Game 37 Preview: Blazers vs. Timberwolves
by Dave on Jan 6, 2011 10:00 PM PST
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PrintGame Time: 5:00 p.m. Pacific TV: CSNNW
The 9-27 Minnesota Timberwolves are on the docket tonight. In a tailspin worthy of Minnesota teams of yore, the 'Wolves have lost 18 of their last 23, their scarce victories coming almost exclusively against the dregs of the league. Their misery is no mystery. They have a couple of nice scorers in Kevin Love and Michael Beasley but that's all they have in the scoring department. The ailing and inconsistent Martell Webster is the third man on their scoring chart with a 13.1 ppg average in 12 games played. Luke Ridnour follows with 11.0 per game. Nobody else on their roster manages double digits. Their overall point total isn't bad at 102.8. It's good for 8th in the league, in fact. But opponents will take all the points in the world as long as Beasley doesn't go for 35 and Love doesn't notch 25 and 20. Worse, the T-Wolves don't get fast break points and are on the low side of average in points in the paint, meaning they're having to work hard for most of those 102. Three point shooting is their claim to fame as a team, but that's a fickle mistress upon which to build a long-term relationship.
Minnesota's defense isn't even a fickle mistress. She's done stepped out on them and is cavorting with whomever into town. The 'Wolves allow an NBA-worst 108.6 ppg. Putting that into perspective, the Knicks have the best point-generating offense in the league with 107.8. Whoever plays against Minnesota becomes, in essence, the best offensive team in the land for that night. They're bad in plenty of categories. They don't reach the league median in any significant defensive statistic. Among their worst problems is free throw rate. The 'Wolves can't defend without fouling, a state that ultimately makes "without fouling" an unnecessary appendage to the clause.
What do the Timberwolves do really well? They're good offensive rebounders. Thank you, Kevin Love. Keep the Love Boat from sailing and they have nowhere else to go. End of story.
This provides the key for Portland tonight: shepherd the glass. The danger inherent in this game is that the Blazers, often prey to wonky offensive nights, won't take the free gift that Minnesota offers and won't generate an insane point total. If that's the case, the 'Wolves could get on a roll and make this a match...possibly even an over-match. The safeguard is controlling that glass. Minnesota needs possessions. Minnesota needs easy putbacks. Minnesota needs to feel in control of the game some way, somehow. Superior board-work denies them all three and makes this an easy night.
Caveat: As long as you hit your free throws.
See a more Minny-positive view at Canis Hoopus.
In the press last night, Dave didn't do a Jersey Contest form for this game, so it will remain undone. The contest will resume Sunday. You can see the scoreboard you missed from the other night here.
--Dave (blazersub@yahoo.com)
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Let's see Love try and guard LMA...
chk yrslf bf u rec yrslf
by Hipster Olympic Team! on Jan 6, 2011 10:09 PM PST via mobile reply actions
Okay honestly is there any doubt that we'll win?
We beat up on the Twolves EVERY single game against them.
#12
by collectiveshane on Jan 6, 2011 10:12 PM PST reply actions
Never underestimate the Blazer's vaunted camel offense,
which can trudge for days through the desert without drinking a field goal.
chk yrslf bf u rec yrslf
by Hipster Olympic Team! on Jan 6, 2011 10:16 PM PST via mobile up reply actions 7 recs
Should be a nice battle between Love and LA
LaMarcus should torch Kevin Love whenever Love tries to guard him. Let’s see LaMarcus go for 35 and 15 against Minnesota. Blazers should win handily. Although, Minnesota does play pretty well for about 3 quarters against good teams on their home floor. It would be nice to get a blowout win and let LaMarcus rest in the 4th and not have to play more than 30 minutes.
If LMA can torch Love
it should help his slim All-Star chances.
He already dropped 36 and 10 on him last time
A career high in scoring and a long highlight reel would be a nice touch this time.
If Love switches on Matthews at some point
Will Money beat Love?
by Epimenides on Jan 6, 2011 10:29 PM PST via mobile reply actions
The TimberPuppies remind me of us...
A few years back, when the present was ooky but the future bright and shiny. (I’m a transplanted Portlander living in the Twin Cities, but for me “us” will always mean the Blazers until I give up basketball or the ghost.)
They actually have talent to build on, and the prospect of a possibly good draft pick after this season — a nice combo.
One thing to watch for in the game. The Puppies have a (to locals) frustrating habit of competing with almost everyone — including some strong games against San Antonio, Boston, etc. — while finding amazing and truly original methods to cluster-fart the win away at the end.
If this one’s close, see if the pattern continues. It might change in their favor a season or two down the road . . .
It saddens me a bit to visit Martell in Minny...
If Oden does not give up on the Blazers, we should not give up on him.
This is a "u better win" game...
For the Blazers, there will be some “must win” games as we approach the playoff/lottery divide…
There will be some not unexpected loss games, against the league’s elite…
And then there will be the “we shoulda won” games…
The T-Wolves are one of those games.
Sure, you can survive a loss. But you really should win. So just take care of business, and get the W.
There was such a high
with that comeback vs. Houston. An L against MInn would provide a completely unnecessary equilibrium, one the team might have trouble coming back from.
Sure seems that management is taking the team’s temperature about now, and a loss here could precipitate some rather rash movement.
I like this team, and I think that a 2-1 roadie would feel just about right for those of us still bullish on our immediate future.
So, hard not to like our chances tonight. but this game concerns me because the tendency is to assume victory, when this team is neither deep enough, nor talented enough, to assume any such thing. We have to continue to play through LMA, hit some shots, and work for extra possessions.
On a side note, LMA’s face-off w/ K Love could help his cause, assuming he’d enjoy a trip to the All Star Game. There’s a little motivation for you.
by damonrayhymer on Jan 6, 2011 11:19 PM PST up reply actions
I think that a 2-1 roadie would feel just about right for those of us still bullish on our immediate future.
Yes, with the way the schedule plays out this month, a 2-1 road trip could signal a 10-4 January (assuming good health to all and no sneaker trades, knock on wood)
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
forgive me
but what is a sneaker trade?
by damonrayhymer on Jan 7, 2011 8:33 AM PST up reply actions
It's when we get Chris Paul for a pair of sneakers.
"For we let our young men and women go out unarmed, in a day when armor was never so necessary. By teaching them all to read, we have left them at the mercy of the printed word. By the invention of the film and the radio, we have made certain that no aversion to reading shall secure them from the incessant battery of words, words, words. They do not know what the words mean; they do not know how to ward them off or blunt their edge or fling them back; they are a prey to words in their emotions instead of being the masters of them in their intellects." - Dorothy L. Sayers, The Lost Tools of Learning, 1947
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Do you mean giving up Joel or Dre
for a dirty pair of sneakers, or a 2d round pick?
by damonrayhymer on Jan 7, 2011 9:16 AM PST up reply actions
I don't expect Miller, Camby or Przy to be dealt this month
but if the perfect opportunity comes along, you never know
and depending on the players Portland receives in the deal, the team’s W-L record could take a big hit without those veterans
Like I said, they’re playing well, I don’t expect there’s a lot of pressure on Cho to make a deal right now. But he’s listening to offers and we’re hearing re-heated trade rumors
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
that 10-4 you predict
could make it difficult for Cho, as the pressure might be to add experienced talent, rather than prospects, at least that’s what I’m hoping for.
I think PA would enjoy seeing some winning basketball, as it is alluring, intoxicating even.
by damonrayhymer on Jan 7, 2011 10:57 AM PST up reply actions
Ideally the W-L record shouldn't make a difference to the GM
if an outstanding deal comes along, Cho should pull the trigger at any time between now and 2-24
but Paul is a fan as well as an owner, and we’ve heard how he’s scuttled deals in the past when his favorite players were involved
and there are the ticket holders to consider, as well. If Cho flips Miller/Canby and tries to sell a fresh start with a rebuilding movement (now that the team has won a bunch of games in a row at home) there could be a backlash at the box office (renewals) if the new-look team struggles after the deal
OTOH, the schedule if February toughens up again, if there’s going to be a Blazer deal made this winter, that’s when I’d expect it to happen
When reached 40 years of following Portland basketball you have, be as passionate of the Trail Blazers you will not!
