What a Start
posted: 11/2/2006 at 9:37 AM
There was no wild celebration in the Trail Blazers locker room last night. There were just some handshakes, high fives, and a few mild fist pumps. The bus ride to the airport in Seattle almost quieter than usual. During our late-night flight to San Fransisco, the team watched our TV broadcast of the game, and ate dinner. Several times I walked toward the back of the plane, and you really wouldn't have known if the Trail Blazers had just won or lost. The maturity and poise we saw on the floor Wednesday night, continued long into the night. 110-106, was the final.
I'm not sure you could have drawn up a better start for the Trail Blazers. We talked in the pre-game show about how difficult it could be for a young team like the Blazers, to open the season not only on the road, but against their long-time rival. Plus, it was a homecoming for Brandon Roy, as you know, and he was playing in front of family, friends, former coaches, and a ton of Washington Husky fans. The table was certainly set for Portland to be intimidated, nervous, and overwhelmed. They were anything but, despite falling down to the Sonics by 12 points early in the game.
Now, Roy was fabulous, and all of the stories will mention how he got his Rookie of the Year campaign off to a great start. Zach Randolph was also very solid, and backed up all those claims I've been making about him for the past three months (best shape of his career, dedicated, out to prove something, ect.). But, here's a fact. The Blazers don't win the game if Juan Dixon doesn't come to the rescue of the first unit in the second quarter. Dixon was phenominal, and totally turned the tide. He keyed a 16-0 Portland run that not only got them back into the game, but got them believing. He also nailed some huge shots down the stretch, when Seattle was threatening to pull away for good. Dixon ended with 18 points, on 8 of 10 shooting, in 23 minutes. That's what you need off the bench. He's a lighter version of Vinny Johnson. The mini-microwave, if you will. Because he came into the game firing, and willing to put the team on his back, the Blazers get the win.
Now, on to Roy. I grabbed Brandon for the TV interview immediately following the game, and he was thrilled, but composed. He acknowledged being very nervous before the game, but said things settled down for him quickly. If you ever wanted to see the results of a player going to college for four years, and playing in a big-time program, look at Roy. His maturity, basketball IQ, and confidence, has already made him a leader on this team. Roy had 20 points, on 10 of 16 shooting. The one basket that sticks out the most to me is the one he hit in the fourth quarter, at the shot clock buzzer. Roy gave the ball to Randolph, who glanced at the clock, noticed the defenders near him, and gave it right back to Roy. Brandon calmly drilled a long jumper, as the buzzer sounded (pictured above). I liked the quote from Seattle's Rashard Lewis, talking about Roy after the game. "He's a great player." Usually you say
going to be a great player, when talking about rookies.
As for Randolph, he was doubled every time he touched the ball, as usual. He started the game 1 for 6, and was struggling. But, kept his head, began passing the ball, and the shots started to fall. When they didn't, he usually got to the foul line. Coach McMillan has been harping on Zach to get in the low post and stay there. I can only recall two shots Zach took from the perimeter. Everything else was down in the paint, where you need two healthy knees to handle the punishment that's delivered. Zach is healthy now, and you saw a result of that in this game. Z-Bo had 30 points (8-18 fg), 10 rebounds, and was 14 for 15 at the free throw line.
How big was Ime Udoka in his first NBA start? The Blazers don't win the game without his two huge offensive rebounds in the final minutes. The biggest one coming with 30 seconds left, and came off a Travis Outlaw free-throw miss. Ime was fouled, and hit two free throws, making it a 3-point trip for Portland. He also played lock-down defense on Rashard Lewis in the second half.
In a game that didn't feature the big guys much, because Seattle went so small, Jamaal Magloire looked as good as he has in a Blazer uniform, showing a little offense, along with some big-time rebounding. Joel Przybilla had a couple of big blocked shots. And, Travis Outlaw had a great 24 minutes. He had 9 points and a couple of rebounds, and several big hustle plays. No doubt, Travis is better off the bench.
Turnovers were a problem for the Blazers, through three quarters. They had 9 in the first half, but only 16 for the game. Most importantly, they didn't turn the ball over at all in the final 5:05 of the game.
Following the game, as expected, reporters gathered around Roy to get his thoughts. He's also a tremendous interview, and is very well liked by the Seattle press, obviously. There were several great stories about Brandon in the papers Tuesday, leading up to the game. On the front page of the Seattle P.I, there was a large photo of Brandon at a high school football game in Portland, being mobbed by kids.
All the Blazer players have attended high school football games in the past few weeks. They've been great events. Last Friday night, at the invitation of the head coach at Grant, Darius Miles was invited to the big Grant-Lincoln football game. The vice principal at Lincoln, asked Darius to work the press box and hospitality suite. Contrary to a report that stated Miles was asked to leave the press box, representatives have stated he was there at their request. The only confusion came in the hospitality suite, when a couple of Blazer employees, who were accompanying Darius, were not allowed in. Miles left with the employees, and they went into the crowd, where he signed countless autographs, and watched the game. Lincoln officials later apologized for the confusion. It was a great event, as all of the football appearences were.
A reminder that on opening night, Saturday against Minnesota, $2 bucks from every single-game ticket sold will go to the P.I.L. sports league.
Back to the flight to San Fransisco. We didn't get settled in our hotel until about 3 am, which is not unusual. The team will practice today on the campus of Cal-Berkely, and will get set for the game on Friday against Golden State. Upon hearing they were practicing at Cal, Roy said, "Oh, I know that gym." Of course he does.
RSS FEED
For the first time in (far too many) years, we have a SG who I think we can feel confident in making the right decision, and actually hitting the jumper.
Thats not to say he'll finish the season shooting 62% from the floor, score 20 points and hit clutch shots. But I think we finally have a SG who you can go get the ball to him, and not cringe.
I know that having drafted high schoolers for the last 10 years we kind of forgot what it's like to have a much more mature player, but wow...there's no way he was only a rookie in his 1st ever regular season game last night.
If Zach can play like he did last night (doesn't even have to average 30-10...22-9 would be nice), he could go a long way in repairing his damage image (of which is mostly his own doing).
Lets hope they don't let us down (as in revert to old habits) against the Warriors.
I'm still cheering. While everyone seems to be talking about Roy for some reason I wasn't surprised. It would be totally unfair to expect that kind of performance from Brandon, it may be nothing more than faith, but I did. Ime, Zach, Travis, and Mags are the ones i found myself in surprise from. Udoka isn't just shok from solid play last night, but more a lack of loosing the shock he has proven throughout the preseason up to and including last night. Best said by Antonio- "Udoka represents everything that is right about the NBA". Zach was the most pleasent surprise of the game. He may have done what we really can be expecting him to do, but i'm sure i wansn't the only one expecting him not to. Because of last night's continous effort (Highlighted by twice being first on the floor for -and recovering- loose balls), his quick correction of offensive focous by getting back in the key after an initial few jump shots, and the support he vocally and visually showed his team while on the bench i'm forgetting about him being late for the first pre-season game and want to let him know that kind of effort will place me solidly right back in his support as a fan. Travis for some reason i was expecting to choke, but instead he continued to show not only what he can be, but what he is starting to become. Mags after demonstrating nothing in the preseason to cause me to think anything of him than a good salary cap descision played consistantly solid. His continued play throughout the season like shown last nigh will be an important peice of an expected league's worst team raising a whole lot of eye brows this season. last night I didn't see a greatly improved 30-35 win team, I saw a 500+ ballcub.
Go Blazers!
I have so many things I want to say that I don't know where to begin. How about here.............WOW! That game really showed me a lot!
Roy was Great. Z-bo was Great. Juan was Great. Ime was Great. JJ was Great. The rest of the team did everything else and even that was great. Right down to the support of the guys on the bench.
One thing that stood out was how much respect Roy is getting from his team mates. When Randolph gave him that ball back to hit the shot clock beater I had to pick my jaw up off the floor! I'm still finding it hard to remember not only is he a rookie but, this was his FIRST GAME!!!
The other thing I noticed it that there was a team on that bench and on that floor. Not a group of individuals, but a team! How long has it been since we could say that?! I know it was only one game, but if the season is only half of what we saw last night it would be more than successful.
Give them a rousing applause from the 'Couve!
G-
R.O.Y.
I believe it was Travis Outlaw that missed the free throw that Udoka was able to get the clutch rebound, not Jack.
Mike, is it possible to get a podcast of the Courtside show?
That would be GREAT!
I'm proud of the team. They got the win, together. Zach and Roy were amazing, but like you said, without Dixon the game would have been over by halftime. Quick told Dixon he was being phased out in Portland. I really wish that guy was back on his 90 day suspension.
I really liked Nate's game plan and rotation. I thought it was fair. Raef came in, first, instead of Mags. Mags played his best game as a blazer, and i was encouraged. But, i'm glad Nate is showing him he'll have to earn his PT like everyone else.
I'm just happy to see the rotation tighten up and us going after some victories. Nate coached to win. After the necessities of last season and this preseason, it was refreshing to see him really go after something more than a moral victory. I bet no one was more happy to be playing to win than Nate.
The sequence i liked most and think captured the key to this season involved Zach. I've mentioned how Zach's passing opens up opportunities for him. No better example of that came when he was doubled and hit Ime for a 3. The Sonics were reluctant to double the next time down, and he ended up abusing his single defender for a hoop and a free throw. That's how the game is supposed to be played.
PS It was TO's missed free throw that Ime rebounded.
Wow. It's all I could think to say last night as I watched Brandon Roy's 4th quarter play. He was the total package right when we needed him. Handling the ball, shooting, playing defense. I've never seen a blazer rookie contribute that much in their first game. If the marketing department has any sense they'll plaster the city with Roy's face, and make sure he knows where his new home is. GO BLAZERS.
Good catch on the mistake. It was T.O's missed FT that Ime grabbed. I'm going to watch the game in my hotel room again tonight. It's certainly the kind that's fun to watch again.
mrblazer,
Good point on Zach's passing. The fact that our perimeter guys were hitting, made it difficult for Seattle to double Zach late. That's when he went to work and either got shots, or got fouled. Getting Wilcox to foul out was big.
Hap,
Sorry I haven't gotten back to you on those questions you sent me a month ago. I just found those the other day. I will get them to you. You're correct about the benefits of drafting a four-year college guy. And, Brandon is such a good guy off the floor, it's scary. The ovation he got from the Seattle fans to start the game was incredible. He laughed later when they stopped cheering him, and said, "they started realizing that I'm the opposition now."
Great comments by all. Keep them coming.
I got to hand it to the team, yes team, in every way possible. They looked focused and played with passion. That's what it's going to take for the team to keep winning.
Thumbs up for Z-bo. In the first half of the first quarter, he was pathetic: ill advised long-jumpers and poor defense. It was no coincidence that we came back when he sat down. McMillian fortunately steered him back to reality and got him back into the paint where he was nearly unstoppable. I really enjoyed seeing his support of the guys during the time-outs.
Travis and Juan off the bench were superb. Juan has taken to his role like a professional. If Travis can play with the energy and passion like he did Wednesday, he will undoubtedly earn more minutes.
Ime is a great story and you can't help but root for the guy. He's earning the fans hearts every day.
Roy for Gov? Why not? I never thought I could cheer for a Dawg before, but he's earned my respect. He's so polished and in control. He will own this city sooner than later. Everyone talks about him the team in nothing but positive praises. Win or lose, we finally have a team to support.
No problem MB, altho it was several months ago that I sent them..
I just figured you had slightly better things to do. You know, like everything else you had to do.
Forgot to mention, it was great to have games on TV again. And I tried to mention this on the 5th quarter but I don't think it made it through, it's great to have Michael Holton back in the "family".
What a great game! It's a good day to be a Blazer's fan. I am proud of how this team scrapped and fought their way to a victory. I saw a countless number of great hustle plays last night. And I think Nate outcoached Bob Hill and his former team. It seems that Nate pushed all the right buttons in that game. I thought the playing rotation was perfect, he made the right substitutions at the right time, called the right plays, zone defense when Ray Allen was out etc. It shows why Nate is an olympic coach, because he is one of the best coaches in the world.
Go Blazers!!
Barrett I'll bet you were probably the most excited Blazer fan watching last night-live or T.V. The way you screamed "Blazers Win!" after that last Randolph rebound a'la Jerry Remy when the Sox finally beat the Yankees or Cosell after Ali beat Frazier, "DOWN GOES FRAZIER! DOWN GOES FRAZIER!" I loved it! But that's what we love about you, your just as big a fan (if not bigger) as the rest of us. Good times all around.
Great way to start the season for sure. I'll see you at the home opener. I'll be a few rows back and will come and stop by to say hey.
Why no mention of Jarrett Jack? Even though he didn't post astounding numbers, he had a solid game (13 pts 6 reb 6 ast). He played 44 minutes, which I think is evidence of his importance. His presence on the floor really sets the tone defensively.
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