Blazer's Edge - Blazers vs. Hornets: Complete CoverageThe ultimate coverage and analysis of the Portland Trail Blazershttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47543/blazersedge-fave.png2013-02-13T19:09:48-08:00http://www.blazersedge.com/rss/stream/37509412013-02-13T19:09:48-08:002013-02-13T19:09:48-08:00Blazers Take Vacation Early, Lose Matthews & Game
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<figcaption>Derick Hingle-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>LaMarcus Aldridge said this six-game road trip was "Make or break" for the Blazers. It's broken.</p> <p><b>The Short Version:</b></p>
<p>A lethargic Portland Trail Blazers team stumbled out of the gate, and quickly <a target="_blank" href="http://www.blazersedge.com/2013/2/13/3986742/blazers-g-wesley-matthews-sprain-ankle-x-rays-negative">lost Wesley Matthews to injury</a>. A refreshed New Orleans Hornets played hard, smart defense, shot well, and simply dominated the entire game, eventually winning by a score of 99-63. This was the worst Blazer game since... I'll get back to you on that. I may be looking for a while.</p>
<p><b>Recap:</b></p>
<p>Both teams looked... well, discombobulated to start the game. Shots missing. Sketchy possessions. And before anyone could settle in, Matthews landed awkwardly on his ankle and had to be helped from the game. The Hornets' defense was solid, preventing many easy buckets for the tired Blazers. New Orleans maintained a small lead by working inside to get a few easy buckets. Even worse, LaMarcus Aldridge came down awkwardly on his already-sore wrist, and headed to the locker room, leaving the Blazers undermanned. Ronnie Price airballed a three-pointer as the clock mercifully ran down, and the Blazers finished with 14 points in the first quarter. But they were only behind by 5.</p>
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<p>Have you ever seen a dog take a poop in your front yard? It was like that, but lasted 12 minutes.<br>by <b>Arby</b> <b></b></p>
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<p>As the Blazer bench continued to struggle against the New Orleans defense, one thing changed: The Hornets started hitting shots. Price headed to the bench after a second airballed three-pointer. When Damian Lillard rushed back in, New Orleans zeroed in on him, attempting to shut him down. It worked. The Blazers called timeout, having scored 2 points in the first six minutes of the quarter. The good news? New Orleans had only scored 7 points. This wasn't ugly, this was a double-bagger. Woof.</p>
<p>Out of the timeout, the Blazers turned it over again, and the Hornets lead reached 14, as they continued to double-team Lillard to create transition buckets. The Blazer starters (plus Claver) tried to make a run, but it became increasingly obvious that only two starters were healthy: the perennially double-teamed Lillard, and JJ Hickson. With 19 seconds left in the half, Portland finally reached the 25 point barrier (and I do mean "barrier"). Barely. New Orleans led by an eye-bleeding score of 38-26 at halftime.</p>
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<p>I just wasted an hour of my life.<br>by <b>bustabucket</b></p>
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<p>As the third quarter opened, the Blazer starters found their adrenaline, ready to make a push. But while their shots weren't falling, the Hornets had no such problems. Portland called another timeout, down 18 and watching the game get away. The problem was firepower and chemistry. The starters were out of sync without Matthews, and even when they were presented with opportunities, the shots simply weren't falling. At one point, a Lillard layup attempt hit the bottom of the rim. Ryan Anderson's three-pointer gave the Hornets a 25 point lead. They led by 23 after three.</p>
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<p>This has been the ugliest 3 quarters of basketball I've ever personally seen.<br>by <b>cavejunctionblazer </b></p>
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<p>Within minutes, Blazers Head Coach Terry Stotts pulled all the starters in the fourth quarter. The game was over with 10 minutes left. Though you could argue it was over in the first quarter.</p>
<p><b>The Players:</b></p>
