Driving over from my house to the Rose Garden, I noticed something familiar: The Blazers three main stars, Brandon Roy, LaMarcus Aldridge, and Greg Oden, looking intimidating on the side of the grain building as you’re about to cross the Steel Bridge. But though it’s the same three players featured from last year, there’s something different about it. Roy stands in the forefront, clearly the star of the show—as a two time all-star should be—but it’s the big man behind him that look, I dunno, tougher. Also noticeably smaller is the team’s slogan from the last two years, a marketing term that perfectly captured what is was like to get behind a young, hungry team. “Rise With Us” is still there, only smaller, and hidden underneath a simple one word phrase that will go a long way too determining just how good this team is: Together.
Everyone knows the Blazers have a lot of promise. Coming off a year when they exceeded almost all expectations, winning 54 games, tying the Denver Nuggets for first place in the Northwest Division, and making the playoffs for the first time in six years, those expectations have never been higher. Still, there are a lot of question marks, and the biggest one is if this team, stacked with a 10 player rotation that might be the best—top to bottom—in the NBA, can put aside their egos and buy into the coach Nate McMillan’s system. There’s going to be some hurt feelings, for sure, as someone (Travis Outlaw, Jerryd Bayless, Andre Miller, Steve Blake) probably isn’t going to see as many minutes as they did last year. Players are going to have to sacrifice shots, starting roles (I’m looking at you, Andre Miller) and a share of the spotlight. That’s just what good teams do.
Okay, now that I got my John Canzano moment out of the way, I can get to the real matter at hand: making fun of Luis Scola’s hair. The Blazers open the season tonight against the Houston Rockets, the team that eliminated (and in game one, killed) them in the first round of playoffs last April. This Rockets team is a little different, as Yao Ming is out all season with a bruised ego (okay, actually a fractured foot) and Ron “walking into the shower naked” Artest is now a Laker. But Scola’s hair is still long, greasy and dare I say Fabio-esque.
The game hasn’t started yet, but the crowd—relatively sparse until just a few minutes ago—is already booing Trevor Ariza. You just don’t mess with Rudy in this town.
First Quarter:
So Greg Oden is on mike telling the fans to “get loud” just before the tip. And you know, I think this is kind of a big deal. Oden was a disappointment last year, but even more than his up-and-down play on the court it was his mood that really set off my alarm. It was like he was walking around in the locker room, head down, with the Charlie Brown Christmas song playing over and over. But now he looks happy and energized, which can only be a good thing.
11:26 – Scola misses his first shot underneath the hoop and then is whistled for a loose ball foul. Aldridge scores on the other end, which he struggled to do last year against the more physical Scola. Or maybe he was just afraid of getting dandruff on his shoulders.
10:05 – The Blazers are going to LA every time inside and he looks good. Just hit a great little turnaround jumper from 15 feet, a shot that is impossible to block. He looks a lot looser than in the preseason, like a man who just got paid. Oh wait, he did.
9:29 – Welcome back, Martell Webster! Any doubts about his fitting into the starting lineup are erased by a huge swat on Scola. If he wants to keep the starting spot with Nicholas Batum out he’s going to need to play D like this every night.
8:58 – Oden’s first shot is off, but his footwork looks so much better than last year. Ariza hits a three and gets a few scattered boos from the crowd. They can’t be bored yet, right?
7:58 – Oden’s got the smaller Chuck Hayes on him, and even though he’s just 6′6 he’s one of the better post defenders in the league, and the move he just pulled—falling back every so slightly as Oden backs him down—is a total veteran’s trick. Scola hits two free throws and the Rockets have the early lead at 10-9.
6:59 – LA just picked up his second foul, which means Travis Outlaw is now at power forward. Frankly, he looked terrible in the preseason, but he just hit a three from the top of the arc, so what do I know.
5:51 – First Steve Blake turnover of the night. One of the most intriguing early season developments is to see how long McMillan can keep Andre Miller out of the starting unit. Miller is clearly a better player than Blake, but McMillan loves Blake’s “steady play.” Still, when was the last time a championship contender had a staring PG who’s main talent was not making mistakes? I know there are concerns about Miller’s ability to play with Roy, but good teams figure this stuff out.
4:53 – Andre Miller checks in for the first time, and immediately he settles the team down. I say he’s starting in two weeks. 18-15 Blazers.
3:55 – Oden just showed me something he never did once last year: he just made a great pass out of a double team to a cutting Miller for an easy lay-in. There’s just no way Steve Blake makes that play. But then Oden just turns it over for the third time, and he looks a little lost on offense, like he’s trying to make his move one second before he should.
3:01 – So this offseason the Rockets essentially swaped Artest for Trevor Ariza, and it’s looking like a good move so far. Ariza already has 9 points, and though he’s not the most upstanding citizen he’s much less of a character than Artest. Speaking of Ron Ron, did you all see his new haircut? Keep it classy, dude.
1:34 – The Blazers look a little lost on offense, settling for outside shots instead of taking it inside. This team still isn’t nearly as physical as they should be, especially with all the length its got on the wing and size in the middle. But tonight Outlaw’s taking a lot of jumpers—never a good way to get ahead. The first quartet ends in a 23-23 tie, but neither team looks great so far.
Second Quarter:
Okay lost internet for a few minutes there, but we’re back and running. Miller just threw a gorgeous lob to a cutting Outlaw and then took a Przybilla pick and drove straight to the rack.
10:10 – My shittalking to Outlaw a few minutes ago? I’m just trying to motivate him. He actually looks great tonight, active on defense, hitting two threes, and moving around on offense. He’s got 12 points and 3 rebounds and is the main reason the Blazers lead by five. If he plays this well it really takes the pain out of Batum’s injury, which will most likely keep him out until the end of the season. Speaking of that, and I hate saying this (Batum’s my boy) but his injury might be a blessing in disguise. This team just had too many wing players and now the rotation makes much more sense. Rudy still looks hurt, though, as Rockets rookie Chase Budinger just blew by him.
9:12 – Outlaw with his second dunk of the night, on a fast break steal. Man maybe I should pick him up on my fantasy team. This second unit is having a lot of fun, flying down the court and filling the lanes. I like this unit.
8:46 – LA’s back in with two fouls along with Webster, Przybilla, Miller and Rudy. When Roy’s out of the game this is a lineup that can still score and really get up the court, which I think is a big thing for this team. Last year, despite being one of the most efficient teams on offense, they ranked near the bottom in the league in fast break points and easy buckets. I know McMillan likes his controlled pace but if he lets Miller run this team it could be amazing on the break.
7:50 – We’ve got our first RUDDDDDYYYYYY three of the season. He still looks a bit hobbled but the man can shoot. McMillan’s leaving Przybilla in with two fouls, which shows some trust in Oden.
5:42 – Okay I just take back what I said about Rudy. Maybe he just had to get his legs under him after missing most of the preseason? But that pass he just made—a no look from the top of the key to a wide open Webster for a corner three—is a play that no one else on this team can make. He just knows where to go with the ball, which is one reason McMillan wants to put the ball in Rudy’s hands as much as possible. A quick 9-0 gives the Blazers a big lead and the crowd is finally getting excited. Rudy’s suddenly alive, Miller’s got five assists, and this team looks good.
5:28 – Blazers going small with Miller and Blake in the backcourt and Roy at the 3. Kinda a weird lineup, but Blake’s a good spot-up shooter and the Miller/Oden pick and roll has the potential to be deadly. But it’s a little weird seeing Roy just standing in the corner asking for the ball.
3:32 – So I’m a little bummed that Batum’s injury stopped the potential RAMBO starting unit, but AW BRO is still a fun thing to say to strangers on the max line. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, you should probably stop reading this blog (hint: think of the last names of the starting lineup).
2:12 – Aldridge has three fouls, but he can blame a terrible call by the REAL refs on a Scola flop. Do they know that it’s not the World Championships anymore?
1:42 – Just under one half in and Oden is still clearly a work in progress. He just got whistled for a dumb five second call and has four turnovers and zero points. Also Aaron Brooks just got an offensive rebound, which should never happen when you’re 5′5. Okay, he’s a little bigger, but you get the point.
0:50 – Are the scab refs still secretly working the game? Lots of fouls called the last few minutes, and not sure most of them warranted a whistle. Blazers still lead 51-40.
0:35 – If there’s one thing Blake is great at, it’s hitting the wide open three. Of course you’re open a lot when you’re the last option on your team, but he’s got two in the quarter. Rudy just stole the ball from him for the last play to take a wild runner, and the half is over.
Third Quarter:
The story of the first half? Surprisingly, it’s the Blazers defense. The Rockets are shooting a ghastly 34% from the field have just 42 points. Or maybe they’re just really, really bad. Ariza makes a great role player, but when he’s your number 1 or 2 option on offense it doesn’t say much. Also, Blake has played 13 seconds more than Miller. Maybe that’s what you get for starting.
10:30 – Webster just posterized Chuck Hayes with a vicious dunk and I’m surprised no foul was called. He looks good so far—9 points, some nice defensive plays, and he’s really moving without the ball in the half-court sets. That’s just what the Blazers need from their starting small forward. Blazers up 14.
8:11 – Oden looks a little winded, but Webster still looks like he’s got something to prove. Batum hurts his shoulder and suddenly both the team’s other small fowards start killing it.
6:35 – Scola picks up his fourth foul, for trying to cut his own hair in the middle of the game. I’m feeling sick, okay? That’s why all these jokes are so lame.
6:10 – Former Duck Aaron Brooks has 12 points and 4 assists for the Rockets and definitely looks like a player. In less than a year he’s gone from a backup to his team’s #1 option but he’s making the most of it. Which is good for my fantasy team.
5:28 – If I made t-shirts with the Blazers pinwheel and AW BRO in all caps would you buy one?
