07 Blazers (9-9) Blazers Shoot Down Hawks / 5th Straight Win

[ThaSpecialist]

Thought I'd start up a 2007 Portland Dynasty for a few reasons.

1) I remain a Clyde Drexler fan to this day
2) I'm kind of upset with the state they're in ..
3) They're in heaps of cap trouble
4) They really, really suck (a challenge!)
5) They have a lot of young, raw players for coaching/development experiments
6) It should be interesting trying to turn them around
7) I expect to get my ass handed to me the first few seasons as a result of a majority of the above

Also, my rosters are up to date (AI on Denver, etc) but I'm working off a console, so in-game photos will be sparse.

I've been doing Madden/NCAA franchises for years. I figured it was time to give NBA Live a try.

User Team: Portland Trailblazers
Head Coach: Nate McMillan
2005-06 Record: 21-61 (NBA's worst)
NBA Championships: 1 (1977)
Schedule Type: NBA
Season Length: 82 games
Sim Quarter Length: 12 Minutes
User Quarter Length: 12 minutes
Playoff Length: 7-7-7-7
Simulation Type: Intervention
Simulation Injuries: Yes

Gamer's Note: Around the NBA monthly update (leaders, standings, MVPs) links will be posted here with the finish of each month.

Monthly statistics and such for the Blazers will also be posted.

Around The NBA: November Edition

* All Information to Follow as of November 30th, 2006
* Below is a recap in short form
* Follow the 1st link at the bottom for a full recap of league leaders, standings and MVPs
* Follow the 2nd link at the bottom for a full statistical recap of the Blazers through the month of November

NBA League Leaders

POINTS

Yao Ming: 24.4 PPG

REBOUNDS

Kevin Garnett: 13.9 RPG

BLOCKS

Gerald Wallace: 3.25 BPG

STEALS

Paul Pierce: 2.67 SPG

ASSISTS

Allen Iverson: 8.7 APG

MINUTES

Pau Gasol: 43.6 MPG

MVP Canidates

Yao Ming: 24.4 PPG | 10.5 RPG | 4.1 APG | 2.47 BPG | 1.20 SPG
Jermaine O'Neal: 22.3 PPG | 12.4 PPG | 2.4 APG | 2.44 BPG | 0.94 SPG
Tim Duncan: 23.9 PPG | 10.8 RPG | 2.6 APG | 1.44 BPG | 1.31 SPG
Amare Stoudemire: 23.9 PPG | 11.5 RPG | 2.4 APG | 2.07 BPG | 1.73 SPG
Kobe Bryant: 24.2 PPG | 5.5 RPG | 4.9 APG | 0.40 BPG | 2.47 SPG

Players of November

EAST | Jermaine O'Neal: 22.3 PPG | 12.4 PPG | 2.4 APG | 2.44 BPG | 0.94 SPG
WEST | Yao Ming: 24.4 PPG | 10.5 RPG | 4.1 APG | 2.47 BPG | 1.20 SPG

Rookies of November

EAST | Adam Morrison: 17.9 PPG | 4.3 RPG | 3.5 APG | 0.27 BPG | 1.20 SPG
WEST | Rudy Gay: 14.7 PPG | 7.6 RPG | 2.3 APG | 0.93 BPG | 1.27 SPG

NBA STANDINGS: Eastern Conference

Atlantic Division

10 - 4
7 - 7 (3.0)
7 - 9 (4.0)
5 - 9 (5.0)
5 - 12 (6.5)

Central

12 - 3
11 - 4 (1.0)
7 - 7 (4.5)
6 - 8 (5.5)
4 - 12 (8.5)

Southeast

11 - 5
9 - 6 (1.5)
8 - 6 (2.0)
4 - 9 (5.5)
4 - 11 (6.5)

NBA STANDINGS: Western Conference

Pacific

11 - 4
11 - 5 (0.5)
7 - 8 (4.0)
6 - 7 (4.0)
5 - 9 (5.5)

Northwest

11 - 2
7 - 6 (4.0)
7 - 9 (5.5)
7 - 9 (5.5)
4 - 13 (9.0)

Southwest

14 - 2
9 - 6 (4.5)
7 - 8 (6.5)
5 - 10 (8.5)
2 - 13 (11.5)

2006-07 League Leaders & Standings Through November
Portland Trailblazers Player Stats Through November

Portland Schedule Thus Far

November of 2006
(Click for Boxscores)

@ Seattle 84 - 93 L
@ Golden State 99 - 110 L
vs Minnesota 104 - 93 L
@ Los Angeles C 103 - 113 L
vs Los Angeles L 107 - 96 L
vs New Orleans 126-125 W
vs Dallas 101 - 79 W
@ Minnesota 107 - 99 W
@ Cleveland 100 - 98 L
@ Boston 109 - 90 W
@ New Jersey 109 - 92 L
vs San Antonio 100 - 99 L
vs New Jersey 124 - 103 L
@ Sacramento 94 - 69 W
vs Phoenix 107 - 96 W
vs Indiana 102 - 82 W

December of 2006

Dec 1st - vs Orlando
Dec 3rd - vs Atlanta
Dec 5th - @ Detroit
Dec 6th - @ Milwaukee
Dec 8th - @ Indiana
Dec 10th - @ Toronto
Dec 11th - @ Philadelphia
Dec 13th - @ Memphis
Dec 15th - vs LA Clippers
Dec 20th - vs Houston
Dec 22nd - vs Toronto
Dec 26th - @ Phoenix
Dec 27th - vs New Orleans
Dec 29th - vs Philadelphia
Dec 30th - @ Utah

[ThaSpecialist]

THE OWNER

Paul Allen of Mercer Island, Washington
(heading into his 19th year of ownership)

Paul Gardner Allen (born January 21, 1953) is an American entrepreneur whose fortune was founded when he formed Microsoft with Bill Gates. He regularly appears on lists of the richest people in the world; as of 2006 he is ranked by Forbes magazine as the sixth richest, worth an estimated $25.2 billion. He is the Chairman of Charter Communications, but is no longer a shareholder in Dreamworks Animation. He was recently invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS).

