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Bill Simmons Greeted Like a Rock Star at Book Signing

Friday, November 20th, 2009

255px-Bill_Simmons_by_David_Shankbone

Bill Simmons may not be bigger than the Beatles. But for pro basketball fans, he’s pretty damn close.

The ESPN sportswriter was at the Borders Bookstore in Beaverton on Thursday night to sign copies of The Book of Basketball, his tome on pro hoops. The suburban parking lot was full 45 minutes beforehand, and people were literally sprinting through the parking lot into the bookstore after they got off the bus.

Simmons appeared shortly before 7 pm wearing a black hoodie and a shirt featuring the mug of Jeff Bebe, lead signer of the fictional band Stillwater from the movie Almost Famous, which Simmons has praised as his favorite flick of the past decade. Simmons talked with the crowd for a few minutes prior to the signing and delivered the same pop culture-savvy sports commentary that’s made him so popular. Some of the juicier nuggets:

-Simmons attended the Trail Blazers’ game versus Detroit on Wednesday . He polled the Borders crowd about the Blazers’ three-guard system. Simmons felt the Blazers should play the best five regardless of their position.
-He also praised Portland for being the only city in the NBA that doesn’t play hip hop music during the team introductions. “Ballroom Blitz?” he asked. “Do they do that for every game?”
-He apologized for low-balling the Blazers in his season predictions, where he forecast the team would finish 41-41 when many predict they’ll win more than 50 games. “There’s a team every year [that underperforms],” Simmons said. “It was between Portland and New Orleans.”
-All baby-toting fans were encouraged to cut in front of the line for an autograph. “I’ve been there, I know what that’s like,” he said.

Almost Live: Detroit at Portland

Wednesday, November 18th, 2009

b-wallaceThe whole Rose Garden smells like a burnt hot dog tonight. I’m not sure if that’s a sign, or if there was an accident of some kind or what. But out by the fountain, that’s what it smells like. And it’s cold.

FIRST QUARTER
We start things out with a Greg Oden foul. Literally. We’re mere seconds into the game and Oden is called for an offensive shove. Strap in, folks, it’s gonna be a long night!

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Almost Live: T-Wolves at Blazers

Sunday, November 8th, 2009

oleksiy with childWelcome, once again, to WW’s Blazer blog. In this installment, I plan to regail you with all the pictures of third year Timberwolves bigman Oleksiy Pecherov I can hunt down on the internet. Observe:

oleksiy with girl

oleksiy sly

oleksiy with another girl

oleksiy isn't dead
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Almost Live: Spurs vs. Blazers

Friday, November 6th, 2009

-1Everyone I know seems to be panicking about the Blazers. My roommates are freaking out. My best friend was screaming “fire McMillan” the entire game on Tuesday against Atlanta. John Canzano is probably livid (what’s new). But after the first five games, during which the Blazers have played one of the hardest schedules in the league (the combined record of their opponents is 14-5), they have actually managed the exact same record they had at this time last year: 2-3. Still, there are reasons to be concerned. Namely, two weeks into the season the team simply hasn’t figured out how it wants to play. Andre Miller wants to run. I want the team to run. Nate McMillan? Not so much. But tonight the team’s debuting a new starting lineup that could make or break the season. Yeah, say goodbye to AW BRO, and say hello to NATE MCMILLAN IS STARTING THREE GUARDS.

It’s certainly not unprecedented. The Suns often start three smaller players, and so do the Knicks. But those teams love to push the pace, get up the floor, and take quick shots. The Blazers have been outscored 62-19 on fast breaks this year. You can do the math. That’s less than four points per game, or two baskets. TWO BASKETS.

Sorry for the use of ALL CAPS, but I’m pretty intrigued by what this lineup can do. Offensively, I’d guess that Miler will play the point and Blake will do the same thing he always does: stand behind the three point line and wait until his defender cheats off him to double Roy. Defensively I’m not so sure. Tony Parker is probably the fastest (and Frenchest) point guard in the league, and those pesky small guards always give the Blazers a lot of trouble.

But the main problem I have is that it doesn’t seem to solve the Blazers biggest problem: who starts at point guard. Tonight’s lineup is essentially a cop out—instead of choosing between Miller and Blake, why not start them both? I’ve been preaching the virtues of Andre Miller since the first preseason game (look it up, peeps) but everybody knows that Nate McMillan is basically in love with Steve Blake. I like Blake—he’s a good-to-great shooter, and he rarely makes mistakes—but he’s just so, I dunno, mediocre. If you had to rank all 400 or so players in the NBA he’d probably fit in nicely at #200. But he’s basically a glorified YMCA player, and that’s not how teams win championships. Love him off the bench, but Miller’s a better player. Two other big things going into this one.

1). The other word from the locker room is that Jerryd Bayless is going to be the first guard off the bench. You have no idea how excited I am.

2). Will the Blazers back off Manu Ginobili? I mean, he got rabies shots this week. That’s what happens when you kill a bat with your bare hands.

Okay, one more quick pre-game note. The “concert violinist” that just played the National Anthem is wearing a baby blue Argentina shirt. I think he’s actually Manu’s brother. This can’t be a good sign.

FIRST QUARTER:

So the Blazers announcer just introduced Andre Miller—who stands all of 6′2—as a forward. So maybe we’re not playing three guards! Good try, Nate. Also the Blazers are debuting new “throwback” jerseys tonight, even though the team’s never worn them before. Instead of saying Portland or Trail Blazers across the front, it says “Rip City.” That’s a slogan, not a nickname. Okay enough bitching. Guess I had too much coffee today.

11:24 – Steve Blake hits a three off a nice pass from Miller in, you guessed it, transition. I did this on purpose, Blakey. Let me mean words inspire you.

10:28 – Roy hits a three after missing one a few seconds ago. And the team is running. In the half court they better go to Oden a little bit, because he’s being guarded by the NBA’s only ginger starting center, Matt Bonner. Oh man his last name is almost really funny.

9:12 – Less than three minutes into the game and Manu is in for Richard Jefferson. Popovich really must have a lot of faith in Keith Bogans.

8:50 – Oden picks up his first foul, as Tim Duncan just schooled him on the low block. Hey, guess who’s leading the league in fouls? I’ll just say it’s not Kevin Durant, if you get my drift.

8:27 – Oden, who’s also reading my blog in his telepathically from the court, squares Duncan up and hits a 12 foot jump shot. Man if he ever learns to do this with any regularity he could be a best. Of course could is the main word. He just picked up his second foul, which is actually a little big of a star call. Oden just doesn’t get any respect from the refs yet. You know how he does that? Not missing layups.

6:37 – Roy’s looking great right now. The big thing with this whole PG debate is the fact that Roy likes having the ball in his hands, as does Dre Miller. But he could get so many easy buckets if they learn to play together. Blazers up 14-10, shooting 50 percent so far.

5:58 – The guys next to me and Ezra on press row are watching the Boise St. game. I may wear tight pants, but at least I pay attention to the game I’m at. Get me a permanent sports writing job, stat.

5:54 – I think Spurs coach Greg Popovich is trying to make Keith Bogans into the new Bruce Bowen. He’s grabbing, yanking, kicking, basically mauling Brandon Roy. Good matchup on the wing.

5:07 – DeJuan Blair just pulled down his first board. He was the guy I wanted the Blazers to draft this year, and so far he’s backing up the hype, almost averaging a double double off the bench for the Spurs. I’ll be watching him all night.

4:34 – Make that two rebounds for Blair, in less than a minute. Sheesh.

4:17 – Blazers fast break alert! LA with the dunk on a great outlet pass from Miller. I’m sitting in front of Antonio Harvey, and all he can talk about is Miller’s long arms. Hey, as long as long arms get the Blazers a few fast break buckets and I’m happy. 16-11, team Rip City.

2:55 – Rudy’s in, and he just threw a typically beautiful Spanish-style pass (el no look) to Aldrigde, who dumped it to Pryzbilla, who…blew the layup. If only the Blazers centers could finish these easy opportunities, then maybe the rest of the guys wouldn’t want to jack long rang jumpers all night long.

2:40 – The Blazers are still running, or at least trying to. I love it. McMillan loves playing a controlled, plodding game where he can coach and control the paint, but this Blazers team just has too many athletes not to get out a bit. Also of note: Miller’s the only starting guard left in the game. But all three have played well so far.

1:51 – NATE MCMILLAN IS READING MY MIND. he just put in JayBay to guard George Hill, San Antonio’s speedy backup guard. So excited to see Bayless kill someone on the court. His first offensive play leads to a Outlaw layup. The next possesion he doesn’t pass the ball, and instead puts his head down and barrels to the hoop. Love this guy, he’s so fearless. 24-13 Blazers.

0:41 – JayBay just commits his first turnover of the season. Hasn’t he learned anything from Sergio? Oh wait…

0:14 – Shit I love Bayless. Takes it straight to the rim again for an and 1. Sorry about the curse but I can’t get enough of Bayless. He could be the spark the team needs.

0:01 – Bayless with the steal, out to Rudy for the three at the buzzer…it just rims off but Webster comes flying out of nowhere for a sick dunk. Wow, the Blazers look great. 29-14 at the end of one. By far the best quarter of the year.

SECOND QUARTER:

8:20 – Okay, we’re back up. My computer just died in the middle of screaming at Nate McMillan for taking Bayless out after he scored 5 points in 4 minutes and did a great job of changing the tempo. Just so you know, I’m also Tweeting during the game, so if this cuts out, go here. We’re so web 3.0 at WW.

8:06 – McMillan’s going with the lineup that closed a lot of games last year: Blake and Roy in the backcourt, Outlaw, LA, and the Thrilla up front. The Blazers are still playing good D but are down to shooting just 41 percent. Too many jump shots! Still up by 12, though.

6:59 – Blazers going small with the three guards again. Roy’s shot looks off again after a blistering start.

6:08 – Aldridge has been really quiet tonight, but he finally gets an inside bucket and takes advantage of Michael Finley trying to guard him in the post. That has to be a bad matchup. Either that or Popovich is really that crazy. I mean he did let Manu kill the bat and then kept him in the game.

Time outs give me the opportunity to impress you with stats like this: 10 Blazers played in the first quarter, and eight of them scored. That’s gotta be a high during the McMillan era.

5:05 – Ugh, the Blazers are getting killed on the offensive boards. Richard Jefferson just beat four Blazers to the ball. Gotta love the three guard lineup.

3:52 – Oden’s finally back in, which means that he’ll probably wind up playing more in the half than Bayless. But it was getting close. Never thought I’d never see that.

3:30 – Ya know, Oden’s got a nice little jump hook. I’ll give him that. Until he starts scoring more than six points a game, I’m still going to call it “little.” But he’s made two nice moves tonight, and both against Tim Duncan.

3:03 – Jefferson’s been a savior for the Spurs tonight. They’re shooting a dreadful 34 percent from the field but Jefferson’s got 11 points, 4 boards, and a ton of trips to the line. Great offseason pickup for them. Blazers lead 43-31.

2:33 – Manu’s whistled for traveling, but I can’t tell if it’s a good call or not. I’m too busy staring at his bald spot. Dang, it puts Sheed’s to shame. I bet my brother can see it from the 300 level.

1:46 – Oden hits another jump hook, this one from a little farther out. This is the best I’ve seen him play on offense since that game last year (it was at Golden State, right?) where he scored over 20.

1:31 – Juwan Howard replaces Oden for the final 90 seconds, which means 11 Blazers have played in the first half. Come on, Nate, I know you wanna sub Dante Cunningham in.

0:15 – Bogans really is doing a good Bruce Bowen impersonation. His stat line so far? 0 points, 1 assist, 2 fouls. He’s even got the same shaved head. Now he just needs to open a spa in SA with his wife.

0:02 – Hey guys, so guess what play Nate runs as the Blazers have the ball for one last shot in the half? Yep, the ol’ give it to Roy and let him go 1-5 routine. Roy hits the shot, but it’s so predictable. That’s not going to cut it in the playoffs. All harshness aside, the Blazers have looked great in the first half. Definitely the best ball they’ve played this season. 51-40 lead at half.

THIRD QUARTER:

11:06 – Giner alert! Matt Bonner just got an offensive board and scored inside. Oden looks lost trying to follow him around the perimeter.

10:39 – So Tony Parker’s out for the rest of the game with a sprained ankle, which means we’re going to see a lot of George Hill. He’s a good young player, but no Parker.

9:46 – Blake matches Bogans three with one of his own. Little Stevey (oh wait, that’s someone else) is looking tough tonight. Hey, if he shoots the ball as well the rest of the year as he is tonight, then I pledge to stop with the jokes. But I’m just so on tonight.

8:48 – Did the refs really just call an off-the-ball foul on George Hill? Come on, guys, that’s a little ridiculous. I’m not being a homer here, just a journalist calling it like it is.

7:30 – The Blazers, knowing that gingers are weak at post defensive, are going at Matt Bonner on almost every possession. Aldrigde hits two free throws, and the Blazers are up 60-47. Think that’s the biggest lead of the night.

6:56 – Actually they’re just going inside, period. Oden’s really impressing me tonight. He just backed down probably the greatest power forward of all time, and he really looks like he wants it on offense. He’s calling for the ball. Hell, he looks animated out there, like he really wants to make it after a shitty year. Now read that last sentence in the Willy Vlautin voice. Did you see what I just did?

6:15 – Interesting development from this whole three guard experiment: Brandon Roy has stopped passing the ball. Okay, that’s not entirely true, but he doesn’t have an assist yet. It’s nice to see him without the ball in his hands every time down the floor, though. It’ll add years to his career.

5:48 – With Tony Parker out, the Blazers have more point guards on the floor than the Spurs have in uniform.

5:15 – Oh uh. Now Miller’s limping with what looks like a sprained ankle. Just not a good night for point guards. Dre’s not going to the locker room, so he’ll probably be okay.

3:59 – Maybe Blake did learn something from Sergio. That lob was, dare I say it, Sergio-esque. Again Roy gets a bucket away from the ball and it’s gotta feel good.

3:17 – Martell and Rudy are both in, which means Blake is actually running the point for the first time tonight. Or wait, maybe the second time. McMillan’s made the same subs in the first and third quarter, taking Roy out with like four minutes left.

2:40 – The crowd’s much louder then during the opening night. Kinda weird, considering it was the first regular season game in this building since April. Or maybe it’s just ’cause it’s Friday night. Blazers up 68-54 after a sick Aldridge dunk.

2:38 – Bayless watch is officially starting. If Nate’s gonna play him again tonight, it’s either now or a few minutes at the start of the fourth. He looks like he’s in a daze on the bench, dreaming of putting up 50 on the Thunder.

1:14 – Bayless is back in, if only for a minute. That sounds like a Morrissey song title, huh?

0:19 – Eik, that’s an over and back. This second unit isn’t looking good right now. Also, I just realized that Greg Oden looks A LOT like Michael Finley. Only Oden’s five years older 15 years younger. Blazers up 68-58 at the end of the third.

FOURTH QUARTER:

11:58 – Despite starting three guards, the Blazers only have 8 assists in the first 36 minutes. Weird.

11:42 – Roger Mason Jr. with a sweet jump shot. Wait, the announcer didn’t say “Jr.” Did that change in the offseason? Is that even possible?

