News and Culture

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.

After five months, two key offseason acquisitions, lots of drills, practice, new tattoos, crazy hairdos and maybe the biggest contract extension in franchise history, the Blazers are ready to begin their season tonight against the lowly Sacramento Kings. Or course it’s only October 6, and by “season” I mean pre-season, but I still can’t recall a time in my life when the enthusiasm was this palpable for the Trail Blazers.

Coming off a year where they exceeded everyone’s expectations, winning 54 games and tying Denver for the Northwest Division title, it seems like this could be the year when the team makes the big jump from playoff castoffs (remember that awful game 1 against the Houston Rockets?) to the top of the Western Conference. But that doesn’t mean the team still doesn’t have a lot of questions going into tonight: How is coach Nate McMillan going set the playing rotations? Is a slimmed down and headstrong Gren Oden ready to take the next step and not foul out of every game? Will players like newly acquired point guard Andre Miller and small forward Martell Webster, returning after playing only five minutes last year, accept coming off the bench? Can Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge stay healthy? Will Jerryd Bayless murder a team employee if he sits all year on the end of the bench?

I’m sure we’ll get into all these burning questions as the season inches closer, but tonight I’m going to be focusing on the playing rotation and the fact that the Kings—winners of just 17 games last year—should be giving some serious minutes to former point guard/turnover machine Sergio Rodriguez. I’ve got $5 on Serg accidentally passing it to Rudy Fernandez at least twice in the first half. Long live the Spanish Connection!

First Quarter

12:00 – Lots of good matchups to watch tonight, especially Roy going against Kevin Martin, one of the best scorers in the league and a guy who doesn’t stop running in the half court. I’m thinking maybe McMillan will put Batum on him? The Rose Garden is pretty full for a pre-season game, but right now Blaze is more excited than most of the fans.

11:43 – First play of the season, a beautiful pick and roll between Steve Blake and the Joel Pryzbilla. Not a bad start for the two guys who should really be watching their backs (and starting positions) in the first few weeks.

11:04 – Batum looks really smooth so far. Great slash to the basket, something he rarely did last season. Maybe the full summer he spent playing for the French National team is paying off.

10:16 – The Kings are starting rookie Tyreke Evans at point guard, and he’s a touch matchup for Blake. At 6-6 Evans is almost more of a shooting guard but new Kings coach Paul Westphal is trying him out at the 1. He’s a beast, but can he run a team? 6-4 Blazers.

9:57 – Roy just air balled his first shot. Contract jitters?

8:44 – LaMarcus hits his Rasheed Wallace-esque turnaround, and he’s looking really good so far. Made a nice read on a pass to Blake and just hit a pull-up 17 footer with Jason Thompson in his face. So, KP: When’s he singing that extension? At what point do the fans start chanting something?

6:31 – The Kings are in the penalty less than half way through the first quarter, and some of the calls have been a little tight. The replacement refs certainly are gun shy so far, but it’s going to be an interesting subplot to the season if nothing is resolved before October 27. Dirk Nowitzki took 19 free throws last night, so here’s to hoping that we don’t have a repeat of the 2006 finals when Dwayne Wade took like 30 charity shots a night.

5:25 – Well, the fans have spoken: Martell Webster just got an ovation louder than Broy when he checked into the game for Batum. Really excited to see how he looks.

4:30 – First dunk of the year! Blake with a beautiful teardrop alley oop to LaMarcus. By the way, I’m just going to get this out of the way now: I hate, HATE how the Blazer announcers call him L.A. I get that it’s the dudes initials, but we don’t need a reminder about the dreaded Lakers 25 times every night.

3:45 – Oden and Andrew Miller are in. And I can tell you from sitting sorta close to the court that Oden looks much slimmer than last year. Webster misses a three but he’s got a hop to his step. Kings lead 19-17.

3:04 – Rudy’s in for Roy, who probably won’t play much tonight (McMillan said probably about 20-25 minutes). No use getting hurt in a meaningless pre-season game.

2:25 – ANDRE MILLER ALERT: The crowd just erupted as he took a fast break and dribbled behind his back before, um, traveling. The jury’s still out on his game, but he looked good barking orders from the bench. McMillan is saying all the right things about keeping the same starting five from last year, but I have no doubt that Miller will be playing ahead of Blake at the end of games if he plays anything like he did the last few years for the 76ers. Dude can run a team.

2:21 – Basketball nerd alert: The Kings just put in rookie Jon Brockman from UW to play next to former teammate Spencer Hawes. Now that’s an unimposing front line (come on, I’m a Duck fan).

1:24 – Oden is fouled by Brockman on his first touch and he looked a little slow going up. So far the whole team looks rusty besides LaMarcus, who looks hungry to sign that big contract extension. Also, the team’s got the entire second unit in right now, which, if the rotations stay the same, could be the best bench in the league. Oden just picked up his first foul, for an illegal screen. Is it bad that I’m still not surprised to type that?

0:46: OKAY, trying not to get too excited about GO, but the spin move he put on Hawes was quick and decisive. Even if he can’t convert he’s going to draw a foul every time he makes an aggressive move like that. I’m cautiously encouraged so far. 24-23 Blazers at the end of one.

SECOND QUARTER:

11:37 – I just realized I wrote over 1,000 words during the first quarter, so I’m going to take it easy a bit here and watch this second unit work. Beno Udrih looks good for the Kings, though.

9:29 – My first impression of Andre Miller: he’s a great transition point guard. I know he’s got a reputation as a passer but he’s almost as dangerous putting his head down and taking it straight to the rim on the fast break, as his and-1 just showed. Solid crossover, too.

