Blazer's Edge - Complete Coverage: Blazers 98, Pistons 86The ultimate coverage and analysis of the Portland Trail Blazershttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47543/blazersedge-fave.png2014-12-09T21:27:00-08:00http://www.blazersedge.com/rss/stream/71292642014-12-09T21:27:00-08:002014-12-09T21:27:00-08:00Blazers Hustle, Muscle their Way Past Pistons
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<p>The Blazers wield a highly-touted offense but defensive excellence put away the Detroit Pistons tonight.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blazersedge.com/">Portland Trail Blazers</a> earned a second consecutive win on their current 5-game road trip tonight, disposing of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.detroitbadboys.com/">Detroit Pistons</a> 98-86 in the Palace of Auburn Hills. The win puts Portland at 17-4 with an impressive 7-2 road record. This was also one of the most efficient, consistent, and hiccup-free outings of the Blazers' young season, a business-like effort against a team the Trail Blazers knew they should beat and ultimately did.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Game Flow</b></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The Blazers took control of this contest early by beating the Pistons at their own game: paint play. Detroit likes to score inside. The Blazers crowded <span>Andre Drummond</span>, <span>Greg Monroe</span>, and any guards that strayed into the lane, forcing Detroit into multiple misses near the rim. Portland policed the boards as well, denying second-chance opportunities. With the inside firmly in the grasp of the Blazers, Detroit had no chance. <span>Josh Smith</span> showed a few signs of life early in the evening but nobody joined him. Portland walked out of the first period with a 33-22 lead.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The Blazers didn't score nearly as well in the second quarter but <span>Chris Kaman</span> carried the torch once again for the bench unit, frustrating the Pistons with 4 quick points to open the frame. As the Pistons were watching Kaman, <span>Allen Crabbe</span> torched them with drives, cuts, and a triple, scoring 9 in the period. Detroit cracked the lid on Portland's paint defense--mostly through upping the tempo--but not enough to sustain a real run. The Blazers led 55-46 at the half, having scored more in the lane in the first half than their hosts.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">All of that was a prelude to a magnificent third period in which the Blazers throttled Detroit, proving they capable of winning the game with defense alone. The Pistons scored on a couple of transition layups and a few free throws in the third. But they got almost nothing out of their halfcourt offense...a small handful of penetration buckets, no jumpers hit at all. Wherever Detroit tried to go, the Blazers got men there first. They held the Pistons to 16 points in the period, pushing their lead to 76-62 at the start of the fourth.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">As the final period commenced Detroit made one more mighty push. Finally they got some mileage from their size, scoring repeatedly in the interior, salting in a few jumpers for good measure. They ended up closing the margin to 4 points with 7:20 remaining. But LaMarcus Aldridge hit enough shots to keep the Blazers afloat until <span>Damian Lillard</span>, <span>Wesley Matthews</span>, and <span>Nicolas Batum</span> took turns splashing three-pointers to put the game away. The Pistons will look back at this game and remember that fourth-quarter surge but the scoreboard still read 98-86, Portland when the final horn sounded.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Analysis</b></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The big take-away from this game is simple. Everything you thought about Portland's defensive improvement this year was borne out in spades tonight. I understand the Pistons are 3-19 and the worst shooting team in the league. But big players like the Pistons have--Drummond, Monroe, Smith--gave the Blazers fits last year. Portland could maybe slow them but not contain them. Portland's trouble containing points in the paint during the early part of last season is also legendary. It was one of their chronically-mentioned weaknesses.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Tonight Drummond went 3-12, Smith 4-10. Monroe scored a healthy 22 points but went 10-22 to get there. Between them the trio attempted only 11 free throws. The Pistons scored 50 in the paint but the Blazers shut them down inside for much of the game...enough to make the win comfortable.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Make no mistake, Detroit <i>wanted</i> to beat down the Blazers inside. Portland did not let them do it. Once that pattern was established, the Pistons had no chance. And it wasn't because of Portland's offense, but because the Blazers stood right in the way of Detroit's best punch, grabbed their wrist out of mid-air, and twisted it behind their back until they cried, "Uncle!"