Game 12 Semi-Preview: Blazers vs. Hawks
by Dave on Nov 16, 2009 12:08 AM PST
58 comments
Game Time: 4:00 PM Pacific TV: Comcast
We just played Atlanta two weeks ago and their basic constitution hasn't changed since then. If you want the full rundown you can click here. For most an update will do.
Atlanta comes into this contest 8-2 so the Blazers aren't the only good team they've finished on top of. They also hold victories over Denver and Boston. Joe Johnson and Jamal Crawford have been scoring at will. Josh Smith has gone on a rebounding tear of late and has scored a few himself. The Hawks are playing great basketball and are looking dangerous.
As stated in the earlier preview, the Blazers are going to have to keep Atlanta away from the offensive boards, match Johnson's scoring, and find some way to contain his backcourt mates. Portland will also have to bring energy and be ready for a heck of a fight. Home and away has never mattered as much as intensity when these two teams meet. The Blazers fell victim to that in the last game. They need to capitalize on it this game. Rebounding, points in the paint, and dunks are all indicators of how strong each team's attack is. A final key would be the improving play of Greg Oden and the team's increasing confidence in him. He made a couple moves that made Al Horford look like he was back in kindergarten when the teams last met. A steady diet of that could turn this game.
Frankly this feels like either an energy-filled win that the Blazers just eke out or an energy-less blowout leaving the Hawks laughing behind their hands and Portland happy with a 4-1 trip. Right now I'm leaning towards the latter. It doesn't feel like the team has the consistent will to accomplish the former yet. But in the famous words of Principal Seymour Skinner, "Prove me wrong, kids. Prove me wrong." It would certainly be a serious win for the Blazers if they could capture it.
Check out the Atlanta chat at PeachTreeHoops.
Enter the Jersey Contest form for tonight's game here. Yes, there's a "Travis Outlaw's Minutes" question. Just put "0" and walk away with your 10 points. Note that his absence does make this a non-regulation form for the purposes of winning a jersey instantly with a perfect 100 score.
--Dave (blazersub@yahoo.com)
P.S. Hey Blazers, please don't make me do a Shakespearian tragedy-themed recap again.
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Play the type of D we've seen durnig the streak
And we have at least an even chance to win this thing.
Either way, it’s a good first three weeks of the season for us, even with Trout’s injury.
"Good evening Blazer fans, wherever you may be!"-Bill Schonely
by skywaker9 on Nov 16, 2009 12:19 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
I'll be very surprised if we get blown out
We’ll bring the intensity, and see what happens.
"Woulda, Coulda, Mighta and Shoulda – the Four Horsemen of the Procrastocalypse" - Red-5
by jscot on Nov 16, 2009 1:26 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Let's do the right thing. Win.
"Quid, Me Anxius Sum?"
http://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/Year5000
by Y5k on Nov 16, 2009 1:33 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
We are lost
the blazers are doomed. expect a 300 pt blow out. b-roy will change sides and play for the hawks. LMA will sit on the bench and drink slurpee’s all night.
How’s that for contrariety?
"No disrespect to Jeff Blake"
by Eat Politicians on Nov 16, 2009 1:55 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
reverse jinx
I like it
I get the paper, so I don't care!
by Name's Ash on Nov 16, 2009 12:00 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Here's the game plan. Oden stays out of fou trouble and the Blazers win. Pretty simple game plan.
by BRoyInThe4th on Nov 16, 2009 2:05 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
This was pretty much my thinking.
