Dixon's Bomb Drops Wolves
posted: 11/4/2006 at 11:08 PM
When Juan Dixon joined me on TV immediately following the 88-86 win over the Timberwolves, he rolled his eyes about the way he had shot the ball at Golden State, and said, "this is what I need to do." Talk about clutch. Dixon was credited, rightly so, with saving the game at Seattle in the first half, and then backs that up in the third game of the regular season with the game-winning three-pointer with 6.2 seconds left. Isn't this the guy who was supposed to find himself out of the rotation this season?
The Blazers wanted to go big against Seattle, and were forced to go small. Then they were outplayed by a small lineup at Golden State on Friday, after the Warriors had gone big early in the game to match them. Saturday night, the Blazers wanted to go big, to match the Timberwolves size, but couldn't. They tried to slow the pace of the game against the Sonics and Warriors, and Saturday night tried to get out and run and speed things up. What we've seen is good coaching. Playing, and winning, different ways. That's the mark of a solid team.
In the Golden State game on Friday, Joel Przybilla took a knee to the mid-section. Guys, you know what I'm talking about. And, while that's happened to most guys, not many have been sent to the couch for three days following it. Joel said what he experienced Friday night, and in the wee hours Saturday morning was the worst pain he's ever been through. He won't play against the Clippers Monday. But, the good news is, it's not an injury that will keep him out more than a week or so.
With no Joel, no Raef LaFrentz, and LaMarcus Aldridge still a couple of weeks away, how would the Blazers combat Minnesota's huge front line? Early, they didn't, and the Timberwolves grabbed a 16-point lead. Kevin Garnett was having his way inside. But, as always seems to happen with this team, they forget how they got their lead, and basically seem to forget about Garnett. He was visibly steamed at several teammates during the second half when he could not get the ball. Following one of Ricky Davis' forced shots with plenty of time on the shot clock, Garnett barked at Davis all the way to the huddle.
Rebounding-wise, it was Travis Outlaw to the rescue. This was easily Travis' best game as a Blazer. He had 18 points, 15 rebounds (6 offensive), 9 of 17 shooting, and just one turnover. When I mentioned in August that Travis would be getting a lot of time at power forward, some of you called me nuts. He showed Saturday that if he sets his mind to it, he can be a force with all that athleticism he possesses. He has the skill to be a Shawn Marion-type rebounder, and is undersized for the position, like Marion.
Brandon Roy was brilliant, once again. Minnesota stuck Trenton Hassell, known as one of the best perimeter defenders in the league, on Roy. Hassell gets some of the credit for holding Brandon to just 4 of 17 shooting from the field, but Roy hurt them in so many other ways. He was consistenly blowing by Hassell, so Minnesota switched to a zone defense with KG at the top, just to slow down the penetration by Roy. Brandon would collapse the defense, and then either get to the line, or hit teammates for open shots. It was his drive that created the open shot for Dixon with 6 seconds left. It was one of 8 assists for Roy. He's single-handedly forcing opposing teams to adjust their defensive game plans to try and stop him.
In the past two games, Roy has 13 assists and 1 turnover. The most impressive part of that is, Roy had never played the point guard position until summer league. He has shown that when the ball is in his hands, things happen. That's why Nate McMillan moved him to the point, like he did in Seattle, late in the game with Minnesota. This has to mean we're going to start seeing more of Roy at the point, running this team. Opposing defenders can't stay with him. This is a rookie we're talking about.
Also, Martell Webster continues to improve. Webster now, on the season, is now 9 for 13 from behind the three-point line. In the last two games, he's 8 for 10 from three. He ended with 16 points, off the bench, and brought Portland back after they had trailed by 16 early in this game.
Keep in mind, this Minnesota team was coming off wins over Sacramento, and Denver. They beat the Nuggets in Denver on Friday. The Blazers were playing the second of a back-to-back as well, as you know. And, it isn't like Minnesota fell apart in this game. They ended up shooting 48 percent, were 12 of 13 at the foul line, and had just 15 turnovers.
The Blazers got rid of the turnover problem on Saturday. They had five turnovers in the first quarter, and ended the game with 10.