</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The Blazers will face better opponents than the Pistons. Those opponents will not be foiled so easily. But the Blazers will face those teams standing on a more solid defensive platform than they have previously. This game exemplified the New Blazers, and it was impressive.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The Blazers also got to nearly 100% of the 50-50 balls tonight. That never hurts.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">This game was a struggle for LaMarcus Aldridge, yet the Blazers still won. You can draw two things from this:.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">1. "Struggle" amounts to 23 points, 11 rebounds, and 2 blocks nowadays. That's how good Aldridge is. His offense was out of kilter for most of the evening (8-21 shooting) and he still put up crazy numbers.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">2. Aldridge's teammates stepped up so seamlessly that his off night barely registered. Wesley Matthews, Nicolas Batum, Chris Kaman, Allen Crabbe...these guys aren't the marquee names on the roster, but they helped their team to a December victory that ends up counting every bit as much as a March one in the standings.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">As happened to many Portland opponents this year, the Pistons tried to cut the head off the dragon and found that they were dealing with a hydra instead.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Nowadays it seems the Blazers do really well when Aldridge is in stride and <i>still</i> do well when he's off. You want to know the difference between a team hoping to make the playoffs and a team expecting to do damage once they get there? The first team wins on their average and good nights, loses when something goes wrong. The second team wins either way. The Blazers might not be <i>exactly</i> that second kind of team yet, but they're certainly showing signs of growing into one.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Fun With Numbers</b></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">--Blazers 49% shooting, Detroit 35%. Wow.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">--Portland shot 43% from the arc as well.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">--The Blazers scored 98 with only 8 free throws attempted. The refs were letting everybody play tonight so it's not like the lack hurt the Blazers in particular, But 98 scored with only 7 free throw makes is pretty decent.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">--The Detroit bigs did show up on the boards. Drummond netted 15 all by himself. The Pistons ended up with 17 offensive rebounds to Portland's 10.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">--Detroit also scored 17 fast break points. They average around 10.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">--The Blazers continue to make hay after opponent turnovers, scoring 18 points after 9 Pistons miscues.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Individual Notes</b></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">We already gave you LaMarcus Aldridge's numbers. Despite 8-21 shooting he kept the defense occupied enough to get his teammates free. He also passed <span>Terry Porter</span> as the #2 scorer in Trail Blazers franchise history with a buzzer-beating three from the coffin corner at the end of the first quarter.</p>
<p><iframe src="//www.youtube.com/embed/9K9ROy61y0c" frameborder="0" height="360" width="640"></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Damian Lillard went 6-14, 1-5 from range for 14 points plus 6 assists and 5 rebounds in a semi-off night for him as well. But he had 2 steals and Detroit's main point guards combined for 2-13 shooting.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Wesley Matthews: 3-6 from distance, 8-12 overall, 19 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists. On nights like this the Blazers have interchangeable stars thanks to Matthews' confidence and production. The Blazers don't lose much when the ball is in his hands.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Matthews waxing meant Nicolas Batum waned a little, not touching the ball as much in the offense. He shot 3-7 for 8 points, 5 rebounds, only 1 assist tonight. He kept the opposing wings contained though.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span>Robin Lopez</span> had interesting battles against those Detroit centers...physical stuff. He acquitted himself well with 11 rebounds and 2 blocks. Plus the bigs didn't score much on his 1-on-1 defense.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Chris Kaman returned to his, "Awwww...that's just not fair!" style tonight, shooting 7-10 on an array of offensive moves, scoring 14 points in 21 minutes with 2 blocks in the process. When he plays like this you can just see the opponent crumple.