11:05 – Just like I predicted, Bayless only played the final 1:13 of the quarter. Miller, Roy and LA all check back in as the Spurs cut the lead down to eight.

10:34 – George Hill’s got four fouls, which raises an interesting question: who do the Spurs play at the point if he fouls out? Manu? Theo Ratliff?

10:22 – Man, Antonio McDyess is a baller. Plain and simple. I’ve always liked him, and even at 30-something years old he can still play. Oden’s backing off and he’s killing him with his smooth jump shot.

8:51 – Oden’s quietly having a pretty good night. He’s got 10 points, 5 boards, and 2 blocks in like 16 minutes.

8:05 – Nate’s going with the starting lineup with just over eight minutes left, which doesn’t exactly show any confidence in the bench. Roy’s dribble drive is sweet, though, the the leads back over double digits.

7:24 – Steve Blake just passed it to Bruce Bowen, err, Keith Bogans. So much for that lead. Two quick Spurs buckets and the Blazers lead is down to 75-68. You know who could give this team some much needed energy right now? BAY-LESS.

6:39 – That’s the play you run out of a timeout? The Blazers need something better than a last second Miller three point attempt. The Spurs deserve some credit. That was a great double on Oden, he barely had time to react.

5:52 – 24 second violation. Two straight Miller three point “attempts.” If you can even call his set shot that. Jeezus, change the lineup! This isn’t working.

5:38 – Ginobili’s two free throws cut the Blazers lead to a paltry three points. Roy hits a tough jumper, but this offense is embarrassing. Outlaw’s in for Miller, which might help. Not enough shooting on the floor for Roy to go 1 on 5.

4:15 – Roy’s starting to take this game over. As Ginobili gambles on defensive, Roy drives past him, squares up for a 15 footer—and then drops a beautiful lob to Oden for an easy layup. That’s better. Now the crowd is doing “YMCA,” this really must be throwback night. I feel like I’m at Joel Przybilla’s bar mitzvah or something.

3:57 – Roger Mason hits a three, and all the air is let out of the arena. It got real quiet real quick. Blazers up 80-75.

2:57 – Ducan’s throwing the hammer down asking for a continuation call, but the refs aren’t falling for it. Oh wait they gave it to him? I don’t know about that.

2:39 – Steve Blake for three! I take back every mean word I’ve said about him. Almost. That pass earlier in the quarter is still inexcusable.

2:18 – Whoah, Oden really is talking/barking on the court. He looks MAD. Seriously I want to see him get a technical, or just deck Ginobili. I bet he has so much pent up anger inside of him. Channel your inner Bayless, son!

2:15 – Now the free throws…he hits ‘em both!

2:00 – Dang, Richard Jefferson just dunked his way to a Sportscenter top play. That was ridiculous. This game is getting super intense, it’s hard to blog and watch at the same time.

1:47 – The thing about this three guard lineup? IT CAN’T DEFEND QUICK PLAYERS. Ginobili slices through the lane for a three point play, cutting the Blazers lead to 87-82. McMillan calls a timeout, probably getting ready to draw up a great play that involves Brandon Roy and nobody else. It’s called isolation, and sometimes it works.

1:44 – Of course I’m just a stupid blogger sitting here in section 113. It’s easy to call out the coach. I mean what do I know about basketball? The only time I’ve ever drawn up a play it was for a co-ed 4th grade team at Hillside Community Center. But I watch a lot of basketball, and obsess about it (no joke, I couldn’t sleep the other night wondering if I should pick up Udonis Haslem or Andre Blatche on my fantasy team) and I think I know a few things at this point. As the season goes on I’m getting more and more skeptical about whether he’s the right guy for the job. Oh, and if you were asking, I’d run a pick and roll with Miller and Oden, with Roy waiting on the wing for the shot. If it’s NBA Live, it would work.

1:24 – Oden sets a pick for Roy, which is almost the same thing. Outlaw with the jumper, Blazers up 7.

1:02 – Spurs ball and they really need a bucket. Ginobili misses a runner and it looks like the Blazers have this one, barring another meltdown from the charity stripe. Roy misses the second, leaving the Blazers with a 10 point lead.

0:32 – Ginobili tries to get away with a kickball. What a Euro move. This isn’t fooooootballl, dude.

0:30 – George Hill fouled out! Maybe my predication was right about Ratliff running the show. Ugh, Bogans is back in, this is boring. Show us some love, Pop.

0:21 – Manu misses and this one is over. Big win for the Blazers. Roy finishes with 24, Oden’s got 14 and 7 boards after a good second half, and Steve Blake has 15 points and one big three pointer that basically sealed the game. So game one of the 3G experiment actually worked out. Thanks for following along as I blab, oh, 3340 words about one single Blazer game. Casey will be here on Sunday, so don’t forget to comment and give him shit. I know he loves it. Blazers are back to .500 and looking good for one night. I’m off to try to ask McMillan about Bayless.

Trail Blazers Want You To Imagine JumpTown

Monday, November 2nd, 2009

birdseye

The Portland Development Commission wants development concepts for Memorial Coliseum, and Portland’s NBA franchise has an idea: using the arena as one of the centerpieces of a “mixed-use sports and entertainment district” known as JumpTown, according to a press release from the Blazers.

According to the project’s website, the Rose Quarter would be renovated into an eco-friendly district serving as the “intersection of sports, music and entertainment, one that pays homage to the rich musical heritage of Portland’s eastside.”

The term “JumpTown” derived from a book by Robert Dietsche about Portland’ rich jazz history.

Although the idea is in its preliminary stages, possible amenities located in the new JumpTown could include “restaurants, clubs, retail, hotels, residential, athletic facilities and a one-of-a-kind interactive center being considered by Nike near the site of its inception” according to the press release. Proposals and concepts will be gathered between now and Dec. 1, with a winning concept being chosen sometime in fall 2010.

Almost Live: Nuggets at Blazers

Thursday, October 29th, 2009

bird is the wordI think having players pick the pre-game shootaround music is about the best tradition in Portland basketball. Tonight LaMarcus Aldridge picked “Real As it Gets” by Jay-Z and Young Jeezy. He mouths the words as the team lines up to run to the hoop for their layups. Steve Blake can’t help but dance a bit. Joel Przybilla looks perturbed, as usual.

And it’s game night. In the media room it’s ribs and steamed veggies. So you know I’m ready to blog. On the court, Chris “Birdman” Andersen has something to say to a fan in the sixth or seventh row. He doesn’t seem hostile about it. And when he goes to shoot around on the other end, He practices three-pointers (why?) and shares high fives with the button-ups in the front row. There’s a little boy up front who seems especially excited to see Bird, so he tosses him the ball before each shot. The kid passes to Chris, who actually drains a few threes. The ball boys don’t notice him out on the wing, so he waves them down. Birdman proceeds to drop three treys in a row from the right wing. The kid stares on. Birdman jaws with anyone in proximity who will listen. He moves to the left side and drains a few from there. Some kid in a LaMarcus Aldridge jersey yells with approval from the stands. Bird gives him a quick gun-finger. Later he’ll gently shove a ball-boy to the side so he can play ball-boy himself. This man is everywhere at once, and with that mohawk, one can’t help but see him.

On the other end, a kid who looks uncannily like Dan Dickau is kicking loose balls out to Martell Webster in the corner. The Blazer warmups, black with red trim and white Adidas stripes, are super sweet this year.

I’m here on press row, with no one on either side of me. I’m trying to shake a weird story about Mugsy Bogues that I heard in the media room. It was a pretty amazing story, though, so I might crack at halftime and let you in on the joke.