7:33 – Rudy’s playing a little bit of point guard on offense, and though his handle is still a little weak, he’s one of the best passers on the team. Just shuffled it off to Miller for two, Blazeres lead 35-32.

6:31 – Sergio doesn’t have a faux-hawk and he looks weird in the Kings purple. Also as of right now he’s the third string point guard, just for a losing team. And he wanted a trade that badly? Also, there’s no way he can stay in front of Miller, who’s really crafty at getting to the hoop. He uses his body really well, almost like Roy in how he shifts into a different speed just as he gets close to the rim.

5:49 – The team has had the whole offseason to work on the timeout videos, and they’re still not funny. Rudy should be teaching the crowd how to say “hello ladies,” or “I put points on your face” in Spanish, not boring basketball terms.

4:45 – My favorite Blazer, Jerryd Bayless, checks in for the first time. Reports are that he’s looked great in training camp, but I watched one of the summer league games and he looked less willing to play point guard than Dante Cunningham. And he still looks like he could break into Robert De Niro in Taxi Driver mood and go on a killing spree any moment.

2:45 – Kenny Thomas is still in the league? I saw him outside the locker room before the game and he was making Oden look like Usain Bolt.

1:12 – Sloppy first half, as expected. The Blazers lead 43-38 and both teams are shooting around 40 percent. Actually, the Kings are at 34 percent. Lots of bad jump shots and turnovers.

0:55 – The replacement refs just called steps on BRoy. Um, star treatment? No way they call that on Lebron, even if it’s a crab dribble. Blazers lead 43-42 at the half, and all of sudden there are like 10 dogs on the court. Please tell me Qyntel Woods isn’t in the room.

Stats of note: LaMarcus has 11 points on 5-7 shooting, and Miller’s been great—8 points, 3-3 from the field, 2 assists in less than 12 minutes. Roy’s just 1-5, but you can tell that he’s not taking it easy. Note to fantasy bball players: Andres Nocioni is 1-8. So not going to draft him in my league.

THIRD QUARTER

11:38 – Blazers starting the third quarter with a new lineup: Roy and Aldridge are still in, but joined by Oden, Webster, and Miller. I’m glad McMillan is trying this lineup out because it has a lot of potential. I love the idea of Miller and Oden working the pick and roll with Webster spotting up.

9:33 – Webster hits a three, which is expected when he’s that wide open. But Oden made a really nice read on the double team and kick out, where last year he probably would have held it too long and forced a turnover or bad shot. It’s really all about the little things with him, and he looks much more confidant so far. 50-48 Blazers as he hits both free throws.

8:08 – Sean May just picked up his fourth foul. He may be skinny now, but he’s still flat footed.

7:51 – Oden’s making some nice moves but he’s still not finishing around the rim. He’s really gotta learn to go up hard and not with these weak little mini-hooks. Can’t Maurice Lucas teach him how to be a bad ass?

7:00 GO get’s UP—at least a foot above the rim—to block his first shot of the night. He can really do some damage when his head is in the right place.

5:29 – The Blazers just got more easy baskets in the last 90 seconds than they did all last season. I kid, but really, how often do you remember the team getting easy buckets of the fast break last year? I don’t have the stats in front of me but I’m certain the team ranked near the bottom of the league in fast break points, a number which is certain to go up with Miller running the team. I love Steve Blake and his heart and his jump shot, but Miller is really looking good—12 points, 4 assists, and a lot of really solid reads in the half court offense. This team is going to be better looks because of his heady play.

4:37 – I’m just going to say it right now: Andre Miller needs, no has, to start for this team. Blazers look so much more looser with him on the court. He just adds another element to the team that was solely lacking last year, a second playmaker to pair with Roy.

3:49 – A woman walking next to press row almost spilled her beer on me to ask if “I’m one of those NEWS people.” Yes, ma’am, you could put it that way.

3:05 – Blake picks up an offensive foul trying to push it in transition. Not sure about the call, and I’m completely surprised that less than three quarters into the first pre-season game I’m a flagship member of Team Miller. Blazers lead 61-57.

2:04 – Notably absent from this game without the TV cameras: Rebecca Haarlow. I’m sort of ambivalent about this, as it’s always nice to say hi to her getting coffee before the game.

0:03 – Blake hits a three just before the buzzer sounds to put the Blazers up by 10, 72-62. But the Kings are shooting an atrocious 33 percent from the field, so that’s not saying much. Still, a much better quarter, and right now I’m liking the second half starting unit more than the first.

FOURTH QUARTER:

11:12 – Ime Udoka is back as a Blazer (well, at least for the pre-season) and he’s starting strong, getting a nice driving layup and missing a corner three. It’s going to be interesting to see what the Blazers do with the 15th roster spot. Ime’s obviously the sentimental favorite, but the team needs another big as an Oden insurance clause, even if it’s Jarron Collins.

10:03 – Outlaw forces a bad shot by the hoop, but at least he didn’t settle for a long jumper. Oh wait, he just hit a three. It’s amazing how much his shot has improved since his awkward teenage years at the end of the Jail Blazers bench.

9:06 – So Rudy really is playing point guard on offense. Still not sure how I feel about this. He’s a great playmaker, but a little indecisive when running the team. Sergio just took a terrible shot, LMAO. Blazers up 13.

7:52 – Since this game is just a tad boring, I’ve been spending the last few minutes watching the players on the bench. McMillan calls a TO and and Miller is the first one off the bench, greeting everyone with high-fives and plenty of advice. Also Juwan Howard—who I love, by the way—is sitting next to the coaches and has Bayless to his right and he keeps on leaning over and pointing things out. Really invaluable veteran experience, so I hope Rex is paying attention.