<p>Ignore the stats, this was Damian Lillard's worst game as a pro. New Orleans singled him out with the "let anyone beat us but him" defense. And it was successful. Damian couldn't get a solid shot off, he struggled to break the double-team, he couldn't set up teammates. The clearly-injured Batum had more assists and less turnovers. It was a dreadful night, and one he'll try to forget as he flies to Houston for a busy weekend. <b>12 points on 4-15 shooting, 4 assists.</b></p>
<p>LaMarcus Aldridge's wrist injury seemed to bother him as much as the Hornets defense. His recently-unstoppable jumper vanished, and the Hornets took care of the rest. He'll get the gift of one exhibition game over the next week to heal. <b>6 points on 2-11 shooting, 3 rebounds, 2 steals, 4 blocks.</b></p>
<p>Nicolas Batum, sit down until your wrist is healed. We'll be ok, I promise. <b>3 points on 1-10 shooting, 6 assists.</b></p>
<p>I'd say JJ Hickson had a quiet night, but that describes everyone. It was the usual JJ: Fought hard for rebounds, got a few dunks, struggled to lock down the middle. He did a better job tonight of passing instead of taking a bad shot. <b>10 points on 4-5 shooting, 5 rebounds.</b></p>
<p>Victor Claver was one of three Blazers to reach double-figures in scoring. He did his best to cover for the departed Matthews. Of all the Blazers tonight, he's the one least likely to draw complaints. <b>11 points on 5-10 shooting, 6 rebounds, 2 assists</b>.</p>
<p><b>Key Stats:</b></p>
<p>- The Blazers shot 12% from three-point-land, and 32% overall.</p>
<p>- The Hornets dominated the boards 52-35, including 15-6 offensive, but somehow spread them out across the team. Only Anthony Davis reached double-figures.</p>
<p>- The Hornets doubled up the Blazers in the paint, 52-26, and creamed the Blazers in points off turnovers (20-6).</p>
<p>- Mark it down, it happened: The Blazer bench outscored the starters, 32-31.</p>
<p>There were simply no good stats tonight. This is the game to which we'll compare all future games. "Sure this game is bad. But is it worse than that game in New Orleans before the All-Star Break?"</p>
<p><b>Final Words:</b></p>
<p>Dave, I owe you one for giving me this stinker.</p>
<p>Enjoy the All-Star Break everyone. The Blazers are back in action next Tuesday, but we'll have lots of All-Star Weekend coverage right here. -- Tim</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://blazersedge.urbanishment.com/gameform.php">Jersey Contest Form</a> | Hornets SBN Blog <a target="_blank" href="http://www.atthehive.com/">At The Hive</a></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=400278503">Box score</a> | <a target="_blank" style="color: #d80000;" href="http://www.tiqiq.com/nba/portland-trail-blazers-tickets?pubid=1011040">Portland Trail Blazers tickets</a> via TiqIQ | The <a target="_blank" style="color: #d80000;" href="https://www.blazersedge.com/#schedule_tab">upcoming Blazers schedule</a>.</p>
https://www.blazersedge.com/2013/2/13/3986650/final-hornets-dominate-the-blazers-99-63Timmay!2013-02-13T17:44:21-08:002013-02-13T17:44:21-08:00Wesley Matthews Sprains Ankle, X-Rays Negative
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<figcaption>Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Portland Trail Blazers guard Wesley Matthews suffered a sprained left ankle during the first quarter of a Wednesday night game against the New Orleans Hornets.</p> <p>Portland Trail Blazers guard Wesley Matthews suffered a sprained left ankle during the first quarter of a Wednesday night game against the New Orleans Hornets.</p>
<p>Matthews came down awkwardly as he attempted a pass on the perimeter. The Blazers announced that X-rays on the ankle were negative but that he would not return to the game.</p>
<p>The Blazers will next play against the Phoenix Suns in Portland on Feb. 19 thanks to the upcoming All-Star break.</p>
<p>Here's an animated GIF of the fall via the <b>CSNNW</b> broadcast.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2163731/matthews-leg.gif"><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2163731/matthews-leg.gif" class="photo" alt="Matthews-leg_medium"></a> <br id="1360806278344"></p>
<p>-- Ben Golliver | benjamin.golliver@gmail.com | <a href="http://www.twitter.com/blazersedge" target="_blank">Twitter</a></p>
