Comeback Falls Short
posted: 11/12/2006 at 10:02 PM
Early in the season we have seen this Trail Blazer team come back from as many as 12 down (against Seattle), 16 down (against Minnesota), and 27 down (Friday against the Hornets), and Sunday night tried to add another impressive rally to that list. They did come all the way back from 15 down against the Dallas Mavericks, and even took a brief lead in the second half, but this time couldn't close the deal. The Blazers lost their first home game of the season, 103-96.
On the bright side of things, this team obviously has a lot of heart, and never gives up on a game. On the realistic side, they can't keep digging themselves huge holes to begin games. Sunday night the Mavericks outscored Portland 24-13 in the first quarter, and for much of the quarter, it was very similar to what New Orleans/Oklahoma City did to the Blazers on Friday. Having to find motivation from behing behind is an issue, and the Blazers will spend Monday looking for answers.
While one of Portland's prized rookies sat on the bench in street clothes on Sunday night, another gave us a glimpse of what we have been missing, and what is likely to come from him. Brandon Roy didn't play, and probably won't play again for at least a week when his left heel is evaluated by team doctors again. LaMarcus Aldridge, however, saw his first NBA action, and was very impressive. Roy has been labled the most NBA-ready rookie, but Aldridge showed that he can immediately contribute as well.
Aldridge played 19 minutes, and in that time had 10 points, and 8 rebounds. Six of his eight rebounds were offensive. He also showed how effective he can be with his length at the defensive end, and played very well against Dirk Nowitski. Expect to see Aldridge used on Kevin Garnett on Tuesday night.
Nate McMillan said after the game he's looking at everything, as far as what it will take to get this team out of the blocks quicker. He says he doesn't like the combination of Zach Randolph and Jamaal Magloire on the starting front line, and that it makes the team very slow and deliberate. This is where Joel Przybilla is missed. He compliments Zach very well. Nate didn't go as far as saying he would definitely change the starting lineup Tuesday. Aldridge probably isn't ready for that, but I don't think it'll take him long.
Without Roy, this road trip will be very tough. The Blazers have shown plenty of hustle and desire, and the ability to overcome great obsticles. But, now can they carry that over to a four-games-in-five-nights situation? It's a big test, to be sure.
We fly out Monday morning for Minneapolis, and Tuesday take on the Timberwolves. Minnesota will be out for a little revenge after blowing a 16-point lead to the Blazers in Portland last week. Wednesday it's LeBron and the Cavaliers in Cleveland. Friday the Blazers play in Boston, and Saturday wrap up the trip in New Jersey against the Nets.
Thanks to all of you for all the kind words and congratulations on the birth of our daughter. It meant a lot. Gabrielle was born on Friday, and is doing very well. Mom and baby come home tomorrow. I'll miss that, but they have plenty of help. I'll blog again from Minneapolis Monday night (after I call home, of course).
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I feel funny saying this but it's nice to see that Aldridge can actually play. I know that must sound weird but I never saw him play in college and with so much attention on Roy you kind of forget that he went second overall and why he did. In my Blazer fantasy I have him and Brandon in a tight 1-2 race for Rookie of the Year honors. Hey it could happen...
No shame in this loss. Dallas was all business tonight and for good reason. We competed and stayed close and that in itself is a marked improvement over last season. If everyone's healthy the outcome may have been much different.
Is there really at this point anything not to like about the future of this team?
Congratulations to you and your family Mike.
This is a brief parragraph to encourage Sergio RodrÃguez in his new life. We are very proud of you. Go ahead and work hard. You will have your option. Kisses from Spain
Mike, Considering how thin Portland is at center with 2 injuries, How soon do you think it will be before Lamarcus is starting at center to help deal with these slow starts? Until Joel gets back and with the lineup of Mags and Zach not working together I expect to see Aldridge starting if not tuesday, then weds. I've been worying about burning out zach with all the minutes, but with aldridge available and once joel gets back our frontline looks excellent. I hope brandon't heel get's better (i'm more worried about it being completly better than just quickly better-although the quicker the better)One more thought, a showdown for rookie of the year between Brandon and Lamarcus?? - it could happen!
did I miss the announcement of who won the naming rights for the baby?