It’s a rainy night in Portland. Most of the folks I’m sitting with would rather be at the World Series. I didn’t even know who was in it until I watched Sportscenter last night. I like basketball. In Chicago, the Bulls have a 13-point lead on the Spurs. They’re not going to let it go in two minutes, so I wish we could just start this game. But this game is on TNT. From my vantage point I’ve got a good view of Marv Albert’s plugs, Reggie’s bald head and the Czar’s nice head of hair (which, until now, I somehow thought was a wig). I envy the people sitting right behind those three—not because they get to hear the same commentary as the home audience, but because they get to hear the banter and the arguments during commercials. I love that shit.

The night’s refs stand in a triangle at center court, laughing and joking around. I hate that it makes me think of this. Not that I buy into those allegations, but now that they’re out there, it’s going to be awfully hard for NBA fans to forget about them. As we often say in journalism, the appearance of bias is just as damning as actual bias.

Linda Hornbuckle gets what might be the loudest applause I’ve ever heard a singer get here for the national anthem. You know, a lot of people hate sitting through the anthem every night. Not because they’re unAmerican, but because they tire of the ritual. I gotta say though, I kind of love that live music has that ritual place at the start of the game. Wouldn’t matter to me, frankly, if she was singing “Disco Inferno”—I consider the anthem a standard, and it’s always interesting to see how different artists interpret a standard—but I like the fact that we all pause for a few minutes to hear a human voice, or a guitar player or a saxophonist or what have you. The fact that we all have to get silent and listen to somebody pouring their heart out. One doesn’t always see that on the basketball court during the game, so it’s nice to see it before the game.

FIRST QUARTER

10:36
Slow going so far. An emphatic whistle (it sounded sharp and rusty from here) gets blown on Carmello Anthony, the second of the game after Greg Oden picked up a call that shouldn’t have been. On TNT they show a long shot of Andre Miller on the bench, laughing with Jerryd Bayless. I’m sure they’re talking about how the reserve role is new for him or maybe how he was once a Nugget, and maybe reading too much into his face as he moves from the giggles to a contemplative expression. These are the storylines we love, and basketball is the game that best tells these stories, with the players’ faces and body language constantly on display.

7:33
These guys are double-teaming Oden. Dunno if they saw his big numbers in the preseason or his turnover count in the last game (was it 7?), but either way they’re really swarming him. It pays off when Greg loses the handle, but the ball winds up back in the hands of Steve Blake. Blake, who must feel pretty confident these days after getting the starting nod over Andre Miller. Miller was a stud with the 76ers.

6:00
No timeouts yet, which is probably not great for TNT’s ad revenue but it’s great for the fans here at the RG, who scream with delight every time Oden grabs the ball and scream for blood whenever a foul is called on the Blazers.

Just when I’m beginning to think this crowd is stupid (they are booing way too loud at perfectly normal calls), they begin to roar not for a slam dunk or a block, but for a rebound. Greg Oden gets a huge standing ovation with 4:49 left because he’s fighting for position and rising up big to grab a board. He looks feisty, even angry, and that’s what Portland wants to see.

4:49
The crowd just watched two solid minutes of a chubby kid doing the robot in the nosebleeds, and they roar with approval at that, too. So they might be dumbasses overall. I mean, the kid was pretty good. I might sweat the technique a bit but the energy was there. I guess I woulda cheered if I were mixed in with the masses.

A Martell Webster Dunk gets it loud in here again. I heard there were a lot of empty seats during the opener the other day, but tonight it’s pretty packed. I guess there’ll always be folks out getting snacks or lower-level season ticket holders whose pugs need emergency surgery, but most of these seats are full.

3:20
The shorter nuggets guards (Chauncey and the guy who looks like but is not Dahntay Jones, as well as Anthony Carter) are doing a great job of pestering Portland’s big men. None of our seven footers can seem to hold onto the ball when the Nugs are swiping at it from all sides. They’ll pick up a few fouls that way, but they’ll also get some steals and resulting fast break opportunities. Nice to see the hustle.

2:26
Did you know that Andre Miller only missed three games in 10 NBA seasons? That’s pretty good. TNT mentioned it. They also showed footage from Miller’s mini-’fro days, and I’ve gotta say, that was a beter look than the shaved head. I’m a barber’s son, whaddya want?

1:42
Tattoos alone don’t qualify one to look like a “thug” in the NBA anymore, but Kenyon Martin is absolutely a thug. Chris Anderson can cover his face with tats and he’ll still look like a nice, if trailer parkish, dude. Kenyon Martin—who, in his defense, smiles and laughs a lot—is not the type of guy you wanna fuck with. Right now he won’t let go of LaMarcus Aldridge’s arm.

0:03
Andre Miller throws up a three (which has never been his forte) and misses. Nice job for the Blazer starters, very ugly game from the back-ups.

SECOND QUARTER

Nate starts the second quarter with the twin towers of Greg Oden and Joel Przybilla, which leads me to believe he saw the Kaman/Camby combo while watching the Clippers game last night. It garners the ‘Zers an easy defensive board, but on offense neither of these guys is great at creating their own shots. Oden does the right thing—he draws the double-team then dishes to Andre Miller, who is fouled and connects on a three-point play. On the other end, Kenyon Martin tries creating his shot over the mountains. His own pride kills him again, and he can’t pull it off. Rudy ties things up 24 – 24 on the other end.

9:58
If I were advising a player on how to be seen as a thug, one oft-overlooked aspect of the game I’d harp on would be crowd-awareness. Think of the “Jail Blazer” era. The worst of those guys yelled at the crowd, spit on the crowd and generaly despised the crowd. Kenyon Martin’s relationship with the crowd is much more playful. He’ll shush an away crowd after making a big shot; he’ll stare at a cameraman and scream after pounding an especially vicious dunk; he’ll talk back to a heckler. Most of the league’s great thugs have a theatrical quality that gains them attention—and therefore disdain—from the crowd. Travis Outlaw might get booed at the free-throw line, but c’mon, no one hates Travis Outlaw.

8:58
It’s announced that the Yankees won their world series game, and the crowd erupts in a huge boo. That’s how I know I’m home, I guess: We hate the shoe-ins. That’s part of the reason the Blazers’ rise has been a little scary. I’m not sure what happens once this team is a favorite to win the championship. That would fuck with Portland’s whole self-image. Which is why I’m hoping for a trophy this season (what? Kobe Bryant could tear his ACL! Tim Duncan could certainly break a hip—he’s 75 years old, after all) instead of two or three years down the line. I’d rather see the ‘Zers win as underdogs than favorites.

6:25
Martell Webster throws down over Birdman on one end of the court, the crowd goes insane. Then on the other end, Carmello Anthony attempts vengeance with a posterization of Joel Przybilla. Martell comes from behind to knock the ball away clean, and Melo (I’m sorry for hitherto adding an “L” to his name, I always do that) is a dazed prizefighter; his eyes grow wide as he looks for the closest ref. The crowd begins to heckle very loudly. Anthony pauses to soak it in. He’s laughing now, the crowd is, too, but it’s an angry laugh. Again, we love to see the golden boy get his. Just don’t be surprised when Carmelo comes back with a vengeance of his own.

5:12
B-Roy gets an all-star foul he probably didn’t deserve; the crowd offers a golf clap.

4:55
Carmelo throws an elbow in Martell Webster’s throat, the refs notice a bit late but give it the call. George Karl is furious. He only gets more animated when a late foul is called against the Nugs on the other end.

Back on offense, Martell is all over Carmelo. Anthony screams so loud I can hear him loud and clear from here. “Come on!!” he tells his team. They throw him the ball and he darts for the hoop, but a Joel Przybilla elbow comes down at him.

3:56
Kenyon Martin gets a T for throwing the ball down to the other end of the court after fouling Travis Outlaw. He’s on close-up and I swear he’s on the verge of tears. Still jawing with the officials, though, which doesn’t seem like the best idea. He takes a lot of pride in his defense, it’s clear, and he takes it personal when he’s assessed a foul he feels he didn’t earn. And actually, I’d much rather see a burst of anger out of a player than a lot of touch-and-go bitching.