Allen also owns two professional sports teams: The Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League and the Portland Trail Blazers of the National Basketball Association.

In 1988, Allen purchased the Portland Trail Blazers NBA team for $70 million, and was instrumental in the development and funding of their Rose Garden Arena in 1993. One of Allen’s most memorable moments as owner of the Trail Blazers was his participation in a hot dog eating contest at halftime of a 2002 game against the Denver Nuggets. Allen managed to chow down ten hot dogs in 12 minutes.

Recently Allen has been asking Portland and Oregon officials for assistance in the financing of the Blazers, which he estimated would lose $100 million over the next three years. Portland Mayor Tom Potter has so far rebuffed the requests, and many Portland fans have been blaming Allen for the serious deterioration of the team's record, quality of play, and image in the community since 1996.

According to Forbes magazine in 2006, the Blazers are valued at approximately $300 million.

(The above copied from Wikipedia)

[ThaSpecialist]

THE COACH

Former Seattle Supersonics Star Nate McMillan
(heading into his 2nd year as the Trailblazers Head Coach)

Nate McMillan was named head coach of the Portland Trailblazers on July 7, 2005. McMillan joins the Trail Blazers after serving as Head Coach of the Seattle Supersonics since November 27, 2000, compiling an impressive record of 212-183 (.537) with the Blazers rivals. In 2004-05, he led the Sonics to a 52-30 record and a Northwest Division Championship. However, in 2005-06 the Blazers under his command finished at a disappointing 21-61 after a season of roster moves, and a general lack of chemistry for literally the entirety of the year.

A former 12 year pro who was drafted 30th overall in the 1986 draft by the Seattle Supersonics, the same team that he would start his coaching career with, McMillan retired from his NBA playing days after the 1997-98 season. He left the hardwood as the Sonic’s all-time leader in assists and steals. He is now ranked second in both categories and ranks in the team's all-time top-10 in eight other statistical columns. McMillan's #10 jersey also remains retired with the Supersonics, one of the highest honors a player can achieve for Seattle.

(The above copied from Wikipedia)

[ThaSpecialist]

THE STAFF

Scouting

Name/Age: Diego Garrido - 49
Contract: $503k/1 Year
Offense: A-
Defense: C
Athleticism: C
Overall: B-
Specialty: N/A
Hired: October 7th, 2006

About Him:

His scouting career included getting the low down on highschoolers such as T-Mac and Dwight Howard. Hopefully he can do the same for the Trailblazers.

Assistant Head Coach

Name/Age: Alfonso Souza - 56
Contract: $1.40M/3 Years
Rumors: A-
Development: B
Leadership: B-
Overall: A-
Speciality: Training
Hired: October 7th, 2006

About Him:

It's rumored that owner Paul Allen may of broken the bank here, but it could pay off in the end. Souza is considered one of the up and coming assistant coaches around the NBA, with stints under Arizona's Lute Olson at the NCAA level years back that played a major role in the development of current NBA ballers such as Gilbert Arenas, Richard Jefferson and Andre Iquodala.

Assistant

Name/Age: Wesley Collins - 42
Contract: $613k/1 Year
Offense: A-
Defense: C-
Athleticism: D-
Overall: C
Specialty: N/A
Hired: October 15th, 2006

About Him:

Collins, a good friend of former Utah Jazz star Jeff Hornacek, was a shooting instructor with both Utah and the Seattle Supersonics prior to landing in Portland. He was a friend of Head Coach Nate McMillan while McMillan coached in Seattle, and has taken most of the credit for helping shooter Rashad Lewis to perfect his jumpshot over the past few seasons.

Trainer

Name/Age: Emanuel Ibanez - 59
Contract: $405k/1 Year
Overall: C
Specialty: N/A
Hired: October 18th, 2006

About Him:

Ibanez, a former olympic high jump coach from the mid 90s, has a reputation for getting players back on the floor bright and early. Something that Head Coach Nate McMillan outlined as very important en route to achieving a winning record.

[ThaSpecialist]

THE SPOT




Welcome to the Rose Garden Arena

The Rose Garden Arena is the main sports arena in Portland, Oregon, USA and is currently managed by Global Spectrum, a company which manages sports facilities (and which also owns several sports franchises). On Feb 2nd, a letter of intent was signed with Vulcan inc. (Which Paul Allen owns) in which they will acquire the Rose Garden. The arena, which opened on October 12, 1995 with a ceremony to honor Blazers' fans and the construction workers who built it, was originally capable of seating 20,340 spectators for NBA basketball. Its capacity has since been reduced to 19,980 by subsequent modifications. At the time of its construction, the arena was a state-of-the-art facility. The first regular season game to be played at the Rose Garden was the Trail Blazers hosting the then-Vancouver Grizzlies on November 3, 1995.