We saw again that this team has a fight-and-scrap mentality that will make it tough to beat at home, and we've already seen the ability this team has to win on the road by executing in the final minutes.
The bad news is, the schedule gets much tougher now. The team leaves for L.A. on Sunday, and takes on the Clippers on Monday. Then, it's home against the Lakers, Hornets, and Mavericks. After that, it's a four-game road trip back east, at Minnesota, Cleveland, Boston, and New Jersey. Still, 2 and 1 after three games. I'll take it. I imagine you will to.
RSS FEED
Mike, thanks for the recap. I was at the game tonight, and it really did feel like Rip City all over again.
There were so many positives to come out of the game, with Travis and Juan rising to the top. Zach was solid, as well.
Should us fans read much into Jack's lack of playing time down the stretch tonight?
Thanks for the updates.
The Blazers are starting this season out way better than I'm sure most people expected. Once I started reading just how low all of the magazines ranked The Team, I knew it was mostly all biased, based on the last couple of seasons. Tonight proved to me what I expect from Portland this season...more wins than losses. The Blazers are going to be (in my opinion) the surprise team of the season. Just remember when Portland makes it to the playoffs in the sixth through eighth spot and surprisingly makes it to the second round or beyond....y'all heard from here first!! Congrats to Travis, B.Roy, and Dix!!
Great game!! I just wish i could have heard it on kxl.com. I live out of state and I think it's terrible that I can't listen to the game. Is this the way it's going to be all season for Blazer's home games? If so then that is lame. Trying to make people pay just to listen is not a good way to build fan support. I sure hope this will change or it's back to recaps and box scores for me.
But I love this team and loved the way they fought back and showed alot of heart! Hard work pays off and that's what the Blazers are doing. Keep it up, go Blazers!
Well I think Outlaw redeemed himself tonight after the way he played against GS. I'm sure he wasn't very pleased with the way he played against them and had someting to prove. He certainly showed a sellout crowd what he is capable of tonight against a superior defender in Garnett. No doubt he's feeling a little better about things now.
Even though we are early in the season, I get a sense that this team legitimately enjoys not only playing together but just simply being together. Trust, confidence, respect, effort, ability, these are words I think of now when I think about the way these players feel about one another. There was a moment after the game when the camera caught Zach smiling from ear to ear as he grabbed Outlaw and gave him a big bear hug. In fact I think the whole team was hugging one another. It's in moments like these where seasons (and seasons to come) are often times defined.
That game was so crazy. I was praying that God wouldn't let me look like a fool at school and that the Blazers would win and be a succesful team. (thanks man)
I lost my voice from cheering so much. I could barely talk after the game but now it's back for the most part. I really like the way Martell is playing. He's a great player. Dixon hit a clutch shot and then KG missed his. I thought we were going into overtime when he shot.
wow this game was just amazing thats all i can say. i have a feeling that the blazers will make it to the playoffs i dont why but i just do. hey mike i saw that article in the rip city magazine about you and the rest of the broadcasters thinking we wont make it to the playoffs, i was shocked! lol That roy is just wonderful. mike if you get a chance can you tell him that Matt says and to keep up the good work and that i am his number 1 fan. have a great night and a safe flight to LA.
Mike - would be nice if you got a chance to get some idea of what their plans are for Webster's development and PT. He's playing superbly in limited minutes. His defense (while rookie like; has improved) and he is definitely willing to take it to the hoop this year. Add that to being 19, a high maturity level and 60% three point percentage, I don't see why we would not start him at SF or SG , or at least give him more PT. (run some plays for him). Is it a fear of injuring his back right now...or are we moving away from Webster becoming one of our franchise players in the future?
a moment of silence for joels little foulzillas.
What a difference from last year. This team is showing amazing tenacity, and a hunger to win not seen in years. Thanks for giving us something to cheer for guys!
What a NIGHT!
It find it hard to remember that much energy...that much screaming and yelling in the Garden for such a long time (it seems).
As i was standing and cheering (screaming really!) mid-way through the 4th quarter...I looked around and EVERY FAN (all the way to the top) was standing and cheering! What a sight!
And when Dixon hit that shot with 6 seconds to go....the place went nuts! There was an elderly woman (at least 70+) screaming...thrusting her fist in the air!
What a sight!