6:44 – Oden scores on a nice dump down from Ime and he’s in double figures with 13 points. Still half a quarter left but I’ve been most impressed by GO, Miller and LaMarcus.

6:14 – Outlaw hits another three and runs back down the court with a look on his face like “I told ya so.” Really intrigued to see if everyone buys into their roles this year, but if players like Outlaw and Miller keep their egos in check this team might have the best team 1-10 in the whole league. So much talent on both units.

5:21 – Oden with another hook from the baseline. He’s had his moments tonight, for sure, and I just realized he’s 9-10 from the line.

4:21 – OKAY OKAY TRYING NOT TO GET TOO EXCITED BUT ODEN JUST HIT A JUMP SHOT. I’m not making this up. Caught the ball in the post, squared up on Hawes and hit a 15 footer. He NEVER did that last year. Crossing my fingers crossing my fingers…

3:16 – Oden’s stat line: 18 points, 7 boards, 10-12 from the line, one crazy-ass block, one REAL NBA JUMP SHOT. He’s not Patrick Ewing or anything yet, but it’s progress.

1:22 – Oden just picked up his fourth foul, but it’s a real foul, fighting for position down low and not some cheap reach in where he just didn’t moved his feet. He’s close to a double double and moving well, and this second team looks great. Do they give out chalupas in the pre-season. Blazers are stuck on 97 points.

0:30 – Martell misses the second free throw, possibly costing the fans a chalupa. Isn’t that gimmick getting old by now? Can’t Burgerville jump in free a free shake or sweet potato fries?

Blazers win, 98-86. Now the team flies to Sacramento for the second game of a home-and-home back-to-back. LaMarcus finishes with 20 points, Oden had 18 and 9 boards, Miller 16 points, 5 assists, and oen big fat endorsement from me. Thanks for following along, and I’ll see you in a few weeks. Hopefully Miller will be starting by then…

Six years ago. That’s the last time I was sitting in this arena—in a slightly different circumstance—getting ready to watch the Blazers play the Mavs in game 6 of the NBA playoffs. I remember showing up early with my friends from high school. I was probably wearing my Bonzi Wells shirt. But dang, it was nothing like this. It’s 15 minutes before the start of the Blazers first playoff game since 2003, and the entire arena is packed, loud, and decked out in red. It’s a pretty amazing sight. If you didn’t realize it already, Blazermania is officially back. The bouncy castle outside the Rose Garden certainly tells you, but so does the amount of attention even casual fans are paying to this team. On the MAX ride over, cars where driving by, honking and shouting “Rise Up!” When I walked to the corner market this morning to pick up some eggs the cashier asked me if I was watching the game.

(more…)

Hi again, folks! I’m not sure where this totally intimidating Clippers logo came from, but I think it’s safe to say that L.A.’s OTHER team hasn’t sailed that smoothly in a long time. Remember three years ago when the Clippers finished 47-35 and made the playoffs? Sure seems like a distant memory now. This year’s team sits at a dismal 13-42, with any hope of a winning season quickly derailed by injuries and crappy play. Tonight Chris Kamen (who, despite his silly hair and resemblance to a Cabbage Patch Doll, is a beast of a fantasy player) and Marcus Camby are out with injuries, and former Blazer Zach “never met a shot he didn’t like” Randolph is out after he threw that gnarly punch against the Suns on Tuesday night. Come on, man, taking out Louis Amundson. This guy?

You could do better, Zebo.

The Blazers, meanwhile, played a great game on Friday in beating the Atlanta Hawks 108-98. It was a full team effort, and I’m looking for more of the same during this Sunday afternoon contest. The Clippers still have Baron Davis, and he killed the Blazers early this year. The Clippers are only one of five teams to win in the Rose Garden this year. So anything could happen.

Brian McKnight sang the national anthem. Even though he hasn’t had a real hit in like, what, 10 years, he’s still the most famous person I’ve ever seen sing here at the Garden. If the Blazers make the playoffs, they really gotta step it up. Liv Warfield? Colin Meloy? I hope someone from the PR staff is reading this.

FIRST QUARTER:

11:23 – LaMarcus hits the first shot of the night, a 17 footer from just above the key. Just beautiful. If he plays like he did on Friday (24 points, 11 boards) the Blazers could really be a threat to make it out of the first round.

9:37 – The Blazers just went to Pryzbilla twice in a row on the low block. For some odd reason, ex-Blazer coach Mike Dunleavy has decided to put Steve Novak on him. He weighs 220 pounds. Advantage, the Vanilla Gorilla.

7:14 – Eric Gordon scores on a nice driving layup to cut the Blazers lead down to 2 at 10-8. Gordon’s a good player but I can’t tell if he’ll ever be great. He seems destined to put up big numbers on a mediocre team his whole career. But I’ve been wrong before.

6:20 – Batum! He’s flying all over the court. On this team—even though his numbers don’t account to much—his hustle, defense, and energy are so important with the starting unit. I’ll admit I was a bit bummed that Kevin Pritchard and the Blazers’ brain trust didn’t make a big move at the trade deadline. But the more I think about it, I think it was wise to stand pat. Could the team use Vince Carter now? Probably. But do they need the creaky knees of a 32-year-old whose best days are behind him? And the bloated contract? I don’t think so. With the team now I think Batum and Travis Outlaw make a nice platoon.

5:20 – Pryzbilla gets another dunk off a sweet dish from Blake. 18-8 Portland lead. The Blazers already have 10 points in the paint and are really sticking it to the Clippers imposing front line of Novak (a jump shooter at best) and rookie DeAndre Jordan.