Ground was broken in 1993 by Paul Allen, the owner of the Portland Trail Blazers basketball team, who are the arena's primary tenant. The name was chosen both to reflect the Portland's well-known status as the Rose City, and also in reference to the famous Boston Garden and Madison Square Garden arenas in Boston and New York City, respectively. The arena was initially owned by the Oregon Arena Corporation, a private corporation whose sole shareholder was Allen. Its construction was funded in part by a $155 million loan from a consortium of lenders who included TIAA-CREF, Prudential Insurance, and Farmers Insurance.

The Rose Garden was designed by the architectural firm Ellerbe Becket of Minneapolis, Minnesota.

[ThaSpecialist]

THE SQUAD


Centers:



#12 LaMarcus Aldridge

Age: 21
Years Pro: Rookie - drafted #2 overall in 2006 by CHI
School: Texas
Contract: $5.26M/4 Years
Size: 6'11" 240lbs

Coach's Word:

His 15 ppg and 9 rpg in college were huge for the Long Horns. We hope in time that he's prepared to put up those numbers for us on a nightly basis.

#10 Joel Przybilla

Age: 27
Years Pro: 6 - drafted 9th overall in 2000 by HOU
School: Minnesota
Contract: $6.40M/5 Years
Size: 7'1" 255lbs

Coach's Word:

He comes to play every night. He's ready to bang on the blocks and do the dirty work. Every team needs one of him to at least set examples for the others.

#20 Jamaal Magloire

Age: 28
Years Pro: 6 - drafted 19th overall in 2000 by CHA
School: Kentucky
Contract: $8.30M/1 Year
Size: 6'11" 259lbs

Coach's Word:

He's a fierce rebounder and shot blocker, with the added ability to put the ball in the hole when in the paint. A servicable Center, which is more than what some teams can say about theres.

[TomCat]

I like the look of this dynasty. I am a HUGE fan of the Blazers, so i hope that you can turn this team around. I am looking forward to LaMarcus Developing into a really good player, he has heaps of potential as the no.2 draft pick.

GO BLAZERS!!!

[ThaSpecialist]

THE SQUAD


Forwards:



#50 Zach Randolph

Age: 25
Years Pro: 5 - drafted 19th overall in 2001 by POR
School: Michigan St
Contract: $12.00M/5 Years
Size: 6'9" 253lbs

Coach's Word:

He has the abilities to develope into the next Elton Brand, if he's willing to put in the work. He's a fierce rebounder with the ability to score inside in several ways. Zach often struggles to be the leader on the floor that he's asked to be.

#23 Darius Miles

Age: 25
Years Pro: 6 - drafted 3rd overall in 2000 by LAC
School: East St Louis (HS)
Contract: $7.75M/4 Years
Size: 6'9" 210lbs

Coach's Word:

Wing span, quickness and leaping ability make this guy one of our premiere defenders against guards and slashers. We're still trying to get him to spot up a little more, but he's reluctant to shoot at times and easily frustrated. However, his speed and leaping ability make him more than servicable on the break.

#25 Travis Outlaw

Age: 22
Years Pro: 3 - drafted 23rd overall in 2003 by POR
School: Starkville (HS)
Contract: $1.53M/1 Year
Size: 6'9" 210lbs

Coach's Word:

He definately needs to become more of a threat outside of the paint in order to gain more minutes. Otherwise, Travis will struggle on this squad and exist only on the break where his leaping ability and decent speed are servicable.

#9 Raef LaFrentz

Age: 30
Years Pro: 8 - drafted 3rd overall in 1998 by DEN
School: Kansas
Contract: $10.91M/3 Years
Size: 6'11" 245lbs

Coach's Word:

We love this guy's versatility. His shooting touch is solid, and his ability to play both the 5 and the 4 allow us to go with smaller line-ups at times. He adds range to a line-up that lacks tremendously all the way around..

[ThaSpecialist]

THE SQUAD


Guards:



#8 Martell Webster

Age: 19
Years Pro: 1 - drafted 6th overall in 2005 by POR
School: Seattle Prep (WA)
Contract: $2.78M/3 Years
Size: 6'7" 210lbs

Coach's Word:

A solid swing man with a nice shooting touch for a youngster, Webster will fit into the rotation a lot better throughout the season once he's proven he can hang with the big boys and not get worn out so easy. We're excited about this kid's future.

#21 Dan Dickau

Age: 28
Years Pro: 4 - drafted 28th overall in 2002 by SAC
School: Gonzaga
Contract: $2.50M/2 Years
Size: 6' 190lbs

Coach's Word:

He's a shooter without a doubt, that much is obvious (as if coming out of Gonzaga did not give that away). He can run both the point and play the 2 at times, although we'd rather see him spotting up and knocking down jumpers instead of running the break.

#7 Brandon Roy

Age: 22
Years Pro: Rookie - drafted 5th overall in 2006 by MIN
School: Washington
Contract: $3.14M/4 Years
Size: 6'6" 215lbs

Coach's Word:

He's a hell of a guard who can do most anything from rebound, to slashing to shooting. He's an instinctive scorer and even quick enough to guard some of our opponents top threats. Portland has not been this excited to see a 1st rounder play in years.

#22 Fred Jones

Age: 27
Years Pro: 4 - drafted 14th overall in 2002 by IND
School: Oregon
Contract: $3.60M/3 Years
Size: 6'2" 218lbs

Coach's Word:

If only Freddie were a little taller. For the most part his skills as a scorer are only useful on the break, since his jump shot has yet to come along. His instincts are to get in the lane and make things happen, but his lack of court vision is another story.

