Charlotte Bobcats coverage at Queen City Hoops.

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If I had told you earlier today that Portland would beat the Mavericks in overtime in Dallas, Dirk Nowitzki would miss his last 3 shot attempts, and Andre Miller would shatter his previous career high of 37 with 52 points- would you have believed me? I didn't think so. In fact, it's a stretch to believe any one of the three things above would even happen. But somehow they all came to fruition and one of the most enjoyable games I can remember ended in a 114 to 112 overtime victory for Portland.

The game started well for Portland. Jerryd Bayless and LaMarcus Aldridge each had 3 field goals and Andre Miller came out strong making 4 quick shots after being 4 for 25 in his last 3 games. The Blazers shot 55% and took a 5 point lead in the 1st quarter. In the 2nd quarter, they struggled from the floor, the first field goal of the quarter came with 5:19 left by Andre Miller. The Blazers shot poorly, but the Mavericks were bad too.

The Blazers were lucky to only be down 3 points at half time. They didn't hit a single 3 in the first half and trailed in assists with only 5 to Dallas' 13 assists. Despite all of that, Andre Miller carried the Blazers with 19 points on 8 of 15 shooting. Both Andre Miller and Jerryd Bayless were getting to the hoop which helped curb that assist margin.

The third quarter was unlike most for the Blazers this season. Usually they go ice cold and the opponent takes advantage. Tonight, the Mavericks began the 3rd struggling and settling for jumpers. Andre and Jerryd continued to attack and LaMarcus' post game was solid, as he mixed in jump hooks to keep his defender off balance. Portland led by 4 after three quarters, but everyone knew it was only a matter of time before Dirk showed up.

The heightened intensity in the 4th quarter was obvious. The Mavericks started clicking offensively, but Portland had an answer as Steve Blake hit two 3-pointers and a jumper early in the 4th quarter. Andre was soon put back in the game and he went off. Miller was doing it all for Portland, at one point down the stretch he had 10 of Portland's 12 points. He was shredding the defense, getting to the hoop, hitting fade away jumpers and doing it all. He ended regulation with 45 points and not a single three pointer. His running old school hook shot tied the game and with 3 seconds left, LaMarcus had a chance to tie it, but missed a deep jumper off the front of rim.

The overtime started with a flurry of shots. Andre Miller pulled up right away for a 3-pointer and hits it. But the Mavericks answer back every time and eventually they take a 4 point lead which seemed devastating. Fortunately Bayless took it to the hoop and earned 2 free throws getting Portland back in the game. Dallas misses and on the next possession Andre Miller knifes through the defense to get to 52 points. A phenomenal feat considering his previous career high of 37 point was set 8 years ago and he only made one three pointer in this game.

Dallas had no answer for Andre. After another miss by Dallas with the game tied at 112, Juwan Howard hits an improbably 12 foot fade away and the Blazers take the lead. Dirk misses again, Portland calls a time out, and then Steve Blake misses badly on a three pointer with 3.2 seconds left. But for the 3rd time in a row, with Nicolas Batum all over him, Dirk Nowitzki misses the game tying shot and Portland wins it in overtime.

Pardon all the play by play, but I don't think I've ever watched a game so closely for 3 hours. I was locked into this game and the result was well worth my time.

As you've already gathered, Andre Miller had an unbelievable night for Portland. He tied Brandon Roy's mark of 52 points in a game and helped lift Portland to victory in Dallas for the second time this year. He shot 22 of 31 from the field, grabbed 5 boards, had 2 steals and only 2 turnovers. Andre Miller officially put to rest any of the negative discussions of how he fits in Portland. He fits in just fine, and frankly, he's winning games by himself right now.

Lost in the Andre Miller points explosion was the stellar offensive play of Jerryd Bayless and LaMarcus Aldridge. Jerryd got to the hoop numerous times capitalizing on slow fast break rotations by Dallas. LA once again kept his game in the low post and had a few pretty hook shots to go along with his jumper.

Not to be forgotten, Juwan Howard ended up with 12 rebounds in this game and his young associates Dante Cunnginham and Jeff Pendergraph played solid, blocking shots early on and staying active defensively.

This was by far one of the biggest long shots of the season for the Blazers. Missing so many key guys, trying to win for the second time in Dallas when previously it had been impossible, and dealing with the talent Dallas brings to the table. It was a tremendous boost of confidence and a win that may change how we view the rest of this season for Portland.

Box Score

Martell Webster disappearing again. Rudy and Nic struggling to get anything going offensively. Losing the assist battle 9 to 23.	Andre's 52 points in a winning effort. Batum's ridiculous defense on Dirk down the stretch. Constant effort throughout this game despite tired legs.

Blazer life without Brandon Roy is getting tougher every game. It was one thing to sneak up on teams without Roy, but now it's an absolute battle every game to compete with top teams in the West. Last night against Houston, Portland played inspired ball, but came up short thanks to a 3rd quarter lull, losing 104 to 100 for the 9th time in Houston(including playoffs).

I was really impressed with the way Portland began this game. Taking a 10 point lead in the first quarter was the only way they could compete with Houston. If Portland doesn't attack, then problems arise. For the most part, guys like LaMarcus Aldridge and Rudy Fernandez were taking full advantage and working to get their best shot opportunities.

Despite getting shredded by Aaron Brooks all game long, it was the 3rd quarter where everything spiraled out of control. Brooks was allowed to get into the paint and score at will. On the other end of the court, Portland was stagnant and forcing jumpers. The Rockets led by 13 points, and Portland seemed somewhat deflated. Despite a strong comeback, the Blazers could not stop Carl Landry in the 4th quarter and ultimately the Rockets finished the job, breaking their own 3-game home losing streak.

As far as individual performances go, Andre Miller struggled shooting the ball for the 3rd game in a row. Last night he played quite a bit in the first half but I don't believe he saw any action in the 4th quarter. At a certain point, with a veteran like Andre, you have to let him play his way out of it. He'll find other ways to contribute. Martell Webster was also awful shooting, missing all 5 of his threes and not exactly making a huge impact in this game. Although his one bucket(#2 highlight) was pretty amazing. A change should be coming at this position however.

On the positive side of things, Rudy Fernandez was hotter than a pistol all night long. His career tying 25 points and 5 threes kept Portland in the game and nearly got the it tied at the end of regulation. LaMarcus Aldridge also came out early in this game with a different sort of focus. He was working the point with stronger moves and balanced hook shots. I didn't see any fade aways and he was drawing fouls consistently from about 6-8 feet away from the hoop. If LA could play that way for 30-35, minutes he'd be a beast.

Regarding Nicolas Batum, I think something special is going on here. His play since returning has been nothing short of awesome. His shot looks better, his confidence and demeanor are different, he is ready to be a real part of this team. The time he spent in the starting line-up last year and the tremendous work he did in the Eurobasket has created a player who can always contribute because he's good at so many different facets of the game. If he has a bad shooting night, who cares, he'll have a few steals, rebounds, and play superior defense. I'm excited for his emergence, stay tuned people!

Hopefully Portland can catch a team by surprise in the upcoming schedule, because as I look at the next 5 games, I don't see any cupcakes. We could be looking at an 8-game losing streak and an uphill battle just to make the playoffs. I'm not saying I'd blame the team at all considering the injuries, but it sure would be disappointing.

Box Score

Allowing to Aaron Brooks to roam the paint and score time and time again. Houston with 56 points in the paint. Andre Miller and Martell Webster combining for 2 of 13 from the field.	Rudy's career tying 25 points and 3 bombs to keep Portland in the game. Nicolas Batum's emergence, including career highs with 9 rebounds and 5 assists. LaMarcus attacking the basket early and showing that he can be a difficult match-up against good defensive teams.

February is upon us. This is the section of the NBA seasonal timeline where the exciting newness of the season wears thin and the playoffs are still far enough away to make the games feel relatively unimportant. As far as I can tell this holds true for both fans and the players themselves. Newly retired former players talk about knowing it was time to walk away because, while they may love the playoffs, the tedium of a road-trip in February starts to outweigh the joys of competing at the highest levels. We get a nice break from the monotony with the All-Star festivities, but even that is just one weekend.

What we do have is an approaching trade deadline. It follows that we get inundated with reports of trade rumors that have little to no chance of actually materializing. Portland is involved in these as much as anyone, and for good reason. The Blazers have an active GM, an owner that has boats worth more than other NBA team owner's homes, and an apparent surplus of young talent.

That isn't to say that all Blazers rumors are baseless. That leads to my next question: which ones are reflecting the actual intentions of the franchise? If the recent big man rumors are true I'd be a little worried. In my mind this team isn't ready to shift to short-term focus yet, thats for teams that are in the immediate title hunt. This team's need for a center is short-term, right? Aren't we expecting both Oden and Przybilla back next season? Aren't we happy with both of them? Does it make sense to give up young talent to make the team a little better for the duration of this season? I would think not, with the exception of a trade that would fill the short-term needs without much cost. Decent centers don't usually come cheap. Add an expiring contract into the mix in a climate where most teams are after expiring contracts and the cost creeps up even higher.

What are your thoughts on all of this? Want Portland to make a move or stand pat? What move? Why?

Houston Rockets coverage at Rockets Buzz and The Dream Shake.

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Team press release on Roy's All-Star inclusion:

BRANDON ROY NAMED WESTERN CONFERENCE ALL-STAR

Roy becomes only the fourth three-time All-Star in Trail Blazers history

PORTLAND, Ore. - Portland Trail Blazers guard Brandon Roy was named a 2010 NBA All-Star reserve by a vote of Western Conference head coaches, the NBA announced today.

"With this his third straight selection, Brandon Roy joins an elite group of Trail Blazers to represent Portland in the NBA All-Star Game," said Trail Blazers General Manager Kevin Pritchard. "Brandon is as much a winner off the court as he is on the court, and we are honored and appreciative of the NBA coaches for selecting him to represent the Western Conference."

The three-time NBA All-Star has led the Trail Blazers to a 27-20 record, posting averages of 23.1 points (48.4% FG), 4.6 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.03 steals and 38.3 minutes in 40 games (all starts).

Roy, 25, becomes only the fourth Trail Blazer to garner three All-Star selections, joining Clyde Drexler (eight), Sidney Wicks (four) and Maurice Lucas (three). Roy's 16.0 points per game (15-18 FG) in two previous appearances is the highest scoring average by a Trail Blazer in the All-Star Game. He has added 7.0 rebounds and 5.0 assists in 30.0 minutes.

Roy has scored 20 or more points in 27 games this season, including a 15-game streak of scoring 23-plus points from Dec. 1 to Jan. 2 that stands as the longest such run in franchise history. The Seattle native ranks ninth in the NBA with a 23.1 scoring average and is one of just three players in the league averaging at least 23.0 points, 4.5 rebounds and 5.0 assists.

The starting five in the Western Conference, decided by fan balloting, consists of Carmelo Anthony (Denver), Tim Duncan (San Antonio), Amar'e Stoudemire (Phoenix), Kobe Bryant (L.A. Lakers) and Steve Nash (Phoenix). Rounding out the squad from the head coaches' vote are Kevin Durant (Oklahoma City), Pau Gasol (L.A. Lakers), Dirk Nowitzki (Dallas), Chris Paul (New Orleans), Zach Randolph (Memphis) and Deron Williams (Utah).

The 2010 NBA All-Star Game tips off at 5 p.m. (Pacific) on Sunday, Feb. 14, from Cowboys Stadium in Dallas. The event will be televised live on TNT.

This morning the NBA All-Star reserve selections were unofficially reported (official announcement from NBA will be released tonight) and the results feature many familiar faces as well as some new ones. The list includes the predictable cast of starters for both the East and West squads, while the reserves include a few first timers.

For Blazer fans, it is an immense pleasure (relief?) to see Brandon Roy, the 6'6' shooting guard out of the University of Washington voted into his third consecutive All Star game. Sources say Roy will hold a press conference tonight, presumably to reveal whether or not he will actually play All Star weekend.

In his fourth season in the NBA, Brandon Roy is the 11th leading scorer, averaging 22.5 points per game on 48.4% shooting. Roy is averaging 37.3 minutes per game and registered a superb December/January run in which he scored less than 25 points on only 5 occasions. Before his injury to the right hamstring, Brandon's play was a major reason such a dilapidated Blazer team could continue to win at last year's pace.

For the West, the most notable All Star reserve is point guard Deron Williams of the Utah Jazz. Widely regarded as a top point guard around the league for years, this is the first season coach's have rewarded his play with a selection to the All Star team.

Also making his All Star debut, former Blazer and controversial figure Zach Randolph. The forward has been averaging 21.0 points and pulling down 11.6 rebounds per contest this season. A well deserved nomination in my opinion.

Most notable snub? Chris Kaman of the Los Angeles Clippers, who was not selected in lieu of the Los Angeles Laker's Pau Gasol. Kaman is almost averaging 20/10 at center for the clippers while logging 36.3 minutes a game. Gasol on the other hand has been injured and is having a rather ordinary season, scoring roughly 17 points and grabbing 11 rebounds a game (those are LaMarcus Aldridge numbers. Ahem.) Make of this what you will, but Kaman most certainly deserves to be in the All-Star game this season and it is a shame he has to miss out.

Follow this link for a more comprehensive list of those who will and will not play in this year's NBA All-Star game.

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