Although I’m not sure Oden staying out of foul trouble guarantees a win, I do think it would be a huge help. Since the second game with Houston, he’s been practically the most dominant Blazer, while on the floor.
by PoliSam on Nov 16, 2009 8:11 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe Dave will disagree
but a 4-1 road trip where the one team the Blazers lose to is the only real competition (because of the Chris Paul injury) is not the most successful road trip. The Hawks are the #2 team in the league and they exposed the Blazers on their home court. I think this is a really important game for the Blazers to win this early in the season.
by Gary: Badass on Nov 16, 2009 2:08 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
It's a more successful trip than 0-5. Chris Paul was horrible by the way in that game up until he left.
by BRoyInThe4th on Nov 16, 2009 2:20 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
yes
but also that just goes to show that the hornets weren’t really at their peak either.
by Gary: Badass on Nov 16, 2009 2:55 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
We defended Paul well before he got hurt and were up by 10
His injury was not the reason we won that game.
"Woulda, Coulda, Mighta and Shoulda – the Four Horsemen of the Procrastocalypse" - Red-5
by jscot on Nov 16, 2009 2:50 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Did it?
I’m not sure.
It was one of those games that, for whatever reason, a superstar can do nothing. I don’t think they come back on that one even if he stays in the game. In fact, they might have lost worse, we seemed to me to lose our defensive focus a little after he went out.
I don’t think it was all our defense, by the way. But our defense on him was very, very good, and would have been even if his shot was falling.
"Woulda, Coulda, Mighta and Shoulda – the Four Horsemen of the Procrastocalypse" - Red-5
by jscot on Nov 16, 2009 6:14 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
what helped
was Oden dominating Okafor
Sucking at darts is not a super power
by 1badbadger on Nov 16, 2009 9:32 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
wow
those last two replies kinda contradicted each other. I was just trying to make the point that the Hornets weren’t exactly a tough opponent at the time.
by Gary: Badass on Nov 16, 2009 3:04 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Recipe for the win . . .
1. GO stays out of foul trouble. The Blazers feed him in the post and
he gets the ATL bigs in foul trouble. Along the way he plays 33 minutes
has 14 boards and five blocks.
2. BRoy decides to drive a lot. Draws fouls and gets to the line double
digits.
3. Smooth plays Robin to GO’s Batman with double digit boards, pick and
pops for the silky smooth jumper and runs the floor on some leak-outs.
4. Miller is throwing the alley-oop after the Hawks bigs are in foul trouble and
and collects 10 + assists.
5. Blake, Rudy and Martell benefit from GO’s beastly post work and hit 40 % from
three. They pitch in with some scrappy D and Joel plays the Vanilla Gorilla.
6. They keep the TO’s under 13.
GO BLAZERS !!! &
COINCAST SUCKS !!!
It's GO time !
by walkoff41 on Nov 16, 2009 2:51 AM PST reply actions 1 recs
Well you got #6 dialed. He’s not even playing.
by shralpster on Nov 16, 2009 8:47 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I will be happy with a 4-1 roadtrip
Needless to say I’d rather go home happy with a 5-0 trip, and I think we have a good chance of that. Atlanta is a ripe target to unload the frustration of a long weary trip on, and I expect great things!
My predictions:
A: offense was forwarded to Atlanta baggage claim by mistake, so we’ll be a scorin’!
B: Oden will play >22 minutes and have at least 8pts, 9 boards, and 2 blocks
C: Webster and Rudy will shoot the lights out
D: Rex and the Inferno combine for 18 and 6 boards
Blazers, don’t make me a liar!
Blazers win!
by The X-man on Nov 16, 2009 2:55 AM PST via mobile reply actions 0 recs
I agree!
we should beat Atlanta. Would you still be happy with a 4-1 road trip if all the Blazers just mailed it in on the last game though? (sorry, not trying to single you out)
by Gary: Badass on Nov 16, 2009 2:57 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I would be very disappointed if they "mailed it in"
However, with Sarge and Roy running the show, I’m not worried about that happening.
If they lose by 10 or less I’d be fine tho
Blazers win!
by The X-man on Nov 16, 2009 5:32 AM PST via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
I'd be happy with the trip and disappointed with the game
"Woulda, Coulda, Mighta and Shoulda – the Four Horsemen of the Procrastocalypse" - Red-5
by jscot on Nov 16, 2009 6:15 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Injuries?
