Game 58 Preview: Jazz vs. Blazers

by Dave on Feb 21, 2010 1:18 AM PST in News

Game Time: 7:30 p.m. TV: Comcast and ESPN

Since this is the third game against the Jazz in the last month it's doubtful you need much of a rundown of who they are. It's completely unlikely you will have forgotten the rump-kicking they administered to the Blazers last time they came to town. Don't fret too much. The Blazers have contributed only 2 wins to the ridiculous 16-2 record the Jazz have posted since mid-January. This team has gotten used to winning and will try to nab the hat trick against Portland tonight.

In the final analysis this game won't be about technicalities anyway. This game is all about heart...at least if the Blazers are to win it. Will Portland be outgunned again? Judging by the looks of Brandon Roy in the last game they certainly will. But you know what? You're at home. You're trying to become a playoff team. You're claiming to have one of the deepest, most talented young rosters in the league even with at least 2.5 important guys gone from that roster. If you let the outcome of this game rest solely on technical perfection, Utah's execution, or relative health you might as well pack in those playoff hopes because everybody else from here on--a group whose collective pity wouldn't fill a small thimble--is going to pack you in a box and mail you home to mama. You want that playoff spot? You charge right at it tonight. Every time the Jazz hit a jumper you drive it down their throat the next possession. Every time they make one of those pretty interior cuts you throw an elbow into their chest so they can't breathe straight. Every time they leave you the slightest bit open you drill a shot so straight and true that it's like a flying dagger between their eyes. Then you laugh in their face and ask how much more they want. These guys have beaten you twice now. The home loss was one of the most humiliating in recent memory. I was at that game and saw the Blazers come out to warm up. They had the air I used to see when lesser high school teams used to run up against my state-championship-esque alma mater. Those sophomores at Madison High knew they didn't have a chance against the juniors and seniors that Grant was (then) playing...names like Tony Ross, Mark West, Terrell Brandon. You could see it in their eyes and every step of their warm-ups. That's how the Blazers looked in that home game a month ago. If you've got a heart, a soul, passion for this game, any guts at all and you're a Trail Blazer you come out with fire in your eyes. You see it in warm-ups, in the opening possession, every time a loose ball goes on the floor, every time the Jazz want to run, every time a quarter gets down to a critical possession. You end... that... win... streak... tonight. You owe this team a thumping. Portland needs to come out with paddles in hand and not let up until that final horn sounds and the Jazz scurry off to the plane glad to be leaving town.

If the Blazers don't play with energy and passion tonight it's time to start worrying, not only in emotional terms but in practical. They've got a long road trip next. Some of those games are winnable but any game can be lost on the road. They're going to need that emotion, toughness, and momentum to carry them through the trip and they shouldn't wait until they're in the air to summon it. Absorbing the Boston loss is no problem if you win this game but should you lose it, making two in a row at home, that's a bad sign.

So there you have it. The key questions of the evening: Is this our building or not? Do we have heart or not? Is that playoff run a serious commitment or not? You'll need every bit of affirmative answer you can muster to beat this team, but it can happen and it needs to happen. Tonight.

Check out the Jazz talk at SLCDunk.

Enter tonight's Jersey Contest form here.

--Dave (blazersub@yahoo.com)

Tweet Comment 36 comments | 3 recs |

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Comments

Since it's hopeless,

we will win (?)
They have lots of stuff that went wrong last game to leave behind. I’m sure they thought, and heard, about it.
You just never know about this team. We haven’t had Travis most of the season, unless just his presence is a “charm”. No more Blakey, for whatever that is worth, or not. Had a few more minutes to coordinate with Camby.
Not really hopeless.

Re-sign Travis Outlaw !

by Berkeley on Feb 21, 2010 1:28 AM PST reply actions

Wow Dave

Will you coach the Blazers for us next year? Or the Ducks? Pretty please? Your preview has me ready to suit up and kick some Jazz butt!

by JonathanPDX on Feb 21, 2010 1:34 AM PST reply actions 2 recs

Dave, I love it.

Although it is a little late for a pep talk, you said the right things.