Martell is getting way too active on defense–stupidly active, and he’s rightly called for a foul against Nene, who misses both free throws. The Nugs are not doing well in that department. Next time up, Martell gets called for a questionable blocking foul against Anthony, and the crowd freaks. Melo did use the off-arm, so I can see why they’re angry. But Martell was moving, so it’s a bit of a draw, really. I wonder what Reggie thought…

3:08
Joey Harrington comes up on screen, and the crowd is about 60/40 applauding to booing. Idunno, man, that’s a person trying to enjoy a game. I’m not sure it’s cool to boo him even if you don’t like his college team or his anemic play in the NFL. Judging from their responses, though, I’ve gathered this about tonight’s crowd:

They slightly prefer the Ducks to the Beavers. They hate the Yankees. They love chubby people dancing, but they’re indifferent to puppet comedy. They want free things, even if they’re stupid. They know their Beatles trivia. They really want to root for Greg Oden, but also don’t want to cheer for him unless he’s playing with some real guts.

1:09
The theory here would seem to be “spread the love.” When Rudy Fernandez was playing big, Nate put Martell in. Martell started to heat up, so we got Travis Outlaw. Now Juwan Howard and LaMarcus are doing most of the Blazers’ shooting. By the fourth quarter, the Nuggets really won’t see the barrage of Brandon Roy Buckets coming at them.

19.1
Steve Blake runs up court and calls a timeout.

I know Brandon Roy wears Nikes, but doesn’t he seem like he should be rocking Converse? He keeps combing his hair on court with his finger. It’s kind of weird. I guess he’s checking to see if those steps in the back of his head are still there? They are, and they still look cool. Now Roy has the ball at mid-court against Stephen Graham. He breaks him down on the corner of the three-point arch, but is unable to get his long shot to go and unable to get enough contact from Graham to get the foul called.

Craig Sager, in his rad salmon-colored suit, is interviewing Martell Webster. Martell’s the kind of guy who can appreciate Sager’s oft-maligned fashion sense. Craig looks good, man, get used to it. He’s just way over your head on the fashion front, that’s all.

HALFTIME!!!

This game is pretty strange. How often does a team shoot 31% (as opposed to 40% for the Nugs), get 15 less foul shots than the other team and still come out ahead by one point at halftime? Well, they outrebound them by 11, make every free throw, turn it over less (4 for the Blazers, 6 for the Nugs) and run faster. That said, this has been a pretty ugly—if scrappy—game.

Also, Green Day sounds more and more like the stupid rock radio they were once the “alternative” to. Guess that’s why the kids love ‘em more than ever. Kids like everything.

THIRD QUARTER
I’m sure it’s been said (many times, many ways), but the Nuggets’ strength trainer looks a lot like a battle dwarf. And I don’t mean that in a bad way. I think it’s pretty badass, actually. And I’m sure he could murder me with just one of his tiny hands, so I dare not speak ill of… KRA-NAK, THE BATTLE DWARF STRENGTH TRAINER!!!

If he cut his dreadlocks he’d just look like a pretty normal buff short guy. Don’t you evah, Kra-Nak, don’t you evah.

10:12
Saying the words “don’t you evah” reminded me that I’m going to miss Britt Daniel tonight. He’s at Mississippi Studios. I’ve got way too much work to do after this to make it over there.

Nene dunks over Greg Oden, who grazes the former’s jersey. The crowd hates the cal, and it’s the second time Nate has argued hard about ticky-tack calls. On the other end, Nate’s ref gives the Blazers one of their own. In fact, he gives them two. See, the NBA’s not rigged, it just ebbs and flows depending on the amount of complaining coming from coaches and players.

6:46
Everyone out there is complaining. Everyone. Sometimes I think the refs need to impose a two-minute “Time Out Time Out” on the game when it gets particularly bitchy. Everyone go to your corner, put your faces in your hands, and shut up.

The back and forth with Carmelo and Martell is fascinating to watch. The blocked shot Webster had on Melo earlier in the game has given him a defensive confidence that has lasted throughout the game.

5:43
They’re having the Blazers talk about their favorite candy on the overhead, and people are cheering with vigor each time their favorites are mentioned. They love Martell even more now that they know he loves Peanut Butter Cups. And Steve Blake is just that much more awesome now that he has admitted his love of SweetTarts.

Sometimes I forget that there are a lot of kids here, and I get meaner than I should. Sorry, kids. I like candy, too. For the record, my favorites are those Fast Break bars or Peanut Butter M&Ms. Mmmmmm.

5:05
Don’t forget about Juwan, man. He can play. Don’t sleep on Juwan. I mean, don’t put him on your fantasy team or anything but don’t forget about him, either.

Martell Webster has the officials convinced that he deserves the same respect as Carmelo out there tonight, and it’s been a boatload of fun watching him win their respect. It’s like the Kennedy / Nixon debates. Martell is looking reasonably Kennedy.

Brandon Roy puts the truffle shuffle on Carmelo, a quick stutter backwards while driving to the hole. Not many guys can stop on a dime like that. Melo keeps running as Brandon shows why he was an all-star last year, and will be again this year. What a move! Next time up he takes a bold three from the corner. After using Martell and LaMarcus as decoys all night, he’s getting a bit less notice. How is it that a guy like that surprises you when he scores? The silent killer, I tell ya.

1:45
B-Roy’s touch abandons him for a moment and Chauncey winds up with an easy board. Man, Juwan can really run! He keeps up with Billups as he flies upcourt, but can’t block his three-pointer. Two Chris Andersen free throws makes it a 61-61 game.

1:08
As great as Brandon Roy is, I’d like to see the stats on his technical free throw percentage. I feel like he misses a lot of those.

Some of what happens when Andre Miller is on the court seems clunky, like they’re running the same plays for him that they run for Blake. You can’t really kick out to Miller and expect him to drain those three-pointers, so I’m not sure if it’s just a force of habit or actual play -calling or just happenstance that gets him out on the arc all alone. But it’s weird.

29.4
Brandon’s perfect from the line, sans his technical free throw. He winds up with the ball with three seconds left. He runs it up, Lawson in front of him and Birdman coming in from the paint. He lets it fly from deep three-point range, and banks in the three-pointer. I don’t need to tell you that the crowd likes it. What a shot!

FOURTH QUARTER

Is everyone in the world a secret Vengaboys fan? Because when “Hey Now” starts playing, people go apeshit. They clap, dance—one guy looks like he’s being electrocuted—the kids are eating it up, man. Hot, stupid girls let out a hearty woo. Vengaboys.

12:00
Arron Afflalo is a crazy defender. I mean he actually looks crazy. His mouth hangs open, he jitters and shakes when he’s in defensive position like he’s daring his man to make a run at him. He’s nuts out there. But when it comes to Brandon Roy shooting, Afflalo can only timidly raise his hand. Roy misses anyway, perhaps thrown off by Afflalo’s meth-dance.

10:07
Dennis Dixon is also in the house tonight. He’s not sitting anywhere near Joey Blue Skies. He gets much more emphatic reception from the crowd though, and much more positive.

Rudy takes a monster hit from Birdman. Least it looks like a monster hit. Rudy can do that. The replay shows it wasn’t a whole lot of contact. Rudy gets up quickly, which I like to see. The whole writhing on the ground thing was so last season.

