Blazer's Edge - Complete Coverage: Portland Trail Blazers vs. San Antonio SpursThe ultimate coverage and analysis of the Portland Trail Blazershttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47543/blazersedge-fave.png2015-02-26T00:36:50-08:00http://www.blazersedge.com/rss/stream/78756162015-02-26T00:36:50-08:002015-02-26T00:36:50-08:00Blazers, Crowd Both Win Big Tonight
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<p>Peter Sampson reports on all the doings at the Moda Center during Portland's big win against the Spurs.</p> <p>Peter Sampson brings us the In-Arena Report from the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.blazersedge.com/2015/2/26/8112859/portland-trail-blazers-vs-san-antonio-spurs-nicolas-batum-wesley-matthews">Trail Blazers' thrilling 111-95 victory over the San Antonio Spurs</a>. And let me just say that any report that starts with a Ric Flair paraphrase is alright with me!</p>
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<p>In order to be the champs, you got to beat the champs. The Blazers may not be playing championship level basketball right now but they took care of business on national TV tonight against a <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.poundingtherock.com/">Spurs</a> team that looks increasingly like its better days are behind it.</p>
<p>Coming in to this game I was excited about three things in particular; The Kawhi Leonard/<span>Nicolas Batum</span> matchup, <span>LaMarcus Aldridge</span> returning to duty after missing the last game with a right thumb injury, and the fact that the crowd seems to get up for national broadcast games. (Tonight's contest aired on ESPN). I'm happy to report that all three categories get a check mark in the "plus" column tonight.</p>
<p>I got to the arena about 30 minutes early thanks to Google Maps cleverly routing me around as much of I-5 as possible. A Blazers game, a Winterhawks game, and fresh rain on the pavement made for a horrible commute to the arena. Though the crowd arrived a little later than normal for an ESPN game, the arena filled up quickly. I'm not sure anyone was happier to be there than this guy:</p>
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<p>The Spurs were introduced to moderate applause, about what one would expect for a team that has experienced that much success. The notable exception was <span>Tim Duncan</span>, who practically received an ovation. I didn't realize he had so many fans here. I certainly respect his career, but don't really root for the guy in any meaningful way. Maybe fans think this is his retirement tour, I don't know.</p>
<p>Tonight's "Item of the Game" was amazing, maybe on the level of the PDX carpet tribute shirt.</p>
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<p>I would have picked one up, but I died of dysentery on the way to the fan shop (if you don't get that joke, I can't help you. You're just the wrong age).</p>
<p><span>Dorell Wright</span> picked the warm-up music tonight, "Know Yourself" by Drake. I'm 2 for 2 with Drake thus far in my current run as an in-arena correspondent. I've always wondered why no one trolls the crowd and picks something ridiculous. <i>"What's up Rip City? It's me, Peter Sampson, and this what I listen to when I want to get pumped</i>". Then have The Archies or Alvin and the Chipmunks blast over the sound system.</p>
<p>Before the game, Paul Allen presented LaMarcus Aldridge with a plaque recognizing him for becoming the all-time Trailblazers leader in double doubles. And with that, we were underway!</p>
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<p>The Blazers started the game off on the right foot, jumping out to a 32-16 lead after one quarter of play. Nic, in particular, looked energized and had his shot working early. When "Good Batum" shows up, the Blazers are a tough matchup. There was some talk in our section about whether or not Portland would be able to hold the lead or would give it away. Sounds like not all of us have let Sunday night's game go.</p>
<p><span>Arron Afflalo</span> got another nice hand from the crowd. He looked to be a bit more aggressive tonight, and got an extra loud response with every positive play.</p>
<p>Before the 2<sup>nd</sup> quarter, a couple of kids competed for a year of free Happy Meals. It was Portland <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.welcometoloudcity.com/">Thunder</a> night (arena football) so they had to race all over the court while putting on a football uniform, complete with pads and a helmet, and then make a layup. My man Christian fought the butterflies and sunk his third layup attempt to win. Cadence forgot to pull up her pants and, though she hopped valiantly across midcourt, never really stood a chance.</p>
<p>The fans who questioned whether we could hold the lead had their fears validated during the 2<sup>nd</sup> quarter when the Spurs made a push back into the game, tying it late in the period. Similar to the Memphis game on Sunday, we did what we could to urge the team on. There were also a couple questionable calls during this span that went against the Blazers, which furthered crowd nervousness. Paging Joey Crawford....</p>
<p>For the halftime entertainment we were treated to the Bello Brothers from Italy. Unbelievable gymnastic artistry. I was too dumbfounded to take video, but you can see their act here.</p>
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<p>The Blazers opened the 3<sup>rd</sup> quarter strong and the crowd followed suit. The sense was that we just wanted to enjoy the game without the outcome hanging in doubt. AAA had a nice shift in the 3<sup>rd</sup> with a nice driving jumper and a 3-pointer.</p>
<p>Garrett and Todd played the State Farm assist game as State Farm agents fed them passes at the free throw line. Turns out neither one really has the touch from the charity stripe, with Todd only hitting 3 in 60 seconds. Garrett was shut out. You gotta bend your knees, man!</p>
<p>More fun for the crowd was the Pacific Office Automation "Three Card Monte" game (I don't know what they actually call it). The Blazers logo goes under one of three copy machines, which are then spun around like cards on a street corner. Everyone in the crowd likes to scream which copier the logo is under, and it's not too tough for the contestant. Micah picked himself up an iPad Mini for his trouble.</p>
<p>The 4<sup>th</sup> quarter was the <span>Wesley Matthews</span> show. If you didn't see his performance, make sure to check out the game recap for the details. He was all over the place, and earned himself about 30 seconds of the rare crowd name chant. I'm not sure what the equation is to earn one but it's something like: (X)Points/(Y)Time*(Z)HustlePlays = Name Chant. After his stinker against Memphis, it was great to see Wes explode.</p>
<p>Overall, this was the most free and easy the offense has looked in some time. Of course, shooting 50% from the field and from 3 always makes the offense look good, but the Blazers were active, making the right pass for the most part, and not over-thinking. The starters were pulled to a standing ovation with just over a minute to go, and we all got what we came to see,</p>
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<p>Non Game Notes: A girl from my section won a fridge in the Standard TV and Appliance game. I know I've reached middle age because I was jealous.</p>
<p>Joey Crawford is the NBA equivalent of a WWE villain. That's the only explanation.</p>
<p>The Leoupold Hometown Heroes were Jessica and Davonta Deagler</p>
<p>In honor of the Portland Thunder, footballs were thrown into the crowd instead of t-shirts in the first half. Much more aerodynamic.</p>
<p>Signs of the night - "J.E.R.O.M.E" each letter on its own placard.</p>
<p>I'll be back with you on Friday when we take on the Zombie Sonics in an increasingly close divisional matchup.</p>
https://www.blazersedge.com/2015/2/26/8112949/portland-trail-blazers-vs-san-antonio-spurs-blazers-moda-centerDave DeckardPeter Sampson2015-02-26T00:02:00-08:002015-02-26T00:02:00-08:00Matthews, Batum Pulverize the Champs
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<figcaption>Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Spurs can't defend Portland's multi-pronged offensive attack as the Blazers cruise to victory in one of their best outings of the season.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.poundingtherock.com/">San Antonio Spurs</a> stepped into the Moda Center tonight looking for redemption, a turn-around to the 2-4 start to their annual Rodeo Road Trip, a chance to warm up their shooting and tune up for the season's stretch run. Instead they ran straight into a frigid, blustery wind that spoke to them of missed opportunities, futility, and their own mortality. The winter storm came courtesy of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blazersedge.com/">Portland Trail Blazers</a>, who used a coldly-slicing defensive attack and hurricane-force three-point shooting to down the Spurs with a convincing 111-95 win.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Game Flow</b></p>
<p>On Portland's side, the wings beneath their wind were <span>Wesley Matthews</span> and <span>Nicolas Batum</span>. Batum started out the game hot from the field, scoring 10 in the first period with 3 lovely assists besides. He and his teammates helped San Antonio to 5 turnovers in the period. You could tell this night was going to be good.</p>
<p>Meanwhile on the Spurs end of things...well...not much was happening. San Antonio spent the whole first quarter thinking and dribbling when they should have been shooting. They passed into coverage instead of passing out of it. They never hit enough shots to make Portland defenders move, leaving the Blazers free to pillage the passing lanes and rebound misses off of defended jumpers. The champs--in particular <span>Tony Parker</span>--looked as helpless and clueless as we've ever seen them. As a result the Blazers doubled up their guests in the period, leaving with a 32-16 lead.</p>
<p>The second quarter provided San Antonio's only signs of life in this game. The Blazers committed turnovers instead of forcing them. They tried to get to the rim but ended up stuck in traffic. Rebounds went scarce, defensive rotations went wonky, and all of a sudden the Spurs were shooting free and easy. 4 triples, 3 conversions right at the rim, and 4 free throws in the period brought the San Antonio right back. Portland's lead was but 1, 51-50, at the break. It was like the fourth-quarter collapse against Memphis, just not in the fourth quarter.</p>
<p>At halftime the Blazers decided they'd had enough. Matthews and <span>Damian Lillard</span> came out in the third scoring like hotcakes, aided by a couple buckets from <span>LaMarcus Aldridge</span> and a scoring reprise from Batum. Portland not only flipped the turnover battle their way again, they sped up the tempo in general. Quick pushes and crisp passing caught the Spurs on their heels. If the Blazers didn't get an open jumper, they were getting to the rim for an and-one. The lead ballooned to 11 by the 7-minute mark. <span>Kawhi Leonard</span> rampaged through the latter half of the quarter, trying to put the team on his shoulders, but Portland still led by 10, 81-71, at the end of three.</p>
<p>That's when Wes Matthews grabbed a big ol' axe, and went Viking-flunks-out-of-anger-management berserk.</p>
<p>True story: When I was a kid our very first cat came off a farm. We saw him as a kitten, caught him, and brought him home. He was tiny. He was cute. He was also a little bit wild. He had that farm cat walk and liked to intimidate everybody in sight. And he loved no target more than my little sister. The rest of us would swat away his advances when he got rough with us but my sister was a gentle, peaceful soul. She would shrink, squeal, and try to get away. The cat loved it and picked on her often.</p>
<p>Finally my dad sat my sister down and said, "He's only doing that because he thinks he can get away with it. If you just stand still, bop him on the nose, and say, 'No', he will learn you're not scared and he'll leave you alone. You're bigger than him. You just have to let him know that." She nodded.</p>
<p>So the next day my dad's in the kitchen when he hears this god-awful noise coming from the living room. He runs in there to see my sweet, innocent sister holding this kitten by the scruff of his neck, full on slapping him across the face forehand and then backhand and then forehand again. Her normally-quiet voice was bellowing loud and strong enough to make a black belt champion proud.</p>
<p>NO!!! :::THWACK:::</p>
<p>BAD KITTY!!! :::SMACK:::</p>
<p>NO!!! :::THWACK:::</p>
<p>DON'T BITE ME! :::SMACK-THWACK-SMACK:::</p>
<p>By the time dad got there she was about a half-dozen slaps in. Poor kitty's head was snapping back and forth with each blow and his eyes were starting to cross.</p>
<p>Understanding that feline brain damage was a serious risk at that point, my dad put his hand on my sister's shoulder and said, "It's ok. I think he's learned his lesson now." She put the cat on the floor and it wobbled away like, "What the hell just happened?" He was a marvelous cat for more than a decade after that but he never made an aggressive move towards her again.</p>
<p>Well, tonight Wesley Matthews was my sister and the San Antonio Spurs were his own personal cat. Sure, they intimidated his team in last year's playoffs...left scars too. But he had them by the scruff of the neck in the fourth period and he wasn't letting go until they learned their lesson.</p>
<p>Three-pointer! :::THWACK:::</p>
<p>Three-pointer! :::SMACK:::</p>
<p>Layup! :::THWACK:::</p>
<p>Three-pointer! :::SMACK:::</p>
<p>Three-pointer! :::THWACK::::</p>
<p>Matthews scored 16 in the period. Afterwards the Spurs wobbled off the floor wondering what the hell just happened. I don't know if they'll try to get aggressive with the Blazers again or become good little boys like our cat did, but the look on Matthews' face at the end of the evening said it all. "Don't come back until you've learned to be good kitties!!!"</p>
