Blazer's Edge - Complete Coverage: Blazers 105, Grizzlies 98The ultimate coverage and analysis of the Portland Trail Blazershttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47543/blazersedge-fave.png2014-03-31T02:10:40-07:00http://www.blazersedge.com/rss/stream/53271872014-03-31T02:10:40-07:002014-03-31T02:10:40-07:00Media Row Report: Blazers 105, Grizzlies 98
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<figcaption>Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Spo</figcaption>
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<p>The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Memphis Grizzlies, 105-98, at the Moda Center on Sunday night, improving their record to 48-27.</p> <p>The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Memphis Grizzlies, 105-98, at the Moda Center on Sunday night, improving their record to 48-27.</p>
<p>The Grizzlies' famed death grip defense came up with a rare hand cramp in this one.</p>
<p>Instead of grabbing Portland's offense by the neck and choking out the excitement possession by possession, as we've seen twice this season, Memphis's pinky finger was contorted back towards its own wrist and its thumb was askew in the other direction, rendering the whole mitt pretty useless. Portland's 105 points were the most conceded by Memphis since Oklahoma City ran up 113 more than a month ago, and the buckets really starting coming once the Blazers manufactured a little pace during a key second-quarter push.</p>
<p>"We actually thought the whole game was going to be them trying to slow us down," Thomas Robinson told Blazersedge. "Once we got out and started running, we knew we could keep doing this. We ended up making them play our game tonight."</p>
<p>If briefly surprised by their opponent's lack of might, the Blazers went about making quick, definitive work of the Grizzlies, finding ways to generate opportunities in transition while also preventing Memphis from finding a comfort zone or cheap points on offense. Beating a top defense like Memphis or Chicago requires a willingness to match the dirty work that they do every night, but also a level of trust in your own principles and personnel, lest you set yourself up for a squeeze.</p>
<p>"They're a good defensive team but we have to pay them the respect by attacking them," Wesley Matthews said, and that was exactly how it played out. Portland broke out to a double-digit lead with a 16-4 run in the second quarter, exhibiting the type of scoring balance and "don't think twice" approach that made the Blazers one of the league's most feared attacks earlier this season.</p>
<p>"I'm a big believer in taking what the game gives you," Blazers coach Terry Stotts said.</p>
<p>What was available during this deciding push? High-percentage shots in the basket area, opportunities that are rarely there for the taking against the disciplined Grizzlies. The Blazers smartly got them while the getting was good. Mo Williams -- 17 points (on 7-for-9 shooting and four assists -- pushed the tempo and beat the defense all the way to the rim for a bucket. Robinson ran with Williams on another play, cashing in a layup. Nicolas Batum perfectly timed a backdoor cut in transition for a dunk.</p>
<p>These scores were keyed -- time and again -- by defensive rebounds against one of the league's biggest and best offensive rebounding teams. As Portland was cashing in easy looks on one end, Memphis was struggling through one-and-done possessions on the other; the Grizzlies went more than eight minutes in the second quarter without an offensive rebound during a stretch that almost perfectly overlapped with the Blazers' run. Dorell Wright pulled down a whopping seven defensive rebounds -- every rebound he registered on the night -- during a five-minute stretch early in the second quarter. Six of those boards preceded Blazers possessions that produced points on the other end.</p>
<p>"We knew that if we got the rebounds and didn't give them second chance points, we could run," LaMarcus Aldridge told Blazersedge. "They have [Zach Randolph] and Marc [Gasol], who are bigger, slower guys, they don't want to run. I thought Mo did a really good job of pushing the ball, finding guys open, looking for his shot in the second unit."</p>
<p>Portland finished with a modest total of nine fast break points, but that push bent Memphis enough that the second half was mostly a formality.</p>
<p>"The easy ones were demoralizing," Grizzlies coach David Joerger admitted.</p>
<p>This was a regulating effort that would bring a smile to the face of Warren G, a third consecutive clean win for Portland and its best showing in more than two months against a Western Conference team that matters. This was also a return to normalcy that would make Warren G. Harding proud, a continued reestablishment of the role balance that's come together over the last few nights, a jigsaw puzzle of responsibility that's been shaken up by various injuries since the All-Star break.</p>
<p>Aldridge's 28 points (on 10-for-20 shooting), four rebounds and two-way presence were pivotal to both developments. He began with seven consecutive jumpers but he mixed things up as the night unfolded, remaining "unspectacular but dependable" throughout: six points in the first quarter, then eight, then eight, then six. There were eight trips to the foul line along the way, plus sufficient paint play to provide the necessary interior threat.</p>
<p>During his absences, the Blazers have often looked like a class of elementary school students taking swimming lessons, straining to keep their heads above the pool water as their new-found responsibilities exceeded their comfort zone. Aldridge's return has, over the last few contests, drained the pool of a few feet of water, and now the kids are smiling rather than struggling. Damian Lillard -- who finished with 13 points (on 4-for-10 shooting), five assists and four rebounds -- can afford an off night and enjoy a little less defensive attention. Portland's reserves can settle back into their roles rather than trying to do too much. Robin Lopez isn't tasked with stopping onslaughts from every direction by himself. And so on.</p>