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span>Steve Blake</span> had the usual 6 assists in 19 minutes plus good defense tonight.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Allen Crabbe gave his team quite a boost with those 9 second-quarter points. He shot 4-5, splashed a three, and played really well.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span>Joel Freeland</span> continues to struggle with 4 rebounds and 0 points in 11 minutes. Plus he couldn't handle Detroit's big men. Freeland has been good enough lately that it's hard to watch his light dim. You wonder how fluid Portland's back-up power forward situation is. If he can't turn it around, we may find out.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The Blazers face the still-injured <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.canishoopus.com/">Minnesota Timberwolves</a> tomorrow night in a 5 p.m. Pacific start.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=400578601" target="_blank">Boxscore</a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">For a detailed picture of the game flow in this one you can check our <a href="http://www.blazersedge.com/2014/12/9/7364013/blazers-vs-pistons-final-score-aldridge-passes-porter-scoring" target="_blank">Instant Recap</a>. (You can also find reaction to the game from around the web there.)</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.detroitbadboys.com/">Detroit Bad Boys</a> refers to the Pistons' shooting tonight.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Check out this week's edition of the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.blazersedge.com/2014/12/9/7362581/portland-trail-blazers-podcast-lamarcus-aldridge-terry-stotts">Blazer's Edge Podcast </a>with Phil Naessens...now on iTunes! You can now phone in your questions to our weekly podcast with Phil Naessens at <b>234-738-3394</b>. The next version of that should go up this afternoon.</p>
<p>Please help send underprivileged youth, children, and chaperons to Portland's March 30th game against the <a href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Phoenix Suns</a> by contributing tickets to Blazer's Edge Night. The cost of a ticket is low and the joy it brings into the life of a child who otherwise wouldn't get to see a game is immeasurable. We're looking to send over 1000 kids this year. You can find all the details <a target="_blank" href="http://www.blazersedge.com/2014/10/28/7085127/blazers-edge-night-2015-announced">here</a>.</p>
<p>--Dave blazersub@gmail.com / <a href="https://twitter.com/davedeckard" target="_blank">@DaveDeckard</a> / <a href="https://twitter.com/blazersedge" target="_blank">@Blazersedge</a></p>
https://www.blazersedge.com/2014/12/9/7365079/portland-trail-blazers-vs-detroit-pistons-lamarcus-aldridge-damian-lillardDave Deckard2014-12-09T18:54:44-08:002014-12-09T18:54:44-08:00Aldridge Second on Blazers All-Time Scoring List
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<p>With a three-pointer, LaMarcus Aldridge passed Terry Porter for second on the all-time Trail Blazers scoring list.</p> <p>On a buzzer-beating, three-point shot, <span>LaMarcus Aldridge</span> passed <span>Terry Porter</span> for second on the all-time <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blazersedge.com/">Portland Trail Blazers</a> scoring list.</p>
<p>Aldridge hit the three as time expired to end the first quarter.</p>
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<p>Porter finished his career with 11,330 points.</p>
<p>It's been a record-breaking week for Aldridge, as he moved into third all-time on the rebounding list as well, passing Mychal Thompson.</p>
<p>Terry Porter and the Portland Trail Blazers released a statement and video message from Porter after the shot was made, which can be viewed <a href="http://www.nba.com/blazers/lamarcus-aldridge-becomes-portlands-second-all-time-leading-scorer" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>
<p>The Trail Blazers won the game 98-86.</p>
https://www.blazersedge.com/2014/12/9/7364975/lamarcus-aldridge-moves-to-second-on-trail-blazers-all-time-scoringSam Tongue2014-12-09T18:46:10-08:002014-12-09T18:46:10-08:00Aldridge Passes Porter; Blazers Rock Pistons
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<p>LaMarcus Aldridge passed Terry Porter on the Blazers scoring list while leading Portland past the Detroit Pistons.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.detroitbadboys.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Detroit Pistons</a> kept is close at home, but <span>LaMarcus Aldridge</span> showed them why he is the Western Conference Player of the Week.</p>
<p>Aldridge had 23 points and 11 rebounds, <span>Wesley Matthews</span> had 19, and the <a href="https://www.blazersedge.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Portland Trail Blazers</a> fought off the Detroit Pistons 98-86 Tuesday night at the Palace of Auburn Hills.</p>
<p>The first quarter resembled a see-saw, with Portland jumping out to a 9-0 early advantage, only for Detroit to follow with a 13-2 run to take the lead. Wesley Matthews hit a three to re-take the lead, and <span>Chris Kaman</span> did the rest, hitting 4-of-5 for eight points, allowing the Blazers to lead by 11 after one. During the quarter, <a href="http://www.blazersedge.com/2014/12/9/7364975/lamarcus-aldridge-moves-to-second-on-trail-blazers-all-time-scoring" target="_blank">LaMarcus Aldridge passed </a><span>Terry Porter</span><span></span> for second all-time in Portland Trail Blazers scoring.</p>
<p>The bench continued to be a huge factor in quarter number two with Kaman and <span>Allen Crabbe</span> combining to score 13 in the period. Overall, the Portland bench had 23 points in the first half, easily a season-high. On defense, the team was able to contain most of the Pistons' offense, though <span>Caron Butler</span> and <span>Greg Monroe</span> created havoc down low. Despite that, the Blazers took a nine point lead into halftime.</p>
<p><span>Robin Lopez</span> got hot in the third quarter, shooting 3-of-3 for six points, and Portland got out in front by as many as 17, but Detroit used strong offensive rebounding and a little help from the guys in white and black to cut into the lead. Aldridge regained his stroke near the end of the quarter, and the Blazers led by 14 after three.</p>
<p>Portland nearly went into full meltdown mode in the fourth, allowing Detroit to cut the lead to four. The defense for the Blazers simply had no answer for Monroe or Butler, who combined to score 16 in the period. When the Blazers needed it most, Aldridge stepped up and hit two quick shots to re-extend the lead. Matthews and <span>Damian Lillard</span> hit threes, and Portland held off Detroit. Lillard scored eight in the fourth to seal the game, and wound up with 14 on the night.</p>
<p>Chris Kaman finished with 14.</p>
<p><a href="http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=400578601">BOX SCORE</a></p>
<p align="center"><b>Postgame Analysis</b></p>
<p><i>[Note from Tim: Dave Deckard's analysis will be delayed tonight, so I'll be covering some basics in the meantime]</i></p>
<p>If you missed tonight's game, consider yourself lucky. The Detroit Pistons shot poorly for most of the evening (save for part of the fourth quarter), and the Blazers casually took a 17 point lead. But the same bugaboos that have hounded the Blazers all season reappeared: Poor shot selection, lazy passing, defensive lapses and a simple lack of focus. The Pistons took advantage to close the gap to 4, but the result of this game never truly felt in doubt.</p>
<p>As Dave recently noted, one of the biggest surprises of the Blazers season was <a href="http://www.blazersedge.com/2014/12/8/7358703/portland-trail-blazers-lamarcus-aldridge-wesley-matthews-surprises" target="_blank">Aldridge's ascension to the go-to man in the clutch</a>. This continued tonight, as he promptly scored the next four points, and the Blazers were never seriously threatened afterward.</p>
<p>There was no true "Player of the Game" tonight, as different people took lead at various times. However, LaMarcus Aldridge was solid as always despite a poor shooting night (23 points on 21 shots).</p>
<p>Damian Lillard is clearly still struggling with the brace on his fingers, as he simply looks a little not-Damian. However, he rattled in a three-pointer when the Blazers needed it (after four misses), and he still contributed 6 assists and 5 rebounds.</p>
<p>Chris Kaman could make a case for man of the hour. In his homecoming (with many friends and family in attendance), he was a monster off the bench. His 13 points came on 7-10 shooting, and despite only pulling down 3 rebounds, he added 2 assists and 2 steals.</p>
<p>Speaking of hot shooting, Wesley Matthews once again got the job done, shooting 8-12, including 3-6 from three. Add in 5 rebounds and 5 assists, and it's an easy reminder of why he's become indispensable every night.</p>
<p>Nicolas Batum's shooting struggles continued, as it felt like an improvement when he hit 2-6 from three point land. He normally makes up for poor shooting with plenty of intangibles, but he was a bit invisible tonight. He only finished with 5 rebounds and 1 assist.</p>
<p align="center"><b>Gameday Thread Comments of the Night</b></p>
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<p>Our guys are so nice. Giving Detroit a bunch of offensive rebounds at the end just to make ’em feel good about themselves.<br>by <b>ParticleAccelerator</b></p>
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<p>I think Aldridge's personality has really come out this year. He’s a much better interview, and he’s now clowning on his teammates which he rarely ever did. It’s great to see.<br>by <b>Arby</b></p>
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<p>So after annoyingness, we win in double digits.<br>by <b>Mortimer</b></p>
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<p><b>Post-Game Reaction</b></p>
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<p>Another dust up between <a href="https://twitter.com/rolopez42">@rolopez42</a> and Pistons mascot Hooper ...</p>
— Casey Holdahl (@CHold) <a href="https://twitter.com/CHold/status/542512264088023040">December 10, 2014</a>
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<p>Kaman said his right wrist was bothering him, then said "Don't know why I said that. I take it back" had 14 pts <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Blazers?src=hash">#Blazers</a></p>
— Jabari Young (@JabariJYoung) <a href="https://twitter.com/JabariJYoung/status/542515970166632450">December 10, 2014</a>
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<p>LaMarcus Aldridge has recorded 10+ rebounds for the ninth straight game, the longest such streak in the NBA this season.</p>
— Trail Blazers PR (@TrailBlazersPR) <a href="https://twitter.com/TrailBlazersPR/status/542509380214595586">December 10, 2014</a>
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<p>The Trail Blazers have now defeated the Pistons in four straight games and 10 of the last 12. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PORatDET?src=hash">#PORatDET</a></p>
— Trail Blazers PR (@TrailBlazersPR) <a href="https://twitter.com/TrailBlazersPR/status/542509622146260992">December 10, 2014</a>
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<p>Portland improves to 10-0 this season against the Eastern Conference (5-0 home, 5-0 road).</p>
— Trail Blazers PR (@TrailBlazersPR) <a href="https://twitter.com/TrailBlazersPR/status/542509776941228033">December 10, 2014</a>
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<p>The Trail Blazers have won 7 straight road games (Nov 12-Dec 9). Portland won a season-best 7 straight road games last year from Nov 1-23.</p>
— Trail Blazers PR (@TrailBlazersPR) <a href="https://twitter.com/TrailBlazersPR/status/542510414437695489">December 10, 2014</a>
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<p>Congrats <a href="https://twitter.com/aldridge_12">@aldridge_12</a> on second all time on the Blazers scoring list. Sheesh <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ThatManIsUnstoppable?src=hash">#ThatManIsUnstoppable</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RipCity?src=hash">#RipCity</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Assassin?src=hash">#Assassin</a></p>
— Meyers Leonard (@MeyersLeonard11) <a href="https://twitter.com/MeyersLeonard11/status/542527066898313218">December 10, 2014</a>
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<p>My bro aldridge_12 is number 2 all time in points???? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/thatboygood?src=hash">#thatboygood</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ripcity?src=hash">#ripcity</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/worst?src=hash">#worst</a> <a href="http://t.co/00IUZmAcvg">http://t.co/00IUZmAcvg</a></p>
— Wesley Matthews (@wessywes2) <a href="https://twitter.com/wessywes2/status/542522950638137344">December 10, 2014</a>
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<p>Truly blessed. <a href="http://t.co/LQSvzXGag8">pic.twitter.com/LQSvzXGag8</a></p>
— Lamarcus Aldridge (@aldridge_12) <a href="https://twitter.com/aldridge_12/status/542524082559123456">December 10, 2014</a>
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https://www.blazersedge.com/2014/12/9/7364013/blazers-vs-pistons-final-score-aldridge-passes-porter-scoringRyanASterlingTimmay!2014-12-09T15:00:02-08:002014-12-09T15:00:02-08:00Chat: Road Trip Continues in Motor City!
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<figcaption>Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<div class="read-more">Tip-off: <b>4:30 pm</b><br>Watch: <b>CSN NW | League Pass<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>
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<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: </b>For the Blazers, <b>CJ McCollum</b> is out with a broken finger.</p>
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<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>
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<p>Hang out and enjoy the game! -- Tim</p>
https://www.blazersedge.com/2014/12/9/7338681/gameday-thread-portland-trail-blazers-vs-detroit-pistonsTimmay!2014-12-09T00:42:45-08:002014-12-09T00:42:45-08:00Blazers vs. Pistons Preview
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<p>The Blazers, on a four-game winning streak, land in Detroit today to play the Pistons, who haven't won a single game in their last 12.</p> <p align="center"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blazersedge.com/">Portland Trail Blazers</a> (16-4) vs. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.detroitbadboys.com/">Detroit Pistons</a> (3-18)<br>Tuesday, December 9<br>The Palace of Auburn Hills; Auburn Hills, MI | 4:30 p.m. PST | Local TV/Radio: CSNNWHD; 620 AM<br>Out for the Blazers: <span class="sbn-auto-link"><span>C.J. McCollum</span> </span>| Out for the Pistons: <span>Jodie Meeks</span><br>SBN Affiliate: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.detroitbadboys.com/">Detroit Bad Boys</a> | <a href="http://www.blazersedge.com/2014/10/28/7082097/portland-trail-blazers-2014-15-season-preview-tv-viewing-guide" target="_blank">Timmay's Viewing Guide</a> | <a target="_blank" href="http://www.blazersedge.com/2014/10/3/6906383/detroit-pistons-2014-15-season-preview">BE's 2014-15 Pistons Season Preview</a> | <a href="http://www.blazersedge.com/2014/10/28/7085127/blazers-edge-night-2015-announced" target="_blank">Blazer's Edge Night</a></p>
<p align="left">The Blazers make a stop in Detroit this afternoon to square off with the Pistons, a team that's lost 12 straight games and hasn't won since Nov. 14 against the injury-depleted <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.welcometoloudcity.com/">Thunder</a>.</p>
<p>To say things aren't going well for the Pistons <a target="_blank" href="http://www.si.com/nba/2014/12/03/detroit-pistons-stan-van-gundy-messed">might be an understatement</a>. Over the last five games, they're No. 21 in the NBA in points scored per game (97.2), No. 20 in three-point shooting (32.5 percent) and No 30 in overall field goal percentage (38.3 percent). Detroit features average ball movement and doesn't consistently struggle with turnovers, getting to the line often.</p>
<p>Forward Josh Smith leads the Pistons with 16.2 shot attempts per game over the last five, but he's been good for just 38.3 percent of his field goals. Smith's detractors might point out his horrible shot-selection -- he has a history of settling for inefficient, long jumpers when he's been an effective interior scorer in the past -- but he's only attempted about one three-pointer a game the last five, and two-thirds of his tries have come within a few feet of the hoop. <a target="_blank" href="http://detroitsportsnation.com/detroit-nba/pistons-officially-worst-shooting-team-nba-gets-blame/18859/">Smith can't score efficiently from anywhere on the court lately</a>, and has averaged fewer points than shot attempts this season.</p>
<p>Yes, things look grim for the Pistons, and there's not much hope among the team's faithful that things will turn around anytime soon. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.detroitbadboys.com/2014/12/6/7346883/with-their-losing-streak-at-11-when-will-detroit-win-again">Detroit Bad Boys user revken wrote this past weekend</a>:</p>
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<p>"Frankly, a 2-8 record over the next 10 outings does not appear to be a pessimistic projection for a team that has played under .200 ball so far this season. Given that the opposition Detroit will face is loaded with teams who have legitimate playoff aspirations, even reaching 5-25 could be expecting too much. While the schedule for the rest of the year might offer them some more respite, unless these Pistons improve their play they are in real danger of matching the worst record in franchise history - 16-66 in 1979-90."</p>
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<p>Apparently, optimism is hard to come by when your starting point guard is shooting 23.2 percent from the field and 17.6 percent from deep like <span>Brandon Jennings</span> has over his last five games. In about a dozen shots a night in that same span, shooting guard <span>Kentavious Caldwell-Pope</span> hasn't been much better, making just 41 percent of his shots and 30.8 percent of his three-pointers.</p>
<p>Center Andre Drummond shoots exclusively at the rim, and he's made almost half his field goals the last several games. Forward Greg Monroe has responded to being moved to the bench in favor of forward <span>Kyle Singler</span> by posting a 41.8 shooting percentage from the field the last five games. Singler, on the other hand, hasn't scored well within the arc but has capitalized on the right corner three-pointer to bring his outside shooting to 42.9 percent in that span. Monroe has padded his scoring numbers by getting to the free throw line over eight times a night lately.</p>
<p>Detroit coach <span>Stan Van Gundy</span> usually rolls with a 10-man rotation. Point guard <span>D.J. Augustin</span> plays a sizable chunk of minutes off the bench but has been inefficient with his shooting. Forwards Cartier Martin and <span>Jonas Jerebko</span> should both get a handful of minutes tonight, but haven't contributed a lot lately on offense, though Jerebko did go for nine points on 4-of-9 shooting in a loss to the Thunder Sunday night. Small forward <span>Caron Butler</span> has made 50 percent of his threes the last five games, but he doesn't shoot often and is pretty ineffective from elsewhere.</p>
<p>The Pistons' defense gives up a lot of points, but they usually don't come inside. Instead, opposing teams can bomb away from outside against a soft perimeter defense from Detroit that allows fairly easy passing. The Pistons foul pretty regularly, but their aggressiveness is occasionally rewarded as they force a decent amount of turnovers via steals. Drummond is a good shot-blocker and defends the rim well.</p>
<p>The Blazers have cooled off a bit lately in the scoring department. Their field goal percentage has been down, sitting at 43.5 percent the last five games, good for No. 24 in the league in that time. The three-point shooting has been just as bad, down to 29.5 percent the last couple weeks. Portland has been able to eek out victories lately partially due to preventing two efficient modes of scoring: the outside shot and the free throw. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.blazersedge.com/2014/12/8/7351983/portland-trail-blazers-first-quarter-check-in-defense">Teams don't attempt many threes against the Blazers and when they do, they're defended well</a>. Portland doesn't put teams at the foul line often, also defending inside well.</p>
<p>Point guard <span>Damian Lillard</span> has been terrible from outside lately and hasn't been able to finish at the rim. His best shot has been from the midrange, but he doesn't go to it often and has attacked the basket with regularity, going to the line 7.2 times a game the last five. Unfortunately, Lillard's had an issue with his free throw shooting lately since starting the season 90+ percent from the foul line, sinking to just 75 percent his last five outings.</p>
<p>Power forward <span>LaMarcus Aldridge</span>, the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.blazersedge.com/2014/12/8/7355355/portland-trail-blazers-lamarcus-aldridge-nba-player-of-the-week">NBA's reigning Player of the Week</a>, hung 24 points on the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.postingandtoasting.com/">Knicks</a> Sunday, shooting 9-of-19 from the field. His interior scoring the last couple weeks has dipped, but his midrange shot -- which he goes to for over 60 percent of his attempts -- is back to normal at about 45 percent.</p>
<p>Shooting guard <span>Wesley Matthews</span> re-discovered his outside shot Sunday against the Knicks, connecting on 3-of-6 from deep and pouring in 18 points. He's also scored efficiently from midrange and within the key lately. Small forward <span>Nicolas Batum</span> made a few strides in New York, making four of his eight field goals and two of his five threes while still setting up his teammates and raking in seven assists. At this point, stringing together two solid offensive outings would be a good things for Batum. Still, he leads the team in assists per game for the last five and contributes even when not scoring.</p>
<p>Center Robin Lopez had a pretty nondescript night against the Knicks, and his shooting percentage is hovering below 40 percent the last couple weeks. The same can be said for reserve center Chris Kaman. Drummond presents a difficult challenge for Lopez and Kaman inside, but Detroit has no depth at center to speak of and he averages under 30 minutes a night. One or both of Portland's centers should be able to pick up a few extra points against Detroit, especially when Drummond's taking a rest.</p>
<p>Backup point guard <span>Steve Blake</span> continues to follow promising shooting nights with lackluster outings, but he's been able to find teammates for open shots whether or not his own are going in. Wing Allen Crabbe -- <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nba.com/blazers/drop-box-crabbewesstottsfun05dec14.mp4">aka "Ceiling Fan"</a> -- hasn't strung together multiple big offensive nights but really only takes what the defense gives him, and has had a few easy scores the last couple games on leak-outs with serviceable shooting from deep. Big man <span>Joel Freeland</span> won't make a huge impact on the stat-sheet, but his hands around the offensive boards keep possessions alive and he's hit his shots in the paint consistently this year.</p>
<p>The Pistons get a ton of offensive rebounds, but they also create a lot of those rebounding opportunities by shooting pretty poorly from the field. By percentage, they're a much more average team on the offensive glass and slightly better on the defensive end. Detroit's main frontline rotation outside of Singler -- Drummond, Monroe, Smith and Jerebko -- is full of capable rebounders. The Blazers respond with one of the best rebounding frontcourts in the entire league, led by Aldridge, Kaman and Lopez. Expect a pretty even matchup on the boards tonight.</p>
<p>Portland has found ways to win recently, playing from behind (Dec. 2 in Denver) and at a slow pace (Dec. 4 against Indiana). Detroit represents another down-and-out opponent the Blazers easily overmatch on paper. Even so, the Pistons have lost 12 in a row and will be looking to end that losing streak at home before they hit the road for a three-game road trip at the end of the week.</p>
<p>-- Chris Lucia | bedgecast@gmail.com | <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/ChrisLucia_BE" style="background-color: #ffffff;">Twitter</a></p>
<p><i>Sam Tongue's Key Matchup:</i></p>
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https://www.blazersedge.com/2014/12/9/7358979/portland-trail-blazers-vs-detroit-pistons-previewChris Lucia