Monday, March 16, 2009

Thoughts on Portland 103, Memphis 92

Portland got blown out yesterday, but came out hot in this game. Aldridge had 15 in the first quarter and Memphis could never get back into it. They got close, but you never got the feeling that Portland was going to lose the game. Portland is a pretty tall team and Memphis lost Milicic to a strained back and Arthur to a leg injury fairly early in the game. That mean plenty of minutes for Gasol. He's alright, but looked tired in the second half. Przybilla feasted on the small line to block shots and rebound.

Portland shot 9-18 from 3 pt land and 19-20 from the FT line. That's going to get it done against a weak team like Memphis. It was weird to see a nearly empty arena. They should've let people move down to fill in the lower bowl so it would look better on TV.

Outlaw brought his family and friends from Starkville, MS so you could hear cheers for him from the upper deck. He responded with a great fourth quarter. I think Portland can get good players for him, but I wouldn't be sorry if he stays.

Blazers highlights: Roy had 9 assists, Przybilla had 13 points, 13 rebounds and 4 blocked shots. Outlaw had 18 points on 6-11 shooting.

Blazers lowlights: No burn for Rodriguez, not much from Fernandez and a pretty poor game from Bayless or Jerry Jayless as the Blazers Edge folk name him (no "d" and no jumper or "j" for those unfamiliar with bball slang).

This game is one Portland should've won and they did. It wasn't really entertaining, but I'm not going to complain after a Portland win. Portland beat last year's win total with games to go.

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