Game 16 Recap: Blazers 106, Heat 68

by Dave on Nov 26, 2008 11:46 PM PST Comment 76 comments

General Observations

It’s nice when the Blazers make things easy, isn’t it? They jumped all over the Heat in the first quarter and cruised to the win from there. The victory was highlighted by a complete lack of selfishness on offense and a defense that refused to let Dwyane Wade go free and dared someone--anyone--else to beat us. That didn’t even come close to happening. It was a masterful game by the Blazers all around and it looked like everyone in crimson and black had fun tonight.

The keys to jumping ahead were several. First we came with incredible hustle, spearheaded by Nicolas Batum who had an amazing run in the first quarter. Second we fed our big men who also got good looking shots. There’s a take-away point here that’s generally held true this season. When we score primarily through our guards we tend to win close games. When we score primarily through our big men we tend to dominate. Of course you need both, but the participation of our power forwards and centers is so crucial to prevent this from becoming last years jump-shooting team. We also did an incredible job recognizing what the Miami defense gave us. One of the things we haven’t talked about much yet is that the Blazers are making real progress in dealing with the zone this year, which used to be a real bugaboo for them. Zone or man-to-man, they beat the Miami defense tonight by refusing to keep the ball in any one player’s hands for more than a couple heartbeats. ‘Twas poetry to watch.

After the first period the job became making sure Wade didn’t foment a comeback. To be fair, Miami employed almost the same strategy against Brandon Roy. But here’s a lesson for the league. If you and Portland trade shutting down your key guys, the rest of Portland’s players will probably beat the rest of your players. In this case, with Miami already shorthanded, it was about 34 points worth of beating. Our bench had a 26 point advantage over theirs. That’s nasty. Miami did make a nice defensive push in the third and early fourth, forcing the Blazers farther outside. Sergio Rodriguez pretty much put a stop to that by alley-ooping their brains out. A few dunks and it was over.

As one might expect in a blowout the Blazers dominated nearly every measurable category: 49.4% to 34.5% overall shooting, 42.3% to 10.5% three-point shooting (!), 20 foul shots to 10, 55 rebounds to 28 (!!!), 31 assists on 39 made shots compared to 14 assists on 29 made shots…it was total annihilation. The only area where Miami played their usual game was forcing turnovers, but even then they only created a 6 point advantage. They could have quadrupled that and still not come close.

Individual Observations

Lamarcus Aldridge got back on track tonight by moving around, not hold the ball too long, and letting the game come to him instead of forcing the offense. He shot 7-10 for 16 points with 7 rebounds and 3 blocks. Lesson learned?

Maybe we should do features about Nicolas Batum more often because he was the spark plug that fired our quick start. He was all over the place rebounding, stealing, passing, running, and shooting. It was his best game so far. 6-9 shooting, 3-4 three-pointers, 15 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals in 22 minutes.

Greg Oden played 26 minutes and hit a jump hook and a face up jumper! Zoinks! More importantly he grabbed 10 rebounds, blocked a shot, and only turned the ball over once. He did commit 4 personal fouls but these were of the obvious rookie center kind and not particular to anything Oden does. He notched a double-double by adding 10 points. He shaved his beard too, which takes about 20 years off of his face.

Brandon Roy shot 2-11 but seemed to realize that he didn’t need to take over this game to make a difference. He only had 8 points but he got 7 rebounds and 6 assists. He deserved a night off after Monday. I am thinking Brandon still doesn’t look that comfortable running the point though.

Steve Blake shot 2-8 for 8 points plus 3 assists. He struggled with 4 turnovers. It’s OK because Sergio had his back (and a few of his minutes).

Rudy Fernandez also got back on track tonight, largely because the chemistry with Sergio clicked again. You knew when his first couple threes connected it was going to be a better night for him. Watch that in the future and see if it holds. He moved well without the ball again, got open for threes and alley-oops, and ended up 5-10 for 13 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists in 19 minutes.

Sergio Rodriguez played 20 minutes and got 11 assists. The game was broken open before he got in there and he looked relaxed but confident and alert. This was the best of Sergio again…his second straight good game. He had 3 rebounds in addition to his assists but it doesn’t matter what else he did, he kept the team rolling. Great point guard play from him tonight.

Joel Przybilla had 4 points, 4 blocks, and 9 rebounds. Mostly he set good picks and made you feel confident that the Blazers had a capable defensive anchor when Oden went down. That’s a great role for Joel and the standing ovation he got upon exiting the game was well-deserved. Smart crowd there.

Channing Frye continued the resurgence of Blazer forwards, hitting 7 of 11 shots, mostly jumpers, on his way to 17 points, which led the Blazers. When Channing is on he not only spreads the defense, he makes Sergio’s assist box ring like a pinball machine.

Travis Outlaw shot 5-8 and hit the only shot that looked truly horrible in the bunch. 15 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 4-4 free throws, decent defense…good game.

Jerryd Bayless played 6 minutes without attempting a shot but netted 4 rebounds and an assist. Ike Diogu got a cup of coffee and missed two shots.

Final Thoughts

Miami was just overmatched tonight. You can’t really beat Portland with one player. You can’t guard Greg Oden with small people. You can’t let the Blazers move the ball or get confidence. You can’t stop the Blazers unless you account for at least 3-4 players instead of just 1. And you can’t beat home cookin’.

There will be a stricter test on Friday. I believe we’re going to win that one too.

You can read about the Miami woes at PeninsulaIsMightier

You can see the Jersey Contest results here. Something’s up with the entry form for the New Orleans game but it should be fixed soon. Don’t enter until it’s fixed. [Edit:] The glitch is fixed but we still have black text on a black background. Until that's taken care of you just have to highlight the questions by dragging your mouse around them in order to see them.

--Dave (blazersub@yahoo.com)

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Comments

Sounds like a great performance

I’m going to Friday’s game at the Garden. Looking forward to it. Don’t follow the team super closely, but enjoy reading Blazers Edge occasionally and making it to the RG every now and then.

Love the site.

--JB--

by Jake Bertalotto on Nov 26, 2008 11:51 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Great win

I’ll never get sick of these blowout wins! I’m especially happy with LaMarcus’ play. Happy Thanksgiving!

by neutroticblazerfan on Nov 27, 2008 12:02 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Did Dave just predict a win against an elite team?

When is the last time THAT happened?

The most amazing thing about my amazing ego is I have amazingly little about which to be egotistical.
The pick and roll this year will emphasize "roll" followed by "dunk", followed by the wailings and lamentations of your women.

by jscot on Nov 27, 2008 12:04 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

It happened a couple times last year.

I find I’m much better at longer-range predictions though. My next-game predictions are hit and miss. I’m usually dead on about what’s going to happen over the course of a year though.

—Dave

by Dave on Nov 27, 2008 12:13 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Hmm

Do you still like your 45 win prediction for this season?

by jscot on Nov 27, 2008 12:19 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I said 45-48 didn't I?

I forget, but I know there was some leeway. 45-46 at least.

And no, I don’t like it at this point. But we’ll see. I hope I’m short by 10.

However I will say this. One of the things that I intensely DISLIKE about predictions, especially the high ones, is that when they come true the team gets short-changed significantly. For instance, it’s incredible that the Blazers have made it this far and are 10-6. It’s amazing and a HUGE credit to them, the coaches, and everybody involved. But instead because people predicted 55+ wins in the first place (which was high) all of that gets reduced to, “See, I was RIGHT!” In one sense even a donkey can draw to an inside straight now and then. But in another, bigger sense the point of 55 wins (should they come) should be how fantastic the team has done, not that it was expected and look at me for telling you so. People should be jumping for joy that the Blazers have pulled out these wins. Instead it tends more towards, “Ho-hum, I called it” or “Why aren’t they winning more?”