Holy cow is he hot tonight when he sees floor time. He steps up for a very bold three against Ty Lawson. Lawson returns the favor with a long two through Rudy’s fingers on the other end. This one, to use an old cliche, looks like it’ll go down to the wire. But the Nuggets are already in the penalty with over eight minutes to go. That’s nice. Rudy shoots two after a minor foul from Billups. This game has been all fouls. What is it, midnight by now? Somehow no one but Joel Przybilla is close to being fouled out. Speaking of gigantic freaks, we’ve been going small for a while now but Greg Oden is set to check in. And Rudy buries ANOTHER THREE after Carmelo is slow getting up court. He’s got 16 points, making him the second leading scorer on the Blazers. Roy has 25 to go with 5 boards and 5 assists. The score is 81-74 Blazers.

7:16
The “Get Loud” graphic is totally unnecessary. Dude in the hunting cap’s “Birdman Hunting Season is Now Open” sign did that. And I just now noticed my favorite sign, “Blaze the Nugs,” is back in action in the same spot it’s always in. Very classy. (Full disclosure: I watched Harold and Kumar Escape from White Castle last night.)

6:21
I’ve always said, this city respects hustle. How else could we have lived with Ruben Patterson for so long?

RUDY FERNANDEZ IS UNSTOPPABLE. This looks like the guy we saw in the Olympics, man. What a shot he’s got tonight. As much as Batum getting injured sucks, it’s sure letting us evaluate the other Forwards who don’t usually get much in the way of PT.

Carmelo Anthony is checking for teeth after being fouled on the drive. The crowd is really screaming at the guy.

With five minutes left, Nate has subbed in most of his starters. Rudy, however, is still out there. I’m glad to see Nate valuing the hot hand, something he doesn’t always do. Then again, Martell looked pretty good for a while there, too.

4:37
The Nuggets have cut themselves back into this one, largely on the back of Carmelo Anthony, who looks real hot out there. Some guys just play better pissed off, I guess. That’s another important aspect of being a thug. Waving a gun around in a music video doesn’t hurt, either—though real thugs wave guns around at nightclubs.

4:21
I’m anti-thug and anti-drug, I came to the party and got anti-love.

Carmelo Anthony and Rudy Fernandez seem to have been involved in an involuntary mind-switch, because Melo is straight bombing ‘em out there regardless of whose hand is in his face.

Nate takes out Joel and Blake, leaving Miller at guard and Oden (who’s a foul away from going out) in. But there’s a foul on every possesion in this game, and Roy picks up this one against Melo. Anthony makes ‘em both (he can’t miss) and it’s 89-87 Nugs. Another foul called. LET THEM PLAY. Roy sinks two and it’s tied up at 89. Intense. Nugs go to Melo. He fades back with Miller on him, Miller puts his arms up to avoid contact and it’s…a foul. ANOTHER FUCKING FOUL. This is the worst. This is really, really bad. Zero contact on that one.

2:25
So are they just fouling eachother twice as much in this game as in a normal NBA game? B-Roy goes to the line next, making one of two. It’s a real stomach-turner. Girl on cell phone walks out of the building.

Carmelo goes to the hole and it’s… well, you wanna guess?

1:56
Somebody tell me what the TNT guys are saying. Is this more fouls than have ever been called? The team foul total looks like 55 now. Andre Miller drives, and… takes a foul. He makes one of two. The Blazers are only down two, but they’re having trouble rebounding at the moment. Nene drives that home when he retrieves the ball after he’s blocked by Greg Oden and tosses in a five-foot hook. Blazers are down 4 points with 1:05 remaining. It’s 95-91. Nate’s probably going to stay the course after this timeout, though personally I’d like to see Steve Blake finishing the game over Andre Miller. The former has to know the playbook better.

Nate does sub in Martell Webster for Miller, so he’s switched it up there. Brandon Roy winds up with it and drives to the hoop. He tries to get contact but can’t get the refs to bite. Weird time for the whistles to stop blowing. The ball bounces in, though, so it’s two points for Roy. On the other end there’s a silly miss and lots of bobbling. Looks like the Nugs have secured it, but Nene is called for a loose ball foul. It’s Blazer ball, down two. LaMarcus Aldridge gets to take two free throws. Wouldn’t want that pressure.

He misses the first.
He makes the second.

Denver ball. They’re up 35.5 seconds. This makes for pretty good TV. Carmelo has 39, Roy 30. Crowd claps nervously. This is fun. You wonder if Nate might put Joel in there for shotblocking purposes, but it doesn’t look like it. He’s trying to gain Oden’s confidence, and Greg has proved he can make big defensive plays. But he’s also proven that he can pick up fouls real quick.

10.8
What did I do to deserve this? Anthony dishes to Chauncey, who fakes a three then sneaks past Roy. He fires from mid-range, the most open shot he’s had all game. It bounces out. Unthinkable that a vet like that would miss that shot, but chalk it up to home court advantage. The Blazers have just over 10 seconds to win this thing. Ball goes to Brandon Roy, and Roy dishes an awkward pass to Greg Oden. Oden kicks out to the perimiter, but he’s fouled first. It’s a huge opportunity for him. A crowd to win over this crowd.

He misses the first.

Crowd is breathless. Greg looks nervous.

He misses the second.

About half the crowd is leaving. Carmelo Anthony goes to the line. Even if he makes both of these, it’s a three-point game. But it’s a mass exodus here at the Rose Garden. 1.9 seconds left. I seriously cannot believe that anyone would want to leave this game right now. You’d have to be crazy. Have you never seen Brandon Roy play? Have you not seen Rudy’s night? Have you never seen a feel-good sports movie?

Brandon Roy runs it into the deep, deep corner. He fires.

He misses. And just like that, they all leave.

Those two missed free-throws from Oden were earth shattering. They were the kind of flubs that tun a crowd against a guy. If he’d missed one? Sure, they’d live with that. Missing two? That’s not going to go over well with a fanbase that already had questions about the guy. I hope he comes back next game trying to redeem this loss rather than coming back feeling defeated. But those are big, big, big misses from a guy who’s pretty decent from the stripe lately.

Gah.

Good night. Thanks for reading.

Half-Price Trail Blazers Tickets Already?

Thursday, October 29th, 2009

RoseGardenArena

Look, I know a Tuesday night game in November against Atlanta can’t be everybody’s must-see Trail Blazers game this year. And I do appreciate the fact that the nose-bleed seats I’ve already bought for two other games somehow gets me on a list where I get discount offers emailed to me by the team.

But if you need any more evidence that the NBA has some financial problems, this email below sure seems curious. Isn’t it way early for a winning team in a market with one major-league sports franchise to be sending me an email like this:

Special deal just for you!

Trail Blazers vs. Atlanta Hawks on November 3rd

We are off to a great start this season with a solid win over the Houston Rockets at our season opener last night. And the Rose Garden was louder than ever!

While tickets are limited, good seats are still available and there are several great deals on games. We want you to be there to see the action live, so we have pulled together this exclusive deal for select customers!

Tickets to the Trail Blazers vs. Atlanta Hawks game on November 3rd are now HALF PRICE.
This offer is only for select inventory and there is limited availability so act now!

Call me at the number listed below or click here and use the following promo code:Trailblazers1

RISE WITH US

Sincerely,
Trail Blazers


Almost Live: Rockets at Blazers

Tuesday, October 27th, 2009

-1Driving 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.

Almost Live: Suns at Blazers (Throwback Game at Memorial Coliseum)

Wednesday, October 14th, 2009

MCI got off the 77 bus in front of the Rose Garden tonight to see kids in Jedi costumes having light saber duels. Usually, during a Blazer home game, there’d be a long line of red-and-black clad Blazer fans. But tonight I cut through the RG line, pausing briefly to watch a bald woman dressed as some obscure Star Wars character (Darth Maul’s girlfriend? An extra at the cantina?) make her sexy face for a nervous nerd’s camera.

At the Coliseum, meanwhile, throngs of Blazer fans waited to see tonight’s pre-season game against the Phoenix Suns. I cut through their lines, too, watching a little kid stumble and fall; a soccer mom in a Rudy Fernandez jersey bite her nails with anticipation; a lonely-looking girl in a Steve Nash jersey. I asked a lip-ringed girl in official-looking garb if she knew where the media entrance was. “The north entrance? Is it over there?” I asked, pointing around the corner. She bit her lip and shrugged.

Upon finding the gates, I was greeted by the same angry-looking older gentleman that always watches me specifically as I make my way to the bag-check and press entrance. “Is this the press entrance,” I ask him. This guy will know me. “Are you press!?” he asks, annoyed. “Yeah, I’m with Willamette Week,” I tell him. “I see you every game.” “Oh, oh, yeah, just stay to your right,” he replies with some degree of apology in his voice before going back to leaning on the parking lot fence.

Inside it’s big and barren, concrete halls without much signage to point visitors and press in the right direction. They give me a press badge and a special retro pass to mark the occasion. I instinctively head to the “Plywood Room,” which fits its name nicely—though it’s only decorated with a few flowers and plastic tables. It’s where the food is. And the food is throwback—hot wings, prime rib, etc.

I love this part of “covering” the Blazers. Not only do I have an affinity for buffet-style food, I just love being around the lifers, hearing them badger each other and talk about other sports—seeing the balding sportswriters who haven’t been thrilled by professional basketball for quite some time, seeing team managers and representatives whispering small crises into one anothers’ ears. I love this part.

Basketball’s on the agenda tonight, but out in the arena’s main bowl it’s cool like a hockey game. There’s 360 degrees of natural light around the perimeter of the building that gives it a feeling of place the Rose Garden lacks. Gray Portland skies surround, and the chilly Coliseum seems cozy by contrast.

I’ve only seen old videos of this place—that’s one reason I’m grateful for the Comcast Sports Network—but now I have a better understanding of the spirit that accompanied games here until 1995 when the team moved to its fancy new behemoth down the way. One could almost believe this were the ’70s, but in the midst of BIll Schonley’s singing “God Bless America”—something he does with warmth, grandfatherly sentimentalism and a tangible sense of old-school patriotism—the repetitive punch of cell phone interference interrupts the tune.

Most players probably view all this throwback pomp and circumstance as a small distraction. They’re trained to focus on what’s going on on-court (sadly, tonight’s court has been transported from the R.G., it’s not some throwback court from yesteryear (whaddya supposed happens to old courts?)), and as the introductions ring out over the noticeably quieter-than-usual speakers, they give the same boisterous high-fives and chest bumps.

Channing Frye, a self-professed lover of Portland who has already found a greater niche in Phoenix (though it’s still preseason of his first year there) than he did here, receives a huge roar of appreciation from the crowd. That’s no doubt an awkward sort of respect to receive.

FIRST QUARTER
Eight minutes into the game, and Jason Richardson and Steve Nash have done some damage to the Blazers, but Martell Webster is coming out with intense confidence and drive to combat him. Frye is missing shots and unable to stop Greg Oden or LaMarcus Aldridge with his defense (Frye is, on paper at least, a center, but he often defends more slender Power Forwards). He’s careful not to engage in too much fraternizing with ex-teammate Brandon Roy before the game, though Roy is clearly joshing him. And after every miss, Frye looks more frustrated—just the kind of downward spiral that would plague him upon receiving irregular minutes as a Blazer. Portland fans quietly applaud at the misses: It’s no question which team they’re rooting for, but if the Suns score, they wouldn’t mind Frye doing the scoring.

It’s not looking good for him.

The quarter ends, despite Frye’s nightmare, 28-26 with the Blazers on top.

SECOND QUARTER

At the break, the P.A. guy announces that tonight’s organist (”way up at the top of section 60″) is the same organist who played during the 1977 championship season, which is about the most adorable thing I’ve heard all night. I’d imagine he’s feeling pretty sentimental about now. Ten bucks says he’s the focus of the next John Canzano column.

9:55
Suns lead 33, no, make that 36-32. On the other end, Travis Outlaw (who should NOT shave his head before the regular season, though he has all but promised to do so) looks quick and dangerous. Each year that guy has gotten better, albeit slowly, and each year he’s talked about as the most likely Blazer to be traded. He and Steve Blake occupy strangely similar territory that way—they are workhorses that have come to represent the organization, but they’re yesterday’s great hopes. Martell Webster needs a breakout season to avoid landing in that same club.

“A dance craze swept the nation in 1977, it was called breakdancing!”

The explanation of tonight’s era-appropriate entertainment has proven almost as exciting as the entertainment itself.

7:49
There’s no scoreboard tonight, which feels kind of like not having internet while working on a news story. Now the Scorer’s Report printouts make sense. Like compact discs and address books, they are a weird relic that only proves useful when things go wrong.

Geez, these scab refs are really handing out some fouls. Right now they’re all being handed to Portland. 41 – 38 Phoenix.

5:56
Despite having explained that Blazer games in the ’70s didn’t have much center court entertainment (just “an announcement or two and some music”), we’re all going through the charade of pretending to enjoy the sponsored contests that plague every timeout and quarter break. Families might have to talk to eachother otherwise, right? Or they could do some texting.

5:40
Brandon Roy needs a nickname that speaks to his slow, lurching attacks in the post. Preferably one named after an old-timey dance. “The Waltzer”? “Foxtrot”? “The Jitterbug?” No, too fast.

Travis Outlaw has some moves! Holy crap.

And Martell Webster just about killed himself trying to dunk over Amare. Came down on his neck, but he shook it off. What a couple of post moves from these guys. That one was terrifying.

3:35
This crowd and these refs, to paraphrase WW’s Aaron Mesh, go together like “oil and people who like to piss in oil.” Just not feeling ‘em tonight.

A few strong Blazer mid-range shots and the crowd starts roaring like it’s 1977. Not only does this room sound better when the fans are lively, but we don’t have to deal with all the shitty on-court music.

1:50
Greg Oden is making straightforward, fundamentally sound moves against Amare in the post, and this crowd loves it. He’s grabbing boards and making baby hooks, backing down guys in the post. After the last board, a slow-burn applause built up all around the stadium. After two years of injury and tentative play, Portland is really starting to get behind this guy, and they’re letting him know it loud and clear.

Steve Nash attempts a pull-up jumpshot at the end of the game. Just bounces out, making it 55-54 Blazers going into the break. Not that it matters…it’s the preseason, afterall.

HALFTIME
We’re promised “a game of Horse with local celebrities.” Sounds like it’s time to get some snacks.

aaaannnd, that was terrible.
M.O.

THIRD QUARTER
I think there are a fair number of fans here who actually haven’t attended a game since the team played at the Coliseum. Which, after being here tonight, I can kind of understand. There’s an intimacy to this place that makes the Rose Garden feel like a Quiznos. The bathrooms, however, make me deeply uncomfortable. Call me sissy, but I don’t like being shoulder to shoulder with other men while I pee.

There’s a kid in a Bill Walton jersey a few rows forward who is taking this whole anniversary thing really seriously. He’s got the hair, the facial hair, the headband, everything. I wonder if he’s stuttering to complete the look.

10:25
Moments ago we saw the most obvious backcourt violation ever. The scabs didn’t notice it. Amare gets an open look and dunks hard, running into Brandon Roy with gusto on his way out of the paint. Amare leaves the court with both hands up, waiting for the high-tens to greet him. Seems a little showy in the preseason. Needless to say, the scabs didn’t notice the contact, or didn’t think much of it.

10:07

“Fans, in the 1990s, things got picked up a notch with the addition of your Blazers stunt team! Here they are now with free t-shirts!”

Ugh.