#1 Jarrett Jack

Age: 23
Years Pro: 1 - drafted 22nd overal in 2005 by DEN
School: Georgia Tech
Contract: $1.14M/3 Years
Size: 6'3" 202lbs

Coach's Word:

He's another baller who can run the break and make things happen in transition, while his other abilities have yet to really blossom. But we'll work with him because he could have a bright future with a little help from good coaching and training. Similar to some of our other youth, the sky is the limit for this kid.

#11 Ime Udoka

Age: 29
Years Pro: 2 - undrafted
School: Portland St
Contract: $745k/1 Year
Size: 6'8 220lbs

Coach's Word:

A former NBDL'er, his combination of size and speed make him versatile. This guy may be able to do some damage on both ends of the court, especially against 3's and 2's whom he has a size/weight advantage over.

[ThaSpecialist]

I like the look of this dynasty. I am a HUGE fan of the Blazers, so i hope that you can turn this team around. I am looking forward to LaMarcus Developing into a really good player, he has heaps of potential as the no.2 draft pick.

GO BLAZERS!!!

Yessir ... you and me both about Mr. Aldridge. The kid is going to be an animal.

As for turning this team around, we're going to need an act of god here to do that in a year .. considering my settings and all. I'll be fortunate to shoot 25% from the arc with this squad. But in time, we'll be back to 1980's status. Maybe one more solid draft class and a big name free agent. (once I get their cap situation under control .. currently $13M in the hole)

This team is terrible. lol But I'm holding off on immediate trades. A lot of these guys have potential. They're young.

[TomCat]

yeah they do have potential, and a lot of it might i add.

it is great to see that you put Freddie in the roster. Are you up to date with all of the other trades around the league??

will you be playing every game, or simming??

[ThaSpecialist]

yeah they do have potential, and a lot of it might i add.

it is great to see that you put Freddie in the roster. Are you up to date with all of the other trades around the league??

will you be playing every game, or simming??

All team rosters are 100% up to date .. even though I am on a PS2. I manually updated each team before starting my Dynasty. (I hafta admit, I'd much rather have Juan than Feddie .. heh)

Playing every game.

But I don't think I'll have my first game up for a few days. I'm hosting a halo tournament this weekend. lol

[TomCat]

what is freddie's OVERALL RATING compared to juan's??

and also, where is "THE SPANISH MAGICIAN"????

[ThaSpecialist]

what is freddie's OVERALL RATING compared to juan's??

I think they're about even, but Juan can shoot! We already have enough slashers in Jack, Roy, Miles, Webster, Outlaw .. what we need are more shooters!

and also, where is "THE SPANISH MAGICIAN"????

Speaking of shooters .. yeah .. Sergio isn't even in the game. I could not find him. There were a few guys that they left out of 2007 for PS2. (Hassan Adams, rookie SG/SF out of Arizona as well)

[TomCat]

ok, looking forward to the end of the weekend so i can see some updates. CANT WAIT!!!

[ThaSpecialist]

The Rose City Sports Page Report

----<-@ @->----

Training Camp Results are in!

October 30th, 2006

The Portland Trailblazer's 2006-07 Training Camp recently wrapped up out in the Northwest, where several big name rookies including former Texas Longhorn's star LaMarcus Aldridge and former Washington guard Brandon Roy thoroughly put on a show.

"They demonstrated a desire to compete, and plenty of skill to do so at the NBA level," second year Head Coach Nate McMillan told the media during the team's annual post-camp press conference, where reporters were given the chance to fire away at the Blazers Coaching Staff with whatever was on their minds. "I think both will make an impact on this team at some point this year," McMillan would conclude, before allowing assistants Alfonzo Souza and Wesley Collins to take the stands to answer more in depth questions regarding the progress of the youth of the Rose City's hope for a better year.

However, several days later when McMillan finally revealed the Blazers starting line-up heading into their Game 1 date with arch rivals Seattle (in Seattle) the former Sonics star of a Coach suddenly found himself answering various questions from the media once again. Questions about how young Brandon Roy managed to unseat up and coming 19 year old Martell Webster, the Blazers 6th overall selection from a year ago, and how 2nd year pro Jarrett Jack weaseled his way into the starting line-up next to Roy to make for one very young back court.

"I think both Jarrett and Martell had pretty solid seasons last year," McMillan was quoted on saying, "But both Jarrett and Brandon (Roy) impressed us throughout camp enough to earn their opportunity to walk out on that court and start the game."

Throughout the Blazers offseason and preseason, there was speculation galore regarding the shooting of point guard Dan Dickau, a former Gonzaga star whom had made his living off big shots throughout his college days. Surprisingly though, Dickau did not make the starting line-up as he was forecasted to heading into training camp.

"Jarrett gives us a few more options at times," assistant head coach Alfonzo Souza told us when we phoned him to ask for some details on the decision as well, "He can get in the lane and create. He's bigger than Dan, and more physical of a defender. Really the two are just opposites, and we've decided to go with Jack because his game is a bit more versatile on both ends of the floor."

As for the decision to start Roy ahead of Webster, McMillan's answer to the media was real simple.

"Brandon has a few more years of experience on Martell, and he's played those years against some solid competition. It shows in his play on the court," the former Sonics' Star explained. "Theres no doubt in our mind that Martell will be a great player down the road. In fact you may see some glimpses of that with the two on the floor at the same time at some point this year."

