

• 
• +0
• 
• 

...
written by thebigoutdoors, February 24, 2010

@Billy Hoyle But bottom last in fast breaks with a fast young team and not even going for it against the Nets. Can you not admit that Nate ought to expend some energy in taking advantage of some of the sweet stuff just to throw off the other team once in awhile?

• 
• +0
• 
• 

...
written by Sophia Brugato, February 24, 2010

I cannot believe I see a full color picture of the Jersey Shore Crew

Really fast newsflash, none of these kids (adults and almost 30 somethings actually eek) are from New Jersey and most of them aren't really italian.

Glad to see the Blazers won this one, i had to watch the game today , and already knowing the outcome didn't help quell my rising frustration with the team not closing out games and shutting down weaker opponents

Oh well, a W is a W i suppose
#goblazers.

• 
• +0
• 
• 

...
written by Replica Rolex Watches, August 28, 2010

Our shop offers many famous Franck Muller Replica Watches. for example:Franck Muller The Casablanca Line Replica Watches,Franck Muller Casablanca Chrono Big Date SS Black Rubber, They are all wrist watches and you can buy one for your father to show your love ,moreover. no one could know it a replica one.

• 
• +0
• 
• 

Name

Website

Comment

smaller | bigger

Subscribe via email (registered users only)

Add Comment