4:39 – Blake tosses it OVER his head to Batum for a three. And jeez, I’ve been so busy typing that I haven’t glanced at the stats yet. Blake has 9 assitst in the first quarter. No, that’s not a typo. 9 dimes on 21 points. Sure is good to have him back, huh?

3:30 – LaMarcus gets the dunk on an alley oop from Blake. He’s got 12 and 3 boards, but the real story is Steve Blake, who has 10 assists in 9 minutes. Wow. So much for Baron Davis’ defense.

2:42 – Rudy’s in the game early for Brandon Roy and he misses a three but guess who grabs the board? Pryzbilla! I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again here: I think he’s the Blazers MVP. He sets the tone on both ends of the floor, doesn’t put up with any BS, and has played with a broken wrist for half the year.

1:00 – LaMarcus scores on another fast break off another Blake assist. He has 18 points and I think something like seven dunks now. This is ridiculous. I’ve never seen the Blazers run like this. Blake has 14 assists, Rudy just scored, and the Blazers are ahead 37-14. Blake’s number is the team record for the quarter. I bet he doubled the old one.

STATS UPDATE. Blake just set an NBA RECORD for most assists in a quarter with 14. More than Steve Nash, Jason Kidd, Magic Johnson, John Stockton, Tiny Archibald, etc. Wowza. What a quarter.

SECOND QUARTER:

11:06 Weclome back to the Steve Blake show. Sergio’s in now, and the way things are going, we might get another Michael Ruffin sighting. Channing Frye’s already in the game. Sergio turns it over on his first play. I wonder if he can break the record for most turnovers in a quarter?

9:16 – Channing Frye hits from the top of the key. 43-19 Blazers lead. For those of you wondering, the NBA record for assists is 30. And I’ll give anyone a free chalupa if they can guess who owns the record. Clue: He’s coaching in the league right now.

8:48 – Just for the record, Steve Blake TIED the NBA record for assists in a quarter. And that chalupa offer is still on the table. The Blazers might get to 100 points in the third quarter.

7:50 – Mike Taylor is making Sergio look like a good defensive player. He just shot an airball. The Clippers, meanwhile, are still shooting something like 25% from the field. Actually, Stattracker has them at 23%. Ouch.

7:12 – Steve Blake’s back in, gunning for 20 dimes in one half. Sergio had one assist in his five minutes of action, and two turnovers. So he’s only, what, 12 TO’s away from the team record?

5:39 – Blake gets his first turnover of the game. LaMarcus scores again inside, giving the Blazers a ridiculous 34 points in the paint. LaMarcus has 20 on 10-11 shooting. It’s like a layup drill for him today.

2:56 – The refs just stopped the game for about 30 seconds so they could reset the clock, and then once the Blazers passed the ball inbounds McMillan immediately called a timeout. I think the scorekeepers needed to double check that these stats are correct.

If anyone at home is wondering, when asked what reality show he’d like to be on Jerryd Bayless said The Kardashians. And then smiled. Sometimes even a bulldog has a silly side. And of course Channing said something goofy, but that’s just so obvious by now.

1:02 – Bayless for three! He still looks a bit shaky shooting ‘em, but his stroke gets better and better. Roay has five assists in the half, which is good, but not, you know, Blakeian.

0:03 – It’s almost like the Clippers aren’t even trying out there. Outlaw missed a three and Roy scored off an offensive rebound where the ball bounced under the hoop. It’s like they were daring him to go grab it. Roy’s on pace for a triple double, but the half is all about Steve Blake.

THIRD QUARTER:

Dang, it turns out I just lost a $25 Fred Meyer gift certificate from the blimp drop for leaving my seat to get some fries. Lesson learned!

8:38 – Roy hits the three on a pass from Sergio. Nah I’m just joshing. It’s Blake’s 16 assist, and he still hasn’t scored a point. I wonder what the NBA record is for most assists without a single point?

6:43 – BRoy just gave Eric Gordon a lesson in footwork. First, he put the ball behind his back, turned to his left, threw up a pump fake, and easily drew the foul on the overwhelmed Gordon. He sure makes everything look easy.

6:26 – Well, it looks like I’m keeping that chalupa. And unless Blake has another crazy quarter, the NBA record for assists in a game should stand. Can you believe it’s held by Scott Skiles? 30 in one game. Dang.

4:58 – Ricky Davis (he’s still alive?) just hit a three to cut the Blazers lead down to 20. Yeah, I know, it’s still not close. But for the first time all game the Blazers look complacent, and the team isn’t good enough to do that and still make the playoffs. McMillan likes to talk about the cliched “play for the full 48 minutes” but sometimes with this team it’s true. They tend to take whole quarters off. What does that get you, Michael Holton? A playoff loss.

4:45 – Blake hits a corner three for his first points of the game. BRoy is quitely on his way to a triple double if he stays in the game long enough. 86-62 Blazers.

3:28 – Just saw that the Bucks beat the Nuggets, which means the Blazers could slice a whole game off their division lead with the W. The game vs. Houston on Tuesday just got a whole lot more important.

1:45 – 17!!!

0:01 – Blake hits his second three of the quarter off another Roy dish. Let’s hope Sergio never has to start again.

FOURTH QUARTER:

9:58 – Right as I’m about to scream at McMillan for leaving LaMacrus in the game, he takes him out. NO reason to risk an injury with a 28 point lead.

8:51 – As usual, the crowd is more into the chalupa than the actual game. Rudy hits the three and the crowd goes wild. Is it blasphemy for me to say that I’m not really a chalupa guy? I’m all about the crunchwrap supreme.