<p>"L.A. being back makes a big differences for everybody, as far as the rotation, the minutes," Stotts said. "When L.A. was out, we had to patch things together ... a lot of guys got minutes during that time, and now we can go forward with it."</p>
<p>To say consecutive wins against the Bulls and Grizzlies have buoyed spirits would be an understatement. The post-game locker room appeared as stress-free as any point since perhaps December. As word of losses by the Golden State Warriors and Phoenix Suns spread -- Stotts was watching both games in between the end of Portland's victory and the beginning of his post-game press conference -- you could sense Portland moving quickly to firmer mental ground.</p>
<p>Now up four full games on the No. 9 seed with just seven left to play -- and four remaining games against lottery teams -- the Blazers wore the smiles of a team that had simultaneously outrun the Grizzlies' defensive grasp and buried the unthinkable worst-case scenario of missing the playoffs.</p>
<p>"That's what makes us a top team in the West, that guy right there," said Matthews, gesturing towards Aldridge's locker, as he returned to the direct, puffy-chested language that was commonplace back before Aldridge's groin injury. "Everyone is playing well, stepping it up. Our energy is back, you see our energy on the bench. The excitement, our urgency is where it needs to be."</p>
<p>Robinson added: <span>"[Aldridge is] a leader. Any flaws we have, any area we lacked in, he came back and it's all changed."</span></p>
<p><b><u>Random Game Notes</u></b></p>
<ul>
<li><span>The attendance was announced at 19,994 (a sellout). A little generous. The fans who stayed to the very end -- through a few late, fruitless timeouts by Grizzlies coach Dave Joerger -- delivered a well-earned standing ovation.</span></li>
<li><span>Here are <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nba.com/video/games/bobcats/2014/03/30/0021301099-mem-por-recap.nba">the game highlights</a> via <b>NBA.com</b>.</span></li>
<li><span>LaMarcus Aldridge took a hard fall with just under two minutes remaining in the game as he crashed to the court while trying to put up a turnaround jumper in traffic. Blazers coach Terry Stotts joked that his first thought on the play was simply that Aldridge was fouled, not that he might have re-injured his back. </span></li>
<li> <span>Regarding the fall, Aldridge said: "</span>I'm a little sore. It definitely woke up my little contusion but I'm OK." He told reporters that he was late in conducting his post-game comments because he was taking care of his back.</li>
<li>When it comes to injuries, Aldridge is usually pretty easy to read. If he's hurt or bothered, you can see it on his face, hear it in his tone, and he generally becomes more reluctant to talk. (I think most of us would probably act the same way if in a similar position.) He seemed fairly upbeat overall about how things have progressed with his back, saying: "<span>We've done great [managing it]. We've had some people in that's helped a lot. To show me things to do, they've done little light flushes on different muscles, I've been good so far. [We've been doing] a</span><span> little bit of everything. [Stretching, ice], it's a whole lot of things."</span> </li>
<li>Aldridge played 33 minutes -- his most in almost three weeks -- and he said he could have gone more if it was necessary: "<span>I could play more tonight but luckily guys played good, [Thomas Robinson] played good. Guys are just playing well so I don't have to do."</span> </li>
<li>Wesley Matthews on what it means to have Aldridge back: "At any point in time you can throw it to the block and he's going to make something happen, even if he misses the shot, we can have an offensive rebounding opportunity, he might command a double team, get an open shot on the back side. If they play him one-on-one, we like those odds. On the defensive end, he knows the game, he talks. He's a rebounder and he can block, he's a rim protector."<br>
</li>
<li>Robin Lopez on what it means to have Aldridge back: "Having that length back there is big for us. It gives me a lot of confidence to go for more block shots, more contests, just having a big body to box out, occupy somebody, it frees up a lot of rebounds for us."</li>
<li>Matthews dropped a minor bombshell in the post-game locker room, telling reporters that he hadn't been feeling well since Saturday night and that his bug required him to receive four liters worth of saline through an IV prior to the game. He added that he had second thoughts once he was in the game about whether he would be able to finish it out, given how fast things seemed to be moving around him. He still managed to tally 15 points (on 4-for-9 shooting), five assists and three rebounds.</li>
<li> <span>Aldridge on Matthews: "</span>That's just who Wes is. He's not going to sit out a game if he doesn't have to. He knows the importance of every game. His mindset is 'I'm not going to sit out.' [Him playing on Sunday], I think it's a little bit of him knowing the urgency and him just being a tough guy."</li>
<li><span>Memphis's coach and players made mention of how much harder Portland played and the disadvantage they faced when it came to energy. It's worth pointing out that the Grizzlies were "Stephen Curry'ed" on Friday night at Golden State. Curry hit a go-ahead three-pointer to break a tie game with a little more than a minute to go and then he hit a beautiful, running off-the-glass scoop shot to seal the deal. "It was obviously a disappointing loss at Golden State," Joerger said. "Maybe there's a hangover effect."</span></li>