Has Bayless been cleared to play in ATL? Keeping my fingers crossed.
Would love to see the Blazers win against ATL just for their confidence – i.e. knowing they can beat the good teams. Of course, they defeated the Spurs recently, but otherwise, their recent wins have come against some middling – or worse – competition. They need a win against a top team on the road – something that will be, you know, rather important come playoff time.
by iCollective on Nov 16, 2009 3:51 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
I don't like getting swept
We better beat the Hawks.
by Sabonis4Ever on Nov 16, 2009 3:53 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
I hear ya.
They’ve beaten us once this year, thats 1 time too many. Yes, they’re good, but its our turn to send them away unhappy.
GO BLAZERS!
Columbus til I die, Columbus til I die. I know I am, I swear I am, Columbus til I die!
by BLAZER_FAN_199 on Nov 16, 2009 6:05 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Go Blazers!
Go Blazers!
Comcast sucks!
Oden is number 1 in blocks. Blazers are number one in some free throw category, Quick didn’t say if it was percentage, free throws made, or what… but thats good no matter which one it is….
Number one in pt differential (our defense here more then our offense)
Number one in some rebounding category as well… again Quick didn’t say which one.. differential? total rebounds? rpg?….
Go Blazers!
by zersrule on Nov 16, 2009 7:20 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Sorry Josh is #1 very close though.
by RivBoatGambler on Nov 16, 2009 8:05 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed - but
If you look closely, you’ll see that Greg has more blocks, Josh has just played one less game. :)
by hofccsaint on Nov 16, 2009 8:59 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
If we pull this game out, I will be absolutely astonished.
Last game of a road trip, Trout is out, we already got beat by this team AT HOME, Atlanta is playing inspired lately… its just a recipe for a bad game.
"Ain't nothin' in this world for free."
by Arby on Nov 16, 2009 7:40 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Blazers aren't playing their best basketball...
But I expect them to come out and really try to win this one. You know they would really like to go 5-0 on this road trip. I know losing Travis is going to hurt, but this means someone else is going to have to step up offensively (Rudy, Martell, Steve— it would be really nice to see you guys make up for the lousy shooting you’ve shown so far this season—where’d the 3 ball go??). I really don’t see how they can go on with this 3 guard lineup. Joe Johnson is the SG and he is flippin’ huge!!! Their back court is HUGE compared to our back court. It would take nothing short of a miracle if the Blazers pulled this one off. Just feed the big guys and play good defense ’cause I really think that is the only way the Blazers are winning this game. And for the love of God please hold Jamal Crawford under 20 pts!!!!!!!!!!!!
by jenstcy on Nov 16, 2009 7:58 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Jamal has really added diversity to our offense.
Teague is unseasoned but makes everybody seem slow. Hope he gets to play.
by RivBoatGambler on Nov 16, 2009 8:19 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Who gave you jamal crawford, cause I’m going to have to shoot them… He’s bound to have an off night one of these nights and I’m hoping it’s tonight!!! :-)
by jenstcy on Nov 16, 2009 8:53 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
A Blazers win?
Hawks fan here. To bad outlaw is hurt, do not wish that on anyone. I can’t find the link now but I swear I read the Hawks are the team with the highest points in the paint. If we continue to do this we should win at home.
However the Blazers match with us very well and bring the same type of energy. The Hawks are shooting a whopping .487 FG% Unheard of for our team. The Blazers play great and look forward to a good game and we Hawks know ya’ll have won like 6 in a row. Nothing is a given in the NBA and I wish ya’ll the best.
by RivBoatGambler on Nov 16, 2009 8:14 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Thanks for stopping by.
