Hot-Shooting Blazers Roll in Seattle
posted: 10/20/2006 at 10:13 PM
It was easily the most complete effort of the pre-season for the Trail Blazers, as they recorded their first win, beating the Sonics in Seattle 103-95. Portland shot 62 percent from the field, 50 percent from behind the three-point line, and and 90 percent, yes, 90 percent, from the free throw line (27-30). That effort at the foul line, followed a 27-44 (61 percent) night at Utah on Thursday. The Blazers finished last season dead last in the NBA at the foul line, shooting just 69 percent. The good news this pre-season is, the Blazers have been getting to the line more than their opponents. The better news Friday was, they were making their free throws.
The problem of getting off to slow starts in the last two exhibition games was erased on Friday night, as the Blazers ended the first quarter in Seattle with an eight-point lead. They had the lead to nine by halftime, and then survived a furious rally by the Sonics in the third. Seattle, behind Ray Allen and Luke Ridnour, went on a 19-6 run in the third, and took a 68-66 lead. It was a brief lead, however, and the Blazers reponded with an Ime Udoka three pointer to take the lead for good moments after they had lost it.
Udoka, in the past few days, has become the story of the pre-season for Portland. The former Jefferson High and Portland State star didn't play in the first pre-season game, and then missed the second game, after his father tragically died of a heart attack. It wasn't known at the time if Udoka would even make this road trip with the Blazers. Not only did he make the trip, he scored 16 points at Utah on Thursday, and then backed that up with 16 points, 5 assists, and 4 steals against the Sonics. Blazers coach Nate McMillan, who was impressed following Thursday's game, started Udoka against the Sonics.
"I wanted to make this trip," Udoka told Brian Wheeler and Antonio Harvey on the radio post-game show. "I didn't want to stay in Portland and have too much time to sit and think about everything that happened last week. I believe in myself and just wanted to take advantage of this opportunity. It's about staying positive, staying ready, and doing what you can do to help the team."
The Blazers were led in scoring by Zach Randolph, who did most of his damage in the first half. He had 16 at halftime, and ended up with 22 points on 9-15 shooting. Brandon Roy, playing his first game as a professional in his hometown of Seattle, had a huge second half. Roy had only four points at halftime, but then scored 15 in the second half. The combination of Roy and Udoka has become an unexpected, very solid combination for Portland.
"We feed off each other very well," said Udoka. "I read him well, and I think he knows what I'm all about. I'm a thinker out there on the floor, and he's the same way."
Following the slow start in Utah on Thursday, McMillan made a couple of changes in the starting lineup. Joel Przybilla was back in the lineup at center, and Udoka started in place of Travis Outlaw at the small forward spot. Not only did the change produce a much better start for the team, but the former starters, Jamaal Magloire and Outlaw, seemed to play better off the bench. Outlaw finished the game with 12 points on 4 of 6 shooting, and also grabbed 4 rebounds.
Juan Dixon, who played well for the Blazers on Thursday, was also very solid against the Sonics. With Martell Webster back in Portland, Dixon provided some much-needed outside shooting. He was 6 for 10 against Seattle, and scored 17 points.
When I look over final stat sheets different things jump out at me. I usually look first at turnovers, which was not a good number for Portland (23) in this game, and then I usually go to rebounds, and then shooting percentage. Right after those three I check out blocked shots. Thursday night against Utah the Blazers didn't record a block. Against Seattle they had just one. This is very good news. Yes, it's fun to watch Joel swat away seven shots a game, but I'd much rather not see him have to deal with perimeter players flying in at him the all night. Basically, the perimeter defense, thanks to Roy and Udoka on this night, is much, much better. Fewer blocked shot attempts means your first line of defense is doing a better job. I always compare this to football. When your safeties and defensive backs lead your team in tackles, something is clearly wrong up front. Jarrett Jack, Roy, and Udoka, are just much better defenders than what Portland has had on the perimeter the last few seasons.
It may be just the pre-season, but it's always nice to get a win, especially for young teams. And, the Blazers again scored big numbers, 103 points, again, without one of their best offensive players in Webster. A good sign, and a big step in the right direction.
The exhibition season continues Monday night, when the Blazers play the first of three games in three nights. Utah starts it off Monday. Then, it's at Golden State Tuesday, at the Clips on Wednesday. The pre-season wraps up on Friday at Sacramento.
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I hope that the Blazers will sign Ime Udoka, he is a smart, scrappy, veteran player, which is exactly what the team needs. He is also a local player, which the team hasn't had since they got rid of Stoudamire. (mistake) (Dickau, Webster and Roy are from Washington, not Oregon)
Hey Mike,
it sure was great to hear Portland get off to a better start today, huh? Putting Udoka in the starting lineup was a terriffic move on the part of McMillan. I think Portland should strongly think about giving Udoka an official contract for the season. Portland definitely needs to start Przybilla instead of Magloire. Jamaal has not impressed me one bit this pre season. I guess there's a lot expected out of someone who made it to the Eastern All-Star team a few years back. He really needs to work on his turnover issue (hopefully he will before the regular seasons starts). I've also noticed that Jarret Jack has been getting a lot of offensive fouls. I guess it's a good sign that he's taking the ball to the hoop and I'd rather see him get fouls on the offensive side of the court rather than the defensive side. I can't wait to see what LaFrentz has to bring to the table on Monday against the Jazz. Go Blazers! :]
I am going to the game against Utah on Monday and I am excited! I'll finally get to see Brandon Roy play!!!
Ime might be the Steve Blake and Joel Przybilla of this year. The hidden gem, that makes a bigger difference than we think.
Maybe Ime makes us a little closer to trading away that total waste of a roster spot (darius).
I've been a Blazer fan, through thick and thin, since 1970 and I feel more excited about this team we have today than I have since Clyde glided across the floor. I can't wait for the season to start. I only have access to radio and love listening to every game. The new Blazer site is wonderful and really adds to my enjoyment of fandom.
Tsk tsk tsk, I knew Udoka would start doing what he did for PSU, scoring, posting and just scrapping. He is one of the best players when it comes to not turning over the ball. It's quite amazing how good he is sometimes. I really love Ime Udoka ever since PSU and I hope Paul Allen and Patterson give him some serious attention because we're talking about a player who is exactly like D.A. in college (NOT pro-game). DA WAS really good in college.
Like Keepudoka said before getting rid of Damon Stoudamire was a huge mistake. Not only is he a team player he can hit threes and pass well.
Magloire isn't doing as well as I would of expected but maybe he'll get in the game and do something soon.
I've been looking forward to seeing this line-up on the court:
PG: Dickau
SG: Webster
SF: Udoka
PF: Randolph
C : Pryzbilla
Ready or not here HE comes...
Ime is somebody that I the blazers cannot afford to look past. I have had the pleasure of meeting him at one of Portland State's basketball camps and he is a genuinely nice guy with an amazing knack for playing ball. The dude is just cold, sign him and make yourselves look like geniuses.
Hey Mike just wanted to see what's up? We'll have to hangout someday soon. Anyways just wanted to say that the team looks good this year and I'm glad Jack is going to be the starter, oh yeah and Roy is the man... Well hey I'm going to be at the game tomorrow night agains the Jazz so I hope I get to see you. Take Care.
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