<p>When the horn sounded, Portland brought the confetti rain with a 111-95 victory, erasing bad memories of performances against Utah and Memphis, looking like they found their swagger again.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Analysis</b></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The Spurs shot well in this game (43.5%, 38% from distance) but the Blazers shot phenomenally (51%, 13-26 for 50% beyond the arc). Portland's shooting performance should tell you something about the way the Spurs defended. Charitably you could call it "intermittently". Less charitably, you could say that at least half the team looked rooted to the floor on any given possession. This was true in every quarter but the 2nd, when Portland miscues gave the Spurs their new lease on life. All through the night whichever team forced more turnovers ended up with easier shots, foiling the opponent's attempts to defend them. That was Portland for 3 quarters, San Antonio for 1, and that was the story of the game from a team perspective.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Individual performances told more about the game than team performances...surprising for the Blazers and especially for the Spurs. <span>Tim Duncan</span> was a firebrand, shooting 9-12 and giving his team everything they needed. Kawhi Leonard brought the same verve, but only for half a period or so. Tony Parker was a complete and total dud: 1-8 shooting, 4 turnovers, and 4 personal fouls against only 4 assists. <span>Manu Ginobili</span> and <span>Boris Diaw</span> weren't much better. Whatever life Duncan, Leonard, and the occasional <span>Tiago Splitter</span> or <span>Patty Mills</span> highlight put into the game, Parker and friends sucked right back out.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The Blazers didn't play perfectly but at least they weren't playing tug-'o-war against themselves. Matthews and Batum were superlative. Lillard, <span>Chris Kaman</span>, and <span>Arron Afflalo</span> bolstered them nicely, pressuring San Antonio's sludge-slow defense to cover multiple avenues. Everybody else had the sense to stay out of the way...except for LaMarcus Aldridge, who struggled mightily with his shots but rebounded and defended hard nonetheless.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Portland's individual performances gave them enough confidence to build on. Whenever they flagged, somebody would uncork and off they'd go again. San Antonio's individual performances had them looking over their shoulders, wondering if they were letting each other down. In the end that worry became reality. The Spurs didn't implode; they crumbled like a decaying tooth. Credit Portland's attack and whatever malaise is going around San Antonio's locker room right now. Either way, the result was the same: a convincing win that the Blazers needed badly.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Individual Notes</b></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The only dim spot in this shining victory comes from Aldridge. The worry has nothing to do with this game or his effect on it. He didn't play badly, he just looked off, especially on his jumper. To the causal eye it may have seemed like a bad night, but if you're accustomed to his bankable form and clockwork excellence, the difference was glaring. Whatever thumb issues he's dealing with appear to be recurring, their influence demonstrable. That is not good news for the Trail Blazers despite the win.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Speaking of glaring differences, Nicolas Batum...wow! He came out in the first quarter like he wanted to chew through the Spurs all on his own, especially with his jumper. Gone was the hesitation; gone were the wide-spraying J's. In their place was a compact, targeted stroke that found the range again and again. Plus Batum drove and created nifty opportunities for his teammates on the dish. He still had 5 turnovers, mostly off of "Awww...Nic!" moments when he clearly should have shot but went for the pass instead. But he fired 6-8, 3-5 from distance, and scored 15 with 9 assists and 2 steals. He was more prominent on defense as well, helping the Blazers take Parker out of his game.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">If Batum kicked down the door, Wesley Matthews stepped through and gunned down everybody inside. He shot 11-18, 4-10 on threes, and drew 7 foul shots, hitting 5. The latter is a huge number for him, showing how aggressive and effective he was. Matthews scored a game-high 31, almost as much as Duncan and Leonard combined (34). As with Batum, Matthews' offensive aggression seemed to put his defense back on point. He earned 3 steals and remained active throughout the evening.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">You know it's a special night if we're not getting to Damian Lillard until the fourth paragraph of the individual recaps, especially since Lillard tallied 18 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists. The Spurs couldn't guard him. When the floor opened up in the second half, so did Lillard, alternating drives and threes with aplomb.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span>Robin Lopez</span> never gets good matchups against the Spurs. Everybody he guards is either quicker or draws him out to the perimeter, taking away his rebounding opportunities. 2 blocks in 26 minutes highlighted his understated evening. But if you're tempted to complain about only 5 rebounds, ask if any of the Spurs rebounded well when Robin was watching them either. Answer: mostly not. That's his job and he did it.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Chris Kaman had a huge night off the bench, scoring 11 with 6 rebounds in 18 minutes. He ended up playing clean-up man when the Spurs were frantically trying to guard other people.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Arron Afflalo got open looks in the offense and hit same, scoring 10 on 4-8 shooting, 2-4 from distance in 25 minutes.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span>Meyers Leonard</span> hit another three, much to the delight of the crowd.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The Blazers welcome the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.welcometoloudcity.com/">Oklahoma City Thunder</a> on Friday, another chance to mule kick a lower-bracket team trying to nip at their heels.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a target="_blank" href="http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=400579145">Boxscore</a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The <a target="_blank" href="http://www.blazersedge.com/2015/2/25/8112361/blazers-vs-spurs-final-score-portland-san-antonio-wesley-matthews">Instant Recap</a> with web reaction to the win.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.poundingtherock.com/">Pounding the Rock</a> may start pounding their fists in frustration at any time now. From their recap:</p>
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<p style="text-align: left;">This game wasn't as ugly as the 22 turnover/17 assist game against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.slcdunk.com/">Jazz</a> on Monday, but the Spurs were still sloppy with 13 turnovers (to 20 assists). The more worrying thing is that the turnovers came mostly after a ball-handler got stuck and the offense stalled and a desperation pass was attempted. What happened to the offense? What happened to the ball movement and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/british-open">the open</a> looks?</p>
</blockquote>
<p style="text-align: left;">Check out our <a target="_blank" href="http://www.blazersedge.com/2015/2/26/8112949/portland-trail-blazers-vs-san-antonio-spurs-blazers-moda-center">In-Arena Report</a>, chronicling a happy night at the Moda Center!</p>
<p><b>Help us send 1000 underprivileged kids to the March 30th game against the <a href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Phoenix Suns</a>!</b></p>
<p><b>Tickets can be purchased</b> through this link: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.rosequarter.com/blazersedge" style="background-color: #ffffff;">www.rosequarter.com/blazersedge</a> Promo Code: <b>BLAZERSEDGE</b></p>
<p>You simply click on the gray bar that says, "Donate Tickets" and follow the prompts.</p>
<p>Plus we have a <b>big update</b> coming on Blazer's Edge Night tomorrow!</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/2015/2/26/8112859/portland-trail-blazers-vs-san-antonio-spurs-nicolas-batum-wesley-matthewsDave Deckard2015-02-25T21:51:22-08:002015-02-25T21:51:22-08:00Balanced Blazers Sink Spurs
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<figcaption>Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Six players scored in double figures as Portland overpowered the visiting Spurs.</p> <p>Wesley Matthews had 31 points, <span>Nicolas Batum</span> added 15 points, 9 assists, and 4 rebounds, and the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blazersedge.com/">Portland Trail Blazers</a> won the season series over the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.poundingtherock.com/">San Antonio Spurs</a> with a 111-95 win Wednesday night at Moda Center.</p>
<p>The first quarter was defined by two things: brutal defense and Batum. Batum did everything and then some in the period, scoring ten points, grabbing three rebounds, dishing two assists, grabbing two steals which led to fast break points, and even swatted away a drive to the hoop by <span>Marco Belinelli</span>. Portland as a team shot 59% in the period as they rocketed out to a 16 point advantage. The other factor was a defensive presence that the crafty Spurs seemingly could not crack. San Antonio starters not named <span>Tim Duncan</span> shot 0-for-7 in the period, and other than Duncan, the Spurs shot 3-of-15 in total. With everything going their way, Portland led by 16 after one.</p>
<p>Portland got to watch its lead swell to 19 in the second quarter, only for it to vanish entirely. While the Blazers continued to hit many of their shots, San Antonio simply hit <i>all</i> of theirs. The Spurs shot 65% in the quarter, including four 3s, and forced a 48-48 tie. <span>Damian Lillard</span> countered with a three of his own to give Portland the lead back, but turnovers continued to give the Blazers problems, and they led by just one at halftime. Lillard led all Blazers in the second quarter with five points.</p>
