Hot-Shooting Kings Storm Blazers
posted: 11/26/2006 at 8:35 AM
The game started with a Martell Webster three pointer, and Portland would take a very quick five-point lead. But, unfortunately for the Blazers, this wasn't a sign of things to come, as the Sacramento Kings had a field day on Portland's defense for the rest of the first half. The Blazers made several mild runs in the second half, closing to within 10 points late, but the Kings held on for the easy win, 105-85.
The 85 points scored by Portland is a season-low for offensive output. This is a concern because the Kings aren't a good defensive team. They concentrate on defense a little more now under Eric Musselman, but you should be hitting you offensive averages, and then some, when you play against them.
It was the same old story in the early going of this game, and it's something that Nate McMillan is tired of seeing. When you're playing at home, making up deficits, and rallying from behind is much easier than when you're on the road. I've gotten to the point where I don't really think it's anything physically wrong with the way the Blazers are preparing for games. That has been explored. This is about agressiveness, confidence, and having a clear-cut number-two option on offense. The Blazers haven't found that yet.
We continue to see opponents trying different defenses to stop Zach Randolph. They all use slight variations of the same thing; double and triple-team him. Some teams front him more, or use a delayed double team, but it's all close to the same stuff. The Trail Blazers just aren't adjusting to the situation early enough in games. By the time they figure it out, the machine gets rolling, but it's just taking too long to figure out. They're usually down double figures by the time they hit any kind of a stride.
Zach actually had a pretty efficient game, scoring 24 points on 10 of 16 shooting. Ime Udoka also had a nice ballgame, scoring 13 points. But, that was about it.
We went into last night's game thinking the Kings were probably better than their record indicated. If that was the truth, then that really can be said about tonight's opponent- the Phoenix Suns. The Suns are just 6 and 6, and are in last place in the Pacific Division. They've had to use this time to work Amare Stoudemire back into the flow, and that always takes an adjustment period.
Tonight's game kicks off a four-game homestand for the Trail Blazers. The stand includes Phoenix, Indiana, Orlando, and Atlanta.
By the way, our television broadcast of the game tonight can be seen in a lot of places. I'm not talking about a lot of places in the Northwest, or a lot of places in this country, on League Pass. It'll be shown in France, Spain, Russia, Turkey, Iceland, Hong Kong, Mexico, and The Philippines.
I made sure Sergio Rodriguez was aware that the game would be available in Spain. We're probably going to have him address his fans in Spain at some point during the broadcast (on tape, of course). By the way, Sergio is picking up more and more on our culture here in the Northwest. When we got on the plane to fly to Sacramento Friday, he asked me "who won Civil War football game?"
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Mike,
I caught the game last night on KGW. One of the "Keys to the game", was INTIMIDATION! I think when we found out Miller and Artest where playing in the game, for some reason it felt like the motivation had disappeared. Miller and Artest where more decoys than anything. But Kevin Martin! Wow! Where did he come from!
If the Kings come out shoot 68% in the half, that really tells me the Blazers couldn't find there mojo on defense. I'm a bit of a complainer, but I would of like to see Sergio Rodriguez run the point and Dan Dickau on 2. Instead of the other way around. Just because Dan is better at making buckets, not plays. Thats only if one is looking for other options.
I'm not even going to talk about the Blazers offense last night because I could of built a home with all the missed buckets. Any team will have a bad night, and the Blazers had it last night. The other thing I would of liked to see from Z-bo is to draw out the defense, when doubled hit the cutter. It could of worked for him a few times.
Blazer fans! it's still early and we have a lot to look foward too! This is a great team! Be patient!
Prepare for the THRILLA!!!!!!!!!!
hey Mike,
I thought announcers were supposed to announce a game with a open mind and not choose favorites?. All I could hear during the first half of the Portland and Phoenix game were u and and ur partner giving excuses to why the Suns were scoring. "if you notice there, he pushes off", "and the Suns get away with another travel", "watch how he leads with the elbow". Jalen Rose went up strong for lay-up. Im sorry, but i did not hear one time u comment on how Z. Randolf leads with his off-hand almost every time he drives, or any of the times the Blazers traveled. I saw the game being called even. Portland did not come out to play and the Suns did, and your taking that away from them. This is the only place i could find where i knew you would get my message. I know you have been announcer for a while now and I would appreciate it if you try not to down the opposing team just because ur 2nd rate blazers aren't getting the job done.
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