Blazers Fall in Oakland, Add Graham to Roster
posted: 10/24/2006 at 11:49 PM
As expected on Tuesday night, Nate McMillan gave some of his key players some much-needed rest, and nearly got a victory anyway. The Blazers only went eight players deep, one night after defeating Utah, and fell to the Golden State Warriors in Oakland, 108-96. The Warriors, who went with their regulars the entire way, were led by Baron Davis' 33 points and 13 assists. Davis played 30 minutes, and Mike Dunleavy, who had 18 points, played 32 minutes.
Sitting this pre-season game out for the Blazers, were Zach Randolph, Raef LaFrentz, and Joel Przybilla. Brandon Roy played only 24 minutes, and Martell Webster, who made the trip to Oakland, returned home to Portland to get treatment on his sprained back.
Early on in this game, it looked as if the undermanned Blazers would roll to their third-straight pre-season victory. The outscored the Warriors 36-22 in the first quarter, and led by as many as 20 points in the second. Golden State had that lead whittled down to 11 by halftime, and then outscored Portland 30 to 17 in the third, and 28-18 in the fourth, to remain undefeated in the pre-season.
Leading the way for Portland on Tuesday was Juan Dixon, who continues to play well. He finished with a team-high 20 points, on 8 of 17 shooting. Travis Outlaw, who scored 16 in the first half on Monday against Utah, finished with 19 against the Warriors. Roy had another solid all-around game, and had 18 points in his 24 minutes.
The Blazers shot a very respectable 47 percent from the floor, and were 7 for 15 from behind the three-point line, but had a significant drop off at the foul line. Not only did they shoot just 65 percent at the line, they only shot 26 free throws. They came into the game averaging 38 attempts per game in the pre-season. Not having Randolph in the game, obviously, had something to do with that number being lower.
This very strange three-games-in-three-nights stretch continues for the Blazers on Wednesday night, as they take on the Clippers in L.A. LaFrentz, Przybilla, and Randolph are all expected to see action for Portland.
There will be another body available to the Blazers on Wednesday night. The team announced on Tuesday afternoon it had claimed Stephen Graham (pictured above) off waivers. He was cut by the Cleveland Cavaliers. Graham, the twin brother of Toronto Raptor Joey Graham, played 22 games last season, his rookie season, for Chicago, Houston, and Cleveland. He went undrafted in the 2005 draft, after starring at Okahoma State alongside his brother.
During the month of September, Graham spent a lot of time in Portland, playing in pick-up games at the Blazers practice facility with members of the Trail Blazers, and several other NBA players. He was very impressive in those workouts, and I was told at the time, if he were to become available, the Blazers would snatch him up. That is what has happened. He will wear number 24, if you're wondering, and will see most of his time at the small forward position. He can also play the shooting guard spot, and will play in both remaining pre-season games, beginning with Wednesday night's game in L.A.
Wednesday night's game against the Clippers, the third in three nights, will be broadcast live on the Blazers Radio Network, with Brian Wheeler and Antonio Harvey calling the action. The broadcast begins at 6:30, with Game Day. The game will tip off at 7:35 at the Staples Center.
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Are they still interested in Udoka?
Can't wait till the start of the season .... go b-roy!
We still have difficulty putting together a 48 minute ballgame. it's encouraging that even with Zach out we still were able to spot them 20 points. What isn't good is losing by 14 makes that a 34 point swing to the bad. There were positives to the game, but obviously we are not a lock down defense club yet. Once again, turnovers are a huge problem.
So Martell makes the trip, but is in such a bad way that he has to jet back to PDX a.s.a.p. without the team? Something's up. He was supposed to play the Utah game.
As I was listening to the game lastnight I was pretty impressed with Brandon Roy. This kid has rookie of the year written all over him. Eventhough last nights game was a turnover diaster which cost us the game, I however saw that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. We played extremely well without Zach and Joel. So if we can limit the turnovers, we can actually put all the NBA critics to shame with a good record.
Davis scored 33 points and 13 assists in 30 minutes of play? Ouch. Granted, Davis IS one of the best NBA point-men there is... but a line like that makes it seem like Jack was sitting on the bench during Warriors' possessions.
Better bust a move, Jarret. These are the guys you need to be able to contain.
Oh, and congrats to Brandon for early recognition for ROY candidacy!
I agree, somethins up with Martell. I hope it wont be serious, but if it is...don't rush him back! Back spasms or "a strained back" could affect him all season. I want Martell...but a healthy one. In the meantime, Roy at the 2!
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