8:26 – Shavlik Randolph is in the game. Looks like he’ll get a season high in minutes tonight. I want to see Michael Ruffin! He’s one scary looking mofo.

See what I told you! Beware the Ruffin!

6:44 – I just missed a Spanish Connection alley-oop by posting the Ruffin pic. My own liveblog just pwnd me.

5:16 – Randolph just blew a layup and missed two three throws, but when you don’t play in two months, what do you expect? Oh yeah, the score: 107-77 Blazers. Now you know why I haven’t mentioned anything in thirty minutes.

3:27 – Michael Ruffin’s waiting at the scoring table. He’s now played in both games he’s been with the Blazers. And check out the Ruffin-Randolph-Frye frontline—I guarantee you won’t see that again this year.

1:42 – Bayless has taken the last three shots. It’s like summer league all over again. Michael Ruffin grabs the board and is going to score his first points as a Blazer…or not. Wow, he sure bricked that. But Shavlik Randolph just hit a three! Yeah, it’s one of those games. Randolph dunks and he’s got a nice quarter with 9 points and 6 boards. LaMarcus better watch his back.

And that’s it, the Blazers win 116-87. I think it’s still a bit funny that confetti falls after every victory—that was cool two years ago when we won 30 games, but now it’s a bit silly. Blake finished with 17 assists, which is actually one off his career high he got with Denver two years ago. Entertaining game tonight, but when you are playing what’s basically a JV NBA team, you should win by at least 20. Thanks for following everyone and I’ll see ya soon.

Welcome back, folks! It’s been a rough week for us Portlanders, from the Sam Adams scandal to the shocking revelation that we are really white and LeBron James single handily picking the Blazers defense apart. But there’s nothing better to cure a hangover than playing the second worst team in the league—and the team with the worst nickname. I know that “Bullets” isn’t very PC, but you think they could have come up with something that doesn’t sound like it’s straight outta Lord of The Rings. The Wizards have been pretty dreadful this year without Gilbert Arenas, and at 9-33 are one of only two teams who haven’t cracked double digits in the win column. I’m not sure what he’s been up to this year (besides showing his support for Obama with a finger tattoo) but the league is a much less entertaining, funny and odd place without Agent Zero sharing his wisdom with the world. Tonight should be a good tune up for the Blazers before they play Utah and New Orleans next week. And hey, now that Greg Oden is 21, maybe he can play like a man for once. Bizah!

FIRST QUARTER:

11:36 – First play of the game, and Sergio already has one turnover. I guess Ezra is right when he says that Sergio probably means turnover in Spanish.

9:43 – Roy scores on a nice drive to the hoop for his first bucket of the night. He’s been struggling the last few games with his shot and, especially, finishing at the rim. On the next play he scores again on a nice little give and go with Oden. Not sure if Roy’s great start means he’s feeling better or just the results of going against Dominic McGuire.

9:00 – It’s awfully tough to shake the “whitest city in the US” thing when one of the songs played during the timeout is Foghat. Come on, Portland, we can do better than this.

8:10 ODEN FOUL WATCH. The big fella picks up his first ticky-tacky offense foul of the night trying to fight for position. Though lots of his fouls are unwarranted, when you’re sitting close you can tell that he pushes off a little too much on occasion.

6:55 – Sergio drops a perfect behind-the-back pass on the break to Oden and he doesn’t finish. Sergio just can’t get a break. That between the legs dribble he had the other night against the Cavs had top 10 play written all over it if only our big men could finish the job.

5:29 – Oden hits a nice little jump hook on the left post. He’s got the move, he just needs more consistency with it. If he ever figures it out it’ll open up a whole new dimension for the Blazers. Can you imagine how could they could be with a post game?

4:09 – LaMarcus dunks off a great post feed from Bayless and the Blazers now lead 19-8. For the record, LA is still sporting the headband. And still rocking it better than Zebo ever did.

3:25 – I’m still not sold on Jerryd Bayless as a point guard, but he’s working to change my perception tonight. Bayless jumps in the air and hits LaMarcus with a pass so sweet he had no idea it was coming. Bayless is doing a nice job running the offense, which looks smoother than Sergio was in, and he’s so much better staying it front of his man. John Canzano thinks we should hand the point guard spot to him, and I think he’s right. Plus it’s always nice to have someone so intense in there. Seriously that dude never smiles, and I love him all the more for it.

1:20 – Outlaw’s first shot is wayyyyy off. Settle down, Travis! Bayless misses on the next possession, which leads to a Caron Butler and-one for the Wizards. Blazers still lead at 21-15, but they don’t look great.

0:03 – Nicholas Batum—who subbed in for Brandon Roy for the final eight seconds of the quarter—swats a streaking mike James from behind to save the Blazers from letting the Wizards creep within three points at the end of the quarter. Batum hasn’t done much on offense recently, but he doesn’t need to when he’s doing all the little things (playing solid D, setting good screens, running the break) and making all sorts of great hustle plays.

SECOND QUARTER:

11:55 – Just saw a woman walk by wearing a “I <3 Sergio" t-shirt. It should probably just say "I <3 turnovers" but who's counting. At least she's showing some love.

11:08 - Former Blazer and all around nice guy Juan Dixon hits a three to cut the Blazers lead to two. For their awful record, the Wizards play well together as a team. Darius Songaila hits a three and "the Wiz"—as Mike Rice so ignorantly dubbed—have their first lead of the game.

7:42 - The Blazers are shooting just 38 percent from the field (and a woeful 11 percent on threes) and the Wizards are staying in the game with some gritty play.

7:39 - Roy misses his second free throw but Oden is there to clean up the mess and get back to the line. He's got six boards in the game, and if he can avoid early foul trouble could be poised for another big game.

