In a Nutshell
The Blazers were Blake Griffin, the Cavaliers the Kia Optima as Portland leaped over, left shoe prints on, and ultimately summarily disposed of Cleveland in a game that wasn't close ever.
Game Flow
The "In a Nutshell" section says everything you need to know. Portland led 24-2 in the first period, then later 33-4, before finally finishing the quarter ahead 37-12. At one point you were legitimately afraid we were going to see a final score of the sort usually complained about by High School girls coaches. The Blazers didn't blow them out that badly but seriously, Portland had double Cleveland's score well into the third period. 41 point victory, and it wasn't that close.
Notable Developments
You got to see what Portland's playbook runs like in practice during this game. You can rewind through the Tivo and watch the buffet of options. First, second, fourth...everything worked.
The only notable development was plenty of Patty Mills playing off the ball on offense, a role which suits him well.
Individual Notes
Six Blazers scored in double figures tonight. Four of those notched as many or more points than Cleveland's leading scorer. Basically nothing counts in this kind of game, as the Blazers won't play the Cadavaliers every night. However LaMarcus Aldridge did hit 9 of 10 shots and Gerald Wallace looked brilliant all around, notching 17 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks. The guy can pass a little, though resistance was hardly there tonight.
Stats of the Night
- Blazers 29 assists, Cavs 6
- Cavs 35.6% shooting. Portland never let them solve the defense even when the lead was huge.
- Blazers 62 points in the paint.
Odd Notes and Links
Fear The Sword will give you the other side of the story, though the Cavs were closer to a letter opener tonight.
Jersey Contest Scoreboard Note that there is an error in the Jersey Contest schedule meaning you won't be able to enter Saturday's game form until after 7:00 p.m. tomorrow.
--Dave (blazersub@yahoo.com)