<li><span>Remember, Portland played like a group of passed out sailors against the Milwaukee Bucks earlier this month, two days after Curry went off to deliver a victory in Portland.</span></li>
<li> <span>Damian Lillard on the pick-up of intensity, especially on the defensive end: "</span>After the tough start to the road trip, we all took it as a challenge, that we needed to be better as a team defensively. Having [Aldridge] back makes our team a lot better but as far as the defensive end, it's been a collective effort. ...We defended really well, we took away the easy points, the offensive rebounds, the transition points, all the easy points that they can get and then we ran. We got out, ran the floor, got some good looks, made them foul, we just played with a lot of energy and had a good pace. ... I think our team has completely gone in the right direction in terms of what you need to do to win games."<br>
</li>
<li>Mo Williams on the team's improved play over the last three games and the bench's strong play: "Guys have been going into games, knowing when they're going to go in, knowing when they're going to come out. For the most part, that gives guys off the bench a comfort level also. One thing about it: guys are coming in, locked in, focused, doing what we've got to do on the defensive end. Offensively we're unselfish. ... [Our approach is] being one. Not getting caught up in yourself. Do it for one ultimate goal, and that's for the team. ... We're playing playoff basketball right now."<br>
</li>
<li>Aldridge tipped his hat to Dorell Wright's rebounding effort: "They're a big offensive rebounding team, myself and [Robin Lopez] have our hands full trying to box out Z-Bo, the other guys have to come in and rebound. D. Wright did great tonight."</li>
<li>Thomas Robinson on the job Williams has been doing running the second unit: "He's making my life a lot easier. I'm getting a lot of easy buckets off of him and I think everybody else who's on the floor with him can say the same thing. ... [My comfort level is] because of Mo and [Damian Lillard] and guys finding me. I'm staying more consistent running the floor."<br>
</li>
<li>Robinson, like Aldridge above, remarked on the Grizzlies' age and lack of speed: "I knew watching tape on them that they're older guys, for me to try to find any advantage I [can] against them, I've got to use it. Tonight it was speed and running the floor and I got a few little easy buckets off of that."</li>
<li><span>The Blazers seemed keen to get all of the stupid mistakes out of the way early, committing three terrible turnovers in the first four minutes. Things improved considerably from there on out.</span></li>
<li><span>Twitter buddy <a target="_blank" href="http://www.twitter.com/cjzero">@CJZero</a> has <a target="_blank" href="http://cjzero.com/gifs/NicBatumAlleyOopWillBartonGrizz.gif">the GIF</a> of Nicolas Batum's alley-oop pass to Will Barton for the slam.</span></li>
<li> <span>Signs: "</span><span>Win Blazers Win," "Biggest Blazer Fan," "What Does the Blazers Say?" "Bear down on Memphis," "I'm bananas for the Blazers," "Dame Tame the Grizzlies," "These Girls Love Their Blazers," "Nice Basketball Aldridge," "Maul Memphis," "Batum = Bawss," "L-Train MVP," "Get on the L-Train, Chug-a-chug-a-choo-choo," "AMI (94 years old) is never too old to cheer for the Blazers," "Grizzlies hit by the L-Train," and last... but certainly not least, from a female fan: "My perfect weight is with Lillard on top."</span> </li>
<li><span>Stotts has some nice thoughts regarding Williams' growth as a player and his veteran perspective at the very bottom of the comments below. </span></li>
<li><span>I tweeted after the victory over the Bulls that the Blazers' status as a playoff team was secure. That was met with some paranoia about jinxing -- which I totally get, my Michigan Wolverines didn't advance to the Final Four on Sunday because I accidentally wore a red shirt (Ohio State) this morning, a mistake that violates basically every law of humanity that I stand for -- but this victory over the Grizzlies should really, really have put to bed any lingering doubts. </span></li>
<li><span>At this point, beating only the Lakers, Kings and Jazz gets the Blazers to 51 wins, which would require an 8-1 close from the Grizzlies to match. Meanwhile, the Mavericks would also need to finish 7-1 to get to 51 wins. And, oh yeah, Dallas and Memphis play each other, and they both play San Antonio. And then there's Phoenix, who would also have to finish 7-1 to get to 51 wins, and they just so happen to face both Dallas and Memphis. Don't count the eggs, wait until the hay is in the barn and the money is in the bank, and all of that. That's cool. These last two victories were the equivalent of a two-hour full body massage when it comes to removing lottery-induced tension for Portland. </span></li>
<li><span>The Blazers handed out the Wesley Matthews version of the DQ-style glasses and the image depicts him diving for a loose ball. Nice choice on that.</span></li>
<li><span>Both Kosta Koufos and Nick Calathes really take the "pattern" part of male pattern baldness to the limit. I kept seeing matching crop circles as they moved about the court. </span></li>
<li>Speaking of hair, <b>Jason Quick</b> of <b>The Oregonian</b> has some funny quotes regarding <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/blazers/index.ssf/2014/03/quick_when_it_comes_to_recent_improvement_mo_willi.html#incart_river" target="_blank">Williams' hairstyle of choice</a>, which has since been cut.</li>
<li>A <a href="http://hangtime.blogs.nba.com/2014/03/28/mavs-kaleb-canales-a-true-trail-blazer/" target="_blank">nice piece</a> by <b>Jeff Caplan</b> of <b>NBA.com</b> on former Blazers assistant coach Kaleb Canales.</li>