—Dave

by Dave on Nov 27, 2008 2:06 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

You just say that because

it is ME that gets to say, “See, I was RIGHT!” instead of YOU!

Neener, neener, neener.

Ok, fair point. But actually, I never thought 55 was high when I predicted it, just like I didn’t think 39 was high last year. It didn’t stop me from enjoying last year, and it won’t stop me this year, either, even if we only end up with 52 or whatever.

It isn’t me that is griping about how they are playing or why aren’t they winning more. Predictions and fan-dom are two different things, actually. If we’re going to make predictions, I’m going to shelve my fan-dom and look at the team and what I think (not want, but think, as in using the grey matter) they will accomplish.

This team could still hit TiH’s silly 61 win prediction. I don’t think it will happen, though. But as long as they do what they can, play hard, provide entertainment, and work towards the championships to come, it will be a great year, even if I turn out to have been an idiot and they “only” win 45.

But it WON’T stop me from bragging if my guess turns out right. Sorry. You can just forget about that.

by jscot on Nov 27, 2008 3:13 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

They only need to win 16 more road games and then I'm right

I’m starting to think they’ll go undefeated at home. Even if they do, I’ll complain about Oden’s +/-. It was only +15 today and it should have been at least +20.

by tominhawaii on Nov 27, 2008 5:51 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

+15?

All I’ll say is this: the man has a ways to go before reaching Shavlik Randolph territory.

—Dave

by Dave on Nov 27, 2008 8:30 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

LOL

YOU predicted 55? Had I known that I would have changed my prediction right away!

You can brag all you want if they reach that. Just make sure to acknowledge what a remarkable feat it was…because it will be.

—Dave

by Dave on Nov 27, 2008 8:29 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Yes, that's a good point

If you weren’t aware of MY prediction, it’s no wonder you got it wrong. MY prediction is the most important data point of all.

For you, not knowing that, it was a simple case of GIGO. Your problem wasn’t poor analysis, it was lazy research. You should have asked me.

by jscot on Nov 27, 2008 1:49 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

My prediciton...

After the last draft, I predicted 55 wins, and everyone laughed at me to my face. I stood strong, and took it like a man… RIght now, the Blazers are on schedule to win 50 games, they have played the toughest schedule in the league, (without their best long distance shooter, Webster), and will only improve in the second half. I think 55 wins is still VERY possible. I think a 4 seed in the playoffs is about right, and I won’t be suprised to see them play deep into the second round.

"When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace." Jimi Hendrix

by philly420pdxhilo on Nov 27, 2008 1:58 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

We're right together on that

We’re ahead of where I expected we’d be (in # of wins), even with the injuries to Martell and Greg.

We are behind in terms of the team melding together, and that is probably mostly due to injuries. But even that is starting to happen, we’re seeing glimpses of a strong team defensive scheme and some really good-looking offense at times, too.

Nothing, good or bad, will surprise me in the playoffs. We have overwhelming talent and virtually no experience. Anything could happen.

by jscot on Nov 28, 2008 1:53 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

You are short by 6 if you predict that they will will 45

but only 3 if you predict 48.

Last year 41 – previous year 31. This year = 51. Easy peasy, – Elgin.

All the kids who played the blues would learn my licks with a bottleneck slide. - Richard Palmer-James

by 22baylor on Nov 27, 2008 3:50 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Uno problemo

We won 32 the year before.

It went 21 wins, 32, and then 41,

I predicted 51 and 31, because I think we can get around there, and because I like the #31.

Morty

by Mortimer on Nov 28, 2008 12:13 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

d'oh

thanks Mort – Elgin.

All the kids who played the blues would learn my licks with a bottleneck slide. - Richard Palmer-James

by 22baylor on Nov 28, 2008 10:40 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

but - I'm sticking with 51 also

- Elgin

All the kids who played the blues would learn my licks with a bottleneck slide. - Richard Palmer-James

by 22baylor on Nov 28, 2008 10:41 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

and what was your season win prediction...?? do I remember 47-48 wins??

