Randolph Leads Blazers Over Lakers
posted: 11/8/2006 at 11:34 PM
It's been a pretty good couple of days in Blazerland. First, we get the news that Brandon Roy has only a minor injury and will miss just one game. We then get the news that LaMarcus Aldridge could see his first NBA action as early as Sunday against Dallas. Then, without Roy, Przybilla, LaFrentz, Miles, and Aldridge, the Blazers hand the Lakers just their second loss of the season, 101-90, in front of a loud Rose Garden crowd.
Owner Paul Allen, who missed the home opener due to a bad case bronchitis, was pumping his fists into the air on Wednesday night in the closing seconds of the victory. He's been on hand for two games this regular season- the opening-night win in Seattle, and this win over the Lakers. That's a pretty good record.
When I was with Zach Randolph in Atlanta this past August, watching him workout and prepare for the season, he told me one of his goals for this season was to make the Western Conference All-Star team. It sounded like a lofty, and possible unrealistic goal at the time. But, following his second 30-point-plus, 10-rebound-plus effort, he's off to a very nice start. Zach had 35 points and 13 rebounds against the Clippers on Monday, badly outplaying Elton Brand. Against the Lakers Wednesday, Randolph had 36 points (on 12-23 shooting), and pulled down 10 rebounds. He also had 3 assists, 3 steals, and was 11 for 12 from the free-throw line.
Teams continue to double and triple-team Zach and it doesn't seem to matter. When teams try and guard him with just one player, it has almost always resulted in an easy bucket, or a trip to the line. No other power forward in the NBA has been as unstoppable early in the season. Zach is the only player in the NBA currently averaging over 25 points and over 10 rebounds per game. If he has even a decent game against the Hornets on Friday, he should be a lock for Western Conference Player of the Week honors. He deserves it.
Last season, Randolph, playing on his surgically repaired knee, spent too much time on the perimeter, and was heavily criticized for it. Now that he's in the best shape of his career, he's just about nailed to the low block, and the deep position has resulted in good things. He's establishing good position, is finishing, and is getting to the line. And, at 6-9, he's undersized for the position. Somehow, he's getting it done at a remarkable clip. He also helped get Andrew Bynum, who went for 20 and 14 on Tuesday night, in early foul trouble. Bynum was never a factor in this game, and ended with 2 points in 21 minutes. Lamar Odom, who came in averaging 22 points and 8 rebounds, ended with 11 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 turnovers.
I talked to Brandon Roy outside the Blazers' locker room following the win, and he talked about how proud he was of his teammates. He also said it was "very tough watching from behind the bench," and that he plans on making his return on Friday.
With no Roy, the Blazers got great performances from two guys with non-guaranteed contracts. Ime Udoka, a last-minute training camp invitee, and Stephen Graham, claimed off waivers from Cleveland with two games left in the pre-season, both contributed to the win. Udoka had 9 points and 4 rebounds, but was huge defensively. He helped take Odom out of the game, and hit a huge three pointer in the second half.
Graham, who continues to show he belongs in this league, and perhaps with this team, had 11 points in 21 minutes. Graham also hit a big three with 1:19 left that pushed the Blazer lead back to 10, and all but ended the suspense. Juan Dixon regained his shooting touch, and was 5 for 7 with 10 points.
The Blazers led by as many as 15 in the second half, but had trouble putting the Lakers away for good. Kobe, who had a season-high 32, got hot in the fourth quarter and kept things interesting.
Nate McMillan was very proud of his young team following this victory, but isn't at all satisfied. They'll hit the practice floor on Thursday morning to get set for the game against the Hornets.
I'm looking forward to hearing from you about this win, and this kind of effort. It's the scrap and hustle you've been wanting to see. Keep the comments coming. And, just so you know, (mrblazer) I am not personally responsible for moderating the comments on this blog. I bounce around to other message boards from time to time, and the comments I see here are always the most well-thoughtout, most-intelligent posts of their kind. Thanks for taking the time.
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It's good to see that Z-Bo is finally earning his pay from his max contract.
hey, it was such a great game tonight. I just have a feeling this team will do big things. I cant wait until fridays game, in fact i look forward to each game i wish i could go to every single one. I enjoy lissoning to your broadcasting on the TV mike, i understand there is a opening for a intern broadcaster,does that person work along side you? ok well i cant wait to read the next blog have a good night :)
Zach is playing better than he ever has. Almost superhero level. Whats left? Quadruple-team?