I think your post on our last game is still accurate. The bigs decide this game. The team that stays outside loses. It’s a matter of confidence, and right now it seems as if Atlanta has more of it. You have the shooters to compliment the big men. Both teams are rising, you have your act together a little more. But we are equally dangerous and know how to win games that count (most of the time). I will have to watch this one, it will be good.
by hofccsaint on Nov 16, 2009 8:49 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks,
I don’t know if the Blazers are going to have any energy….we’ll see. It’s been a long road trip for them. Good luck to the Hawks tonight, they are playing really good basketball right now. I think they are the Blazers of the east, just a little more seasoned. It will be fun seeing Joe Johnson and Brandon Roy go at it tonight. They are two of the best SGs in the league and they seem to bring out the best in each other. I think this is a game where the bench wins the game and I have to say that with Outlaw out, Atlanta’s bench is better…. But you never know….. Blazers will want payback! But seriously, could Crawford have off shooting night to make it a little more fair???
by jenstcy on Nov 16, 2009 8:49 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Jamal
Myself, I was worried about Jamal. AllI could find on the Warriors blogs was no defense and very streaky shooting. His career avg was like .402. So far he has been awesome shooting a FG% of .476. Because teams have to respect his offense it is much harder to double JJ. Now the floor open up and the bigs and JJ are having career starts.
Of course we could collaspe but so far life is good. Last year the team shot like .437, this year .486
by RivBoatGambler on Nov 16, 2009 10:24 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm hoping the Blazers can hold them under .486
Because that’s just way too high… So far they’ve played good defense, holding their opponents to about 38%. We’ll see if that continues……
by jenstcy on Nov 16, 2009 10:38 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Look for one bench player to get hot and turn the game
I don’t know if it will be Rudy or Martell or one of your guys. But I wouldn’t be surprised if it comes down to one player getting hot.
"Woulda, Coulda, Mighta and Shoulda – the Four Horsemen of the Procrastocalypse" - Red-5
by jscot on Nov 16, 2009 11:19 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Dang!
I logged in to prove you wrong and tell you that it was Superintendent Chalmers and not Principal Skinner who said that quote.
I was humbled when I actually googled it. I was thinking about the time Chalmers went off on a tirade and said “I’ve had it Skinner! Class after class of ugly kids!”
I don’t even think I have the quote correct. Oh well. I bow to the wisdom of Dave.
I prayed. God didn't listen. Game 7 2000 Western Conference Finals
by daycruz on Nov 16, 2009 9:18 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
I'm not gonna read too much into tonight's lineup
Last game on a five game road trip, Nate might play Dante and Howard more than he would want to on a consistent basis. (That’s probably an under-statement considering he might not have a choice)
The fan in me hopes Dante gets a chance and shows something that would make Nate more comfortable using him to fill in for Travis.
I also think we will miss Travis tonight.
by broyposse on Nov 16, 2009 10:04 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
look for me!
i’ll be the asian guy wearing an away Portland Rudy jersey…with a sign that says “Get Well Soon: Travis, Nic, Jeff, Patty” or something along the lines of that…
"There are a few teams you have to watch out for in the fourth quarter."
"Yeah, but Portland definitely is not one of them."
-New Orleans Hornets broadcasters at the end of the third quarter with the Hornets leading 74-59. Portland later ends up winning 97-89.
"They don't mind him shooting that shot at all. Rudy Fernandez is not that great of a 3pt shooter."
-New Orleans Hornets broadcasters right after a Rudy Fernandez missed 3pter. Rudy Fernandez finished the game with three 3pters on six attempts.
by Tofu Anonymous on Nov 16, 2009 10:43 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
where are your seats?
"its tough to play with one eye, unless you're a pirate." Delonte West
"una canasta a Pau en la cara" Rudy
by Honka Playboy on Nov 16, 2009 2:20 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
We've got Steve Javie in the house tonight
Correct me if I’m wrong but I believe he’s a good official to have when you are on the road.
Haywoode Workman and Gary Zielinski will be there as well.
by TallTimber on Nov 16, 2009 11:16 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
I like Workman
Being an NBA vet himself, he tends to not fall for the old vet tricks.
Perhaps GO has a chance to sty out of foul trouble tonight with this crew. Of course, it’ll probably be hard for the home crowd to influence anyone when only about 5000 show up.
by xedubx on Nov 16, 2009 3:32 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
If Josh Smith and Lamarcus Aldridge could be combined into one being....
that would be a mighty fine power forward. LA needs to be a little more like Josh Smith and block some shots.
by jenstcy on Nov 16, 2009 11:49 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
You could end up with bizarro twins-one with all the good traits, one with all the bad traits
1) He’d be a shot blocking force who can dunk on anyone, has a smooth shooting stroke, gets to the line at will and makes a fair percentage, and can handle the ball fairly well without turning it over fairly much, or
2) He’d be a player who hangs out way too much on the perimeter, shoots 3 airballs a game, makes only 60% of his free throws, is a non-factor on the boards, half the time he dribbles around until he loses the ball, is indifferent defensively; lacking the footspeed to guard smaller players or the ridiculous leaping ability to make up for it.
by Bronn on Nov 16, 2009 12:13 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
LMA leads the league in TO%, Smith in blocks… LMA a good shooter, Smith gets FTA…. LMA quick laterally, Smith quick vertically.
PERFECTION.
i cry for nic
by Cablinasian on Nov 16, 2009 12:46 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Your second option would have been more true last year
But both players have improved in some of those areas, and in Josh Smith’s case, very dramaticly.
Through 10 games, Josh Smith has not taken a SINGLE 3-point shot. By comparison, he averaged 1.3 attempts a game last year down from 3.1 attempts a game in 2007. His true shooting percentage is 60 basis points above his previous career high (absolutely phenomenal), and his total rebound percentage is also at a career high. Aldridge is averaging a career high on the boards (both in gross numbers and rebound percentage), and has only taken two 3-point shots, both of which were near the ends of games as the shot clock was expiring. He still floats around more in the mid range than I would prefer, but it is my personal opinion that his mid-range jumper helps clear the lane to get Oden consistent single coverage.
"Ain't nothin' in this world for free."
by Arby on Nov 16, 2009 2:37 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
We're so dead!
We’re going to get pounded…it’s coming.
Start Miller
by DJRazorburn on Nov 16, 2009 12:39 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
you need to send positive messages into the universe.
but seriously, I thought they were going to go 2-3 on this road trip so I’m happily surprised. If this turns into a 5-0 road trip I will pee my pants.
by jenstcy on Nov 16, 2009 1:04 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
It's possible the PTB get pounded but frankly that's the wrong attitude
It’s been a long trip but it’s not a back to backer. A concerted effort by the PTB can ban beat any team in the league. The Trail Blazers are a very good team and I’m not just saying that because I am a total Homer.
Trout being injured is a crying shame, but the team has depth and is flexible enough to make the adjustments. It just might allow Rudy, Webster, Bayless, who knows maybe even Inferno to show how good they can be.
I say remain focused Trail Blazers. Play hard tonight. Atlanta isn’t accustomed to winning and they have fragile psyches (at least according to Hawkblogger at PTHs.) So unless the refs call ridiculous fouls on Oden at David Sterns behest I think this is a game the Trail Blazers are going to take and bring back a whole new level of confidence to the RG.
Boo-wah!
Dogs have Owners, Cats have Staff.
by bow4meow on Nov 16, 2009 1:54 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Atlanta is accustomed to winning this year
and are riding a confidence high that is mostly likely at or near its peak. Not that this means anything, but ESPN has them ranked #1 in their weekly power rankings, and they have road wins against both Portland and Boston, and a home win against Denver.
I think our only bright spot is their 20 point loss to the Bobcats, but that was the last game of a 4 game road trip.
"Ain't nothin' in this world for free."
by Arby on Nov 16, 2009 2:43 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I hope
the Hawks’ annoucer doesn’t foolishly say “J-J-J-Joe Johnson” everytime this one scores, he sounds so foolish while doing that and that really gets on my nerves…
by Blenzer on Nov 16, 2009 3:13 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
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