Uh Oh! (and this “Uh Oh” doesn’t involve Jerome, Terry and Buck…)

by Bust a Bucket on Nov 27, 2008 12:19 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

sorry Dave, but you're like Tiger Woods

we have to criticize when you miss a 15 foot put that nobody else is expected to make… but we still point it out.

by Bust a Bucket on Nov 27, 2008 12:21 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Hey, no problem

I am usually the first person to point out when I’m wrong about something. And right now mid-40’s is looking low. One thing I’ve learned is that it’s a long season, however. Longer when you’re young. Longer when you’re skirting injuries. Gotta see how it plays out. But if we win 50+ I’ll be more than happy to say, “I guessed low! YESSSS!”

—Dave

by Dave on Nov 27, 2008 2:08 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

It is a long season and things could possibly go south like last year

when we were feeling pretty chipper in first place in the Northwest Div. after the winning streak. Hopefully that doesn’t happen this time.

by Bust a Bucket on Nov 27, 2008 10:59 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

What am I supposed to complain about when everyone plays flawlessly?

Blazer Fan

by leeroyjenkins on Nov 27, 2008 12:12 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

ps. these 30-40 point wins are really helping us in Hollinger's rankings woot!

Blazer Fan

by leeroyjenkins on Nov 27, 2008 12:13 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Really a problem for you, Leeroy

You have my sympathy. I posted a fanpost that should help you out with this.

by jscot on Nov 27, 2008 12:20 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm sick of Ike taking all Shav's minutes

by tominhawaii on Nov 27, 2008 5:52 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

This team reminds me of the Oregon (football) spread offense

when it’s clicking, there is nothing you can do to stop it.

Is it championship capable? That’s very debatable. But it’s sure fun to watch.

Thanks for the recap Dave! Go Blazers!

by Bust a Bucket on Nov 27, 2008 12:17 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Championship capable?

Not yet… But playing this well BEFORE taking advantage of RLEC and the rest of that cap space makes the outlook pretty optimistic once KP does get a chance to work his magic.

Q: Is Greg favoring his knee?
Frye: He favors dunking on your head, that's what he favors.

by KP Corleone on Nov 27, 2008 9:27 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

This team could win it all as presently constructed

once they get a little experience, and really learn to play together.

Adding a major pick up with the cap space just isn’t fair. It also won’t actually happen unless it will actually improve the team.

by jscot on Nov 27, 2008 1:51 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

An addendum regarding Batum

Not only was he a big key in the fast start, he came up big 2 other times;
1) the Heat pulled within 13. McMillan inserted him with about 4 minutes and change remaining in the half. You could feel the momentum shift back to Portland instantly and they finished the half up 19. When he came in it gave Portland so much stronger defense…

2) in the second half Miami pulled within 14 and looked like they were making their run, having hit 5 quick points. Batum made a great scramble play, stepped back, hit the trey, and it was over.

Love seeing guys who may be getting no minutes shortly put that moment off for a bit with huge performances like this.

"Diplomacy is the art of saying, "Nice Doggie" until you find a rock."
Will Rogers

"Suppose you were an idiot. Now suppose you were a member of Congress...but I repeat myself."
Will Rogers

by Darth Weasel on Nov 27, 2008 12:21 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Nic was great.... and really spoiled the return of Martell

because I’m a big Martell homer and now I don’t know what to do. Bench Channing? I guess… Take minutes from Channing and Outlaw. Nic has got to continue starting until/if we lose two games in a row.

by Bust a Bucket on Nov 27, 2008 12:24 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

i agree

he is an amazing spark. I hope he at least gets some good burn off the bench.

by Blazin' on Nov 27, 2008 12:57 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Bench him

He’s just a rookie.

by tominhawaii on Nov 27, 2008 5:53 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Should we try to carve out some SF minutes for Shav?

by Bust a Bucket on Nov 27, 2008 11:01 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I don't see how it can hurt

It’s pretty lame that the team keeps blowing opponents out Shav doesn’t even get to be in uniform. It’s lame. I hate Ike. Shav went 9 for 9 in a preseason game!

by tominhawaii on Nov 27, 2008 1:33 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I agree, Ike sucks. But he gets paid more and theoretically has more trade value (though other teams may frown upon him as well)

We gotta unload Ike w/ RLEC so Shav can get some play.

by Bust a Bucket on Nov 27, 2008 6:05 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm pretty sure I need to write a FanPost about it

Shav’s pers, +/-, and per 48 have got to be better than Ike’s. Dumb stat folks don’t compile those numbers for guys who don’t play. Pretty lame if you axe me. It doesn’t matter, it all comes back to poor coaching. Shav should be starting.

by tominhawaii on Nov 28, 2008 4:31 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

You know Nate has a man crush on Ike. Free Shav! Fire Nate!

Sergio + Rudy = 16
Sergio + Bayless = 16
Batum 8+8=16

by amlmart1 on Nov 28, 2008 9:47 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

rec

by tominhawaii on Nov 28, 2008 9:12 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I think this game tonight was Outlaw's ticket out of town.

Jerryd Bayless has two emotions: Kill and Win.

"I want to put points on your face."
-Rudy to Pau Gasol

NorrisHopper30: "someone injure pubert jones"

by rockingharder on Nov 27, 2008 1:12 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I thought Trout played great though

If Outlaw is capable of consistently playing like that – only one questionable shot, great ball movement, attacking the rack – I’m not sure what will happen…

It would seem Nic, Martell and Trout can’t all coexist, and if the Blazers end up moving RLEC before the trade deadline, Trout’s a logical inclusion. But he seems to be listening to the coaches and really playing solid ball right now.

Can’t keep everyone, but his scoring off the bench together with Rudy is a luxury few teams have. Assuming Nic is staying, is Nic/Martell a better fit than Nic/Trout? It’ll be interesting to see how Martell plays, but Trout brings some things to the table than neither Nic nor Webster can really do, and those guys are both glue guys that play well without the ball in the starting lineup.

Q: Is Greg favoring his knee?
Frye: He favors dunking on your head, that's what he favors.

by KP Corleone on Nov 27, 2008 9:33 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

KP's a talented scout and observer

If Outlaw is headed out of town, KP was already aware of it long before this game.

by Timmay! on Nov 27, 2008 12:01 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

give a hand to boom boom

I really like this kid. He is totally aware. Eyes wide open. Wanting to learn and be here, right now. Nic Batum is the real deal. The jquick article about he and his mom seemed sincere and endearing. He just seems like you and I. Reaching for the ball. Go Blaze!

Throw it Down Big Fella, Two Hands! Booomshackalacka!

by big fella on Nov 27, 2008 2:20 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Did you mean Batuuumshackalacka!

GO
THE TEACHER ......come into my classroom "THE PAINT" for some tutelage.

by Blazer1342 on Nov 27, 2008 2:21 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Do they get tickets for roadtrips?

They take a private plane so I doubt they have to carry a ticket or boarding pass.

by tominhawaii on Nov 27, 2008 5:54 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Miama Roster

I just noticed that according to the box score, all seven players on their bench with the lone exception of Daequan Cook are either a point guard or a center. That’s 4 PGs and 4 Cs in their rotation. Interesting balance.

by pualo on Nov 27, 2008 12:31 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

kudos to P. Riley... or Pat R.

by Bust a Bucket on Nov 27, 2008 12:32 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

One thing I loved

Is when Joel didn’t back down when tussling with D Wade. Sometimes that can piss the opposing star off (ie, K*be in the season opener), but othertimes its good to let the other team know they won’t get away with BS.

My respect for Joel this season has jumped tenfold.