5:48 - Rudy lobs a pass just a tad too high to Roy on the break but Outlaw flies in for the dunk. I love me some Rudy as much as the next guy (even though he's 0-4 on three tonight and looks a little off), and the thought of him doing a rainbow kick alley-oop in the dunk contest is just crazy cool. But don't you think Outlaw is better suited for the event? I'm not sure if anyone in the league can jump higher. Too bad he's just too goofy and shy to compete. And I know he'd do better than Birdman.

2:52 – The Blazers lead 36-28 in what is turning into a pretty ugly basketball game. How bad do you have to play to lose to the Wizards? The Blazers are shooting 33 percent from the field, 10 percent on threes, 69 percent from the line and 0 percent on alley-oops. But the Wiz have 14 (no, that’s not a typo) turnovers. Ouch. The Blazers lead 36-28 in the worst basketball game I’ve seen in years. And yes, I’m including the pickup game I played in last weekend.

1:29 – Once again Oden is keeping the Blazers in the game. He’s got a double double already with 10 points and 10 boards, but I could probably get a double double with Darius Songaila guarding me.

0:00 – Sergio misses a running shot at the buzzer and the half is over. Thank God. Both teams are shooting in the 30-something percent and the Blazers look like they all had a little too much to drink at Greg Oden’s birthday party on Wednesday. Can a hangover last for three days?

THIRD QUARTER

10:15 – Roy misses a jumper from the left key and the Blazers are hoovering right around the 30 percent mark from the field. Combined, the Wiz and the Blazers are shooting worse this game (again, this is COMBINED) that Joel Pryzbilla is shooting on the season. Yikes. Roy does have five steals, though, which I hear is a career high. Sometimes it’s nice to sit on press row. I don’t even have to use the Internet to find out stuff like that!

8:18 – Batum hits a three, just the second one the team has made all game. Caron Butler responds with a shot of his own and then Roy hits one from the left corner. It’s a three party! Where was this shooting in the first half?

5:58 – ODEN CATCHES AN ALLEY-OOP FROM SERGIO. AND DOESN’T BOTCH IT. Meanwhile poverty is erased and the war ends and angels come down from the heavens. So happy I can finally say “throw it dowwwnnn, big mannn” in my best Bill Walton voice.

4:33 – The Blazers are now shooting over 40 percent! Where’s the confetti? 62-44 Blazers.

3:56 – I’m wondering why Nick Young isn’t playing more for the Wizards. Didn’t he score over 30 points recently? Does Ed Tapscott really think that Dominic McGuire—who has a whooping 0 points on 0-2 shooting in over 20 minutes—give them a better chance in a game they trail by 16 points?

1:58 – Nicholas Batum hits a jumper and the Blazers now have 31 points in the third quarter. I wonder if Batum and Bayless went to Oden’s party? Do the bouncers even know that he’s a Blazer? Not many Frenchmen in the NBA. It’s still crazy to think that Batum, who on a good night looks like a young Scottie Pippen, can’t get into a show at the Doug Fir.

0:02 – I keep on seeing that a new comment has been added, and then realize that it’s some variation of “leave sam alone!” or “get rid of that pervert!” and not something about my blog. Where’s the love, peeps? Caron Butler hits a three at the buzzer but the Blazers still lead 73-55. Maybe we will get a chalupa after all.

FOURTH QUARTER

11:34 – In between quarters Blaze was shooting half court shots and the Wizard players—including stars Caron Butler and Antwan Jamison—had their back turned to coach Ed Tapscott and were watching Blaze instead of listening to their coach. If this isn’t a clear signal of a crappy team, I don’t know what is.

9:58 – Rudy misses another three and is now 0-6 from the field and 0-5 on threes. Surprisingly, his biggest contribution to the stat line is three steals. The Blazers as a team have 15 (!) steals, which has got to be close to the season high. Hey, maybe this team can play defense!

9:38 – Do the Wizards have a mascot? I doubt it, but wouldn’t it have to be like Gandolf or something? If I was working at the Wizards PR department I’d have a contest to find the oldest, grayest, long-haired hippie and give him the job. Amirite? I’m here all day folks.

9:04 – BRoy hits two shots from the line and now has 19 points despite shooting just 6-15 from the field. Blazers up 80-63 and pushing toward that chalupa.

Oh yeah, just found Agent Zero’s Obama tattoo online. On his fingers. Gilbert Arenas: A weirdo we can believe in!

5:57 – Rudy finally hits his first three of the game (he was 0-6) and Oden just picked up his second and third fouls in a matter of seconds. But it’s a good sing that the second appearance of my ODEN FOUL WATCH occured with just over five minutes left in the fourth quarter.

4:50 – Roy rips it out of Jamison’s hands for what I think is his eighth steal of the night. He also has 22 points, and Portland leads 90-74.

3:48 – Outlaw with another steal—the 18th for the Blazers—and throws down a sick windmill dunk. Can he go with Rudy to Phoenix for the dunk contest? Maybe they can go as buddies and switch off every dunk.

1:52 – The Blazers 18 steals has got to be close to a team record. A Blazer attendant is asking if it’s a record, so they’ve got to be close. Roy has nine steals and I think that has tied the team record for one player.

0:59: For some reason McMillan still has Oden and LaMarcus in the game, and Roy just checked out a 30 seconds ago. I get that he’s trying to preach the whole “play hard for 48 minutes” thing, but come on—when your three best players are injury prone it makes sense to sub them out of a game that is clearly over.