I liked how LaMarcus played, a whole lot. For all of Sheeds faults (and he has plenty, and a lot in the negative self full-filling prophecy area)his shot was really good.
Zach's inside shot is lower, and LaMarcus's is higher. It's nice to have a rookie big man, who's able to play and have a clue as to how to play...and not one we have to watch develop over a long period of time.
You know, the Reggie Smith, Kevin Thompson, Ruben Boom Boom, and Ha's of the world.
Nothing against those guys, but it's nice to have a player who in his first game had almost a double double, and it wasn't just on ugly put-backs or botched plays.
As always, thanks for the great blogging, Mike. I am now turning to your blog first thing the morning after every game to get the "real scoop". And a couple of observations from last night's game vs. Dallas:
1) Lamarcus Aldridge = WOW. I did not get the chance to see him play in college, and had no idea what to expect from him. IMO, he is already a better option at Center than Jamaal or Raef. Is it possible the Blazers have TWO legit Rookie of the Year candidates on their hands??? REALLY looking forward to seeing what Lamarcus can do with more PT (and confidence) under his belt.
2) Digging out from deficits. Having to fight our way back from deficits hasn't hurt us much yet, but that will change as the more veteran teams begin to hit their stride. The boyz have GOT to find a way to keep from falling so far behind so early in games. Maybe Lamarcus will help there, but it's more than just a 1-man job.
3) Injury update? I know we won't know about Brandon's prognosis until he wears the boot for another week or so, but when are Joel, Raef, and Darius expected back? And is Darius really looking at another surgery, or is that just code-speak for "on the trading-block"?
4) Jarrett: Not a lot of talk about the kid lately. He's been solid so far, but hasn't been producing super-stellar lines (ala Zach, Travis, Brandon). What's the general feeling about Jarrett's contributions so far? How does HE feel about his contributions? Are expectations too high right now? Does he / do the Blazers feel he is living in the shadow of some of the other surprising stories from this team so far? Should we expect Jarrett to shine? If so, when?
Thanks again for the great blogs. Pass our best wishes to the guys as they kick off this grueling road trip! Oh, and don't forget to thank Ricky Davis for helping to motivate this "pack of roaches".
GO BLAZERS!
PBF
I'm sure the blazers will bounce back. Lets make it 4-0 on the road.
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I have a question for Proudbfan... ARE YOU SERIOUS? How is Jack not living up to expectations, and how can you say that he is not putting up good enough numbers like his teammates Outlaw and Roy? Check the stats buddy!
13.3 ppg - 2nd on team
6.6 ast - 1st on team
2.6 stl - 1st on team
.941% FT - 2nd on team
How do these numbers pale in comparison with those of Travis Outlaw or Brandon Roy??? Maybe he doesn't put up Zach Randolph type numbers because 1) the offense runs through Randolpoh and 2) Jack is an unselfish PG that looks to set up his teammates first. I'll tell you why Jack gets no love. It is because everyone is too busy kissing up to Brandon Roy. Don't get me wrong, he is a pretty decent player BUT he is not as good as everyone hypes him up to be. NO JORDAN THERE FOLKS!
I don't get it, Mike. Why no love for Jarrett Jack? And proudbfan, you have no idea what you're talking about.
20 points, 10 assists and 4 steals (not to mention only 3 turnovers) is not "super-stellar" enough for you? He gave the Blazers a chance in this game by getting to the line and stopping the clock.
JarrettJackCollector & The Back Judge: I am a HUGE Jarrett Jack fan and want to see him get more pub than he currently is. I think his contributions are getting overshadowed right now - mostly by the HUGE numbers Zach is putting up. GO JARRETT! GO BLAZERS!!!
PBF
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