If you're paddling upstream in a canoe and a wheel falls off, how many pancakes fit in a doghouse? None! Ice cream has no bones!

by Arby on Nov 27, 2008 12:45 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

That was money

and Mike and Mike acknowledge the risk of pissing him off… but you can’t worry about that as a player… you gotta stand up like Joel always does.

by Bust a Bucket on Nov 27, 2008 12:54 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I've always liked Wade...

But I think his 20 mph karate chops in the general direction of the basketball (some of which, amazingly, were not called as fouls), and all the elbows, are a little dirty. I was glad to see both Joelzilla and Greg take exception at various times. Can’t let the superstar get away with (almost literally) murder.

Q: Is Greg favoring his knee?
Frye: He favors dunking on your head, that's what he favors.

by KP Corleone on Nov 27, 2008 9:35 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I meant 200 mph

20 mph probably wouldn’t do much damage.

Q: Is Greg favoring his knee?
Frye: He favors dunking on your head, that's what he favors.

by KP Corleone on Nov 27, 2008 9:36 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

It's a great win

when are high scorer goes for 17, we have 6 in double figures, and we cool off the heat with a 38 point beat down. Couldn’t ask for more.

GO
THE TEACHER ......come into my classroom "THE PAINT" for some tutelage.

by Blazer1342 on Nov 27, 2008 1:16 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

"our" high scorer

GO
THE TEACHER ......come into my classroom "THE PAINT" for some tutelage.

by Blazer1342 on Nov 27, 2008 1:30 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

"Channing Frye"

…sad but true…

or not sad because we won by 38

by Bust a Bucket on Nov 27, 2008 1:36 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I should have elaborated...

a lot of passes that spread the wealth, hence high scorer was somewhat low with overall great teamwork.
I think one of our other blowouts was very similar…hmmm…maybe Roy scored 20+, I’ll have to look it up.

GO
THE TEACHER ......come into my classroom "THE PAINT" for some tutelage.

by Blazer1342 on Nov 27, 2008 2:01 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Drum roll please

Bulls 74, Trail Blazers 116
Roy had 20, 6 in double fig’s
Batum and Outlaw both had nine.

Trail Blazers 117, Kings 96
6 in double fig’s
Blake had 20, Roy had 16

All three blowouts have a "low" high scorer.
20 two times, 17 tonight.

Looks like something could be brewing here.

GO
THE TEACHER ......come into my classroom "THE PAINT" for some tutelage.

by Blazer1342 on Nov 27, 2008 2:13 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

1977-78 reruns

Except they had quite a few games with 7 in double figures. Roy should have knocked in one of those misses.

by jscot on Nov 27, 2008 3:15 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

There was two opportunities I was sure he was going to get.

GO
THE TEACHER ......come into my classroom "THE PAINT" for some tutelage.

by Blazer1342 on Nov 27, 2008 3:44 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Woo-hoo! More “Oden’s face looks old” humor! Boy, I never get enough of those – keep ‘em comin’! A-HaaHaHaHa so…. funny…. because….. its…. true….. (wipes eyes) can’t….. breath….. side…. aches…. “20 years off his face,” yeah! Old! Like an Old Man – haaahaahahaha… so great….

ugh.

(deep breath) There, I feel better now. :-) But seriously folks, great game recap, Dave, as usual. Agree with the “respect for Joel” takes. Wish I could have been at the RG for this one! (would’ve worn my Pryzbilla jersey)

Good night, Blazer fans, whereEVER you may be.... DAA-daddle-a-DA-da-da-DA-da-da-DAA

by jerome glide porterworth on Nov 27, 2008 1:21 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

That wasn't humor, pal

I am dead serious. He looks younger without the facial hair and he should keep it somewhat shaven, if you ask me. I think it would cut DOWN on the jokes.