What a game!
What a team!
Travis Outlaw... WOW, nuf said
based on performance any team we go against that doesn't have a large imposing center i'd like to see nate try a starting lineup of (1-5) brandon,dixon,martell,travis, and zach. waddya think mike?
Mike,
I was at the game last night, that was a lot of fun! I dont understand though not playing the high pick with Roy and Z-Bo that was so effective against Seattle. I think they should use the Stockton - Malone pick and roll between Roy and Zach. Can you suggest it to the coaches?
Is Magloire another Dale Davis?
Former all star that comes to Portland and all he can seem to do is foul, miss freethrows and turn the ball over?
what a beutiful game and an amazing TEAM so far. Brandon Roy didn't have the best shooting night but he showed leadership and poise. Randolph played good considering who he was up against. Outlaw outplayed and rebounded Garnett. He gets better and better. Been a hardcore fan whole life Mike and thanks for these blogs. Oh and Webster is the next Redd
I haven't been this excited about a Blazers team since the early 90's. Sure we had the good teams 98-2001 but with all the off the court distractions, I found it hard to fall in love with them.
I was at the game last night, I haven't felt that type of energy at the Rose Garden in quite some time. My friend said to me, "it feels like it's a playoff game in here." I had to agree.
What I love most about this team is they are scrappy, gutty, and full of heart (...did I just say the Blazers have heart?...) Brandon Roy is an absolute stud and Martell Webstar is going to be a household name in the next couple of years. Zach is Zach, and Travis Outlaw played, "Lights Out" last night. Keep that up and a really nice extension will be heading your way.
Lifelong fan,
This is what I've been waiting for.I see glimpses of the rip city era.I give all the credit to management and coaching that put together some great trades and picked up two potential allstars in the draft.I can not say enough about the play and leadership of Brandon Roy,Nba watch out for this guy.
Hodge N.
This is what I've been waiting for.I've see glimpses of the rip city era.I give all the credit to management and coaching who put together some great trades and picked up two potential allstars in the draft.I can not say enough about the play and leadership of Brandon Roy,Nba watch out for this guy.
Hodge N.
MIKE you need to put up a sign in the LOCKER ROOM that says "Roaches" and a sigh in the garden!
First off, being a huge Travis Outlaw fan, I love what he did in the game, and who wouldn't? I remember reading on like FoxSports Online, one of the guys had Travis Outlaw on his All-NBA Worst team. I wonder how much shame he feels or should feel. Travis is bringin' his game this year and you can tell. Maybe he can't shoot 10 ft away, but look at what else he does. Defense, heck, he filled those shoes that Joel wears. Travis could be the best jumper in the NBA. I remember there have been trade rumors involving him. I admit this is one out of 82 games with 79 to go, but if someone can say this is gonna be Travis' best game of the season, good luck on being right.
On another note, THANK YOU JUAN DIXON! Dixon's games are not the best, but if he can shoot at crunch time, let him. I'm serious, I looked at Juan earlier, and I got a feeling that he was gonna be the man for the game, and again... I'm serious. I had a really good feeling about him. Juan, it must be worth losing Steve Blake.
And, how about that crowd... it's like the Clyde, Terry, Buck, Kevin Duckworth etc. era all over again. Travis is Clyde's clone (figuratively) who's getting better still.
I have one last thing to say. If you don't believe Rip City is workin' it's way back our way on I-5, start lookin at the crowds of Blazer fans at ANY game. In this game, there was a fan who held a sign that said "Born Again Blazer Believer." Thank you to all those who didn't have to be a "born again." Rrrrrrrrrrrip City!!
The Blazers looked awesome last night: They swarmed on D and maintained motion on offense. Brandon Roy is defniitely going to give opposing defenses a hard time. Hi quickness off the dribble and athleticism near the bucket surprised me a lot. He is definitely ready for the NBA. Best of all, the crowd actually believed in the team. Great job Blazers, lets see if they can pick up a couple against tough teams on the road and we might have a season on our hands.
Even though i rode Mags about his horrendous play all preseason, i couldn't disagree more with woodfloor guy's assessment. For the first 7 minutes of the 4th quarter, KG got touch after touch and converted only one time. He converted an extremely difficult 3-point play. That was Minnesota's only points in the quarter up to that point. Mags was terrific, defensively.