https://www.blazersedge.com/2013/2/13/3986742/blazers-g-wesley-matthews-sprain-ankle-x-rays-negativeBen Golliver2013-02-13T16:00:06-08:002013-02-13T16:00:06-08:00Wes, LMA hurt, but Blazers Battling in New Orleans
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<figcaption>USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>One more game before the break.</p> <p>Welcome to the Gameday Open Thread at Blazer’s Edge! This is a place to hang out and enjoy tonight’s festivities with your fellow fans. Treat it as if you’re watching a game at the local watering hole, but hopefully without the language. Like any passionate fan base watching a game, expect some disagreements, and a fair amount of changing emotions. But with some fun and some mutual respect, we'll get through it together.</p>
<p><b>UPDATE:</b> Wesley Matthews went down with an injury in the first quarter. An ugly replay showed a an ugly landing on his ankle. He stayed down for a while, and was gently helped off the court. X-Rays were negative, but he won't return tonight.</p>
<p><b>UPDATE 2:</b> Long day. LaMarcus Aldridge fell hard to the court in the first quarter, and may have injured his wrist. He went to the locker room, but returned to the game in the second quarter to try to help the struggling Blazers.</p>
<p>Details for tonight’s game:</p>
<p><b>Tip-off: 5:10pm</b></p>
<p><u>How to watch</u><br> Portland: <b>Comcast Sportsnet Northwest, </b>or <a target="_blank" style="color: #d80000;" href="http://www.nba.com/blazers/stream-games-live">Blazers streaming</a> if CSN is unavailable to you.<br> National: <b>League Pass</b>, <a target="_blank" style="color: #d80000;" href="https://account.nba.com/leaguepass/broadband">League Pass Broadband</a>.</p>
<p><u>How to listen</u><br> Portland: <b>KEX </b>(1190 AM and 102.3 FM; 1190kex.com does not air the game)<b><br></b>National: <a href="http://www.nba.com/broadband/alp_schedule.html" target="_blank" style="color: #d80000;">NBA Audio League Pass</a><a href="http://www.nba.com/broadband/alp_schedule.html" target="_blank"> </a></p>
<p>The usual rules apply:</p>
<p>1. Please don't discuss non-sanctioned game streaming<br> 2. No swearing or pictures<br> 3. Please be cool to each other and don't be "that guy"!</p>
<p>Hang out and enjoy the game! -- Tim (blazer.timmay@gmail.com)</p>
<p><a target="_blank" style="color: #d80000;" href="http://www.tiqiq.com/nba/portland-trail-blazers-tickets?pubid=1011040">Portland Trail Blazers tickets</a><br><a href="http://www.blazersedge.com/2012-coverage" target="_blank" style="color: #d80000;">View complete season game coverage</a><br><a href="http://www.blazersedge.com/gameday-threads-2" target="_blank" style="color: #d80000;">View previous Gameday Threads<br></a></p>
https://www.blazersedge.com/2013/2/13/3985112/gameday-thread-blazers-vs-hornetsTimmay!2013-02-13T00:17:43-08:002013-02-13T00:17:43-08:00Blazers Dodging Vacation Temptation in New Orleans
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<figcaption>Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Tonight's battle in New Orleans will revolve around energy and focus as much as talent as the Portland Trail Blazers try to end a rough six-game road trip on a high note, lifting spirits heading into the All-Star break.</p> <p>One more game before the All-Star break is upon us...which describes precisely one of the main issues facing the Portland Trail Blazers tonight as they face the New Orleans Hornets. It's the end of a long road trip. An extended break lies just around the corner for some, the glitz and hype of the Houston festivities for others. Overlooking the 18-34 Hornets would be awfully tempting. It'd also be a mistake. Though their overall record is poor the Hornets have mostly recovered from injuries, have begun to gel, and have won 3 of their last 4. They're not going to put fear into anybody but the Blazers aren't good enough to take any team lightly.</p>
<p>Shooting guard Eric Gordon, the most potent offensive player on the New Orleans roster, has been back for a month or so. He rounded into form a few weeks ago but continues to wrestle with back problems and has registered 3 DNP's, 3 single-digit scoring nights, and one 27-point outpouring against the Hawks in his last 7 games. When healthy this guy is a legit scorer but his ailments have sunk his shooting percentages this year. Nevertheless, the Hornets look different, and more threatening, when he plays, if nothing else because of the potential for a wild-crazy night.</p>
