Portland bounces back in facing mediocre Minnesota
The Portland Trail Blazers were dealt a harsh reality at the hands of the vastly superior, experienced and defensive-minded Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs in their previous two games. Trying to shake off the disappointment of these defeats, the Blazers had the luxury of facing the woeful Minnesota Timberwolves, albeit on the road. Instead of frantically attempting a comeback, as against the Rockets and Spurs, one play epitomized a win they desperately needed.
With the shot clock winding down under a minute left, third-string point guard Jerryd Bayless drove between three defenders and acrobatically scooped in a reverse layup. There was one problem: in the midst of his drive, the shot clock sounded, negating the basket. Walking back down the court, Bayless sported a wry smile. A victory was well in hand, so Bayless was allowed to shrug it off. Though the Blazers have had their fare share of blowout wins, this one couldn’t have come at a better time. Bayless, and his teammates could relax and bask in a comfortable win.
A late fourth quarter rally against the Rockets fell short. Then, they were stifled against the Spurs, who ended a fifteen-point victory on a 10-0 run. Both teams mythotically ran an offense to perfection against Portland, while their defense did everything to frustrate them. This meant that if the Blazers were going to have a chance, they would have to dominate late, and find some weakness that could be exploited. Though guard and star Brandon Roy nearly succeeded in bringing Portland back against Houston, their overall flustered performance showed that they have a lot to learn. This was evident as well facing San Antonio, except that they were delivered a harsher blow by being defeated handily. Since the Blazers are young, they will garner the necessities to compete deep into the playoffs and for a championship in due time, but for now they have to idolize those who excell in every aspect of a game.
While the Rockets and Spurs rarely allowed open shots, the Timberwolves did, allowing the Blazers to cruise with ease. After shooting 37% from the field and managed only 12 assists against Houston, Portland shot a blistering 50% while dishing 25 assists against an equally youthful Minnesota team. In the losses to the Rockets and Spurs, it was surprising when a Blazers was left open, especially for a three-pointer. The sub-par defense of the Timberwolves (they are ranked 24th in the NBA, allowing 103 points per game) was a welcome sight. Portland hit 8 of 18 three pointers after combining to make just 10 of 32 in their previous two defeats.
Portland, suprisingly, didn’t commit many turnovers against Houston, nor San Antonio, but were still harassed throughout. No matter how much they their guards tried, an open spot on the floor didn’t exist. The Rockets Shane Battier, and Ron Artest hounded Roy, as well as the Blazers other capable scorers’ everywhere, reasoning for their abysmal shooting. Then, Spurs guard Bruce Bowen, a defensive specialist as well, did the same, forcing Roy into a 5-18 performance from field. Fortunately, the Timberwolves don’t boast such a defensive intensity, which allowed Roy to stay calm and collected. He started strong, scoring six straight points early in the first quarter. The three jump shots that he made over this stretch weren’t overly contested, which he hasn’t been used to. Normally, opponents make sure Roy is disrupted by more than just a hand in the face. Roy, who has been bruised and battered all season long, welcomed a lenient defense.
Because Roy played well – 19 points on 7-12 shooting – his teammates followed. Rudy Fernandez, who shot just 4-14, including 1-9 from three-point range against the two Texas teams. Like Roy, Fernandez could relax, and was able to be aggressive, which usually isn’t part of his forte. He scored 19 points on 6-9 shooting and, though he made three three-pointers, he either drove to the hoop or took mid-range jumpers, adding another intangible to his already deadly arsenal. Travis Outlaw was one of the few Blazers that excelled against the Rockets and Spurs, as he provided a much needed spark to give his team a chance in both contests. He continue his torrid shooting against the Timberwolves, adding 15 points on 6-10 from the field.
Aside from Outlaw, and fellow power forward Channing Frye (15 points, 7 rebounds against San Antonio), everyone improved in the win over Minnesota. Point guard Steve Blake (4 of 7 shooting for nine points) missed all nine of his attempts in the Spurs’ game. Power forward LaMarcus Aldridge didn’t shoot particularly well, making 6 of 15 shots, but because of his performances in Houston and San Antonio (a combined 11-28 shooting from the field), his input was drastically better.
At the time of Bayless’s negated layup, the Blazers were hoisting desperation three-pointers against the Rockets, and hanging their heads against the Spurs. Yet, in facing the Timberwolves, they were all smiles.