5:15 – Outlaw continues to hit his jump shot, which looks great tonight. It’s been said before, but when he’s hitting his shot his entire game improves. Needs been preaching defense to this team, but playing hard on D is so much easier when you’re in the flow offensively.
3:59 – I’m sure Rudy misses his bro Sergio, but I think separating the Spanish Connection was the best thing this team could do. Besides committing a turnover every 24 seconds, Sergio also had a pretty hideous taste in sweaters.
2:24 – It’s only one game, but Houston looks pretty awful tonight. Defensively it’ll be fine, but how is this team going to score more than 80 points per game? At least new backup center David Andersen could probably audition for American Idol. He looks like the sixth member of ‘N Sync.
1:14 – Outlaw with another three and he’s got 21 points to lead all scorers. The Blazers can beat you in a lot of ways, but when the bench is playing this well they’re going to be awfully hard to stop. Oden still hasn’t scored, but he looked good in the preseason and I’m not worrying yet.
Fourth Quarter:
10:42 – If anyone doubted that Martell Webster has fully recovered from the foot injury that caused him to miss all but five minutes of last season, then the last two plays showed that he’s officially back. He looks good on offense, hitting his jumper and taking it to the basket more than I’ve seen in a while. But it’s on defensive where he’s excelling tonight. On a pick and roll he just picked up Aaron Brooks—probably the fastest player in the league outside Chris Paul and Tony Parker—and stayed in front of him, forcing a tough shot in the lane. If he can do that all year, then the starting spot is his to lose.
8:41 – Oden’s picks up two quick fouls, both more of the “reaching” variety instead of the “you drove into the lane so I knocked you on your ass” kind. He looks unsure on offense, but 10 boards and 3 blocks ain’t bad at all. I’m thinking it’s just first night jitters?
7:58 – JC Chasez for three! Oh wait, it’s just a blonde David Andersen.
7:31 – Suddenly the Rockets look spunky, cutting the Blazers lead down to 11. Przybilla is whistled for his fifth foul, another loose ball call and he looks pissed. At the other end of the court he picks up his sixth and storms off the floor. Which brings up an important question: how sure are we that the refs still aren’t fixing games? Maybe I should be Tim Donaghy for Halloween.
6:12 – Miller break a long Blazers dry run with a tough jumper in the lane and then a three pointer. I don’t want him shooting that every night, but the Rockets basically DARED him to take it. His shot is ugly—almost like a shot put to the rim—but just taking that keeps the Rockets D on their feet. Maybe hanging out with Blake all the time will help his touch.
4:30 – Houston’s on a little run, and the Blazers lead is down to 10 at 85-75. The running, gunning Blazers of the first half have been reduced to a half court team in the fourth quarter, and now the team’s weaknesses are being exposed.
3:45 – ROY just SWATTED David Andersen, who has to be at least five inches taller than him. Now that I think of it, he does look lighter than he did last season, but this scrappy Rockets team just keeps on staying in the game. Adelman’s gone to the end of his bench and is playing two rookies (Andersen and Chase Budinger) who look loose compard to the Blazers who can’t quite seem to figure out Houston in the half court. More running, please.
2:41 – Shockingly Budinger actually looks like a player. Didn’t I read about him being the best high school player at the Jordan camp a few years ago? Blazers lead down to 8, and no matter what you think about the Rockets talent level there’s no doubt the team will battle hard all year.
2:19 – Just saw David Andersen on the big screen, and I take back my pretty boy comment. He’s no Scola, but he’s no David Beckham, either.
1:49 – Say what you will about Oden (and I know I’ve trashed him enough) but he’s making plays on defense tonight. After a block Roy nearly breaks Budinger’s ankles, hitting a mid range J. Welcome to the league, rook.
0:59 – And there’s Oden’s first points of the night, a put back with just under a minute left. McMillan saved this game by subbing him back in with two minutes left.
0:14 – Blake misses a free throw, which means no chalupa bearing a miracle. Blazers lead 96-87, and this is a good first win. Still not sure about the starting lineup, despite my failed attempt to coin AW BRO as the team’s new rallying cry.
Okay this one’s over, Blazers start off the season with a win. Houston’s got no Yao, but it’s still a big moral victory. Outlaw and Webster look great. I’m out, but Casey will be here on Thursday. Give him some love for me.
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1st quarter – looks like too much jump shooting and not enough inside offense because of the lack of foul shooting on our part. this will catch up with us. i’m tired of pf’s who take jump shots instead of lay-ins and dunks.
4th quarter – we’re lucky we’re making these random jump shots because there is no method to our offense right now.
Hey! You stole my David Anderson joke.
Hope you’re right about Oden’s first-night jitters. He doesn’t have to do much on offense as long as he’s not a total cipher out there.
the plus side to batum being on the sideline ? lookin’ tres chic!
8:41?
They have a lot of things to work on. A win is a win.
Meantime, check out where ex-Blazer JR Rider has landed
http://www.startribune.com/sports/wolves/66403312.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUUsA
Andersen looks like Bart Simpson with a goatee.