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The Blazers were led by Damian Lillard (21 points, 4 assists), Chris Kaman (13 points, 9 rebounds), and Meyers Leonard and Joel Freeland off the bench.
The Blazers looked solid throughout the first half despite Aldridge's absence. Behind Lillard (18 first half points) and Kaman (13 points), Portland comfortably led through the entire half. In a surprise, Leonard had a solid offensive stretch, scoring 9 points, including a fast break dunk and a three-pointer. After a late Clipper run, the Blazers held an 8 point lead at halftime.
In the early second half, Lillard was promptly rung up with repeated fouls, forcing him to the bench halfway into the quarter with 5 fouls. Lillard fumed at the ref, and continued to fume while sitting on the bench. However, "going to the bench" wasn't the detriment that it often was in the previous season, as the backups enjoyed an advantage for most of the half. Leonard and Joel Freeland looked good sans Aldridge, and no players looked lost. The team
With 5 minutes left and an 11 point lead, Blazers coach Terry Stotts emptied the bench.
Note: Blazers coach Terry Stotts typically plays his normal rotation during the last preseason game. Meyers Leonard covered for Aldridge but would have otherwise likely sat. And Thomas Robinson and Will Barton were officially sitting. Cj McCollum and Dorell Wright seem to have clinched the last spots in the rotation to start the season.
GameDay Thread Pearls of Wisdom
As always, we had fun in the Blazer's Edge GameDay Thread tonight. Here are the best of the memories:
Seems like both teams are treating this as game .5 of the regular season -- Corwin71
No way I trade Kaman for Hawes. Glad he chose the clips. We got the better player. -- blazinagain
What's Next
Opening night is next! On Wednesday night at 7:30 the Blazers tip off the season at home against Oklahoma City.
But before opening night, the Blazers need to make decisions about picking up the options for Meyers Leonard, Thomas Robinson, and CJ McCollum. Any announcements will be made between now and opening night.
Stay tuned later tonight for game analysis from Chris Lucia.
Post-Game Reaction
Asked Meyers if he's thinking about his extension (POR has until Oct. 31) he said "No. It'll play itself out." #Blazers
— Jabari Young (@JabariJYoung) October 25, 2014
#Blazers coach Terry Stotts said the rotation still isn't set...outside of starters, Blake & Kaman will get time, up for grabs after that
— Jabari Young (@JabariJYoung) October 25, 2014