A bit worried about the out of control play of Jack. He was the best choice out of the PGs from last year but is playing like early Stephon Marbury. He'll come around. Has to break himself of that carry-crossover move and driving too deep into traffic.
Almost thinking that Roy should be the point and Jack the two. Some more high picks would help both these guys . Like to see a little more of Dan and Sergio. Nice play from the team over all.
Rip City!
Mike,
I can always count on you, man. I got to school in Bellingham but I was in Seattle for the road opener against the Sonics and I was in Portland for the home opener against the T-Wolves. I'll be there again this weekend for the Hornets and the Mavs. I love this team. I am so proud. Thank you for your insight.
bradley.
I must say Ime has been that hot glue guy that the team has needed for years. Give him a year contract and maybe even graham since he seemed more comfortable out there than in the other games, hope he keeps it up. His stroke and arch on shot looks pretty nice to my untrained eye. Zbo and Jamaal made Bynumb look like a freshmen in his first college game and they schooled him good! Anytime we beat the LA Kobis is a great win for all Oregonians! :P I like the team ball they are playing and they are learning from Nate! WTG!
What an important win for the Blazers. It feels like everything that has been happening this year is for a reason. Roy goes down, but it actually helps us expose our strengths and weaknesses. If the Blazers make the playoffs then I say Nate McMillian deserves coach of the year. I haven't seen a team with this much heart since the Drexler, Porter, Kersey days. Perhaps this will truly be the return of Rip City.
P.S. Mike, if you really do check out the blazer blogs then you should post a comment on mine. It's mosblazerblog.blogspot.com
I love this new team. No attitudes, hard working, well coached, young hard working guys that want to play. WOW. And Zack, stunning. I was cracking up at ESPN's halftime coverage talking about Kobe and not even mentioning Zack whom was obviously putting up numbers and helping his team win. I think Nate finally has something he can do something with and no attitudes to deal with like in the past (or at least it appears that way). I was hesitant when i saw the roster before the season started, I'm on board now, big time. GO BLAZERS!
ok. two words. BEAT LA! that was the whole topic of the game. and we need to make ime's and graham's contract's guaranteed! let them feel more comfortable!
man, im telling you, if you were seated in the level 200 sections, you will have the impact of seeing everyone...Blazers fans...all are heckling the lakers fan..some on my side mocked the lakers fan that was seated with the group. i was booing every time kobe had a ball in his hands...and so did everyone else. too bad the tron didnt have "BEAT LA", all it had was D fense and...lets go blazers...we need more creative cheers and taunts specifically for the lakers and other teams...like...oh i dont know that much because i only gone to 3 games at the rose garden, but last year, i watched the blazers game on kgw whenever i could...this year, im so giddy after the draft day and all the trades...i became a season ticket holder! arguably the youngest, even. im 19, and im proud to be a season ticket holder!!!
anyway, it felt so good to yell, and yell, and yell for the blazers!!! im sure we all yelled loud enough for the tv audience to not hear the tv reporters, mike and mike...sorry, but we had to!!! haha.
anyway, take that, LAKERS!
I am just blown away at how much trust this team has for one and other. You don't perform at the level Zach is playing at without your teammates firmly back you, and for the first time in maybe 10 years I feel like this is a team and everyone is satisfied with their roles.
If he can keep this up don't you believe there will be some MVP whispers going around? Especially if the Blazers can stay above 500%. Imagine that MVP and ROY... Hell, Dixon is even a decent pick for 6th man.
Pinch me, I must be dreaming.
Blazers,
SHOW IME THE MONEY!
Wow just wow. Zach Randolph the top big man in the league. The team looked great. Just think. No Roy, Aldirge, Joel, Raef, miles and we still cleaned their clocks. This team has something they didn't have much of except for a few players...heart. Ive been a hardcore fan since i could remember. I havn't been this pumped in a while. I watch every game on TV. GO PORTLAND
Mike=Blog MVP
In yeseterdays blog I stated "Who will step up" I think we know who that is. It was really nice to see the "Garbage Handler" Handle the garbage. Zach!!!! Did you eat your wheaties or what? At one point I was thinking get him out of here. Now i'm thinking get the ball to Zach. Overall that was a great game. A few mental mistakes, but hey it is a young team. Would have liked to see a little more of Dan, but Webster and Dixons play made that thought go away. I guess that is why Nate is the coach and i'm not. The coachability of these guys was evedent when they came in after the time out and looked like a different team. Nice coaching Nate!! Nice listening, and applying Team. Now it's on to Friday and Win, Win, Win!!!!! I sure miss that alley-oop though. LOL!!!!!
I just read John Canzano's article, and he called the Blazers
"less-talented but more focused Blazers." I totally disagree. Now let me be clear..while I was excited about the moves the Blazers made this summer, I remained sceptical about their chances until watching them play during the reg. season. After all, my Dolphins were on the way to the Superbowl in preseason. But watching this Blazer team, I thinks its rediculous to say they are less talented, infact they are very talented. The difference this year is players are willing to accept roles, play hard and play more as a team. Yes they are still learning how to play with each other, and many are still learning the pro game and developing their talents, but John, they are not the team they were last year. these guys have talent.
PS.
Udoka is a major part of the effort and team play. He needs a gaurenteed contract.
SHOW IME THE MONEY!
Please excuse the type-o's in my last post, my spelling abilities are better than that!
i am so happy of the performance from portland this far. i watched both home games and felt that excitement i did five or so years ago. i am a huge blazer fan andi see a much better team this year. z-bo has changed my mind about him so far. he was on fire like crazy. it's going to be a good year i can just feel it. i think once roy, pryzbilla and alldridge come back it's on like donkey kong baby!
This team has been great so far this year. I still think Jack isn't getting the respect he deserves though. He has lead the team in assists and steals on more than one occasion and for the most part shot a decent percentage. The only problem really has been Turnovers in a couple of games but from what I keep reading, seems to be the norm with the new ball.
I am in AWE. I have watched every game this season. The Blazers can play competitively against everybody and WIN too. 3 out of 5, mathamatically equals 58 out of 80.
I know I'm dreaming, but why not. The Blazers are that good right now. P.S> BLAZER Mangement: Give IME a Contract NOW, us FANS will repect you even more.
MB! Whatsup man, life is good right now isn't it. Hey I agree with our Asst GM, great blogs, you looked a little humble/flustered about that compliment on TV though, why's that man?? You could be huge in this business, I wouldn't want you to stop doing Blazer games but I can't think of any better announcer OR blogger off the top of my head. Good Job, and hey, how about some props on my predictions last night huh?? I'm 22, been goin to games since I was 6 and never liked a team more than this one, prob cause most of them are my age maybe, I dunno.
My favorite play last night is a tie between Randolph and Jack. Z-BO causin the steal that led to that sweet dunk had me jumpin up and down and when Jack JACKED the ball from KOBE and got the AND1 on the other end I almost cried...almost
It hasn't been mentioned yet so in case anyone didn't know...the new power reankings are out and the blazers jumped from 30TH to 9TH!!!
Props to Jamal. Without him picking up the slack for injured Pryzbilla, (did i spell it right?) we would be in a world of hurt right now. This year the team has a good head on their shoulders. Coach has got them under control, getting into the offense instead of the one pass to Z-bo we saw so much last year. What is it going to take for Outlaw to break out of his shell? I'd like to see him step up and play with emotion and a chip on his shoulder.
It's Blazermania once again in Rip City! What an exciting exhibition of hustle and teamwork lastnight by the Blazers. Ime Udoka has my vote for a garanteed contract.
The play of this team has me glued to the boob tube and has revived my passion for this team. Go Blazers!
Blazers once again have heart and class! Wednesday's game against the Lakers show what Rip City is all about. We saw hustle, teamwork, and tenacity. Ime Udoka has my vote for a garanteed contract. Go Blazers!
You can't help but root for this team. It's been a long time coming.
Great news about Roy and Aldrige. I'm looking forward to seeing him play.
I think Zach is listening. He's done a much better job of getting down on the block and passing, yes passing, out of the doubles and triples. We are going to win many games if he continues to do that.
Keep it up Ime!
Suprising, but noone has mentioned Miles. To be honest.....we just don't win these games if he's on the floor. He's foul and turnover prone and plays laxy defense. These games were won with unity and scrap. I for one, hope he's traded before even coming back from the injury. We just don't need him.
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Nice work Blazers! My favorite play was Jack driving the left side with Kobe going for the block of Jack's left hand at the basket and Jack driving under him to score with his right hand. Sweet.
Zack has stepped up to the level of the really good players at his position, outplaying in succession KG, Brand and
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