0:28 – Outlaw with the chalupa dunk and it’s over. The Blazers win 100-87 in one of the ugliest games of the year. But a win is a win, and the team is now 26-17 and still two-and-a-half games behind Denver for the division lead. Roy finished with quite the stat line—22 points, 7 assists, 6 rebounds, 2 blocks and 9 steals. Wowza. Thanks again for following along and I’ll see you sometime soon.

Hey Blazers fans! Remember me? Probably not. But our fearless blogger Casey Jarman needed a rest today (my guess is he’s at home checking his fantasy stats and playing Magic: The Gathering) so I’m trying to fill in. It should be a good one tonight, as the Blazers play the always feisty and entertaining Golden State Warriors, led by perpetual drunk/coaching genius Don Nelson. Just look at the man and try and tell me you wouldn’t want to get a drink with him:

It’s also the first game since the Darius Miles Fiasco. I don’t have much time to get into it here, but it seemed like a very reactionary and, well, stupid move by the Blazers brass. It’s a very Steve Patterson move, and arguably the first blemish on Kevin Pritchard’s nearly flawless tenure as GM. But back to the game. It looks like Brandoy Roy is returning to the lineup after a four game absence, which saw the Blazers play the best of the league (Celtics, Lakers, Hornets, Pistons) and come out with a nice 2-2 split. Though we lost a few games to division leader Denver, I think it’s going to help the team in the long run. The team learned to play without its star, and a bunch of people stepped up—including LaMarcus Aldridge and and rookie guard Jerryd Bayless.

Since I can, three quick predictions for the night:

1) The Warriors have the worst interior defense in the league, and because they always play small, the opposing center ALWAYS goes for a huge game. So either Oden or Pryzbilla (or both?!?) is in for a big night.

2) Some random Warrior will score 30 points. C.J. Watson, Anthony Morrow, Anthony Randolph. Someone. It always happens.

3) Jerryd Bayless will have his first real breakout game. He had a nice game the other night—8 points with a couple assists and a lot of hustle—but I’m thinking double digits tonight.

First Quarter:

12:00 – Aldridge is wearing a headband to keep the sweat out of his ear. The rest of the team didn’t follow his lead.

9:56 – First points of the game on an alley-oop from Steve Blake to LA. Then Oden gets his first foul. Maybe my first predication was a little crazy…

8:58 – The basket is still shaking from Oden’s last dunk. 4-3 Blazers.

7:16 – Roy misses his first show but get’s hammered by Biedrins. But he gets the rebound! Blazers can’t hit anything and are trailing 9-4 after a Crawford jumper.

5:27 – Oden fumbles a pass under the basket. I bet Kevin Durant would have caught that.

4:39 – Batum with a HUGE block. But Jamal Crawford still his the shot after grabbing the board. Maybe he’s the lucky 30 tonight.

3:51 – Anthony Randolph already has three fouls. He should eat a bucket of chicken at halftime so he can add a couple pounds to his 140 pound frame.

2:02 – BAYLESS WATCH. He’s into the game and we need a lot of energy. This might be the Blazers worst quarter of the season, with only 12 points and some really bad defense so far.

1:10 – Sergio makes a nice reverse layup. He’s playing with Bayless, as one of the benefits of playing the Warriors is always having the possibility of going really small.

C.J. Watson hits a shot at the buzzer, and the first quarter ends with the Warriors up 25-16. Roy only played five minutes and the rest of the team looks like they’re still sleeping.

Second Quarter

11:00 – After shooting 33 percent in the first quarter, the Blazers start the second with a turnover and a crazy Bayless drive. For the record, I endorse his reckless moments. Ben from BlazersEdge has a huge man crush on Bayless, but if he can’t hit an open shot I dunno if I can follow.

9:54 – Outlaw follows a Sergio miss with a putback dunk over Ronny Turiaf. Don’t the Blazers really need a banger like that off the bench? Tonight is all jump shots and bad half court offense. They need somebody to mix it up.

8:43 – Things are not looking good, both for the Blazers or my Bayless watch. Blazers are down 32-22 and Bayless has more missed shots and turnovers and fouls than points. Ouch.

7:55 – The Blazers still look listless. They need a spark. Roy scores his first basket in two weeks; maybe that will help. On the next possession Roy drives and dishes to Blake for the three that cuts the lead down to five.

7:11 – Matt Ziffino is signing weather calendars. He’s on the big screen talking about Arctic Blast. Fake snow falls on section 118. This is probably the lamest thing I’ve ever seen at the blazer game—including anything Blaze related. It turns out the fake snow is popcorn. I hope no one is allergic.

6:25 – Oden doesn’t just score, he drives around someone! For the first time in his 20-something game career! Wait, was that a crab dribble? One minute later he grabs the offensive rebound and scores. Suddenly he’s way more Dwight Howard than Kwame Brown.

3:53 – Outlaw blocks a Crawford drive attempt and it ends up in a fast break dunk for Roy that ties the game at 41. Man, I’m kinda hungry. Matt Zaffino, can you predict a popcorn drizzle for section 207?

1:29 – Aldridge hits two straight shots after starting the game 3-8 in the first quarter. Rob Kurz is in for the Warriors, his first action of the night. He started a couple games in a row two weeks ago. But that’s what happens when you play for Nellie—he’s so insecure about his team that one day you play 35 minutes and the next you play 2.

0:38 – Outlaw hits a three and then gets a soaring dunk after Rudy gives leads him straight to the hoop. He’s got that little hop going on, so you know he’s feeling it. Maybe they could dunk in tandom at the All-Star game this year? That reminds me, vote for Rudy, people. I don’t want to see Joe Alexander in there, do you.