<li>Meyers Leonard <a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago/bulls/post/_/id/18509/former-illini-big-man-leonard-still-adjusting-in-nba" target="_blank">reflects on his second NBA season</a> to <b>Scott Powers</b> of <b>ESPNChicago.com</b>: "The second year has been all right. Definitely have my ups and downs. I haven't been in the rotation as much. This next summer is going to be huge for me. I fully anticipate to push my way back into it by next year. But just have to remain positive. I've always been a big team guy. I'm happy for the team as far as the success. Coming into the playoffs, got to stay strong and stay together as a team." <br>
</li>
<li><span>Because Memphis dropped to the No. 9 spot, Portland still technically does not have a victory over a Western Conference playoff team since Jan. 18, a span of 71 days. This one sure felt like a victory over a playoff team, though, even if nixed on a (possibly temporary) technicality.</span></li>
<li>Nothing new on the Chalupa/McMuffins front except that you might need to get five liters of saline solution pumped into your arm if you even <i>think</i> about eating a McMuffin.</li>
</ul>
<p><b><u>Terry Stotts' Post-Game Comments</u></b></p>
<p><b>Opening Comments</b></p>
<blockquote>
<p>Much like the last three games, I really liked how we were playing, I liked our mindset, I liked our focus from beginning to end. Except that in the fourth quarter, a couple of loose possessions, I thought we were really locked in on both ends of the court. Matched their physicality. I think our shooting lineup gave us some separation in the first half. Got a lot of good effort off the bench too, Mo Williams was terrific. [LaMarcus Aldridge] was terrific. We had a lot of good performances.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b>Mo Wiliams' recent play</b></p>
<blockquote>
<p>You'd have to ask him. He's playing well. Having L.A. is reinvigorated some people. ... Mo is playing well. All year long, when he's scored, that's been a bonus for us. He leads the league in assists off the bench. The fact that he's had three good games in a row obviously helps us, but he's had a pretty good year for us.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b>Bench coming into its own</b></p>
<blockquote>
<p>I think part of it is -- L.A. being back makes a big differences for everybody, as far as the rotation, the minutes. Dorell [Wright] at [the] four did a good job when L.A. was out, now we've managed to find a way to continue to play him at the four. That's worked out well for us the last three games. Dorell getting seven defensive rebounds for us in the first half, it opens up the game for us, playing in flow and playing in transition. I think settling on a rotation -- when L.A. misses seven games, it's harder to settle into a rotation. It's nice that that is working out. ... When L.A. was out, we had to patch things together ... a lot of guys got minutes during that time, and now we can go forward with it.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b>Defense</b></p>
<blockquote>
<p>Especially in the first half, and the third quarter, we did a good job of rebounding the ball. [Wesley Matthews] did a good job on [Mike] Conley. The most important thing going into the game is limiting their putbacks and transition and we did an excellent job of that in the first half. As far as I know, in the third quarter as well. We really wanted to limit the amount of easy baskets they got, I thought we made them work for it.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b>Cross-switching bigs on defense</b></p>
<blockquote>
<p>Length on Zach [Randolph] and [Marc] Gasol plays away from the basket as a passer and plays more at the elbow, so it kept Robin closer to the basket. Much like we did against Chicago, when we put L.A. on [Joakim] Noah.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b>Growth from beating a team you have struggled against</b></p>
<blockquote>
<p>This was a good game. Memphis is most likely a playoff team. They've beaten us rather handily, particularly the first game. The second game was in the middle of a rough roadtrip, they caught us at a good time and we didn't play that well. It's not about a statement game. I do like the process of how we've gotten better the last three games.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b>Reaction to LaMarcus Aldridge falling late</b></p>
<blockquote>
<p>I thought it was a foul. That was my initial reaction. Later, when he was kind of rubbing his backside, but to be honest, during the play, I was disappointed a foul wasn't called. Afterwards I thought about his injury.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b>Lots of free throws, attacking the basket</b></p>
<blockquote>
<p>If you check our last few games, we've been getting to the free-throw line. It's not necessarily a point of emphasis. I'm a big believer in taking what the game gives you. We got our threes. I thought one of the biggest possessions was when they made their comeback in the fourth quarter, it was a 10-point game or whatever it was, and L.A. went strong to the basket and got fouled. I think he understand the importance of that moment, being strong and going to the basket. Over the last few weeks, we've lost some games and won the free-throw line. You've just got to win games in different ways.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b>Good energy on first home game back from a road trip</b></p>
<blockquote>
<p>Our team is really pretty good -- didn't someone tweet about our record after a road trip. ... Coming back off a road trip, I know there's that perception. I don't know how much validity there is, coming back after a long road trip, that first game back. To be honest, this is part of our road trip because we head out tomorrow. This is an extended road trip. We can play well or not play well, but I think our team generally gets up for games and finds the energy to play.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b>Mo Williams' career development since you had him in Milwaukee</b></p>