<p>The Hornets also feature a couple good big men in Robin Lopez and first-overall pick Anthony Davis. Lopez has almost made people forget that he's not his brother, scoring in double-digits in 8 straight games including a 23-point night against Detroit in New Orleans' last outing. His rebounding isn't spectacular but he can block a shot when needed. Davis is the inverse. He's a good rebounder and defender but has trouble scoring most nights. He's hit only 5 of his last 24 shots over the last three games.</p>
<p>Rookie Austin Rivers is getting the chance to stretch his wings a little bit with Gordon wavering. His shooting percentages are atrocious but he's nosed the plane up over the last week or so, registering 3 games over .500 from the field. The problems with him: He hasn't scored in double digits since the clock turned to 2013 and he doesn't do anything else except foul.</p>
<p>Greivis Vasquez mans the starting point position. Like his fellow starters he's done well recently, registering multiple double-digit assist nights. He's a good all-around player on the offensive end, especially gifted passing. He's nobody's idea of a defender though.</p>
<p>Al-Farouq Amimu rounds out the starting lineup. He's a nice defender and rebounder who is rounding his offensive game into shape but isn't a real scoring threat. The big question is whether he's suited to play next to Davis who fits a similar description.</p>
<p>Power forward Ryan Anderson is a little bit of an oddity. He's 6'10", takes most of his shots from the three-point arc, and leads his team in scoring from the bench...the ultimate "stretch forward". Shooting guard Roger Mason Jr. and power forward Jason Smith round out the major rotation spots.</p>
<p>While the New Orleans offense isn't bad from an efficiency standpoint, they have trouble generating points. They don't have bankable scorers in the halfcourt and they don't score enough on the break or in the paint to make their less-bankable scorers more productive. Lack of easy opportunities also cuts into their free throw attempts. They can shoot jumpers if you leave them alone, however, so it's not a total free pass for your defense. They do suffer from a high turnover rate, ruing the shots they never get to take which could up their anemic point production.</p>
<p>Unfortunately the Hornets allow more easy points than they score, heading towards the nether ends of the league in fast break points and points in the paint allowed. Naturally their percentage defense suffers as a result. Other than blocking plenty of shots there's really nothing to recommend them defensively.</p>
<p>Given the state of Portland's bench it's obligatory to mention this being the second night of a back-to-back as well as the end of this six-game road trip, plus the Miami matchup was considerably more...errrr...<i>motivating </i>than a contest against New Orleans will be.</p>
<p>If the Blazers can get over all that and muster enough energy their backcourt should be able to run roughshod over New Orleans while their frontcourt plays to a standstill at worst, even with a couple of nice bench players in Hornets uniforms. This should be a Portland win. But "should be's" don't count for much with this year's team. It's all about whether they bring it on a given night or don't. The head says the Blazers just have to play like they did last night in Miami and they'll be fine. The heart has some misgivings about whether they actually will. We shall see.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.atthehive.com/">At The Hive</a> will let you know more about tonight's opponent.</p>
<p>Your<a target="_blank" href="http://blazersedge.urbanishment.com/gameform.php"> Jersey Contest Form </a>for this game.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.tiqiq.com/nba/portland-trail-blazers-tickets?pubid=1011040" target="_blank">Portland Trail Blazers tickets</a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">--Dave (blazersub@gmail.com)</p>
https://www.blazersedge.com/2013/2/13/3982100/portland-trail-blazers-vs-new-orleans-hornets-2012-2013Dave Deckard