—Dave

by Dave on Nov 27, 2008 2:09 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

"he makes Sergio’s assist box ring like a pinball machine"

Nice!
I like it.

by richarda97 on Nov 27, 2008 2:42 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

I am in concurment

I watched the game on my DVR and my fiance was reading a book on the couch behind me (I pull up a chair close to the TV to see the action and use my psychic powers to positively effect the game), and when I saw he had shaved she said he looked like college era Oden again. I concurred with that as well.

Shaving the beard also makes his face look thinner (which could also be caused by his conditioning improving), which makes him look younger and less like a grizzled vet.

I mean, I hate Oden looks Old jokes as much as the next guy, because it is way old, but in this case it is true (and ya GOTTA know Dave is above that easy joke, don’t ya?).

COME PLAYOFF TIME, I want the beard to come back… but not Lincoln style, I want it to cover his whole face and just be a wild mess of unkempt hair, along with an afro that has never seen a pick. WILD, CRAZY, PLAYOFF STYLE HAIR.

Moortymerr

by Mortimer on Nov 27, 2008 11:08 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

OG GO

I think he should grow out his beard and shave the top of his dome ala Kimbo Slice!

"When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace." Jimi Hendrix

by philly420pdxhilo on Nov 27, 2008 2:02 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Gotta shave one pec too

by tominhawaii on Nov 28, 2008 4:32 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Oh my!

Dude, after getting off of the floor and wiping the tears of laughter out of my eyes, I must reply and say that is soooooo wrong!!!!

"When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace." Jimi Hendrix

by philly420pdxhilo on Nov 28, 2008 11:54 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

A game we should win

I love it. Last year this would have been a nail bitter. I love how the team is maturing . Roy is key. He is a veteran at 3 years in . The evolution of Oden scares everyone. There will be a time when the NBA fears the paint. Throw it down big fell, two hands! booya!

by big fella on Nov 27, 2008 1:54 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Rose Garden=No Man's Land!

by Blazin' on Nov 27, 2008 3:46 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Frye had 17 points and was the top scorer? Trade him now while his value is high :)

"For such a dumb kid, you've got a pretty smart mouth."

by Norsktroll on Nov 27, 2008 4:52 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

"Ike Diogu got a cup of coffee and missed two shots."

More than lol. Belly laugh

Rudyculize: The act of Rudy making others look slow, dim and generally oafish.

http://www.myspace.com/y5k

by Y5k on Nov 27, 2008 5:43 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Zee box...

"Now with a non-provocative footer!"

by timbo on Nov 27, 2008 8:03 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Rudy's plus/minus

was the worst among rotation players. He’s a bust.

by jscot on Nov 27, 2008 1:54 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

USDBlazerFan buried this excellent post at the bottom of the game thread, where it will be lost... I'm cross-posting it here...

I just got back from the game
And I have a few observations, about both this team and Miami, and figured this was the best place to make them.

1) Rudy and Batum both fit the definition of hungry. There was one point in the fourth quarter, we were up big, and Channing nails a corner three. Rudy comes running in from just beyond the three point line and off a bit to the other side from Frye’s shot, and he is the closest player to the ball after it goes through the net. Many other other players would have already been jogging back, or maybe hang around the perimeter after the shot went up, knowing it didn’t really matter what happened. Batum fouling a guy going after an offensive rebound with 2.7 seconds left to play in a 38 point blowout told me once again that he is going to be something in this league. I don’t know what yet, but he is going to be very, very, good.

2) Sergio looked really, really, good tonight. He was always moving around, and making beautiful passes. I didn’t really see any points where he was making stupid decisions, or forcing anything. He looked really natural, and really smooth. He could very well be very good.

3) Oden, on the other hand, just doesn’t look like he is really enjoying himself out there. Fortunately, I think his biggest problem will be fixed, where he holds the ball. The Heat threw men on him every time he touched the ball tonight, and he didn’t get too frustrated. And listening to the post-game interview waiting in the Rose Garden parking lot, he sounded like the saddest man in the world. I think it is because he shaved the beard.