9:05
Maybe these refs aren’t calling it tight, maybe they’re calling it loose. There’s no real rhythm to the calls and no consistency, so it’s hard to tell. I kid when I call them scabs, but the real referees, in case this has been over your head, are on strike and will likely remain on strike this season. Whenever I think of that I think of Dick Vaveta, the 105 year-old referee who each year puts off death so that he can officiate one more season. I worry that without basketball, he’ll have nothing to keep him going. Then again, hasn’t the sudden drain of officials from the D-League caused a shortage in places like Tulsa and Fort Worth? Couldn’t the D-League use a Dick Vaveta right now? C’mon, it’s all he has!!!

6:41
The big display at center court is down, one of the downsides being that the crowd can’t complain upon seeing a replay of a call that went the other way unjustly. That shit just now was off Steve Nash’s foot, I’d put like 10 bucks on it.

Jason Richardson started heating up, then took an ill-advised three. The crowd is out of it as the Suns lead by a point or three each time they look up at the scoreboard.

Steve Nash is a pimp.

I think Bill Walton kid and his friends are auditioning for a sitcom about Blazer fans who are perennially stuck in the past. They are all playing the part of angry throwback Coliseum fans who get up and shout a lot. The girl’s in a Brain Grant jersey.

3:17
These Suns are quite good at getting a hand in the passing lane every time. Even when it seems a bit unnecessary. They are taking care of business. When did “Taking Care of Business” come out? 1977? No, musta been the ’80s. I can’t even think of who did “Taking Care of Business.” Googling… Oh yeah, BTO. Good to know.

The ol’ hand-in-the-lane trick catches Travis Outlaw. Travis is a great offensive weapon, but I still don’t trust him handling the ball much. LaMarcus Aldridge gets in the air and attempts to drop the ball to Joel Przybilla in the paint. Things get ugly. Very ugly. Steve Blake tries to calm the team down, but it’s no use. Nate calls a timeout, and it’s 77-72 Suns.

1:42
Now they’re playing Prince’s “1999,” which doesn’t make a ton of sense as the team was already at the Rose Garden in 1999. I guess the song could have been played in the Coliseum. I’m just tired of stretching for this stuff. Give me Chicago or give me death!

36 seconds
I think Dragic and Ukic need to start a crime fighting duo. They can defeat criminals using nice ballhandling skills and questionable shot selection.

What happened to the organ guy? I wonder if they ever had a monkey at the organ, just for one game. Can monkeys play organs or do they just smash cymbals together.

FOURTH QUARTER OMG

We’re starting things off at 79 – 76.

Now they bring in Blaze, who had to have been freaking out a bit during all this revelry. “Where was I in the ’90s,” he must be asking himself. “I wasn’t even a concept yet.” He does some dunks and shoots his gun and nods a lot and all of a sudden everything’s just fine again. That’s it, Blaze, delay your existential crisis as long as you possibly can.

11:21
He’s out of the game now, but Greg Oden is 8-for-9. He’s got 17 points, 11 rebounds and 3 blocks. Against smaller opponents, sure, but a lot of the NBA is small right now. In fact, most of the NBA’s “big men” are either not that big or getting old. For some reason, the world is not producing big men the way it once was. Or the game is shifting to a smaller, more guard-oriented league. But no, I think they just don’t make big men anymore.

Did you know Andre Miller rollerskates? That’s what I heard in the Plywood room earlier. That’s cool.

8:40
Why write about Andre and his rollerskates when there’s a game going on, you ask? Because the game is abysmal at the moment. Turnovers, uuuhhhhhhhh-gly post defense and an overall lack of cohesion from these guys. Nice that Andre Miller can pull up or drive to the hoop, but he’s no Steve Blake yet when it comes to running this team. He does seem to have a knack for getting Oden the ball, though, so I’d like to see that combo check in.

Oh, my prayers are answered. Blake, Miller, Martell, Outlaw, Oden. Weird lineup, let’s see what happens…

7:48
A lot of dribbling, that’s what.

Andre Miller is attempting to take over this game single-handedly, and while he’s doing a better job than the other Blazers that have tried this game, it still seems like there’s not a lot of cohesion with this crew. Blake and Outlaw go out, which seems like a good call. Miller sinks two free-throws and the score is 89 – 81 Phoenix.

Andre’s real smart, man. He sticks and moves and takes the contact. Between him, Roy and Martell I think we’re going to see some real nasty falls this season. Hopefully everybody gets back up. Miller makes a smart three-point play. Roy looks lost in the offense a while on the next possesion, sneaking through a double-team but getting hounded by Amare in the paint. Then he sees Miller and drops a pass to him. If those guys play unselfishly with one-another, they could be a real tough backcourt.

5:38
Free t-shirts from Capitol Records. They were around in the ’70s. I’m surprised we didn’t get a history lesson about it.

Suns still lead 94 – 86 as the game continues. Steve Nash comes back after a long rest. He’s been killing it, so look out. B-Roy is on the free-throw line. He sinks the first. The crowd is getting back into the game as he sinks his second. But Nash brings it up court, licking his lips and ready to go. A foul-line, fadeaway jumper from him and it’s back up to an 8-point lead.

Roy brings it up on the other end and gets grabbed. No call. On the other end, Steve Nash leads consecutive drives, the first resulting in a long two from Leandro Barbosa, the second ending with Nash taking the foul.

Oden’s still beastly on the boards but he’s not getting good looks on offense. Andre Miller’s still attacking. The problem seems to be distribution, and despite another score from Miller, the Suns run it up court for plenty of wide-open looks. So that’s another problem.

2:47
Fans start heading for the exits. It’s 103 – 92 Suns and a rested Steve Nash is killing the Blazers.

2:15
Certainly can’t blame the crowd for this ne if it continues to go down hill. Amare dunks emphatically over…well, no one. The Blazers’ small lineup means no one to challenge him. What a weird lineup: Blake, Miller, Roy, Outlaw, LaMarcus. I gues this is the time to experiment, but the ‘Zers are underestimating the beast in Amare.

Okay, that was like the fourth rebound Andre Miller has stolen from Phoenix big men. He may not be the fastest Blazer, but he can certainly jump.

52.5
Not looking great: The Blazers are still down 9 and if they’re gonna make it a foul game they have Steve Nash to contend with. Suns take it very slow on offense, but they turn it over to Brandon Roy. Roy dishes to Miller, who takes it to the hole. I think Roy was expecting a pass-back, as he seems a tad grumpy after the play. But it worked. Miller gets hacked and the Suns commit a goaltend. Miller can make it a 5-point game. Then the fouling will start.

Miller scores, Nash almost throws it away. The Blazers have to foul, don’t they? Apparently they don’t get that. And they dilly-dally for a good 15 seconds before fouling (guess who!?) Steve Nash. Strangely enough, he misses one. 15 seconds on the clock, the Blazers are down six. And yes, it’s the preseason. So no, it doesn’t matter. But there’s no harm in learning how to win close games before the real season starts. Doesn’t look like that lesson will come across tonight.

15 seconds
This has ben fun. Miller kicks in to Roy, Roy creates contact and shoots a three but the refs don’t call it. LaMarcus follows with a layup. On the other end of the court, the Blazers foul Amare. He hits two. Game over, mang. But Nate doesn’t do the “game over” thing, even in the preseason, so it’s timeout Blazers.

3.8
Roy just misses a three to wrap things up.

Those Rip City throwbacks, by the way, I’d give about a C. Not crazy about them.

Good night!

Channing Frye Rises in Phoenix

Monday, October 12th, 2009

12013

While the Trail Blazers are already worrying about playing time, it’s worth noting that one ex-Blazer who didn’t fit in at all Portland’s rotation is off to a good start in his new home.

Yes, WW’s favorite Blazer — Channing Frye — appears to be fitting in quite nicely in Phoenix. And damn it, we’re happy for him.

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PS _ This will be our last news outta Arizona for the day.



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