<blockquote>
<p>It's been awhile. He's matured as a man and as a player. He knows the league. He's been in some good situations, bad situations, he's a grizzled vet now. When I had him, it was early in his career, he came off the bench for me, started the second year. I think all the experiences he's had since we were together in Miwaukee, he knows the game, he knows the league, he knows his role, there isn't much he hasn't seen. He's been on a team with LeBron James in Cleveland and then he was on a team that lost 26 in a row. He's seen it all and he appreciates the value of what we're doing right now and what it means for everybody.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>-- Ben Golliver | benjamin.golliver@gmail.com | <a target="_blank" href="http://www.twitter.com/bengolliver">Twitter</a></p>
https://www.blazersedge.com/2014/3/31/5565012/media-row-report-blazers-105-grizzlies-98Ben Golliver2014-03-30T22:36:34-07:002014-03-30T22:36:34-07:00Blazers Get Monkey (and Warriors!) Off Back In Win
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/CRqOkf_raA7Gk2ptncSC4KiwhD8=/90x120:3325x2277/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/30911903/20140330_ads_sx3_137.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Portland Trail Blazers cruise to a relatively easy victory over their nemesis, the Memphis Grizzlies, in a game with strong implications for Western Conference playoff seeding.</p> <p>Remember that feeling when a final, triumphant flick of your wrist solved the Rubik's Cube for the very first time? Well, neither do I. Two sides at once was my limit. But the <a href="https://www.blazersedge.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Portland Trail Blazers</a> must be feeling something similar tonight as they finally overcame the <a href="https://www.grizzlybearblues.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Memphis Grizzlies</a> with a 105-98 victory.</p>
<p>And the celebration went beyond a single win! The Golden State Warriors fell to the <a href="https://www.postingandtoasting.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New York Knicks</a> only seconds after Portland-Memphis went final, leaving the Blazers 5th in the conference, 2 games ahead of the <a href="https://www.goldenstateofmind.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Warriors</a> in the playoff seeding race. Memphis dropped to 9th in the conference with the loss, 4 games behind Portland.</p>
<p>In short, the evening could not have gone better for the Blazers.</p>
<p>The game started out evenly with both Portland and Memphis playing to familiar strengths. The Grizzlies ran the ball through <span>Marc Gasol</span>, depend on his mid-range game to pull out Portland's defenders. During previous matchups <span>Robin Lopez</span> was tasked with Gasol duty but tonight the Blazers switched <span>LaMarcus Aldridge</span> to him, leaving Lopez on <span>Zach Randolph</span>. Unfortunately for Portland, Randolph's mid-range game is just as deadly. The Grizzlies alternated between both big men, peppering in the occasional cut-and-pass or fast break off of a pick-six steal.</p>
<p>The Blazers countered with their own duo of LaMarcus Aldridge and <span>Wesley Matthews</span>, both excelling in the halfcourt attack. Aldridge dizzied defenders with an array of jumpers. Matthews went outside-in from the other side of the court. <span>Nicolas Batum</span> had little offensive presence early but announced his intention to wring every bit of defense possible out of this game, his shuffles and rotations popping like hot bacon grease.</p>
<p>The end result after one period was a 25-23 lead for the Blazers. The lead was welcome but you had to ask why the overall scoring was comparatively low with both teams shooting well over 50%. The answer: tempo. The Blazers were succeeding but they were doing it at a pace that would eventually favor the large, lumbering Grizzlies. Portland's games with Memphis so far have all ended the same way. The Blazers got into a grind with the Grizzlies and got smothered. Would this evening turn out the same?</p>
<p>Nope.</p>
<p>Beginning with Portland's bench unit featuring <span>Mo Williams</span> and <span>Thomas Robinson</span>, the Blazers' offense shifted gears. They rebounded, ran, and got up a quick shot. Faster looks kept the Memphis defense from getting settled, kept rebounders out of their customary positions, and kept shots coming from all over the floor instead of the customary three spots. The Grizzlies couldn't keep up. Their bench got blown away. Portland's starters continued the momentum when they returned, adding in their always-strong ball movement. Batum continued his defensive flurry. <span>Dorell Wright</span> provided unexpected rebounds. When the horn sounded for intermission the Blazers had compiled 57 points and held a 12-point lead.</p>
<p>The Blazers would protect their margin through most of the second half, moving feet and ball too quickly for Memphis to follow. Aldridge's jumper remained pure. Three-pointers fell. Portland kept turnovers low, eliminating the biggest potential drawback to playing fast and keeping the Grizz from scoring easy points on the run. Memphis played fine. They got rebounds, put the ball in the hoop, but they had to work for it. The game came easier for Portland.</p>
<p>The story changed as the fourth-quarter clock dwindled. Pace took a toll; the Blazers looked tired. But Memphis couldn't score quickly enough, often enough to make the comeback. Whenever they threatened the Blazers seemed to get a key defensive stand or make a pressure-relieving shot. By the time the Grizzlies got within 4 the clock had become a mortal enemy. No miracle was forthcoming. Portland walked away with one of their better wins of the season.</p>