0:03 – Outlaw blocks Kurz to end a great quarter for him. Blazers up 55-40 after that stinker of a first quarter. Outlaw has 11 and Aldridge has 14 points, 3 boards, and 3 dimes after a terrible opening.

Third Quarter

10:48 – Oden tries to post up Biedrins (he’s gotta have, what, a 60 pound advantage over him) yet still gets pushed out to the high post. And then Biedrins blocks him so hard that the score keeper might have to award two blocks. Sometimes, I wonder if Oden will ever be more than mediocre.

8:35 – Rob Kurz is trying to box out Oden. If he doesn’t get at least 10 boards tonight it’s not saying much about his future.

7:51 – Batum scores on an easy dunk as Kurz falls down. How did this guy get in the league again? The Warriors always pick up these NBDL guys out of the blue. Maybe they should start to rethink their plan.

6:14 – It’s looking like this one might turn into a blowout. Aldridge looks really good after a rough start. Maybe he should wear the headband every game. I bet Nate would have no objections if he always plays this well.

5:34 – Aldridge follows up a Blake drive with another tip dunk. Maybe he just plays better when he can’t hear anything? How can he communicate with anyone with that headband coverings his ear? As I’m typing this he swats Maggette. This is why everyone says he’s the real key to the team—if LA plays well, the Blazers are hard to stop.

3:42 – Blake hits a three and we’re officially entering blowout territory. 77-63 Blazers, but they could break it wide open any second now. This might be the most uninspiring 13 point lead I’ve ever seen. Martell Webster’s on the big screen talking about the Burger King Rip City Row. It’s weird because after his five minute return against the Raptors last month I haven’t heard much about his progress. I hope he’s not out for too much longer because the Blazers really need a reliable guy at small forward. I love Travis, but I’m also scared everytime he gets the ball. He might be the most hit-or-miss player in the league.

1:50 – Some weird guy with a dreadlock ponytail just entered the game for the Warriors. I’m not sure who it is, and that’s coming from a guy who spends half his life on the Internet. Did Don Nelson grab him from the crowd during halftime?

1:06 – Rudy hits one of those crazy fallaway jumpers that have no business actually going in. I just checked my state sheet and the it turns out the mysterious Warrior is Jermareo Davidson. And he just dribbled the ball out of bounds.

0:16 – Outlaw hits a three and hops down the court again. You can tell he’s on tonight, even though he still looks goofy. 83-70 Blazers at the end of the quarter, so I’m officially starting the chalupa watch. I’m calling Bayless.

Fourth Quarter

10:54 – C.J. Watson hits a three and the Blazers lead is under double digits. Maybe I got a little trigger happy with the blowout prediction. It looks like I might go 0-3 unless Bayless has a career quarter.

9:51 – Serigo almost turns it over on a 3-2 fast break. Rudy was running down the sideline; where’s the alley-oop?

9:41 – I should mention that it’s really loud here tonight. Maybe it’s a Saturday thing but the crowd is super pumped up. Roy and Outlaw get back to back easy dunks and everybody is on there feet. If the Blazers can hold it together and make the playoffs, it’s going to be tough for anybody (even the Lakers) to come in here and take an easy one. The Rose Garden is almost like a college arena when it gets this loud.

I gotta post this while I can. This is Casey’s masterpiece from a Warriors game earlier this year:

7:16 – The starters plus Rudy are still in, even though the Blazers are up by 12. Roy should get some rest soon, right? The team is going to need him the rest of the year.

6:43 – Biedrins bear hugs Oden after he finally gets really good position down low. That’s more what I’m talking about. If only he could do that all game!

6:35 – Rudy’s picking it up after a lackluster first half. Even when his shots off—as its been most of tonight—he’s still such a a valuable glue guy for the team. His energy is infectious, and he always brings it every night. Can you imagine if he’d stayed in Europe this year? It would have already cost the team a couple of wins.

5:40 – Turiaf gets a wide open dunk to cut the Blazers’ lead to 8. Somehow this rag-tag Warriors bunch is staying in the game, even without their best player Stephen Jackson. Maybe Don Nelson is more of a genius than a drunk.

4:27 – Azubuike hits a two and suddenly ilt’s only a five point Blazer lead at 99-94. The Warriors are hanging in there, and then guess what: Roy takes it the length of the court, draws contact and finishes with his left hand for a huge momentum lifter AND the chalupa basket. Big time and-one.

3:00 – Maggete scores again for the Warrios, and he’s had a big second half. Maybe not a $10 million/year second half, but he’s keepin ‘em in the game.

1:54 – Aldridge hits a running hook in the lane to make it 108-98 Blazers. That’s almost becoming his go-to move, especially when he gets the isolation against a smaller defender.

1:22 – Is it a sign of the recession that the free t-shirt giveaway happens with one minute left in the game? I remember going to games during the Zebo/Darius Miles era and they threw shit into the crowd during almost every timeout. Well, maybe that says more about the former team than our current economy. But it might make for a good story. Even though the team is making money, are all the free giveaways dwindling because of our trillion dollar deficit?

1:02 – Outlaw’s at the line shooting three, and he almost misses the first. Roy is still in the game, despite the Warriors needing a 10-0 run to win the game. That’s risky in my book, but then again, I’m a blogger, not an NBA coach.

0:21 – Roy hits a long two for his 19 point of the game. Well, it looks like this one is over. Never quite the the blowout I predicted, but a solid—if uneven—113-100 win for the Blazers. Six Blazers scored in double figures, and despite some shaky defense they hit enough shots to pull out the W. Thanks again for following along (probably just my mom, but at least I got one fan) and one of your trusty music editors will be back here January 19 against the against almost hometown boy Luke Ridnour and the Bucks.