I never thought i would ever say this (and i can't tell you how serious i am), but Zach played lockdown defense on Kevin Garnett. I was shocked to say the least. He picked up where Mags left off when he came in. Those guys were huge.
I thought Minnesota was well prepared for the game. Their plan was to take Roy, and especially Zach, out of the game. They didn't think anyone else could beat them if they accomplished that. I have a lot of pride for the guys who stepped up and did what Minnesota didn't give them credit for being able to do.
The plan was effective, though. In the 3rd quarter, after Zach started taking over, they fronted him. It took him out of the game, basically. It was scary.
So here's my question, Mike. Is it a matter of Zach fighting even harder for position and hopefully getting calls, or should we be working on lob passes over the defenders for easy buckets. It's a difficult pass, but it hurts teams for cheating so much. How do you think we should handle that situation. Could you ask The Wild One, as well? I'd love to hear what you two think about that situation.
BTW, Mike, you and Rice have me eating crow. I was one of several that didn't think TO would play at PF much, this season, or at least not well. He played a great second half, last night. After the break, he became a beast. If i'm not mistaken, he played mostly SF in the first half, in which i was thoroughly frustrated with him during. Second half, he was mostly at PF.
If Travis could ever get to the point where he knows what to do without even having to think about it, he could become a very solid player. Power forward is a much easier position, mentally, than SF. So, maybe PF is his position.
Picture me and others who claimed insanity when you and Rice brought up TO at PF on our knees, arms in the air, and bowing while chanting "we're not worthy!"
I watched the game on TV and during a Blazers' timeout during the final seconds, I saw Jarrett Jack with a solemn, blanck look on his face. You could tell he was probably unhappy with his performance during the game, and that for the second time this season has watched rookie Brandon Roy come into the game and do a better job with the point gaurd spot to lead the Blazers back into the game and come out with a win. How do you think Jarrett feels about not being a factor in late game situations? Will he sulk and lose confidence? Or will this further motivate him to keep working hard and getting better?
By the way Mike, great job with all of your blogs and with the TV broadcast. Blazer fans are lucky to have you with this organization. Keep up the good work!
Are you kidding me??? I have been to alot of big sporting events and countless Blazer games, but never one with the emotional feeling of this game. From the starting 5 to the bench and to the 6 man of Portland.....the fans. The fans deserved this win and the Blazers provided. I was high fiving people behind me, in front of me, everyone!!!! The cheering didn't stop in the packed Rose Quarter, it was a cheering frenzy in the corridors, stairwells, outside, and even on the max train. It was amazing and even if only for the night Portland has not, Lost That Lovin Feeling!!! GO BLAZERS
I think my earlier posts may have come off as a bit negative, not displaying the actual excitement i feel about this years team.
I took all the preseason hype with a grain of salt, and wanted to make my own appraisement of the new players....well after watching the first 3 games, Roy is all that he was built up to be. Even more than his play meking skills, I am totally impressed with his understanding of the game of basketball. I dont think I have said that about a Blazer in many years, other than Sabonis.
I am inpressed with Ime's solid play, great defense, nice shot and his ability to come away with a rebound when it is needed.
I cannot fail to mention the attitude that Juan is bringing to this season. I had long thought the days of real proffesional players and quality people on the Portland squad were a thing of the distant past. These 3, and others, are truly refreshing. To now have quality players who want to contribute within the roles given them gives this team a real cohesiveness that we havent seen in a long time. Good job Blazer brass and thank you for listening to the fans and giving us a team we can once again be proud to back.
Perhaps it sounds a bit off topic but I would like to tell something about Sergio. After he played his first minutes in the NBA he said it could not have been better. He played two minutes...
He is having some difficulties adapting to the NBA, but he has the talent,and if he puts the commitment and the discipline that it takes, something good should emerge from that.
Great job, Blazers! It is good to see the play of Travis and Martell. This is anticipatory of good times coming.
Roy is great, this team is coming together, Outlaw is waking up, Webster is moving on up, and we still haven’t seen our nos. 2 pick in the draft play yet.
Wow
Post a Comment
<< Home