<p>The Boxscore holds plenty of gems for Memphis. They did most of the things they set out to do. Portland shot 5-15, 33%, from beyond the arc. Memphis held the Blazers to 7 offensive rebounds and put up 89 shots to Portland's 75. That alone would spell doom for the Blazers on a normal night. The Grizz didn't shoot poorly at 46%. They had 28 assists on 41 shots and poked away 11 steals. But they couldn't overcome two basic flaws. Portland shot 52% from the field overall, approximately doubling their normal rate against Memphis. The Blazers also went +11 from the foul line, making up fully for their so-so distance shooting. For the Grizzlies this game was like a pretty cake with a can of expired sardines baked into the middle. It looked good enough but there's no way to avoid the flaw.</p>
<p>For the Blazers, meanwhile, this game proved well-planned, well-executed, and appropriately adjusted. The mainline players did well and the ancillary contributors, especially off the bench, made it a night to remember. We're not used to seeing that in Portland, but it looked pretty darn good.</p>
<p><b>Individual Notes</b></p>
<p>LaMarcus Aldridge went 10-20 for 28 points, looking smooth and never forcing. It was his most coherent offensive outing in two months. 8-8 foul shooting didn't hurt. He got only 4 rebounds but he was chasing perimeter players around the court.</p>
<p><span>Damian Lillard</span> barely attempted a shot in the first half, ending up 4-10 for the evening, scoring 13. Normally you'd tab that as a poor outing but, like Aldridge, Lillard didn't barge into the action. Ball movement and opportunism were the bywords this evening, not All-Star showcasing. Lillard looked content, adding 4 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals to the show, his 4 turnovers providing the only real counterpoint.</p>
<p>Wesley Matthews had a good opening quarter and a decent game overall, scoring 15 on a couple of triples, 5-5 from the foul line, and 4-9 shooting overall. You could tell the ball and players were moving from his 5 assists.</p>
<p>Nicolas Batum played the most engaged defense we've seen in a while. That overshadowed his 10 points, 6 assist, 5 rebounding outing...in a good way. Great game overall.</p>
<p>Robin Lopez managed 10 rebounds and 3 blocks against a team that has often made him look like a fish out of water. He mixed it up under the boards tonight and never stopped getting physical. You also have to like how his teammates have started to respond by clogging the middle along with him. When even one other Blazer gets in decent defensive position Lopez is hard to get around.</p>
<p>You want quicker offense? My friend, Mo Williams is your man. I'm not sure <span>Terry Stotts</span> had to coach Mo into the game plan much. Likely he just pointed and said, "Mo, go!" Mo went. Mo went hard. Mo went and scored 17 points on 7-9 shooting, not busting the game plan but leading it. 4 assists and 4 turnovers balanced each other out, but the defensive intensity went pretty high tonight. 2 steals were the most obvious fruits, but you could tell Williams was into this game on that end overall, trying to make plays. That makes two nights in a row where he didn't look like a liability. Knock on wood.</p>
<p>Thomas Robinson sang that same song, bringing out most of the good and limiting the bad in 15 minutes of play. He scored on all 4 of his attempts, grabbed 3 rebounds, and committed 3 personal fouls. He also received plenty of attention from Stotts as he subbed out, indicating that Coach was as into T-Rob as T-Rob was into the game...a good sign.</p>
<p>Dorell Wright didn't do much offensively but he didn't get blown away on the other end either...no small feat versus those Memphis forwards. A potential "Uh Oh" matchup turned into, "Hmmm...not bad!" Plus Wright made up for the lack of rebounding from the usual suspects with 7 of his own. Nice.</p>
<p><span>Will Barton</span> got a nifty alley-oop dunk off of a Batum pass. That never gets old.</p>
<p>If you liked the home-cooking tonight, prepare for plenty more of it. 7 games remain in Portland's season, 5 of them at the Moda Center. One of the remaining road games happens Tuesday as the Blazers say goodbye (and good riddance) to the <a href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Los Angeles Lakers</a>. Until then, this will be a win to bask in.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=400489972">Boxscore</a></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.blazersedge.com/2014/3/30/5565306/final-blazers-poke-the-grizzlies-105-98">Timmay's Instant Recap and Gameday Thread Review</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.grizzlybearblues.com/">Grizzly Bear Blues</a> will sing them loud tonight. This was a missed opportunity for Memphis.</p>
<p>Your Jersey Contest scores and the form for Tuesday are <a target="_blank" href="http://blazersedge.aglimmeringwreck.com/">HERE</a>. Tonight's Answers: Three players tied for the most missed foul shouts and the system wouldn't accept it, so no score on that one. <b><span>Tony Allen</span></b> grabbed the most rebounds per minute for Memphis, <b>Portland</b> won the opening tip, <b><span>Mike Conley</span></b> had more combined points and assists than Damian Lillard.</p>
<p>--Dave (blazersub@gmail.com)</p>
https://www.blazersedge.com/2014/3/30/5565662/portland-trail-blazers-vs-memphis-grizzlies-standings-playoffs-western-conferenceDave Deckard2014-03-30T20:24:45-07:002014-03-30T20:24:45-07:00Final: Blazers Poke the Grizzlies, 105-98
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/p2AYdVYklRjw4ppKnkP4r3KjlJI=/0x941:2455x2578/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/30908993/20140305_jla_sx3_674.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Spo</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Portland Trail Blazers pulled ahead of the Memphis Grizzlies in the first half, leading by more than 20 before holding on for a big victory. This was a brutal, playoff-physical game, and the Blazers held their own.</p> <p>The Blazers were led by LaMarcus Aldridge (28 points), with support from Mo Williams (17 points, 4 assists, 2 steals), and Wesley Matthews (15 points, 5 assists). The loss knocked the Grizzlies into 9th place in the West.</p>
<p>Elsewhere tonight. the Golden State Warriors unexpectedly lost at home to the New York Knicks tonight, giving Portland a full two-game lead for the 5th seed in the Western Conference. And the Phoenix Suns were blown out by the Los Angeles Lakers, sinking them into a tie with the victorious Dallas Mavericks.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=400489972">Box Score</a></p>
<p><b>First Half: </b>Despite a few dumb Blazer turnovers, this was a thing of beauty. With Aldridge settling back in, Portland ran their offense efficiently. Lillard struggled to shoot the ball, but made up for it with three steals in the half. Memphis kept things close, but in the second quarter, Portland went on a run, using their inside play to pull ahead by double figures. The bench came up big, scoring 23 points just in the first half. Robinson found a groove, crashing boards and making himself available for easy buckets.</p>
<p><b>Portland 57, Memphis 45</b></p>
<blockquote>
<p>Portland playing big boy basketball. Chicago and Memphis are two of the most physical teams in the league and we are giving them the business. I Love It!<br>by <b>lightskin350</b></p>
</blockquote>
<p><b>Second Half:</b> Portland pulled ahead by 18 before Memphis made their push. Led by former Blazer Zach Randolph, Memphis hit their shots, got rebounds and made a few steals. And they were somehow still down by 14, thanks to timely plays by the Blazers. The Blazers botched their last two plays of the quarter, but Memphis couldn't take advantage, so Portland took a 16 point lead into the fourth.</p>
<p>Mo Williams opened the fourth with a three-pointer, then dished to Batum for a dunk to give the Blazers a 21 point lead in the first minute. But Memphis made their run, cutting the lead to 15 by the eight minute mark. The Blazers struggled to get buckets against Memphis' increased defensive pressure, so Aldridge came back into the game and started manufacturing points as quarter reached the halfway point. They just couldn't put Memphis away though, as they hit free throws to close within 10 at the 3 minute mark. But the Blazers went back to Aldridge in the post, and the team settled down to finish off their third straight victory since LaMarcus returned.</p>
<p><b>What's Next:</b></p>
<p>The Blazers have a travel day before taking on the Lakers Tuesday night on TNT.</p>
<p>In the meantime, stay tuned for Dave's analysis and Ben's Media Row Report.</p>
<p><b>Gameday Thread Comments of the Night:</b></p>
<p>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:</p>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="1">
<thead><tr>
<th width="60"># Recs</th> <th>Commenter</th> <th>Comment Link</th>
</tr></thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>13</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Beau%20%26%20Darrow">Beau & Darrow</a></td>
<td><a href="http://www.blazersedge.com/2014/3/30/5563140/gameday-thread-grizzlies-vs-blazers/in/5327187#223962113">I quickly want to say how lucky we are for the people at this site!</a></td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>11</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Tyler%20Durrden">Tyler Durrden</a></td>
<td><a href="http://www.blazersedge.com/2014/3/30/5563140/gameday-thread-grizzlies-vs-blazers/in/5327187#223958147">I think you mean "Panda"emic</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>10</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/GoBlazers!!">GoBlazers!!</a></td>
<td><a href="http://www.blazersedge.com/2014/3/30/5563140/gameday-thread-grizzlies-vs-blazers/in/5327187#223951207">Go Blazers!</a></td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>9</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/LillardTime">LillardTime</a></td>
<td><a href="http://www.blazersedge.com/2014/3/30/5563140/gameday-thread-grizzlies-vs-blazers/in/5327187#223952129">Go Portland Trail Blazers!!!</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>8</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Mantre7179">Mantre7179</a></td>
<td><a href="http://www.blazersedge.com/2014/3/30/5563140/gameday-thread-grizzlies-vs-blazers/in/5327187#223951817">Go Trail Blazers!!</a></td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>8</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/DaptoDog">DaptoDog</a></td>
<td><a href="http://www.blazersedge.com/2014/3/30/5563140/gameday-thread-grizzlies-vs-blazers/in/5327187#223953017">!!!!Srezalb Liart Dnaltrop Og</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/ryanhasler">ryanhasler</a></td>
<td><a href="http://www.blazersedge.com/2014/3/30/5563140/gameday-thread-grizzlies-vs-blazers/in/5327187#223953833">Last game versus Clips</a></td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>6</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/KingWes">KingWes</a></td>
<td><a href="http://www.blazersedge.com/2014/3/30/5563140/gameday-thread-grizzlies-vs-blazers/in/5327187#223955221">Go Memphis Grizzlies!</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/bustabucket">bustabucket</a></td>
<td><a href="http://www.blazersedge.com/2014/3/30/5563140/gameday-thread-grizzlies-vs-blazers/in/5327187#223951225">Go Blazers!</a></td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>6</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Mortimer">Mortimer</a></td>
<td><a href="http://www.blazersedge.com/2014/3/30/5563140/gameday-thread-grizzlies-vs-blazers/in/5327187#223958373">PUT A MY LIL' PONY BAND AID ON IT AND WALK IT OFF WES</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/ChiefsLady">ChiefsLady</a></td>
<td><a href="http://www.blazersedge.com/2014/3/30/5563140/gameday-thread-grizzlies-vs-blazers/in/5327187#223959747">and..</a></td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>4</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/GoBlazers!!">GoBlazers!!</a></td>
<td><a href="http://www.blazersedge.com/2014/3/30/5563140/gameday-thread-grizzlies-vs-blazers/in/5327187#223951623">Here comes number 48</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/occassia">occassia</a></td>
<td><a href="http://www.blazersedge.com/2014/3/30/5563140/gameday-thread-grizzlies-vs-blazers/in/5327187#223954659">I don't know if this will work:</a></td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>3</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Siccolo">Siccolo</a></td>
<td><a href="http://www.blazersedge.com/2014/3/30/5565146/gameday-thread-grizzlies-vs-blazers-second-half/in/5327187#223979209">Go Blazers</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Corvid">Corvid</a></td>
<td><a href="http://www.blazersedge.com/2014/3/30/5563140/gameday-thread-grizzlies-vs-blazers/in/5327187#223966399">That's a great story. I bet your little girl is the cutest spambot we've ever had on SBN.</a></td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>3</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/lightskin350">lightskin350</a></td>
<td><a href="http://www.blazersedge.com/2014/3/30/5565146/gameday-thread-grizzlies-vs-blazers-second-half/in/5327187#223979211">Portland playing big boy basketball. Chicago and Memphis are two of the most physical teams in the league and we are giving them the business.</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/HeyBabbitt!">HeyBabbitt!</a></td>
<td><a href="http://www.blazersedge.com/2014/3/30/5563140/gameday-thread-grizzlies-vs-blazers/in/5327187#223959307">Maybe Zach Randolph will have a bad game</a></td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>3</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/KingWes">KingWes</a></td>
<td><a href="http://www.blazersedge.com/2014/3/30/5563140/gameday-thread-grizzlies-vs-blazers/in/5327187#223955245">Go Trail Blazers!!</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/ParticleAccelerator">ParticleAccelerator</a></td>
<td><a href="http://www.blazersedge.com/2014/3/30/5563140/gameday-thread-grizzlies-vs-blazers/in/5327187#223972459">Or a workout video.</a></td>
</tr>
<tr class="alt">
<td>3</td>
<td><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/cavejunctionblazer">cavejunctionblazer</a></td>
<td><a href="http://www.blazersedge.com/2014/3/30/5563140/gameday-thread-grizzlies-vs-blazers/in/5327187#223973037">also known as boxer shorts</a></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
https://www.blazersedge.com/2014/3/30/5565306/final-blazers-poke-the-grizzlies-105-98Timmay!2014-03-30T19:08:44-07:002014-03-30T19:08:44-07:00CHAT: Blazers Lead The Grizz at Halftime!
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Ppy1nPvhvgexaxQfplQJ0fBmuqc=/0x240:3060x2280/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/30905819/20140128_gav_sx3_318.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Spo</figcaption>
</figure>
<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. Expect some disagreements, and a fair amount of changing emotions. But we'll get through it together.</p>
<div class="read-more">Watch: <b>KGW | NBA TV | No NBA League Pass</b>!<br> Listen: <a href="http://www.nba.com/broadband/alp_schedule.html" target="_blank">NBA Audio League Pass</a> <b>620am</b><br> Links: <a target="new" href="http://www.nba.com/gamenotes/blazers.pdf">Media Notes</a> <a target="new" href="http://www.blazersedge.com/2013/10/29/5044302/the-2013-guide-to-watching-the-blazers-on-tv-and-online">Viewing Guide</a> <a target="new" href="https://twitter.com/blazersedge">Updates on Twitter</a>
</div>
<p>-----------------</p>
<p><b>Injuries: </b><span class="sbn-auto-link"><b>Joel Freeland</b></span> (knee) is still expected to be out for the rest of the regular season.</p>
<p>-----------------</p>
<p>The usual Gameday Thread rules apply:</p>
<p>1. No swearing<br>2. No pictures<br>3. No discussion of unlicensed Internet streaming<br>4. Be cool to each other!</p>
<p>Hang out and enjoy the game! -- Tim</p>
https://www.blazersedge.com/2014/3/30/5565146/gameday-thread-grizzlies-vs-blazers-second-halfTimmay!2014-03-30T16:30:03-07:002014-03-30T16:30:03-07:00CHAT: Blazers Get Another Shot At The Grizzlies!
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/pPcjS5X3rRdUgKEXrk9K_Y6rVxk=/0x95:2800x1962/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/30877797/20140128_gav_sx3_314.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Spo</figcaption>
</figure>
<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. Expect some disagreements, and a fair amount of changing emotions. But we'll get through it together.</p>
<div class="read-more">Game Time: <b>6:00 pm</b><br> Watch: <b>KGW | NBA TV | No NBA League Pass</b>!<br> Listen: <a href="http://www.nba.com/broadband/alp_schedule.html" target="_blank">NBA Audio League Pass</a> <b>620am</b><br> Links: <a target="new" href="http://www.nba.com/gamenotes/blazers.pdf">Media Notes</a> <a target="new" href="http://www.blazersedge.com/2013/10/29/5044302/the-2013-guide-to-watching-the-blazers-on-tv-and-online">Viewing Guide</a> <a target="new" href="https://twitter.com/blazersedge">Updates on Twitter</a>
</div>
<p>-----------------</p>
<p><b>Injuries: </b><span class="sbn-auto-link"><b>Joel Freeland</b></span> (knee) is still expected to be out for the rest of the regular season.</p>
<p>-----------------</p>
<p>The usual Gameday Thread rules apply:</p>
<p>1. No swearing<br>2. No pictures<br>3. No discussion of unlicensed Internet streaming<br>4. Be cool to each other!</p>
<p>Hang out and enjoy the game! -- Tim</p>
https://www.blazersedge.com/2014/3/30/5563140/gameday-thread-grizzlies-vs-blazersTimmay!