Renewals are indeed a big factor.
And I could totally see PA getting all geeked over a win streak; he seems like that kind of owner.
I think this group is playing like they’d like to remain together, maybe too good at times, because I think that they need help. Rudy and Patty have some proving to do, and Wesley looks like he’s hit the wall, although I thought that was for rookies.
by damonrayhymer on Jan 7, 2011 6:09 PM PST up reply actions
This is definitely a should win game
Coughing this one up just before taking on Miami at the Rose Garden would probably be a serious mistake. After Miami we have tough games against New York at home and the Suns in Pheonix.
Winning this game insures that there is no way we drop below .500 if we go on another slide from the following 3 games. Starting at or above .500 will be very important when we hit the 5 game stretch before playing the Cs again.
If we’re going to get it together this season then this is the time to do it.
Wolves fan here
I think the Blazers are likely to win, but the Wolves have lost a lot of close ones and are a bit better than their record. Surprised at the confidence level of some of the posters above.
LMA is definitely a tough matchup for KLove defensively. I think guys like LMA, Pau, and Bynum are the reason Kahn traded Jefferson away. Even if the Love + Jefferson got good rebounding position, tall & athletic bigs would sometimes just reach over the back and take the ball away.
Wolves guard play has been horrible this year – Mathews and Miller should have a field day. Darko is up and down – if he is on he may cause some trouble with his post game and blocked shots. Beasley has been great lately so Batum better be ready.
One question: Are you at all concerned about the opponents retaliating for the 3 glasses thing? When they did it last time vs. the Wolves, I found pretty childish and akin to taunting. Would not be surprised to see some resulting hard fouls on guys like Rudy, especially vs. a team like the Celtics.
"It's tough to make predictions, especially about the future." -- Yogi Berra
PS: If you don't see the 'taunting' aspect
Pretend this guy is in a different uniform and just hit a crazy 3 that pushed the POR lead into embarassing territory.
"It's tough to make predictions, especially about the future." -- Yogi Berra
by Wile E Coyote on Jan 7, 2011 7:50 AM PST up reply actions
just some dudes having fun, giving support for their teammates
the goggles thing is not about taunting, it is about team solidarity
Win the day!
I realize that
just not sure opponents will view it that way.
"It's tough to make predictions, especially about the future." -- Yogi Berra
by Wile E Coyote on Jan 7, 2011 8:01 AM PST up reply actions 1 recs
It is kind of silly
but if it were me I’d probably say who cares. If that’s what it takes for Rudy to be RUDY and not rudy I hope they do it more often.
If it gets in the opponents heads for some reason, they are probably losing…usually good for us. If they are winning or blowing us out we’ll probably see the goggles thrown around by the other team. That’s the price you pay for your goofy little traditions.
It may actually help get the shooters in rhythm. We have a lot of streaky 3pt shooters and when they get going some of them won’t miss often.
Team Identity.
Confidence. Man Bonding.
If you’re on the other team, and you don’t like that silly grin, go ahead. knock it off my face, if you can.
I remember when Ricky Davis used to viciously insult our players, as if he wasn’t a scrub himself. It was something the team had to overcome, and I took extra enjoyment in beating his Clipper teams, and seeing the end of his middling career. That Clipper jersey looked so good on him, like he was born to wear it. Hope he’s broke.
And KG’s trash to LaMarcus, KG has probably realized that time is not his friend. Let’s hope LMA reminds him of this fact for the rest of his playing days.
Bottom Line: Silly 3 glasses, you really think this bunch of guys is trying to rub in your ineptitude? They’re not so good themselves, and they’re thoughtful enough to know it. Oh, and it’s tough to be a fan when your team blows..
by damonrayhymer on Jan 7, 2011 8:28 AM PST up reply actions
Agree on KG & especially Ricky Davis. I liked KG in general but not some of his antics. Never liked Davis and was very happy when he and Blount were shipped out.
