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The Blazers were led by Nicolas Batum, Robin Lopez and Wesley Matthews.
I interrupt this recap to remind you that Blazer's Edge has its own NCAA Bracket Challenge! Go check it out here.
First Half: This was one of those "you're lucky you missed it" halves. The Bucks came out with a bit of energy... which was still a bit more than Portland. The Blazers were lackadaisical at both ends, falling behind by 8 points. They didn't pick up the energy much, except for Batum. He scored 16 first quarter points to keep the Blazers close, and Williams and Robinson added energy off the bench. Soon, Portland led by 8 and seemed ready to pull away. But didn't. Portland's turnovers continued, and they gave up multiple three-point plays to the woeful Bucks, letting them hang around at halftime.
Portland 52, Milwaukee 47
Well, hmmm... just got in front of a TV. Good to see the Blazers ahead by 5 but I half expected to see another 0 on that lead.
—Dave
by Dave Deckard
Third Quarter: If you blinked and missed the first six minutes, you missed nothing, as the Blazer starters couldn't stop the Bucks, who were still within 5 at the halfway point. One minute later, a 4 point run from Milwaukee forced a Blazer timeout. They took the lead with a layup at the 3:30 mark, while the Blazers missed open shot after shot. Another missed shot, and another easy shot for the Bucks gave them a three point lead.
According to Elias Sports Bureau, this is Milwaukee’s first lead all year.
by Dave Deckard
Mo Williams came alive again though to bring the Blazers back, and Lillard, who missed shots all night long, finally converted a three-point play to put the Blazers ahead.
Portland 75, Milwaukee 72
Moda Center crowd sounds low-level angry.
by Dave Deckard
Fourth Quarter: It took two and a half minutes for Milwaukee to take the lead from the moribund Blazers. Soon they led by three, and the crowd felt a lot like Dave in tonight's Gameday Thread.
Watching this game is like showing up for a blind date you arranged on Craigslist at 3 a.m.
by Dave Deckard
"Gee, I hope this turns out…OHHH AUUUGGGH! NOOO! Where’s the exit?!?!?"
by Dave Deckard
However, two straight three-point possessions gave the Blazers a three point lead. Then the shots stopped falling, and the Bucks took a one point lead with 4 minutes left. The crowd audibly was groaning, especially at the Blazers' opinion of "quality shots".
Brides on their wedding night put up more resistance than Portland’s defense tonight.
by Dave Deckard
Portland led by one with 3 minutes left, but neither team could convert. After missing all night, Lillard got a three around a Lopez screen, and swished it for a four point lead. The Bucks hit a free throw and, after a missed desperation three from Mo, a Lillard foul put the Bucks at the line with a minute left. They missed the second three, but got the rebound and tied the game with 48 seconds left. Unsurprisingly, the Blazers missed a jumper... but Lopez tipped it in. Or so we thought, as the replay showed offensive interference, and no basket.
The Bucks took possession with the game tied, 35 seconds left. Mo fouled Sessions, who hit one of two for a Bucks lead with 18 seconds left. Lillard missed a layup and the Blazers were forced to foul. Sessions hit a free throw, giving the Bucks a three point lead. At the other ended, Lillard drove for the tie and barely rimmed in a layup to tie the game with 5 seconds left. Ramon Sessions had a three-point attempt, but it bricked badly, and the Blazers headed to overtime at home against the worst team in the NBA.
This is one of those classic games you never want to end. OVERTIME.
by Mortimer
Overtime: Portland took a four point lead and promptly gave up an open three-pointer. Portland missed three (!) open three-pointers, and the Bucks took the lead. But Matthews scored while getting fouled at the other end. On the next possession, Matthews stole a lazy pass, behind-the-back to Lillard, DUNK. Six point Blazer lead with 2 minutes left. The Bucks cut it to 4 with 1:30 left, so Matthews stepped back for three. Swish for a 7 point lead. The Bucks scored and got the ball back, down by 5 with 30 seconds left. But they turned over the inbound pass, and after a long, long night, it was all over except for-- oh, the Blazers promptly gave up a three-pointer and nearly turned over the inbound pass.
Are the Blazers TRYING to lose this?
by Dave Deckard
Nonetheless, the Blazers had the ball with 16 seconds left, up by 4. They hit free throws, then promptly gave up an open three-pointer at the other end. Cue Dave above. Nonetheless, the Blazers held on for what was arguably their worst win of the season.
What's Next:
A day off for the Blazers to re-evaluate themselves, then a big game, Blazer's Edge Night on Thursday against the Wizards
Stay tuned for more tonight from Chris and Ben!
Gameday Thread Comments of the Night:
Thanks to everyone who participated in tonight's Gameday Thread! As always, here are the most popular comments, based on the number of Rec's from their fellow fans: