Game 51 Preview: Blazers vs. Jazz
by Dave on Feb 2, 2010 11:36 PM PST
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PrintGame Time: 6:00 p.m. (Note that this is a change from the original schedule.) TV: KGW
Egad, didn't we just play the Jazz? And didn't they just wipe the floor with us? Oh yeah, this is one of those NBA "three games in three weeks" scheduling tricks. It's too bad it's now and against Utah.
If you'd like a complete preview of what the Jazz have been doing you can check out this one, penned right before last week's game. Here's your update: Utah has won two more games since they beat us, defeating both the Kings and the Mavericks handily at home behind monster games from Paul Millsap in the absence of Carlos Boozer, who has an ongoing calf injury. That makes 10 out of their last 11 that they've won. They're on one heck of a roll and it's hard to imagine Portland derailing them. But as we know from Dallas, you never say never. Fernandez could get hot, Batum could get nasty, Miller could match D. Williams' scoring and Lamarcus Aldridge match Carlos Boozer's Paul Millsap's. Bayless could turn into B-Rex, Pendergraph could draw two techs on Millsap or Kirilenko, Cunningham could turn into a beast. It could happen. The likely outcome is another Utah victory though. Basically the Blazers want to play with enough guts and energy that they rattle the Jazz and give themselves a chance to win late. Unless it's a sparkling game they're going to lose, though.
See whether anyone in Utah is taking us seriously at SLCDunk.
Enter tonight's Jersey Contest form here.
--Dave (blazersub@yahoo.com)
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I HATE THE JAZZ!
I’m not going to say we win this game but we can.
Time for Batum to body up again.
"Good evening Blazer fans, wherever you may be!"-Bill Schonely
Is Boozer in or out? I thought he was out...
"A bizarre and extremely rare hybrid Blazer/Laker fan, Timbo has always struggled to contain the Beast Within, like Dr. Jekyll, Bruce Banner, or Ted Kennedy." — Miled Animal
Blazers can beat those guys with no Boozer. Not sure they're gonna, but they CAN.
"A bizarre and extremely rare hybrid Blazer/Laker fan, Timbo has always struggled to contain the Beast Within, like Dr. Jekyll, Bruce Banner, or Ted Kennedy." — Miled Animal
Blazers opened up shooting 7/28 in the first quarter in the last UT game... It's doubtful that will happen again...
"A bizarre and extremely rare hybrid Blazer/Laker fan, Timbo has always struggled to contain the Beast Within, like Dr. Jekyll, Bruce Banner, or Ted Kennedy." — Miled Animal
Boozer is out...
Boozer targets Saturday return: Millsap has flourished in forward’s absence due to injury.
By Ross Siler
The Salt Lake Tribune
Updated: 02/02/2010 06:35:50 PM MST
With Carlos Boozer targeting Saturday’s game against Denver to return from his strained right calf, the Jazz again will face the question of what to do with Paul Millsap , who has starred so far in Boozer’s absence. * * *
"A bizarre and extremely rare hybrid Blazer/Laker fan, Timbo has always struggled to contain the Beast Within, like Dr. Jekyll, Bruce Banner, or Ted Kennedy." — Miled Animal
Can't wait to see Batum 'could get nasty'
He has been so nice and easy for the previous 5 opponents!
"I could almost fall asleep when he's got the ball," Demopoulos said of Roy. "That's how comfortable I feel with him. He always comes through."
I have the personal hope that Nicolas and Dante will play well together again,
which I guess really is the hope that Dante plays better and better so that Outlaw does not seem a very interesting option when he gets well. I say this as someone who has stuck up for Travis many times here in the past. But I’ve turned on him.
ignacio
you have..
“turned on him”?
What did he do to you?
I can't speak for ignacio
But to me, it’s not Travis’ fault at all. He just got passed by while injured. Between Dante, Martell, and Batum, I think we’ve eaten up most of Trav’s skill set. All three are younger, cheaper, better defenders, and signed for at least the next season. I hope Travis does well wherever he ends up, especially if it’s Portland after all
Travis can create his own shot.
Martell and Dante can’t do this. Batum shows promise, but still is not anywhere as effective at this as Travis is. There have been many times in recent games when the Blazers offense has become stagnant, and we could have used some instant offense.
I believe that if Batum
was given the green light he could probably run the offense and get his own shot off better than Andre. But “sarge” probably won’t leave his comfort zone and do the smart thing…. as usual.
"Batum must be french for:
being at the right place at the right time"
- StudMuffin15 @ Rufus On Fire
"I don't always read blogs regarding the Trail Blazers
...but when I do... I read Blazers Edge."
- resurrect_ha28
by FiveOhThree-RipCity!! on Feb 3, 2010 4:15 PM PST up reply actions
Hahaha!!! Now that i reread what I wrote... it is kinda ludicrous.
"Batum must be french for:
being at the right place at the right time"
- StudMuffin15 @ Rufus On Fire
"I don't always read blogs regarding the Trail Blazers
...but when I do... I read Blazers Edge."
- resurrect_ha28
by FiveOhThree-RipCity!! on Feb 5, 2010 9:47 AM PST up reply actions
I get the impression
that a lot of people are down on Travis right now. He is a role player, and his role happens to be offense. Defense was never his strong suit. He is what he is. Fortunately, Nate is really good at utilizing role players when they are needed. I’m not saying that I don’t think Batum is a beast, I really value him for his defensive prowess. He is developing an offensive game, but let’s face it: Outlaw already has a highly developed offensive game. Have people forgotten the game winners he hit last year?
portlands guards are a key to victory
I believe it will take a combo of JB and miller to creat havoc for utahs interior def, getting their bigs in foul trouble. We need to take into the paint with every possesion. If we are launching 3s all night we lose.
Oh, bring back, bring back,
Bring back my B-Roy to me, to me!
Hope this goes better than last time.
It wasn't the first time I'd been kicked in the cherries and called a rat by a woman, but it was the first time I didn't mind.
boozer out helps
and surely nate has made some adjustments from a week ago….right? RIGHT????!
The Leeroy Rule: being insistent >>>> being correct
is it just me
or is batum not an option in the “who will be the blazers leading scorer” jersey contest question
Awesomeness (ô'səm-nes)
1. n. Something that inspires awe
2. n. Nicolas Batum
If we were playing in Portland, I'd say yes to the win. Utah is a HORRIBLE place to play.
The elevation is about 5000 ft. for one thing. And that gives an unfair advantage to the players who are used to playing at that elevation! And it seems like the refs LOVE Utah in Utah. More so than at ANY other venue. That said…the Blazers have surprised many times this season. I think their performance will be much better than last time in Utah. I want them to SEEK AND OBTAIN REVENGE!!! Maybe Millsap will be all worn out after playing so much lately! And Batum and Dante will DOMINATE! The Blazers did get much better when Batum came in to play here…I will be happy if the Blazers give them a run for their money and astoundedly jubilant when they win!!!
As a Jazz fan...
I hate to see the Blazers coming… full strength or otherwise. You’re a well managed team full of athletic players. Sure, the Jazz are on a tear right now and a couple W’s against Portland and Denver (Sat.) could be huge, but after last year’s bi-polar season, we’re still establishing a team identity. Gaines GW against Cleavland seemed to signal the big turnaround and has brought some fun back to the team… I think we’re holding our collective breath and hoping it continues through this game with the Blazers and the all-star break.
Good luck tonight.
by boomgoesthedynamite on Feb 3, 2010 8:50 AM PST up reply actions
The Jazz are bound to have a off night eventually...
and I’m hoping it’s tonight. I can’t remember the last time the Blazers won in Utah.
Oh Lord,
Really, I just put these games down as losses when the Blazers go into Utah. But for the love of God, please do not get blown out like the last two times.
Utah
The way Utah has been playing I would fear them more than any team in the league.
Why couldn’t we be playing a game in Cleveland or LA for God’s sake.
That being said, I do think the Blazers have a shot at pulling out an upset. I’d say about a 20% shot.
you gotta think
Utah’s tough physical style of play is playoff style basketball.
If the playoffs were held today I’d say the Jazz would have as good a shot at the championship as any team in the league.
Well, time for another miracle in an amazing season.
Boozer
Boozer being out certainly helps a little.
I don’t recall any other big being able to shut down Aldridge the way Boozer did.
I concur! I think LA will man up against Millsap. And Batum will guard Williams well...hopefully
Williams will get into foul trouble though doubt it AT UTAH. Bet they get WAY more calls than we do. Unless we are exceptionally aggressive at going to the basket. Wonder if their strategy will include trying to get LA or Batum into foul trouble….hope not!
Batum
Batum’s defense seems to be making opposing players mad.
Look for D. Williams to get angry tonight. Maybe get called for a T.
Geez, Dave: last time I checked, the Utah Jazz don't walk on water!
Come on: those guys aren’t THAT good, and our beat-up Blazers aren’t chopped liver. I think tonight’s game is eminently winnable. The Jazz will be well-fed, cocky, & overconfident. Just like we like ’em.
Last time around, Deron Williams dominated the game. But young Frenchie was just back from injury then. I predict Nate will sic Mr. Batum on Williams this time, and if Nic stays out of foul trouble, the Jazz will suddenly—and unexpectedly—have a game on their hands. If that happens, look for them to tighten up big time.
I was born in '52, and I believe in #52. Hang in there, GO.
You too, Przy: everyone knows you're the heart & soul of the Blazers.
Wouldn't that be nice! And have Webster and Rudy go off on them. I'd say Miller but they have
scouted him @ Dallas I’m sure..and Bayless…blocked shots…maybe Batum will go off on them. Now that would be great to see! Yes a fat and happy team thinking…no Brandon…no problem. What a great upset this will be!!!
is it "Frenchy" or "Frenchie"?
either way, thoughts of John Lovitz crack me the hell up…
I'm just not crazy about player nick names...
by Hipster Olympic Team! on Feb 3, 2010 1:50 PM PST up reply actions
Having watched the game...
Looks like Dave had this one right. Of course, having Frenchie & Bayless dinged up didn’t help. The team really sagged when those guys weren’t on the floor.
I was born in '52, and I believe in #52. Hang in there, GO.
You too, Przy: everyone knows you're the heart & soul of the Blazers.
This would be a good game for Miller and J-Bay to draw some fouls...
I actually like starting Miller/J-Bay/Batum/Dante/LMA. The Jazz offense is about carving fools up for layups and open looks. This gives the Blazers more length and speed on rotations. Okur and Milsap are shooting jumpers a lot lately, so quick reacting position D is more important than bulk.
I'm just not crazy about player nick names...
by Hipster Olympic Team! on Feb 3, 2010 1:47 PM PST reply actions
This will be a tough game
The odds of winning this game is well.. VERY LOW. With Boozer out, it makes the chances a little higher of a win but when you have Williams you don’t need Boozer.
Stick Nic Batum on Williams, and attack them. Who’s gonna stop our penetration? Okur? Millsap? That big fat white guy? They don’t have a bruiser that will keep you out of the paint. Just pray Nicoleon Dynamite can slow Williams down and we have a chance.
I'm not saying, I'm just saying.
whoa! "big fat white guy". whaaaaaaaaaaaaaat?
and Nicoleon Dynamite? hah! you’re on a roll, my man.
I'm just not crazy about player nick names...
by Hipster Olympic Team! on Feb 3, 2010 1:51 PM PST up reply actions
I definitely think this will be a tough game to win, but...
I also think we have to move on from the idea that the Blazers aren’t good on the road. Our road record is at .500 right now, and we’ve played some tough teams. Any time it looks tough we write our team off, but look at what we’ve done on the road:
Beat the Mavs twice
Beat the Spurs
Beat the Thunder
Beat Memphis
Beat New Orleans
Beat Charlotte
Beat Miami
These are all teams with records above .500.
We also had a close game with the Cavs in Cleveland, and took Boston to overtime.
We are a tough road team IMO.
other words for tough...
difficult, tenacious, hard, strong, solid, rugged, stalwart…. nothing else coming to me….. hoped I helped you out for next time. And yes, the Blazers are a better road team this year despite the .500 record.
I predict a blowout victory
Awesomeness (ô'səm-nes)
1. n. Something that inspires awe
2. n. Nicolas Batum
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