Blazer's Edge - Complete Coverage: Hornets vs. BlazersThe ultimate coverage and analysis of the Portland Trail Blazershttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47543/blazersedge-fave.png2014-11-12T01:00:54-08:00http://www.blazersedge.com/rss/stream/69644462014-11-12T01:00:54-08:002014-11-12T01:00:54-08:00Huge Crowd Reaction for Huge Comeback
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<p>Special correspondent Bryan Renzi brings the eyewitness view of Portland's comeback victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday night.</p> <p>Once again the incomparable Bryan Renzi provides our In-Arena report for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blazersedge.com/">Portland Trail Blazers</a>' thrilling 102-100 comeback win against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.atthehive.com/">Charlotte Hornets</a>.</p>
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<p>All of Portland was in unison early on - both the fans and team were subdued, late arriving, and coming in ice cold from outside.</p>
<p>The Blazers looked like they were shooting on an outdoor rim in tonight's howling winds. According to the demonstration made by Wesley Snipes' bottom in the movie White Man Can't Jump, the wind can push the ball left or right six to eight inches. That would explain why the Blazers missed wide open looks early on...and multiple easy layups....and even an airball from 2 feet away from the rim. No, nothing can really explain that last one. No need to name names here - everyone not named Lillard was off target in a big way for much of the first half. There were plenty of groans and enough uncomfortable shifting in seats to go around.</p>
<p>It was nice to see Dame come out aggressively tonight. And really the defense wasn't bad, despite surrendering 64points in the first half to a team that only scored 69 in a full game a few nights ago. The HornCats, or whatever you call them, were just scorching. They're kind of like the guy in your class named Sam who between the summer of 8<sup>th</sup> and 9<sup>th</sup> grade suddenly decided he wants to be called ‘Gordon' (That's pronounced Gor-DON). And suddenly he's really hot and everyone's talking about him, oh and where'd you get that new sweater? "I believe in England, they call it a jumper".</p>
<p>Amazing jumper were getting shown off by everyone in teal - even <span>Lance Stephenson</span>, who has been absolutely putrid from outside (8% from 3 pt range before tonight - that's right, EIGHT), hit 2 from distance. It felt like that kind of night . Even while contested, <span>Kemba Walker</span> was hitting miracle leaners. 12 foot floaters and one legged fades were falling. Several Charlotte shots hit several parts of the rim before going in. Meanwhile on the other side of the court, <span>LaMarcus Aldridge</span> had a jumper wedge between the rim and the backboard. Yup.</p>
<p>This all stopped being funny when the Blazers were down 23 with 7:17 to go in the first half. Real concern arose. Some fans wanted the refs to check if there was a lid on the Blazers' rim.</p>
<p>Other factors in Charlotte's favor which helped them build a huge lead: <span>Al Jefferson</span> and plenty of trips to the charity stripe. It seemed pretty clear how Jefferson needed to be defended - push him away from the paint and don't leave your feet on fakes. Once he's near the paint, he's Leonardo DaVinci. The Blazers tried to lure Jefferson into taking the outside shot by giving him room when he caught it away from the hoop. Despite struggling on jumpers so far this year, he was canning them early tonight. Or worse, he would simply eat up the distance his man gave him with a dribble and suddenly he'd be in the paint again, working up the kind of Mona Lisa even Slick Rick talks about.</p>
<p>Blazer bigs definitely should think twice before getting into the art world, because they bought fakes from Al Jefferson on several occasions tonight.</p>
<p>Charlotte hit 14 out of 17 free throw attempts in the first half. The Blazers did not get a single foul called in their favor in the second quarter until less than two minutes remained. Conspiracy theorists may note that after <span>Chris Kaman</span> complained vociferously about getting no foul call when a shot of his was goaltended (he was also hacked), referee David Guthrie then proceeded to stare a hole in the back of Kaman's head for the next 20 seconds, completely disregarding play around him. Then he proceeded to call a phantom foul in the Hornets' favor, a call which he was completely out of position to make. A number of quick fouls were called on Kaman soon after, and the Blazers didn't catch a break for a while. The fans noticed, informing the refs of their informal rating for the game. Not getting foul calls almost turned the game at the end.</p>
<p>The Blazers turned it up before the half though and managed to get within 13 thanks to yet another brilliant After-Time-Out play by Coach Stotts. Plus there was hope that switching baskets from the cursed one to the lucky one Charlotte had been shooting at could change things.</p>
<p>However as the 3<sup>rd</sup> quarter got underway, the Blazers only managed to trade buckets for a while. After Crabbe missed a wide open 3 with the team down 15, a young female fan could be heard shouting, "You're hurting me!" Yes, it got that visceral, especially when down 17 with 3 minutes and change remaining. The Blazers could have been facing an ugly home defeat with a road game against a rested and vengeful <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.denverstiffs.com/">Nuggets</a> squad (at altitude, the 4<sup>th</sup> contest in 5 nights) staring at them tomorrow.</p>
<p>Suddenly though, the bounces started going our way. A Kemba Walker layup rimmed out. An LMA jumper bounced around and in. Lillard got a 3 pointer to hit every part of the rim before falling. A loose ball that bounced fortuitously to Aldridge right at the rim gave us a crucial easy bucket.</p>
<p>The game-changing run at the start of the 4<sup>th</sup> quarter was initiated by a lineup of <span>Steve Blake</span>, CJ McCollum, <span>Allen Crabbe</span>, <span>Joel Freeland</span>, and Kaman. No one needs to be told that this is very, very good news. Crabbe made a steal followed by a ballsy long range two for his only bucket of the game. Blake got two steals in succession, getting fouled on the second and getting the crowd to break into their loudest cheer of the young year.</p>
<p>Things were just getting warmed up in what started to approach a playoff-like atmosphere. Every possession was it's own mini-playoff at that point. The noise-o-meter hit a new level after a Kaman jumper drew the Blazers within 4 with just under 9 to play. The Blazer Dancers got their biggest ovation of the year in the ensuing timeout. It got even louder after a HUGE offensive rebound and putback slam by Freeland. Joel did yeoman's work tonight in his biggest action of the season, playing the whole 4<sup>th</sup> quarter save the last 7 seconds, corralling 7 boards and 2 momentum-changing buckets.</p>
<p>Of course the big you'd expect to have a biggest impact brought it when it counted. 4 of 5 shooting and 8 rebounds in the 4<sup>th</sup> quarter can't completely explain what Aldridge did tonight. Words fail to do justice to the amazing double-tip offensive rebound he guided to Blake at the three point arc, resulting in Steve's only bucket of the game - the go-ahead three. The crowd went full-on bananas at that point.</p>
<p>As for Charlotte, their gameplan came unraveled. In the face of hectic D, their jumpers stopped falling. Kemba Walker went 2 of 11 in the second half. Blazer bigs pushed Jefferson away from the hoop, and he often didn't even look to score. The Hornets completely forgot about MKG, who was fully weaponized in the first half but got one shot in the second. And crucially, they turned the ball over multiple times, while Lance Stephenson was a non-factor, scoring only 3 after the break.</p>
<p>It seemed fitting that what seemed at the time to be the crucial possession of the game turned into a Lance vs. Wes <i>mano-a-mano</i>. These two battled each other HARD in the most physical matchup of the night. At one point during the Blazer comeback, Stephenson hauled off and shoved Wes when the ref's back was turned. Wes did not fall for the bait, kept steady and calm, and waited to pounce at the 34 second mark of the game, forcing Stephenson into a critical turnover.</p>
<p>After another LMA O-rebound and putback, the crowd thought we were going home happy for sure. But once again, the Blazers failed to get a foul call to salt the game away, despite the fact that it looked like Dame got hit on every limb of his body by 3 different Hornets. Some fans questioned, "Why did he shoot?" Fair, but it seemed to me that he thought that would be the only way to draw the foul call at that point. Truly the best option would have been to just throw the ball straight up. A little work still needs to be done on Portland's late game management, because the refs clearly seem to want to see the Blazers earn it at the end of games.</p>
<p>The only thing left was to make <span>Gary Neal</span> before Zod. Time had indeed run out on his last desperate attempt, and the unwelcome visitors were then accordingly banished back to the Phantom Zone.</p>
<p>This was the kind of comeback this team and crowd needed to have. The heroics were there. The defense is real. The bench is starting to look kinda deep. It is still a long season ahead in a murderous Western Conference, but you get that feeling like last year, that on any given night, no matter what the score, after all the Gor-DONs and Lance Stephensons and Zods have done their clucking and posturing, this team is going to be there at the end, and it's going to be real interesting. And that's something that should keep us warm all winter long.</p>
<p><b>Arena Notes:</b></p>
<p>A nice touch on Veteran's Day - the Walla Walla Academy Orchestra did a beautiful version of the National Anthem, sans lyrics. Plenty of military personnel were on hand for tonight's awesomeness, and were recognized, honored, and spotlighted on the scoreboard several times throughout the evening.</p>
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<p>In a ‘Meet the Blazers' segment, most of the Blazers were able to name the most popular Avengers characters, but RoLo rolled deep with NINETEEN (!) heroes who had spent significant time on the all-star superhero squad. No, I can't repeat them offhand.</p>
<p>Tonight's entry in the Half Court Shot contest came out super confident, although some wondered if she would have the strength / athleticism to pull it off. She silenced the critics with a perfect one-handed baseball throw which swished the net - unfortunately, it did not go through the rim first, falling inches short. The crowd behind the basket initially went nuts, thinking she hit it. Big thumbs up for effort.</p>
<p>A couple parting shots:</p>
<p>Everyone on Portland's side was pulling out stunts.</p>
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<p>Even for a big, Joel was huge</p>
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<p>What a turnaround!</p>
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<p>Red comes after Zed. And Zed's dead, baby. Zed's dead.</p>
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<p>So...that concludes my stint as in-arena correspondent. With a respeckable 5-1 home record, I pass the torch along to Andy, who will join you for Saturday's Brooklyn game. I can now resume yelling my head off at games at full strength, no longer encumbered by pen and pad. I've had a lot of fun; thanks to everyone for all of the support. And big thanks of course to Dave for this opportunity, and for staying up late to edit and post my forays in self-indulgence. See you around the threads, true believers!</p>
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<p>We thank Bryan for kicking off this feature in sterling fashion! We're looking forward to hearing the variety of voices and perspective that make up Portland fandom as we continue to give you the In-Arena view of every Blazers home game this season.</p>
https://www.blazersedge.com/2014/11/12/7202059/portland-trail-blazers-vs-charlotte-hornets-final-damian-lillardDave DeckardBryan Renzi2014-11-11T23:52:37-08:002014-11-11T23:52:37-08:00Unlikely Heroes Spearhead Amazing Comeback
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<figcaption>Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>After slouching through the better part of three quarters against the quick and motivated Charlotte Hornets, the Blazers pull off a fantastic comeback thanks to some unlikely heroes.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blazersedge.com/">Portland Trail Blazers</a> beat the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.atthehive.com/">Charlotte Hornets</a> 102-100 tonight, providing a thrilling finish to a game that almost flew out of Portland's hands. The Hornets built a 23-point lead in the first half and coasted on its residue until 3:03 remained in the fourth. In the end, the Blazers broke out of Charlotte's web. Great late-game defense and rebounding salvaged an otherwise lackluster effort for Portland, who exited the arena with a 2-point victory.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Game Flow</b></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><b>First Quarter</b></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">One of the Food Network's most popular shows is the cooking challenged "Chopped". Four chefs receive baskets full of mystery ingredients which they must then integrate into a composed dish to be judged by a panel of experts. Weave the components into an amazing course and you move on. Blow it and you're chopped.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Tonight's mystery ingredient for the Blazers was Crabbe (as in, Allen). To the surprise of just about everyone, the second-year guard started in place of injured forward <span>Nicolas Batum</span>, manning the shooting guard position and pushing <span>Wesley Matthews</span> to small forward.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">If the Blazers were judged on how well they integrated this ingredient in the first 12 minutes of this game, they'd have been chopped on the spot. It would have been the only appetizer in the history of the show served with a mandatory barf bag.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Charlotte had a three-part approach to offense in the early going:</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">1. Screen on every play because, well...Blazers defense.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">2. Make sure to go against Crabbe or any young guard the Blazers threw in the game to replace him.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">3. Profit.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">No question marks were needed in the middle of that list. It was all profit, all the time. Charlotte's shooting percentage soared over 50% and would remain there for three solid quarters. <span>Kemba Walker</span> and <span>Lance Stephenson</span> made mincemeat out of Portland defenders. When they got tired and headed to the bench, <span>Gary Neal</span> and <span>P.J. Hairston</span> did the same.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">You knew things were going very, very bad for Portland when the Hornets hit the first 4 three-pointers they attempted. Charlotte's three-point percentage hovers below 30%, within spitting distance of the worst in the league. A couple of screens, a couple of inside passes kicked out, and all of a sudden they're the Splash Brothers East. The Blazers switched screens. The Blazers tried to double. The Blazers did everything but the Hokey-Pokey. It didn't matter. The Hornets scored a groan-inducing 35 points in the first period.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">On the other end Portland went iso 1-on-1 with their stars, fell into Charlotte traps, turned over the ball, failed to rebound, and emerged from the quarter with 21 points...tallying a 14-point deficit after one. If this was the appetizer round, nobody wanted to see the entree.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><b>Second Quarter</b></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The Blazers' bench began the second period by burning everything they tried to cook...except the nets, of course.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">"Let's just stick this cold soup in the chiller."</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">That's the oven.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">"Oh! Well I'm going to stick these breadsticks in the oven."</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">That's your ear.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Portland's first 5 minutes of play produced 6 points. But that's OK...Charlotte provided plenty of scoring to make up for it. Top 6-week-old liver with a nice dollop of Limburger cheese then stick it inside a Durian rind. You'll have some idea of how bad Portland's defense was. At least the Hornets guards had been hitting legit jumpers in the first period. Now they were scoring in the heart of the lane too.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Portland's starters redeemed the situation during their second-period shift. 6 shots made within 3 feet coupled with 3 three-pointers will bring you back in a hurry. Aldridge, Lillard, and company provided the first signs of life the Blazers had shown all evening. After falling down by 23 midway through the quarter Portland cut Charlotte's lead to 13, 64-51, at the half.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><b>Third Quarter</b></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">In the third period the Hornets began edging ever so slightly towards <span>Al Jefferson</span> iso sets, allowing more time for the Blazers to adjust. Portland also threw a zone defense, forcing the Hornets back outside if they wanted open shots. It worked. Even though Charlotte maintained a high percentage throughout the quarter, their tempo slowed. Along with it went their scoring.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Meanwhile the Blazers began to move the ball more, relying less on isolation moves from <span>LaMarcus Aldridge</span> and <span>Damian Lillard</span>, more on keeping the feet of Hornets defenders in motion. Open threes and fouls on drives to the basket provided the bulk of Portland's scoring. The entree round concluded with the Blazers dumping the chuck-steak offense and serving up good old rump roast instead. Portland outscored Charlotte 24-21 in the period and trailed 75-85 headed into dessert.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><b>Fourth Quarter</b></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">And how sweet that dessert round was.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The jumpers that had fallen for Charlotte's bench in the first half came up empty in the fourth. Each thunk on the rim seemed to buoy Portland's confidence. The Hornets compensated by feeding Jefferson a steady diet of post plays. The Blazers struggled to stop him until Joel Freeland took the stage. He kept a body in front of Jefferson, kept his feet on the floor, and forced Big Al to shoot over the top or pass out instead of faking, dipping, and driving. With all the other Portland defenders able to stay at home, Jefferson's passes weren't finding open targets. Charlotte's offense, already on a downward trend, stalled completely.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Meanwhile the Blazers kept chipping away at the lead. A <span>Chris Kaman</span> jump shot here, a <span>Steve Blake</span> free throw there...Portland's reserves had the lead down to 4 by the time the starters took over again. Aldridge and Lillard went to work on fatigued and nervous Hornets defenders, scoring 11 points (out of 14 total for the team) between the 5:50 and 2:20 marks of the fourth period. The other three points belonged to Blake, whose triple put the Blazers ahead for good in the game.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Though offense and defense both favored the Blazers in the closing minutes, rebounding really saved their bacon. Charlotte had kept Portland's board-work contained during most of the game, but spraying caroms fell into Portland's hands again and again in the fourth. They tallied 6 offensive rebounds in the final 8:07 of the game. Had Charlotte regained even one of those possessions, the game might have turned out differently.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">That said, Portland once again blew their final offensive possession of the game with near-dire consequences. The Blazers had the ball up 2 points with 10 seconds left. They shot clock was off. They inbounded the ball to Damian Lillard who was expecting to be fouled for possession. Instead he got doubled and pressured. He spun towards the bucket, tried an escape dribble, but escaped right into the clutches of 2 more Hornets defenders. In desperation he threw up a looping layup which missed. Charlotte rebounded, gaining the ball without giving up any points or a foul. This is nearly unheard of. That dessert the Blazers just plated up almost got knocked on the floor.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Down 100-102, the Hornets had 3.5 seconds remaining to tie or win the game. As it turned out, they needed 3.6 seconds. Gary Neal got free and made it all the way to the rim for an easy layup but the ball left his fingers literally a tenth of a second too late. His conversion got waved off and Portland escaped with the 2-point win.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Analysis</b></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">I was on the radio with Brian Perkins of 750 The Game this afternoon [shameless plug] and one of the things I said was that the Blazers could stand to cut down the number of points allowed to opponents in the first quarter. Giving up 29 and 30 point periods wasn't proving fatal but it sure was making life harder. So instead they go out and give up 35, barely getting out of the Moda Center with the victory, requiring an intense comeback.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><i>Can</i> the Blazers win this way? Sure. <i>Should</i> the Blazers win this way? You already know the odds don't favor success with that plan. Not only did Portland almost get nicked at home by a team they should have beaten, they spent 39 minutes from Aldridge and Lillard plus a bunch of physical and emotional energy winning the first game of a back-to-back...the game that theoretically should have been the easier of the two. That's not smart.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The Blazers switched screens from the outset of this game, a departure from their usual method of playing it straight early and switching more in the second half. It didn't work. The hole in the defense caused by Batum's absence was a big part of that. Plus even the densest team is going to figure out that <span>Robin Lopez</span> vs. Anybody out on the perimeter is a good look for them. Only Portland's zone defense slowed down the Hornets. It was a good call...a game changer. But again, it'd be nice if games like this didn't have to be changed in the first place. Better defense and a <i>little</i> more focus at the outset of the game would alleviate the need.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">That said, almost everybody who played tonight on Portland's side contributed to the win. The game was packed with thrilling plays, often from surprising sources. It wasn't pretty, but the Blazers cobbled together enough ingredients to make this read as a "W" in the standings column. That's all that matters for now.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">We'll see how tomorrow night in Denver goes.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Fun With Numbers</b></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">--The Hornets shot 47% tonight. This looks like a decent number until you consider they were shooting 56% at the half and 53% after three.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">--Portland shot only 32% from distance (8-25). The Hornets fired 44% (7-16) from the same range. It's not often Charlotte does that.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">--The Blazers got obliterated at the foul line once again. The Hornets went 23-27, Portland 14-16.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">--Lance Stephenson shot 5-10, scoring 14 and ripping off 14 rebounds. Up until now he's been having a horrible year, shooting 31% from the field.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">--The Blazers outscored the Hornets in the paint 42-32 and on the break 8-3. Those aren't Portland's usual strengths, but tonight? They'll take them.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Individual Notes</b></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Damian Lillard scored a game-high 29, hitting 12-21 shots and 5-8 from the arc. The Blazers needed every bit of it too. Lillard looked really good coming off screens, hitting the quick jumper, and driving. It was like he was returning what the Hornets guards were dishing out, with interest. Damian also had 7 assists, marred somewhat by 6 turnovers.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">LaMarcus Aldridge put down 25 points of his own on 10-21 shooting. Marvin Williams was giving him fits early on, getting his hand in Aldridge's bread basket and not allowing him to bring the ball up over his head. It was an effective strategy against a player with an unblockable shot. The Hornets also harried Aldridge with smart double-teams all night. But LaMarcus took advantage of smaller, quicker defenders by exploiting his size. He grabbed 14 rebounds, 4 offensive. It wasn't Aldridge's best game and it was still worth 25 points and 14 rebounds. How about that?</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Wesley Matthews did well enough. He had one grand defensive stand on Lance Stephenson late to help preserve the game. He dished 7 assists, replacing Batum's numbers. Other than that his contribution was sprinkled buckets, 2-9 shooting beyond the arc, and 16 points. That's hardly a disaster, but this wasn't quite the confident Wes we're used to seeing.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Robin Lopez had little or no way of handling Al Jefferson 1-on-1. He played only 23 minutes with 4 rebounds and 4 points. He looked late to almost every defensive play. There was not a good matchup for him anywhere.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span>Allen Crabbe</span> shot 1-4 with 2 assists, 2 rebounds, and 2 points in 22 minutes in his first NBA start. Next time a Chopped contestant serves up a seafood dish that looks easy to get through and under-seasoned, dub it the Allen Crabbe. (To be fair, he's not supposed to be in this position. Give him longer in the oven and see what happens.)</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Chris Kaman once again played like a superstar off the bench, netting 12 points, 8 rebounds, 2 blocks, and 2 assists in 18 minutes. His mid-range jumper helped turn this game around. His defense on Jefferson wasn't much better than Lopez's, but it was nice to have another body to throw in there.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">You know whose defense <i>was</i> better on Jefferson? <span>Joel Freeland's</span>. He's the unsung hero of this game, providing the Blazers incredible production in the fourth period. He stayed in front of Jefferson and stopped him. He nabbed 7 rebounds and scored 5 points in 16 minutes of play. Without Freeland the Blazers don't get the victory. He was a Big Deal tonight.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Steve Blake played 25 minutes, including critical fourth-quarter stretch time. His offensive production wasn't much better than that of his young counterparts. He hit only 1-5 shots and dished 2 assists. But he helped plug the defensive gap that had hamstrung the Blazers throughout the game.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">CJ McCollum played 17 minutes and didn't really distinguish himself.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Dorell Wright--the pick of many to start in place of Batum--got 6 minutes and missed 3 shots in a fairly awful outing.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">As mentioned above, the Blazers face Denver tomorrow night on the road in a 6:00 p.m. Pacific start.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=400578399" target="_blank">Boxscore</a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Get plenty of post-game reaction in our <a href="http://www.blazersedge.com/2014/11/11/7200693/blazers-vs-hornets-final-score-portland-23-point-comeback" target="_blank">Instant Recap</a>.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.atthehive.com/">At The Hive</a> will have white-knuckled their way through a sinking feeling before they finally got sunk.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Stay tuned for our In-Arena report coming up later tonight!</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">And remember...in the end a 2-point win after playing 14 good minutes out of 48 is better than a 1-point loss after a spectacular effort.</p>
<p>--Dave blazersub@gmail.com / <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/davedeckard">@DaveDeckard</a> / <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/blazersedge">@Blazersedge</a></p>
https://www.blazersedge.com/2014/11/11/7201745/portland-trail-blazers-vs-charlotte-hornets-final-damian-lillardDave Deckard2014-11-11T21:22:51-08:002014-11-11T21:22:51-08:00Blazers Rally From 23 Points Down, Stun Hornets
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<figcaption>Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Portland rallied from 23 down to fight off the Charlotte Hornets Tuesday night at Moda Center.</p> <p>Even when the Charlotte Hornets led 50-27, the Blazers knew all they had to do was start hitting their shots. When they did, they orchestrated an amazing comeback.</p>
<p>Damian Lillard had 29, LaMarcus Aldridge had 25 points and 14 rebounds, and Steve Blake had 5, none more important than a three-pointer in the fourth quarter that gave Portland a lead they would not lose.</p>
<p>The Blazers came out of the locker room ice cold, with only Lillard (4-of-5 shooting) hitting their shots reliably. The poor shooting combined with five turnovers and a hot Lance Stephenson (4-of-5 shooting) and Kemba Walker (3-of-4) gave the Hornets a 35-21 lead after one.</p>
<p>Quarter number two started much the same way, with the Blazers staying cold from beyond the three-point line and the Hornets able to score at will, this time through Al Jefferson and Brian Roberts. Charlotte led by as many as 23, but a fast break dunk by Wesley Matthews reversed the momentum in Portland's favor. Matthews, Lillard and Aldridge started draining shots, and the Blazers cut the lead to 64-51 at halftime.</p>
<p>Portland kept the momentum going in the third with Lillard staying hot. He had eight in the period on 3-of-5 shooting. On defense, the Blazers held every Hornet not named Al Jefferson in check, closing the lead to 10.</p>
<p>The Blazers finally broke through in the fourth quarter, with a combination of strong defense against Walker and Jefferson and some timely shooting by Aldridge, Kaman, and especially Lillard. Finally, with three minutes to play, Blake was tipped a rebound off a Lillard miss and hit a three-pointer from near the top of the circle, giving Portland a 97-96 lead. Charlotte had one last chance down 102-100, but a driving layup by Gary Neal was released after the buzzer.</p>
<p>Chris Kaman had 12 points. Allen Crabbe had 2, starting for the injured Nicolas Batum.</p>
<p><a href="http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=400578399" target="_blank">Box Score</a></p>
<p>Gameday Thread Comments of the Night</p>
<blockquote>
<p>WELP. That had me extremely stressed out.<br>by <b>Blazin' in Sydney</b></p>
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<blockquote>
<p>A win is a win. We won't remember this one come playoff time.<br>by <b>Blazerfan72</b></p>
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<p>Yay, great comeback. Nice to get the win in the end. Now, might want to devote a wee bit more practice time to end-of-game situations.<br>by <b>Roy Wonder</b></p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Post-Game Reaction</b></p>
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<p>LaMarcus Aldridge is one of five NBA players with a 25+point, 14+rebound game this year (C Bosh, D Cousins, A Davis, D Howard).</p>
— Trail Blazers PR (@TrailBlazersPR) <a href="https://twitter.com/TrailBlazersPR/status/532405047129169920">November 12, 2014</a>
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<p>Freeland said no one said anything at the half about the team performance. Said everyone just knew to step up in the 2nd half <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Blazers?src=hash">#Blazers</a></p>
— Jabari Young (@JabariJYoung) <a href="https://twitter.com/JabariJYoung/status/532409253588262912">November 12, 2014</a>
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<p>Asked to describe the game in 1 word, Kaman told me "Interesting" why? He said <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Blazers?src=hash">#Blazers</a> played sloppy, should've lost, but 4th they stole it</p>
— Jabari Young (@JabariJYoung) <a href="https://twitter.com/JabariJYoung/status/532410451636654080">November 12, 2014</a>
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<p>LA on 2nd half...said D picked up, credited Joel with a "great" performance off the bench.</p>
— Jabari Young (@JabariJYoung) <a href="https://twitter.com/JabariJYoung/status/532412157606887424">November 12, 2014</a>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">
<p>Lance "definitely" wants more late-game opportunities & says CHA "could have mixed it up" offensively in 4th <a href="http://t.co/PE6PoGBwzh">pic.twitter.com/PE6PoGBwzh</a></p>
— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) <a href="https://twitter.com/BenGolliver/status/532412465070350337">November 12, 2014</a>
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<blockquote data-partner="tweetdeck" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>LA said he was worried at 1st on Neal's last shot, but looked up and realized it was no good <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Blazers?src=hash">#Blazers</a></p>
— Jabari Young (@JabariJYoung) <a href="https://twitter.com/JabariJYoung/status/532412944538025986">November 12, 2014</a>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">
<p>Stotts said that 65% of the Hornets first half shots were midrange shots. But thought they could have been contested better.</p>
— Erik Gundersen (@blazerbanter) <a href="https://twitter.com/blazerbanter/status/532413484344938498">November 12, 2014</a>
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<blockquote data-partner="tweetdeck" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Lillard on Steve Blake: "He's that tough guy. He's that fighter and we get energy from that."</p>
— Erik Gundersen (@blazerbanter) <a href="https://twitter.com/blazerbanter/status/532415774237810688">November 12, 2014</a>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">
<p>Reporter: What was the reason for Freeland getting so many minutes? Stotts: I thought he played well.</p>
— Mike Richman (@mikegrich) <a href="https://twitter.com/mikegrich/status/532416047299567616">November 12, 2014</a>
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<blockquote data-partner="tweetdeck" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Stotts, why did Allen Crabbe start? "One, he's a good player. Two, I liked his length as far as defensive ability and his length at the 3."</p>
— Erik Gundersen (@blazerbanter) <a href="https://twitter.com/blazerbanter/status/532424060357976064">November 12, 2014</a>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">
<p>Damian Lillard gave LA a chest bump after his big rebound and bucket with 14 sec left. "I said way to man-up on 'em. That was a man's play."</p>
— Erik Gundersen (@blazerbanter) <a href="https://twitter.com/blazerbanter/status/532428747312361473">November 12, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Terry Stotts, on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/blazers?src=hash">#blazers</a>
comeback win over Charlotte: "Being down 23 & coming back to get a win, no matter how it happens, is pretty good"</p>— kerry eggers (@kerryeggers) <a href="https://twitter.com/kerryeggers/status/532435643268222977">November 12, 2014</a>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Charlotte's Gary Neal, on his shot at the buzzer that was ruled no good vs. <a href="https://twitter.com/trailblazers">@trailblazers</a>" "It just was a 10th of a second too late."</p>— kerry eggers (@kerryeggers) <a href="https://twitter.com/kerryeggers/status/532435353982873600">November 12, 2014</a>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>'<a href="https://twitter.com/Dame_Lillard">@Dame_Lillard</a>, on <a href="https://twitter.com/trailblazers">@trailblazers</a> rallying from 23-pt 2nd-quarter deficit: "It was early. It just felt like a game that could turn around."</p>— kerry eggers (@kerryeggers) <a href="https://twitter.com/kerryeggers/status/532435088458276864">November 12, 2014</a>
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<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p>'<a href="https://twitter.com/Dame_Lillard">@Dame_Lillard</a>, on <a href="https://twitter.com/trailblazers">@trailblazers</a> rallying from 23-pt 2nd-quarter deficit: "It was early. It just felt like a game that could turn around."</p>— kerry eggers (@kerryeggers) <a href="https://twitter.com/kerryeggers/status/532435088458276864">November 12, 2014</a>
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<p style="text-align: left;">VIDEO: Damian Lillard slips the bounce pass to Robin Lopez for a <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nba.com/video/games/blazers/2014/11/11/0021400107-cha-por-play2.nba/">nifty layup</a>.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">VIDEO: Damian Lillard throws the lead pass to Wesley Matthews for the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nba.com/video/games/blazers/2014/11/11/0021400107-cha-por-play1.nba/">one-handed dunk</a>.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">VIDEO: Joel Freeland grabs the offensive rebound off a Damian Lillard miss and finishes the play with a <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nba.com/video/games/blazers/2014/11/11/0021400107-cha-por-play3.nba/">two-handed dunk</a>.</p>
https://www.blazersedge.com/2014/11/11/7200693/blazers-vs-hornets-final-score-portland-23-point-comebackRyanASterling2014-11-11T20:09:16-08:002014-11-11T20:09:16-08:00Chat: Batum-less Blazers Fall Apart Early
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<figcaption>Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>After a rough first half, the Blazers will attempt to mount a comeback.</p> <div class="read-more">Tip-off: <b>7:00 pm</b><br>Watch: <b>CSN NW | League Pass</b><b><br></b>Listen: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nba.com/broadband/alp_schedule.html">NBA Audio League Pass</a> <b>620am</b><br> Links: <a href="http://www.nba.com/gamenotes/blazers.pdf" target="new">Media Notes</a> <a href="http://www.blazersedge.com/2013/10/29/5044302/the-2013-guide-to-watching-the-blazers-on-tv-and-online" target="new">Viewing Guide</a>
</div>
<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>
<p><b>Injury update: Nicolas Batum </b>will miss tonight's game due to a right knee contusion. His return date is unknown. <b>Allen Crabbe </b>has been activated in his place, and it's reported that Crabbe will start in place of Nic.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Hearing <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Blazers?src=hash">#Blazers</a> will start someone unexpected vs. Hornets in place of the injured Nicolas Batum: Allen Crabbe.</p>
— Joe Freeman (@BlazerFreeman) <a href="https://twitter.com/BlazerFreeman/status/532356994565287937">November 12, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
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<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<p><b></b></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>----------------</p>
<p>Also, Blazer's Edge extends thanks to all veterans of the armed services on this day. Your sacrifice allows us to enjoy NBA Basketball and the pursuits we love. We appreciate you!</p>
<p>Hang out and enjoy the game! -- Tim</p>
https://www.blazersedge.com/2014/11/11/7200991/gameday-thread-hornets-vs-blazersTimmay!2014-11-11T18:50:59-08:002014-11-11T18:50:59-08:00Allen Crabbe to Start Tonight
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Ebt9Y0Ach6V5qNhwOD5sxuW7ij0=/0x360:2791x2221/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/43978136/20140929_mje_sx3_312.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Joe Freeman of the Oregonian reports a surprising addition to the Trail Blazers' starting lineup.</p> <p>Joe Freeman of the Oregonian <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/blazers/index.ssf/2014/11/trail_blazers_will_start_allen_crabbe_in_place_of.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter" target="_blank">is reporting that</a> second-year guard <span>Allen Crabbe</span> will replace the injured <span>Nicolas Batum</span> in the starting lineup for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blazersedge.com/">Portland Trail Blazers</a> tonight as they face the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.atthehive.com/">Charlotte Hornets</a>. Batum was injured on Sunday and is <a href="http://www.blazersedge.com/2014/11/11/7200345/nicolas-batum-injury-status-portland-trail-blazers" target="_blank">targeting a return next Monday night.</a> The move will put <span>Wesley Matthews</span> in Batum's usual small forward spot.</p>
<p>Freeman details Crabbe's history:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Crabbe, the sharpshooting second-year guard from the University of California, has been on the inactive list in three of the Blazers' seven games this season and has played in just 17 games over his two-year career. In 15 games as a rookie last season, Crabbe averaged 2.2 points and 0.6 rebounds per game in a total of 100 minutes.</p>
</blockquote>
https://www.blazersedge.com/2014/11/11/7200613/portland-trail-blazers-vs-charlotte-hornets-allen-crabbe-startsDave Deckard2014-11-11T17:30:02-08:002014-11-11T17:30:02-08:00Chat: Starting For Batum Is... Allen Crabbe?
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/QjpWNdYp4AXpYIuMhiMKjZamiOo=/0x249:4000x2916/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/43976936/20140416_tcb_ad3_328.JPG.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Can the Blazers get by without their "glue guy", Nic?</p> <div class="read-more">Tip-off: <b>7:00 pm</b><br>Watch: <b>CSN NW | League Pass</b><b><br></b>Listen: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nba.com/broadband/alp_schedule.html">NBA Audio League Pass</a> <b>620am</b><br> Links: <a href="http://www.nba.com/gamenotes/blazers.pdf" target="new">Media Notes</a> <a href="http://www.blazersedge.com/2013/10/29/5044302/the-2013-guide-to-watching-the-blazers-on-tv-and-online" target="new">Viewing Guide</a>
</div>
<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>
<p><b>Injury update: Nicolas Batum </b>will miss tonight's game due to a right knee contusion. His return date is unknown. <b>Allen Crabbe </b>has been activated in his place, and it's reported that Crabbe will start in place of Nic.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p>Hearing <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Blazers?src=hash">#Blazers</a> will start someone unexpected vs. Hornets in place of the injured Nicolas Batum: Allen Crabbe.</p>
— Joe Freeman (@BlazerFreeman) <a href="https://twitter.com/BlazerFreeman/status/532356994565287937">November 12, 2014</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</p>
<p><b></b></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>----------------</p>
<p>Also, Blazer's Edge extends thanks to all veterans of the armed services on this day. Your sacrifice allows us to enjoy NBA Basketball and the pursuits we love. We appreciate you!</p>
<p>Hang out and enjoy the game! -- Tim</p>
https://www.blazersedge.com/2014/11/11/7198647/gameday-thread-charlotte-hornets-vs-portland-trail-blazersTimmay!2014-11-11T02:40:08-08:002014-11-11T02:40:08-08:00Blazers vs. Hornets Preview
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Cyoyv2fgtc6JxotfMOH3kv9UYjA=/220x380:2490x1893/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/43904864/20141107_pjc_bb4_268.JPG.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Blazers face Kemba Walker, Al Jefferson, Lance Stephenson and the Charlotte Hornets tonight at the Moda Center without starting small forward Nicolas Batum in the lineup.</p> <div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="sbn-auto-link"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.atthehive.com/">Charlotte Hornets</a> (3-4) vs. <a href="https://www.blazersedge.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Portland Trail Blazers</a> (4-3)</span><br>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">Tuesday, November 11<br>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">Moda Center; Portland, OR | 7:00 p.m. PST | Local TV/Radio: CSNNWHD; 620 AM</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">Out for the Blazers: <span>Nicolas Batum</span> | Out for the Hornets: <span>Jeff Taylor</span><br>SBN Affiliate: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.atthehive.com/">At the Hive</a> | <a target="_blank" href="http://www.blazersedge.com/2014/10/28/7082097/portland-trail-blazers-2014-15-season-preview-tv-viewing-guide">Timmay's viewing guide</a> | <a target="_blank" href="http://www.blazersedge.com/2014/10/11/6964137/charlotte-hornets-2014-15-nba-season-preview">BE's 2014-15 Hornets Season Preview</a> | <a target="_blank" href="http://www.blazersedge.com/2014/10/28/7085127/blazers-edge-night-2015-announced">Blazer's Edge Night</a>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br></div>
<div style="text-align: center;" align="left">
<div align="left">The Blazers take on the Charlotte Hornets tonight at the Moda Center in the first game of a back-to-back set.</div>
<p align="left"><br>On Sunday, the Hornets gave the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/">Los Angeles Lakers</a> their first win of the season, falling 107-92 at the Staples Center.</p>
<p align="left">Through seven games, big man <span>Al Jefferson</span> has been Charlotte's most consistent player, averaging 22.7 points on 49.3 percent shooting in 35.5 minutes per night. About two-thirds of his shots come in the paint, where he's a solid scorer. For the rest of Jefferson's shots, he drifts out into the midrange, a much less bankable shot for the 11-year veteran who's shooting 28.9 percent from outside of the key.</p>
<p align="left">In two games against the Blazers last season, Jefferson made a staggering 90.9 percent of his attempts at the rim and 61.5 percent of his shots in the paint, due in large part to his ability to use his 265 pound frame to clear out space inside. Jefferson should get about 20 touches tonight, most of them likely coming in the middle.</p>
<p align="left">Charlotte point guard <span>Kemba Walker</span> has struggled to score this year, shooting 40.2 percent from the floor and 34.4 percent from deep on over 13 field goal attempts per game. Splitting ball-handling duties with shooting guard <span>Lance Stephenson</span>, who was acquired by Hornets GM Rich Cho over the summer via free agency, Walker's assists are down to 4.9 per game this year, though he's also turning the ball over less than he has in the past.</p>
<p align="left">Stephenson has started out the 2014-15 season shooting terribly from the field -- 30.6 percent overall and 8.3 percent from outside -- while averaging 3.3 turnovers a game. Eight points per contest for the fifth-year guard out of Cincinnati is not the kind of production Cho expected from Stephenson when he inked him to a deal that will pay him $27 million over three years. In the loss to the Lakers Sunday, Stephenson went 3-of-12 from the field and missed all four of his three-point attempts, scoring six points for the game. Still, he passes the ball fairly well from the off-guard spot and picks up plenty of assists.</p>
<p align="left">Three players on the Hornets are shooting over 50 percent from the floor this year -- forwards <span>Michael Kidd-Gilchrist</span>, <span>Marvin Williams</span> and <span>Jason Maxiell</span>, along with center <span>Cody Zeller</span> -- but none shoots more than Williams' 6.9 attempts per game.</p>
<p align="left">Shooting guard <span>Gary Neal</span>, who comes off the bench but averages 26.9 minutes a night, is Charlotte's best three-point shooter at 43.5 percent. As a team, the Hornets only get up 17.7 outside shots a night (No. 23 in the NBA) and make 5.1 of them (No. 27), so they're not a huge threat from deep, but Neal, Walker and Williams are all capable of individually doing some damage from beyond the arc if left open.</p>
<p align="left">Defensively, Charlotte is good at preventing teams from scoring on the fast break and effectively limits points in the paint. They don't allow a ton of threes to go up, but they <i>do</i> allow 35.1 percent from outside, good for No. 19 in the league. The Hornets let opposing teams move the ball somewhat freely, so making the extra pass tonight should be a priority for the Blazers, because it will get them many more good looks from outside. Stephenson, Kidd-Gilchrist and Walker are all effective perimeter defenders, and isolation looks from Portland aren't likely to be the best method of attacking Charlotte's defense.</p>
<p align="left">Blazers power forward <span>LaMarcus Aldridge</span> is leading the team in scoring, cashing in on 46.3 percent of his attempts for 22.9 points a night. Neither Maxiell nor Williams should be able to handle defending Aldridge straight-up every possession, so don't be surprised to see some double-teams on him tonight. He's demonstrated an ability this year to quickly pass out when he sees opposing defenders coming to double, keeping the ball moving freely and finding the open man. That should again be the strategy for Aldridge tonight.</p>
<p align="left">Guard Wesley Matthews is off to a scorching start to the season, hitting 50.5 percent of his field goals and 37.5 percent of his threes, carrying the Blazers' offense at times with his ability to score against smaller defenders. Matthews is particularly dangerous from both elbows behind the three-point line, and has also made 20 of his 25 shot attempts around the hoop. Stephenson, though, might be the most stout defender Matthews has faced all season, so don't expect his patented post-ups unless Neal is on him -- in which case he'll probably back him down at least a handful of times.</p>
<p align="left">Centers Robin Lopez and <span>Chris Kaman</span> have been dependable situational scorers for the Blazers this year, both able to hit open, short jumpers consistently and punishing opposing teams that put too much attention on Aldridge.</p>
<p align="left">Point guard <span>Damian Lillard</span> has been a little more passive with the ball than usual lately, shooting just nine shots in the win over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.denverstiffs.com/">Denver Nuggets</a> Sunday. Still, he's been deadly from certain spots around the perimeter, mostly the top of the key, the right elbow-three and the left corner-three. Lillard's finishing hasn't been as poor as advertised -- he's making 54.2 percent of his attempts within five feet of the rim -- but he's definitely picking and choosing his spots, attempting just 12.9 field goals a game this year, down from 15.9 a season ago.</p>
<p align="left">Small forward Nicolas Batum <a target="_blank" href="http://www.blazersedge.com/2014/11/9/7184957/nicolas-batum-injury-portland-trail-blazers-denver-nuggets">will be out tonight with a leg contusion</a> suffered in the win over the Nuggets, and his distributing will be missed by the Blazers. In his spot, forward <span>Dorell Wright</span> will likely get the start and backup wing <span>Will Barton</span> may see an increase in minutes, as well. Because neither can pass or initiate the offense like Batum, expect to see Lillard or backup point guard <span>Steve Blake</span> getting the Blazers into their offensive sets more often than usual. Backup guard CJ McCollum may also see more time tonight, and he's brought his three-point shooting up to 46.2 percent after a couple good performances from outside the past week. Reserve big men <span>Thomas Robinson</span> and <span>Joel Freeland</span> will likely round out coach <span>Terry Stotts</span>' rotation, both providing hustle and toughness but somewhat limited offense.</p>
<p align="left">Stephenson and Kidd-Gilchrist are the Hornets' two best individual rebounders on the NBA's best defensive rebounding team by percentage. Without Batum -- who averages 7.7 boards a night -- Portland's perimeter players will have to be aggressive on the glass. Because the Hornets' wings crash the defensive glass so hard, the Blazers would be wise to kick the ball out often for open looks on the perimeter. Second-chance points for Portland will probably be hard to come by in the paint tonight. Keep an eye on the rebounding battle, because both the Hornets and Blazers approach the glass with more of a team-wide effort. Charlotte is the superior defensive rebounding team but Portland is better overall. With the Blazers missing Batum, Stephenson could really give the Hornets an edge.</p>
<p align="left">Charlotte may be off to a slow start this season on both sides of the ball, but Portland will be without its team leader in assists and steals and one of its best individual rebounders in Batum. Though he hasn't relied on his own offense much this year, Batum was seen as the team's "glue-guy" and a facilitator for others in Stotts' offense. If the Blazers can get the ball moving offensively the way they did Sunday against the Nuggets, they should be able to absorb the loss of their starting small forward. If not, the Hornets have enough talent to make this game competitive, especially if Stephenson or Walker can get up to speed with Jefferson offensively.</p>
<p align="left">-- Chris Lucia | bedgecast@gmail.com | <a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="https://twitter.com/ChrisLucia_BE" target="_blank">Twitter</a></p>
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https://www.blazersedge.com/2014/11/11/7192505/portland-trail-blazers-vs-charlotte-hornets-previewChris Lucia