Also, yes it sucks when your team does. Especially when they blow the draft each and every year. Right now we are just hoping Rubio deigns to show up.
"It's tough to make predictions, especially about the future." -- Yogi Berra
by Wile E Coyote on Jan 7, 2011 8:52 AM PST up reply actions
Does not seem likely
that Rubio would ever become a Timber Wolf. Pretty not glamorous.
Of course, a sign & trade could yield a nice array of goodies.
by damonrayhymer on Jan 7, 2011 1:06 PM PST up reply actions
There are a million things that could be considered taunting
Most of them much worse then flashing goggles at your own bench.
I'm not worried.
I think of players like last year’s Chris Anderson, or Andy Varejao. Everyone hates them, except for the fans of the team they’re on. An even better example is when JAson Terry puts his arms out and pretends to be a jet running up the floor after hitting a big shot. That irritated me, but it was because he did something positive for his team. That can be a good thing. If people are hating the 3-Goggles, it’s because the Blazers are making threes. And I like it when they make threes. So whether other fans see it as taunting (which it’s not intended to be), or something else, it’s still awesome to us.
It’s not like it’s a Kevin Garnett level (He got down on all fours, barked like a dog, taunting Blazer backup at the time Jerryd Bayless). That was just plain taunting. This may be slightly excessive celebration, but I can live with that.
"For we let our young men and women go out unarmed, in a day when armor was never so necessary. By teaching them all to read, we have left them at the mercy of the printed word. By the invention of the film and the radio, we have made certain that no aversion to reading shall secure them from the incessant battery of words, words, words. They do not know what the words mean; they do not know how to ward them off or blunt their edge or fling them back; they are a prey to words in their emotions instead of being the masters of them in their intellects." - Dorothy L. Sayers, The Lost Tools of Learning, 1947
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by T Darkstar on Jan 7, 2011 9:06 AM PST up reply actions 1 recs
opponents can retaliate all they want, that's part of the game. Just come up with your own ideas.
Our players aren’t doing it at your team/bench, it’s for our team and our bench. I find it funny others take it so personally, as if we’re the only team in the league that does ‘something’.
Since when do the celtics or most likely kg, need and an excuse to be a bully? He’s always swinging those elbows, but i’m sure he’ll find a way to excuse his behavior and blame us for taunting him with the 3 googles. That is the one time I would love for Rudy or Wesley to make a 3 and turn right in front of their bench and give them the 3 goggles.
Will LMA pass Amare tonight on the dunk charts?
and become #2 in the NBA for total dunks this season?
When is replay on csn?
Please don’t tell me it’s duck stuff 24/7…
OSU '06
Trade for Gerald Wallace!!
by TyboOSU on Jan 7, 2011 2:18 PM PST via mobile reply actions
The wolves blog posted a hilarious reverse jinx preview
Not exactly a more wolves positive spin but certainly is good for a laugh. They have us winning 125 to 6 and LMA created by God to be the perfect basketball player.
I just read that...
Too funny. I guess if you’re a fan of the Wolves you start to do anything possible to unjinx your team. My favorite line was ‘Brandon Roy in a wheelchair would be the best player on the Wolves’!!! That’s funny, because they drafted him!
Go to Heaven for the climate, Hell for the company.
Yeah I had a good laugh about that one too
Also the part about Love not playing defense and sending people to the line all the time so he can inflate his rebound numbers.
Yeah, that was good, especially the Aldridge line
If God came down to earth and wanted to create the perfect basketball specimen, wouldn’t that player look almost identical to LaMarcus Aldridge? The shooting. The rebounding. The defense. The athleticism. Rumor has it that Dos Equis first approached Aldridge, but Aldridge turned thrm down because the real ‘most interesting man in the world’ would not have to prove it in a commercial.
Wiggada Wiggada Zers!
Lol. Pretty much his handling skills lack and 3pt shot
OSU '06
Trade for Gerald Wallace!!
by TyboOSU on Jan 7, 2011 5:24 PM PST via mobile up reply actions
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