The other starters named to begin the Blazers 2006-07 season were 6th year Center Jamaal Magloire, 5th year Power Forward Zach Randolph, and 6th year Small Forward Darius Miles.

For a complete look at the Blazers 2006-07 roster, along with assistant coach Wesley Collins' assessments on player progression/development, take a look at the link below.

Post Training Camp Depth Chart & Progression

[ThaSpecialist]

The Rose City Sports Page Report

----<-@ @->----

Blazer's 2006-07 November Schedule Unleashed

November of 2006

@ Seattle
@ Golden State
vs Minnesota
@ LA Clippers
vs LA Lakers
vs Charlotte
vs Dallas
@ Minnesota
@ Cleveland
@ Boston
@ New Jersey
vs San Antonio
vs New Jersey
@ Sacramento
vs Phoenix
vs Indiana

Gamer's Note: Real simple. I think opening the season in Seattle is rough. Clearly that Minnesota, Cleveland, Boston and New Jersey road trip is rough. Hopefully we can pick up some steam during our three previous home games (Lakers, Charlotte, Dallas) to make it through that four game road trip and come out at least 2-2.

[ThaSpecialist]

BLAZER'S GAME 1

Pre-Game Report

AT

When: November 1st @ 10:30pm
Where: Key Arena in Seattle, WA
Blazers Record: 0-0
Seattle Record: 0-0

Seattle Scouting Rap -

Three of their five starters in PG L.Ridnour, SG R.Allen and SF R.Lewis can bury the trey like it's nobody's business. Guarding these guys at the perimeter will be the key to winning this game. The Sonics both live and die by their outside shooting. If the Blazers can stay focused and disruptive around the arc, this game could be theres.

Portland's Priorities -

The Blazers are forecasted to go out in a mess of smoke in this game, but if they stay focused and keep the turnovers down, they should be able to hang in there with the Sonics, a team known to put up 110 if they're making their jumpers. Guards Brandon Roy, Jarrett Jack and Martwell Webster must stay focused on guarding the perimeter, while forwards Travis Outlaw and Darius Miles, both long-armed and athletic, have got to stay in extra-lanky 6'10" shooter Rashard Lewis' face regularly. Big men Zach Randolph, Jamaal Magloire and rookie center LaMarcus Aldridge must get rebounds and prevent the Sonics from getting 2nd chances at the basket.

Look For:

Coach Nate McMillan of the Blazers to insert monster Joel Przybilla if the Sonics are able to rebound their own bricks constantly.

[ThaSpecialist]

The Rose City Sports Page Report

Portland Drops Home Opener


Portland guards Jarrett Jack (left) and Brandon Roy (right) both
missed time against the Sonics due to ankle injuries. The two
combined for 15 of the Blazers 84 points which was not enough
in the 93-84 loss.

84
93

Box Score: (Click here for Full Team/Player Statistics)

Game Summary:

Just minutes into the Blazers season opener, second year guard Jarrett Jackson would sprain an ankle guarding the Sonics Luke Ridnour, an injury that would sideline him for a majority of the 1st half. But it seemed as if Jack was not the only Trailblazer struggling early, as the rest of the team would shoot a disappointing 7 of 21 from the field (a feat that triggered a 14-2 Sonics run at one point) throughout the first 12 minutes of the game. Such poor shooting led the visiting underdogs to a 10 pt deficit by the sound of the first quarter buzzer. (SEA ahead 25-15)

But throughout the 2nd quarter, it was the Blazers whom would rebound tough (literally) and bring themselves back from that 10 pt deficit, as rookie Center LaMarcus Aldridge would take over in scoring 6 of his team high (at the half) 10 pts while grabbing a trio of Offensive boards, a couple of them for impressive put backs. After a much-improved (11 of 21) shooting performance by the Blazers, and tough Defense on shooters Lewis/Allen (32 pts combined at the half) in the 2nd quarter, the score would sit at a more comfortable 43-38 heading into the 3rd, with the Blazers still looking up from a hole, yet certain that tough Defense and rebounding would at least keep them into this one to the end, as well as being careful to continuously slow the pace of the contest with half-court sets to consume the clock and keep the score low. (SEA 43-38)

Unfortunately the 3rd quarter would prove to be as unkind as the 1st, as the Blazers with another 7 of 24 shooting performance, would find themselves deeper in a hole. The Sonics following a hefty shooting performance (25 more pts) extended their lead to 11 heading into the final period of play, once again led by Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis .. a pair that combined for 13 of the 3rd quarter points alone. (SEA 68-57)

Then, early in the 4th an ankle injury to Blazers guard Brandon Roy (team high 13 pts on the game) certainly did not help the underdogs, as despite a game's best effort (27 pts scored in the 4th Q) the squad out of Oregon would fall with a final score of 93-84 to their long time rivals.

Reality's of the Game:

Despite shooting 44% from the field (equal to the Sonics) and grabbing 57 rebounds (15 Offensive) the Blazers would leave easy points at the charity stripe throughout the game (6 of 17) while turning the ball over 11 more times (18) to the Sonics much more careful 7 giveaways.

Leading scorers for the Blazers were Brandon Roy (13 pts, 3 assists), Zach Randolph (12 pts, 11 reb), Darius Miles (10 pts, 6 reb, 5 assist) and LaMarcus Aldridge (19 pts, 12 reb, 4 assist).