4) This is really going to tweak Hollinger’s ratings again, and once this game doesn’t count (because later in the season he stops counting the beginning of the season) we’ll drop back down to probably roughly where we belong. But it is fun to think we are in the top 5 best teams in the NBA. Improbable, but fun.

5) First thing I noticed from the Heat tonight was how foolish their uniforms look. Basically, my big issue is the way it deals with the nameplates. Mario Chalmers, which is not a long name by most stretches of the imagination, looks horrid. His name looks way too big for his back.

6) The longer Beasley was in the game, the less I liked him. I’ll admit, I was already kind of ready to dislike him after what happened in the Rookie Transition Program. But after seeing him pop 3-Pointers early in the game, when you still have D-Wade out on the floor, and then watching him nonchalantly jog back down the floor? No thanks. I recall one sequence where a loose ball rolled near him, and he didn’t pick it up. Sergio (I think) picked it up, and started running down the floor. Beasley just jogs next to him, and makes no attempt to disrupt Sergio running down the floor. I was disgusted. Rose on TV looks like a way better pick-up than Beasley, and I don’t know why Chicago was even pretending to think about Beasley. Also, after picking up his quick two fouls, he made to slowest walk back to the bench I have ever seen. I wish he had of at least jogged back to the bench, to show he still wanted to hustle.

7) Erik Spolestra is a crazy animated coach. It was interesting to see the contrast between him and Nate, who’s HUGE pant-legs moved more than his upper body. It seemed like every time that the Heat were bringing the ball up the floor he was calling a play. Even on an inbounds from the side he was making hand signals and yelling at his players. I don’t know if that is the sign of a micromanaging coach, or a coach who doesn’t trust his players. Either way, I’m not sure I would enjoy it if I were a player on the Heat. It seems to me that him showing hand-signals every time the Heat do something is a great way for them to lose games, merely because teams with a halfway decent film department and at least one game against the Heat can figure out what the plays are going to be based on his hand signals. Hand signals worked well in my high school YMCA league, not sure how well they are going to work every night in the NBA.

9) I have to say, we as a fanbase really, really want to love Oden. Every time he did anything that made it to the stat sheet, or even sat down, he got a huge cheer, even though Joel is really playing out of his mind, and looks like he has the mindset of "If I want to block a shot, I’m gonna block that shot. No questions." And I have no idea how come everyone in attendance was standing and yelling and screaming for a full minute in a timeout with a forty point lead at the end of the game. I would really like to know what other fanbase would do that. It was ridiculous. I felt like I was back at college watching a basketball game, where you stand just because you can. It was legit.

This got kind of long, maybe I should have made it into a fanpost, or cut down on the words. Sorry.

by usdblazerfan on Nov 26, 2008 11:00 PM PST

"Now with a non-provocative footer!"

by timbo on Nov 27, 2008 8:38 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

when we're on . . .

But it is fun to think we are in the top 5 best teams in the NBA. Improbable, but fun.

when we’re hitting our shots, which is something we should be able to do with our excellent shooters, i think we could truly make the argument of being one of the elite teams, already.

"I saw him in the face." – Sergio, when asked about how the latest Rodriguez-to-Fernandez alley-oop came to be.

by sergioFTW on Nov 27, 2008 8:43 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Oden looks sad?

Of course he does, but I think it’s more mad than sad. I saw him get horse collared around the neck 2 times by Wade last night and he didn’t get a foul called either time. I think he’s pissed about the way he is treated by the refs. He gets the shaq treatment on one hand(having to be tackled to the ground before he gets a foul call) and on the other hand he get whistled every time he breathes on an opposing team’s player driving to the basket. Wouldn’t you be frusterated? The second time Wade fell after grabbing Oden around the neck, Oden glared at Wade on the floor like he was going to kill him. I think he’ll start having more “fun” when he starts getting treated like a normal NBA player. It can’t be fun to be repeatedly tackled while never getting calls.

by SalemORguy on Nov 27, 2008 8:51 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs