Trailblazers win against Orlando.
24/11/2004
The Trailblazers go to the TD Waterhouse center to verse the Orlando Magic.
Starting line-ups
The Orlando Magic are starting with 2 point guards. Quentin Richardson is playing his first game for the Trailblazers.
1st Half Recap
The first quarter was really even, with the quarter ending with both teams on 26 points. Both Zach Randolph and Pavel Podkolzing received minor injuries and the coaching staff are not sure about making them return.
Randolph with the put back.

Quentin Richardson showing us why he is wanted in Portland.
The quarter started off even then the Magic made an 8-0 run so Zach Randolph decided to return to the floor. He made an instant impact scoring the Blazers next 8 points but his team mates weren't helping him on the defensive end. Zach Randolph continued his streak then in the final 10 seconds of the half, Derek Anderson made 2 steals, a basket and an assist to a Damon Stoudamire basket and that tied the game at 52 a piece.
Shareef Abdur-Rahim on the fast break.

Zach Randolph was too powerful.
Key players At the Half
Zach Randolph and Steve Francis
2nd Half Recap
The quarter was pretty much an even affair again. Pavel Podkolzin decided to return to the floor for some playing time. Then Zach Randolph injured his leg again and won't be returning to the game. Shareef Abdur-Rahim suffered an injury as well, it wasn't a good day for injuries. But because of that injury and the foul on shot, the trailblazers tied up the game. The Trailblazers stayed strong and finished the quarter ahead 73 to 70.
Zach's final basket of the match.

Darius using his Frequent Flyers points.
The 4th quarter was still an arm wrestle between the teams. Shareef Abdur-Rahim decided to check back in. Both teams went shot for shot, it was quite phenomenal. The Magic made a 4 point lead then the Trailblazers came back and took at 1 point lead with 1:43 to go. Both teams went shot for shot then a Darius Miles rejection gave the Trailblazers a small advantage. The Magic began fouling and Damon Stoudamire sunk both his Free Throws. Grant Hill sunk a jump shot and it was more Free Throws for Damon. He sunk both of them and sealed the game at 107-104.
Darius inspired his team.
Player of the Game
Steve Francis
Despite his team's loss, Steve Francis managed 45 points.
Boxscores
Portland Trailblazers
Orlando Magic
Quentin Richardson, "I was having an off night, bad to see 3 of our talls injured, they might need to stay out of a few games."
Steve Francis, "I was ripping 'em, ah well, what can ya do."
Injury Update.
Unfortunately, Zach Randolph is out for 6 weeks with a broken foot. This is extremely bad news for the team, fans and his career.
Also Shareef Abdur-Rahim has a sprained wrist and will be out for 9 days.
Pavel Podkolzin only received a minor elbow injury and won't miss any games.
These injuries will force Pavel Podkolzin to start as Center, Darius Miles to play as a Power Forward and Boris Diaw to play at the Small Forward starting spot.
We wish all the best to Zach Randolph for a quick and easy recovery.
Bye,
magadag25
Sports writer and Columnist