Playmakers for the Sonics included Rashard Lewis (32 pts, 13 reb) and Ray Allen (26 pts, 3 stl, 4 reb) predictably as the two would combine for 58 of the Sonics 93 pts on a solid 27 of 52 shooting.

While the Blazers played great perimeter Defense (Sonics just 4 of 16 from behind the arc) Seattle in the mean time stole the ball 11 times to Portland's mere 3 takeaways.

Rashard Lewis was the Gatorade Baller of the Game with 32 pts on 15 of 30 shooting (1/4 from 3pt) along with an assist and a blocked shot.

Game Photos:


Aldridge (right) making a move on Sonics center #31 Robert Swift.
The two clashed all game long in the post.


Sonics forward Rashard Lewis (#7) goes for a circus lay-up in
traffic for 2 of his game-high 32 points.


Rookie center LaMarcus Aldridge (#12) dangles from the rim following a
tough put-back for 2 of his 10 points in his first ever Regular Season
NBA career. In a game filled with Portland clouds, Aldridge remained
the team's lone bright spot.

[ThaSpecialist]

The Rose City Sports Page Report

Rookie Brandon Roy Will Sit


Roy (#7) suffered an injury late in yesterday's game that
kept him off the floor for the remainder of the contest. He
finished the Blazers season-opener with a team high 13 pts.

November 2nd, 2006

Blazers rookie shooting guard Brandon Roy will sit out tomorrow's game in Oakland, against the Golden State Warriors. Roy was injured in yesterday's contest against Portland's arch-rivals in the Seattle Supersonics early in the 4th quarter, a foot injury that proved impossible to conquer as the rookie would fail to return to the floor in the Blazers season-opening loss.

Early this morning Roy under went tests for an acute diagnosis. Trainer Emanuel Ibanez along with other Medical Staff officials later informed Head Coach Nate McMillan and Owner Paul Allen that Roy had strained his left achilles tendon, an injury that many deemed very serious.

The strain will keep Roy on the bench for the next Week before being re-assessed.

Coach McMillan was available for comment. |

"I can't say that I'm happy about it, but it's something we're going to have to deal with. Obviously you get a kid like this on your team, doing what he did while he was on the floor the first three quarters of the game against Seattle, and you want to see more of him. But things happen, and I'm confident that we have the depth to win."

The injury to the young and promising Roy instead has opened the door for the Blazers 19 year old 6th overall pick from a year ago in guard Martell Webster. Webster, who was surprised to find out that he was not starting this year come October 30th, was even more surprised when Roy's injury was diagnosed as serious enough to sit the rookie for a week without practicing, and limited mobility.

"I feel bad for him, but he's my dawg. We sparred all through camp, and I already let him know I wouldn't let 'im down," Webster was quoted, following the team's official medical release statement regarding the former Washington stud.

Webster is penciled in to start in Roy's place, while guards Fred Jones and Ime Idoku will likely back up the former highschool stud.

Post Injury Depth Chart & Progression

[ThaSpecialist]

BLAZER'S GAME 2

Pre-Game Report

AT

When: November 3rd @ 8pm
Where: The Oracle Arena in Oakland, CA
Blazers Record: 0-1
Seattle Record: 1-0

Warriors Inside Scoop -

Team Leaders:

Scoring: PF Al Harrington (27.0)
Rebounding: C Andris Biedrins (14.0)
Assists: PG Baron Davis (9.0)
Steals: SF Stephen Jackson (4.00)
Blocks: C Andris Biendrins (4.00)

Scorers in Jason Richardson, Baron Davis and Al Harrington can all put the ball in the rack in different ways. Centers Andris Biedrins and Adonel Foyle in the mean time are stone statues in the paint against slashers/dunkers. Guards Pietrus and Ellis know how to score off the bench, and will provide great relief for the starters. This Golden State team is one of the more talented in the last few years.

Portland's Priorities -

Team Leaders:

Scoring: SG Brandon Roy (13.0)
Rebounding: C LaMarcus Aldridge (12.0)
Assists: SF Darius Miles (5.0)
Steals: Miles, Outlaw & Roy tied (1.00)
Blocks: N/A

Portland is down a scorer with the loss of young Brandon Roy, but in his wake is even younger Martell Webster, who looked solid a game ago. Miles may wind up covering the high-flying Jason Richardson, which should leave Webster to get physical with Stephen Jackson. At guard, the Blazers intend to run a more even mix of Dickau and Jack, to keep Warriors guard Baron Davis on his toes. In the paint, big men LaMarcus Aldridge, Zach Randolph and Jamaal Magloire will need another big rebounding day to ensure a tough road victory for the Blazers throughout this one. Fred Jones is expected to back up Webster.

Look For:

Big men Aldridge, Randolph and LaFrentz to go after the Warriors shot blockers in hopes of getting them in foul trouble early.

[ThaSpecialist]

The Rose City Sports Page Report

Blazers Fall Apart In The Fourth


Golden State Guard Jason Richardson (#23) soars in for
one of numerous dunks on the night, as he led all scorers
with 33 points on a solid 15 of 24 shooting. Richardson
scored 21 of his 33 points in the 1st half against the Blazers.