I keep forgetting the fact that this is really another new line-up for the Blazers for how many times due to pieces being gone whether in injury or trade. Whether you liked what Steve brought or not his presence is missed because his presence effected the game in timing and outside shooting. I know we have Rudy and Martell, but their games are off and on like a water faucet also. If the defense of the opponents is tough they go hide in the corner. To me that is not a good shooter.

Nevertheless, I think the Camby trade was a good trade, painful sacrifices are sometimes needed. The worst part of the trade is we have a long way to go in getting Camby adjusted to the ways of the Blazers. We have a long way to go to get our Star BRoy back to game shape and hopefully a better hammy with just a short time to get there.

Boston and Utah is not the best teams to have to make quick changes for. We will almost have to play just about like you said Dave. If we play with heart and bring our team fight to the game and not worry so much about the physical aspect of the game, we have to get down and dirty, execute and keep focused. If we do all that then win or lose we can walk off and say we give them our best shot.

I feel that at least the last L*ker game, the three Utah games and the Boston game was because we forgot how to be tough. If we play teams with weak d we are the bullies because we have been bullied. Contrary to all that is said about being physical with physical teams, we need to be aggressive not physical. Go after the rebounds, hustle, block out, beat the opponents to their spot and at least stay with your man. Move the ball north and south not east and west. Move bodies not one on one. We can’t beat Utah on a one on one basis, we have to beat them as a team with solid shooting and great passes because whether we get physical with them or not, they will be physical, they will affect your shooting and get in your face if you stand and let them.

I guess what I am trying to say is a smart fighter is better than a physical fighter. If you stand there and slug it out with them you will lose because you are playing their game. If you back down from their physical abuse, you will lose because you are playing their game. Therefore out smart them. Make them play your game for a change. Make them feel intimidated with your execution and finesse not the trading blows. There are more ways to be aggressive then being physical. You cannot out bully Boozer he is just to big.

by BBK on Feb 21, 2010 4:49 AM PST reply actions

Wow Dave

Call anyone out recently?

Honor Alaa Abdelnaby.
First in the NBA. At least alphabetically

by OhOhOden on Feb 21, 2010 6:08 AM PST reply actions 1 recs

woo go blazers

Awesomeness (ô'səm-nes)
1. n. Something that inspires awe
2. n. Nicolas Batum

by thomasikehara on Feb 21, 2010 8:20 AM PST reply actions

I agree with BBK AND you. I think the Blazers need to be more physical. If the Blazers foul someone

MAKE IT COUNT. (see Boston in Boston vs. Blazers) When they go to the basket, if you are going to foul them…don’t let them also get the bucket!!!!
I think the Blazers have a chance with Camby in there.
Hopefully Batum is feeling better.
Hopefully Webster decides to defend rather than watch his guy score.
Hopefully Miller decides to go off.
And Bayless plays like a maniac!!!!
I AM SO SICK OF UTAH HAVING THEIR WAY WITH THE BLAZERS!

by Natsthecat on Feb 21, 2010 8:33 AM PST reply actions

Hopefully Webster decides to defend rather than watch his guy score.

Remember what AK47 did to you last time, Martell? When he blew by you repeatedly on the baseline for easy baskets? Remember how you said that it would never happen again? I hope you (and your teammates went back and reviewed the video of that game and you’ve all got the same resolve now that you had then, after that embarrassment

When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!

by two4larue on Feb 21, 2010 6:53 PM PST up reply actions

Cue lamarcus aldridge's heart commercial

by JMLakaShotCaller on Feb 21, 2010 9:10 AM PST via mobile reply actions

dave went old school

I played at Wilson during Tony’s, Mark’s, and Mr Brandons. Sophmore year! (led by Richard Hollis). They had opposing teams cowering in fear then also!. Its historty, word of mouth Mr Stilwell once told me. Any team can be beaten on any night, and its the coaches faluts if thier team is allowed to be beaten mentally during warm ups. We will win tonight. Just because after reading your post Nate will have this team focused! Oh and the 20 point smashing by the celts might help also

if it can be conceived it can be achieved

by lyfefindsaway on Feb 21, 2010 9:59 AM PST via mobile up reply actions

Why we win

Going back to the pre-season – I think we have lost 5 in a row to the jazz – 3 of them here. The Blazers do have some pride and won’t roll over. Driving the lane will not be so easy as last time when they pounded us to like a 21-2 lead. I say tonight is Rudy’s night!
Dallas and Phoenix also had their way with us for a long time, but that ended too. Get out the whoopin can.

by Iluvdisteam on Feb 21, 2010 10:14 AM PST reply actions

The Brandon injury uncertainty

has seemed to create uncertainty across the team and fanbase…

these guys can beat anybody…
they just need them to remember that…
they have the talent…
they have the goal….
they have the need…
they have the desire…
We gotta stay behind them…
We, the crowd, need to make some noise out of the gate…

no waiting for a spectacular play…
no handwringing…
let’s bring it too…
let’s get it on!

Drive, drive on down the field, men of the scarlet and….

ooops, I mean go Blazers!!!

"Oh Yeah!" ~ Kool Aid Man

by PDXBuckeye on Feb 21, 2010 10:29 AM PST reply actions

Yes, I agree! Brandon needs to get some killer instinct. I'd rather he be off the court WITH it

than on the court worrying.

by Natsthecat on Feb 21, 2010 11:36 AM PST up reply actions

for a while now i have not been able to enter ino the jersey contests

i get a message saying “Fatal error: Cannot break/continue 1 level in /home/reaxion/public_html/blazersedge/gameform.php on line 22”

any help?

Batum doesn't use email,
he uses his mind to transmit his thoughts to other people. that is how he intimidates his opponents without ever talking to them

by rolo_poloo on Feb 21, 2010 10:51 AM PST reply actions

i got that the first 3 times i tried at the beginning of the year

i gave up, so no help from me

"Oh Yeah!" ~ Kool Aid Man

by PDXBuckeye on Feb 21, 2010 11:05 AM PST up reply actions

make sure you are logged in

i got that until i figured out that i had been logged out…

by E-Bum on Feb 21, 2010 1:58 PM PST up reply actions

Anyone hear if Nic Batum is feeling better?

by Natsthecat on Feb 21, 2010 11:36 AM PST reply actions

Well said Dave!!!!! IT IS TIME FOR SOME CHAIR THROWING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Somebody should tell our Blazers that the Jazz just committed unspeakable acts against all of the female members of their families!!!!

Come on Blazers don’t wait for the Police (Refs) to give you some justice!!!!!!

Go and get some old fashioned vigilante justice of your own!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

KICK SOME JAZZ BUTT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Blazer's Edge Ambassador to The Dream Shake Blog
I <3 LMA!!!! 27 Points and 12 Rebs!!!! Now that is more like it!!!!
41:11 Mins 12-22 FGs 4-7 FTs +12 4 Off 13 Rebs 3 Ast 1 Stl 28 Points - LMA vs Spurs 2-4-10 - LMA RULEZ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The PENDERBEAST is on the Prowl Looking for an Opposing 4 or 5 to DEVOUR!!!!!!!!!!

by LaMarvelous on Feb 21, 2010 12:23 PM PST reply actions

Another game on ESPN

Has anyone else noticed that we haven’t had much luck on ESPN? I prefer TNT, Roy always has monster games there

by Michael Baller on Feb 21, 2010 1:05 PM PST reply actions

We has a long standing "TNT curse" running through last season into this one

So, I’m not sure I’d be thinking TNT is better if we’re talking superstition ;)

by mjswoosh on Feb 21, 2010 4:32 PM PST up reply actions

nbatv tonite actually

"Oh Yeah!" ~ Kool Aid Man

by PDXBuckeye on Feb 21, 2010 4:42 PM PST up reply actions

it's on ESPN too

at least according to their schedule

When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!

by two4larue on Feb 21, 2010 6:57 PM PST up reply actions

Things to watch for in this game:

- Is Camby playing more than 30 minutes yet? Depends how much he picked up from our playbook.
- Is Brandon a factor at all? Give us 15+ pts? Help?
- How many times will Rudy drive into the lane and show off that ~~pretty~~ awkward looking teardrop?
- How’s Jerryd Bayless and the second unit looking? Anyone notice we’re missing Steve Blake yet?

"Put God first in all you do and your dreams [of making money off people's misfortune] will come true."
- Q

by halo_on on Feb 21, 2010 2:49 PM PST reply actions

How’s Jerryd Bayless and the second unit looking? Anyone notice we’re missing Steve Blake yet?

Jerryd is a one-man wrecking crew (as Schonz used to say)

No one can tell if Blake’s been missed yet, because in the first game (Clips) it didn’t matter and the 2nd game (Celtics) the tone was set by the starters and nothing Steve could’ve done off the bench would’ve made much of a difference

I do think that for the 15th spot on the roster KP should invest in a veteran PG (Brevin Knight, Jacque Vaughn, etc) who has some NBA experience running a team. Bayless and Rudy are SGs (they haven’t been “battle hardened” at PG yet) and Andre can’t play every minute at that position

When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!

by two4larue on Feb 21, 2010 7:03 PM PST up reply actions

To say we're missing Steve Blake is ridiculous

It’s been one game…against the Celtics….news flash, Steve Blake was not going to win us that game. Plus, it was Bayless that almost got us back in that game the other night. What we’re really missing is a healthy Brandon Roy. I think having him attacking and drawing defenders will lead to better play from some of the role players.

by adaoh on Feb 21, 2010 3:37 PM PST reply actions

There are so many things wrong with this post I dont know where to begin

by mjswoosh on Feb 21, 2010 4:33 PM PST up reply actions

Going to be interesting.

I’m curious to see how Brandon will look out there. And while Utah has owned us in the past, I’m hoping that Camby will at least make them think about those un contested lay-ups they were getting last game.

GO BLAZERS

I'm not saying, I'm just saying.

by RyanRTE on Feb 21, 2010 3:39 PM PST reply actions

Even if MC alters some shots, Utah will take advantage of Portland’s horrible weakside D and get plenty of easy buckets.

by lil'stink on Feb 21, 2010 6:19 PM PST via mobile up reply actions

I'll be at the game tonight

first time I’m visiting the Rose Garden in over 8 years.

The Kings have the best bench I’ve seen. There are easily 14 guys on this team good enough for every bench in the league. Now if we could only get some starters, I’d totally jizz in my pants.

Kings fan

by dyshooter182 on Feb 21, 2010 3:47 PM PST reply actions

I hope they bring you a W

by Natsthecat on Feb 21, 2010 4:02 PM PST up reply actions

Hate to say but you're right, we need this W bad

You pretty much hit the nail on the head here. The Blazers need to come out firing on all cylinders tonight. This is a statement game for sure. I watched the last game and was apsolutely appalled/disgusted at the lack of effort from our beloved baby blazers. We’ll now we got another vet and no longer have the lack of “true” center excuse. Marcus has had a couple days to get acquainted with our game plan now and should be relatively effective in this one. I’m guessing a solid 10/10/2 effort. Brandon needs to play within himself and not try to do too much on one leg. The same goes for Rudy with attacking the basket. Save those moves for your off season to do list and stick to what you do best at the moment. Cutting to the basket and knocking down those wide open fade away tre’s. We know what we can expect from the rest of the guy’s, just need to execute. I would like to see a decent performance for a national audience for a change!

Go Zers!

Bring A Ship To PDX!

by North West Love on Feb 21, 2010 4:36 PM PST reply actions

If history is any indication this team does generall follow a low effort night with a much bigger effort the next game

That said, you’re right: the Blazers didn’t show up against the Celts. Gotta give some credit to the opponent. But, it was plain as day by body language the Blazers just didn’t seem to be in it or be all that intense. They were completely absent most of the game defensively, forcing Camby to be a one man defensive force in the middle. I don’t think we stopped dribble penetration into the lane once. It’s almost as if the entire team decides to smoke a giant bong prior to some games and they are just too laid back. Then sarge gets on their butts a little bit and we see a bigger effort to follow. Let’s hope that happens against Utah.

As for Roy, he shouldn’t be playing. Hamstrings are nasty, long term injuries. He isn’t doing anything to help us out there unless he mentally decides to go for it and not worry about the leg, but it’s clear he’s holding back. A less than 100% Roy hurts us in more than one way, especially in terms of offensive flow…the rest of the team stands around and watches him with the ball. There is no passing, no ball movement. It’s just a bunch of ISOs, which isn’t going to get it done against the better team.

If we give another effort like against the Celtics, Utah will carve us up tonight. Let’s hope sarge gets in their ears and gets a better effort.

by mjswoosh on Feb 21, 2010 4:50 PM PST up reply actions