99
110

Box Score: (Click here for Full Team/Player Statistics)

Game Summary:

After a sharp-shooting 1st Quarter (GSW 11/21, POR 10/20) and a dominating performance by Forward Stephen Jackson (6/8 with a trey, for 13 pts) the Warriors would take a 6 pt lead into the 2nd Quarter. (GSW 28-22)

But the young Blazers, playing harder with a noticeably-stouter Defense with the appearance of rookie LaMarcus Aldridge under the basket on both ends of the floor, would ultimately battle back to tie the game with 6:13 to play in the half on a high-flying Darius Miles dunk. Golden State would continue to keep the edge, and throughout the remainder of the half stay up a few points at a time with the Blazers tying several more times. Yet by the end of the 2nd Quarter the visiting underdogs would remain down 54-53, with the Warriors and high-flying Jason Richardson (21 pts in 24 minutes) shooting a solid 55% from the field. Impressively enough the Blazers 57% from the field at the half (25/44) wouldn't be enough to capture the lead just yet. (GSW 54-53)

Then, after quickly grabbing the lead for as long as the first 4 minutes of the 3rd Quarter, the Blazers would simply fall apart .. while Warriors Stephen Jackson and Baron Davis took over. Together the two combined for 18 of the Warriors 29 points scored in the 3rd. 2nd string Center Adonel Foyle in the mean time would possibly hurt the Blazers the most with 3 tough Offensive rebounds, a blocked shot and a steal throughout the quarter. (GSW 83-79)

Portland's poor 2nd half play would carry over into the 4th and final Quarter as the team would open up with 5 missed wide open shots, before allowing the Warriors to go on a 11-0 run just minutes in. In the end a weary Blazers squad would shoot just 35% from the field to finish out the game with their lowest quarter of scoring. (GSW wins 110-99)

Reality's of the Game:

Despite draining 39% of their treys to the Warriors 24%, and registering 9 more assists as a team (27 to 18) than the home team, the Blazers would still fall short of a victory.

While high-flyer Jason Richardson would score 21 of his game-high 33 points in the 1st half, point guard Baron Davis would score 20 of his 32 in the 2nd half.

Davis was the Gatorade Baller of the Game with 32 points, 13 assists, 6 rebounds and a pair of steals on the night.

Game Photos:


Blazers Forward Darius Miles (#23) flys in for a two-handed
jam as Warriors Center Adonel Foyle (#31) lingers nearby.
Miles led all Blazers in minutes with 31 on the night, but
produced a mere 8 points as a result.


Baron Davis (#5) of the Warriors was voted Player of the
Game after dropping 20 of his 32 points in the 2nd half to
ultimately run the Blazers right off the floor. Davis also
registered 13 assists on the night.


Driving the lane is Blazers guard Jarrett Jack (#1) who
despite playing only 20 minutes, had a solid evening with
13 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists to just 1 turnover.

[ThaSpecialist]

BLAZER'S GAME 3

Pre-Game Report

AT

When: November 4th @ 8pm
Where: The Rose Garden Arena, Portland, OR
Blazers Record: 0-2
T-Wolves Record: 2-0

A Look at the T-Wolves -

Team Leaders:

Scoring: Garnett/Blount tied (21.5)
Rebounding: PF Kevin Garnett (11.5)
Assists: PF Kevin Garnett (5.5)
Steals: Garnett/Blount tied (2.00)
Blocks: SF Ricky Davis (2.00)

Garnett and Davis are the T-Wolves scorers, and they'll need to be played tough in order for the Blazers to succeed. Davis in particular, as he can score from just about anywhere on the floor, especially on the break. Guards James, Hudson and Jaric are all shooters around the perimeter. Big men Mark Blount, Eddie Griffin and Mark Madsen essentially have jobs in the NBA due to their rebounding abilities and height.

Portland's Priorities -

Team Leaders:

Scoring: PF Zach Randolph (15.0)
Rebounding: C Jamaal Magloire (8.5)
Assists: SG Martell Webster (5.0)
Steals: SG Martell Webster (1.50)
Blocks: C LaMarcus Aldridge (0.50)

Without Roy the Blazers still nearly scored 100 points a game ago, on 51% shooting. A repeat of such a performance could result in a victory this time around, as they'll be playing in Portland as well. PF Zach Randolph should play stud PF Kevin Garnett aggressively, since the only real way to stop Garnett is to keep him off the floor and in foul trouble. SF Darius Miles may have his hands full against high-flying Ricky Davis. Webster, Dickau and Jack will continue to look for shots outside, while Aldridge, Magloire and LaFrentz pound the boards strategically.

Look For:

Nate McMillan to call for double teams on Kevin Garnett all game long if he tries posting up repeatedly.

[ThaSpecialist]

The Rose City Sports Page Report

Blazers No Match For T-Wolves


Blazers Forward Ime Udoku (left) and Minnesota Forward
Ricky Davis (right) scramble for a loose ball during this past
Saturday Night's match-up where Portland hosted the
T-Wolves for what turned out to be an interesting match-up.
The underdog Trailblazers lost at 104-93, but gave the
T-Wolves a run for their money through the 2nd and 3rd
Quarters.

104
93

Box Score: (Click here for Full Team/Player Statistics)

Game Summary:

The Blazers shooting woes continued right before the eyes of their own home crowd, as Portland in the 1st Quarter facing the undefeated (2-0) Minnesota T-Wolves would launch a disappointing 10 of 26 from the field, including 6 bricks from the charity line. And if not for a 6-0 run in the final 47 seconds of the quarter, the score would look far worse, with the Blazers leaving points all over the floor. Instead they'd wind up down by 9, with the Minnesota guards (McCants, Jaric) combining for 22 of the T-Wolves 29 points. (MIN 29-20)

Similar to the 1st quarter would the Blazers leave points on the floor as well in the 2nd, but more importantly for Portland was the awakening of Superstar Kevin Garnett, whom after a quiet 1st 12 minutes .. would go off for 12 of his 16 points at the half to ultimately dominate the 2nd. 3 of his 7 Offensive rebounds in the Quarter alone resulted in direct points. Seemingly powerless, the Blazers would stand by as Garnett, McCants and Jaric (shooting 8 of 10) built a 19 pt lead, before the home team once again went on a quarter-closing run to narrow the gap to 13 at the half. (MIN 59-46)

Looking to capitalize on momentum spawned by a 6-0 run in the final minutes of the 1st half, the Blazers would come out aggressive in the 2nd, and astonishingly enough narrow the Minnesota lead to just 5 pts several times, before the T-Wolves (led by Davis with 7 pts in the period) would once again begin to pull away. But to the rescue was big man Jamaal Magloire (6 pts) and Webster (5 pts) whom would both ignite an Offense that would close out the period strong, and once again with a ton of momentum due to holding the T-Wolves to just 19 pts (after two 25+ pt quarters). (MIN 78-70)

Then, in the 4th after a strong start to cut the Minnesota lead to 4, the Blazers would once again collapse from blown lay-ups, missed wide open shots and a nagging inability to convert on free throws. Led by guard Rashad McCants and Kevin Garnett (12 pts combined in the period) the T-Wolves would explode mid-way through the quarter to once again construct a 10+ pt lead that the Blazers would feebly attempt to chip away at, but to no success by the final buzzer. (MIN Wins 104-93)


Reality's of the Game:

Minnesota guards Rashad McCants and Marco Jaric would combine for 57 of the T-Wolves 104 points as yet another team would expose the Trailblazers' severe lack of Defense in their back court.

Blazers forward Darius Miles did a number on Minnesota forward Ricky Davis, as Davis would finish the contest with a mere 10 points on a frustrating 4 of 15 shooting night.

Six blazers (Magloire, Webster, Aldridge, Randolph, Dickau, Miles) all scored in double figures. With 12 rebounds and 10 points, center Jamaal Magloire registered his 1st double-double of the year.

Portland once again left 10+ points at the FT line with a horrid 6 of 21 shooting night from the charity stripe. Connecting on at least 70% of their Free throws could of made this an entirely different ball game.

For the 2nd straight game the Blazers once again saved their worst shooting quarter for last, with yet another 37% performance in the final period of a loss.

All NBA Power Forward Kevin Garnett dominated the boards all game long with 21 (of the team's 60) rebounds, 7 of which he pulled down Offensively. Garnett also scored 29 points and registered a pair of assists, a pair of blocks and a pair of steals as the Gatorade Baller of the Game.


Game Photos:


Portland Forward Zach Randolph (#50) stuffs a put-back
for 2 of his team high 15 pts. Randolph also registered 7
rebounds and a steal in the Blazer's loss to the T-Wolves.


T-Wolves Forward Kevin Garnett (#21) was predictably
unstoppable en route to leading the T-Wolves to their
3rd victory this Week, while scoring 29 points and
grabbing a season-high 20 rebounds as well. Garnett
was voted Gatorade Baller of the Game for his
efforts.



Minnesota Forward Ricky Davis (#31) was surprisingly
quiet against the Blazers, as he'd score a mere 10 pts on
an awful 4 of 15 shooting. Taking the bulk of the credit
for Davis' off night were forwards Ime Udoku (pictured
above) and Darius Miles, whom both succeeded in
keeping a hand in Davis' face throughout the game.

[ThaSpecialist]

BLAZER'S GAME 4

Pre-Game Report

AT

When: November 6th @ 930pm
Where: The Staples Center Arena, Los Angeles, CA
Blazers Record: 0-3
Clippers Record: 0-3

The Clippers at a Glance -

Team Leaders:

Scoring: PF Elton Brand (17.3)
Rebounding: PF Elton Brand (8.7)
Assists: PG Shaun Livingston (5.7)
Steals: Mobley, Maggette, Livingston, Ross all tied (1.33)
Blocks: PF Elton Brand (2.00)

The Clippers are a dangerous, under-rated team with athletic, sizable guards in Corey Maggette, Shaun Livingston and Cuttino Mobley. Off the bench are reliable shooters in veterans Sam Cassell and Tim Thomas. Big men Elton Brand and Chris Kaman can block shots, pound the glass and score inside when needed. (both are averaging 17 ppg or better in the team's 3 games this year) Defenders off the bench in Quinton Ross and Aaron Williams are solid role players.

Portland's Priorities -

Team Leaders:

Scoring: PF Zach Randolph (15.0)
Rebounding: C Jamaal Magloire (9.7)
Assists: SG Martell Webster (5.3)
Steals: PG Dan Dickau (1.57)
Blocks: SG Ime Udoku (0.50)

Portland needs to get better production out of their guards. These guys are accounting for too many missed wide open opportunities. There needs to be more work done on the boards as well. 2 days ago the Blazers were killed on the Offensive Rebounds, which led to the T-Wolves ridiculous 60-board night. Getting rebounds and reducing 2nd looks has to be a priority for the Blazers big men, who haven't even been blocking shots this year. However, as an entire team, this group has to make their shots when open. They're leaving too many points on the floor by failing to knock down wide open jumpers.

Look For:

Coach Nate McMillan to go with lanky SF Darius Miles at the point if Shaun Livingston's height is too great for guards Jarrett Jack and Dan Dickau to defend.