<p>The Blazers repeated their first quarter performance in the third period, with less Batum and more scoring from just about everyone. Lillard led everyone in the quarter with eight, but multiple players had at least three. San Antonio remaining pesky, hanging around just out of reach, but Portland secured a ten point advantage going into the final period.</p>
<p>The visitors started the fourth quarter with back-to-back threes from <span>Danny Green</span> and <span>Patty Mills</span>, cutting the lead to four. When the Blazers needed someone to stop the bleeding, "The Iron Man" stepped in. Prior to that point, he had not hit a three-point shot since the second quarter versus Utah on February 20th. Matthews drained back-to-back threes of his own to re-extend the Portland advantage to twelve. With the Blazers stemming the tide, <span>Chris Kaman</span> went to work with solid effort in a four-point possession with strong offensive rebounding. San Antonio cut the lead back to single digits by getting to the free throw line, but a three by Lillard and a fast break layup by Matthews put the game out of reach. Matthews scored 16 in the final quarter.</p>
<p>Kaman led the bench with 11 points. Aaron Afflalo had 10 points in his second game with Portland. The Blazers had six players in double figures, with Matthews leading the team with a season-high 31 points. <span>Alonzo Gee</span> made his Portland debut with 1:20 remaining with the game out of reach.</p>
<p><a href="http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=400579145">BOX SCORE</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Post-Game Reaction</b></p>
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<p>The Trail Blazers win the season series, 3-1, and are 16-7 in the past 23 meetings against San Antonio, dating back to 2009. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PORvsSAS?src=hash">#PORvsSAS</a></p>
— Trail Blazers PR (@TrailBlazersPR) <a href="https://twitter.com/TrailBlazersPR/status/570822694918230016">February 26, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
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<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
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<p>The Trail Blazers improve to 15-0 at home this season when taking a lead into halftime. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PORvsSAS?src=hash">#PORvsSAS</a></p>
— Trail Blazers PR (@TrailBlazersPR) <a href="https://twitter.com/TrailBlazersPR/status/570822961038430208">February 26, 2015</a>
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<p>Portland held its opponent below 100 points for the 36th time this season, most in the NBA. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PORvsSAS?src=hash">#PORvsSAS</a></p>
— Trail Blazers PR (@TrailBlazersPR) <a href="https://twitter.com/TrailBlazersPR/status/570823363121143808">February 26, 2015</a>
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<p>Wesley Matthews scored more than half of Portland's fourth quarter points (16 of 30) in 7:24 on 5-6 FG (4-4 3-PT). <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PORvsSAS?src=hash">#PORvsSAS</a></p>
— Trail Blazers PR (@TrailBlazersPR) <a href="https://twitter.com/TrailBlazersPR/status/570824167194386432">February 26, 2015</a>
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<p>Wesley Matthews tallied his eighth career 30-point game and first since Nov. 23, 2012 vs. Minnesota. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PORvsSAS?src=hash">#PORvsSAS</a></p>
— Trail Blazers PR (@TrailBlazersPR) <a href="https://twitter.com/TrailBlazersPR/status/570824948056399873">February 26, 2015</a>
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<p>...<a href="https://twitter.com/aldridge_12">@aldridge_12</a> just walked through the locker room chanting "Wesley Matthews!" <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Blazers?src=hash">#Blazers</a></p>
— Amy Schwartz (@TheAmySchwartz) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheAmySchwartz/status/570830793309753344">February 26, 2015</a>
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<p>'<a href="https://twitter.com/wessywes2">@wessywes2</a>, after his season-high 31 points vs. Spurs: "It was time to right the ship and get going in the direction we all intended."</p>
— kerry eggers (@kerryeggers) <a href="https://twitter.com/kerryeggers/status/570849170740813824">February 26, 2015</a>
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<p>'<a href="https://twitter.com/nicolas88batum">@nicolas88batum</a> on <a href="https://twitter.com/wessywes2">@wessywes2</a>: "He was kind of mad. You know how he gets when he's mad. I knew he was going to be ready tonight."</p>
— kerry eggers (@kerryeggers) <a href="https://twitter.com/kerryeggers/status/570849415511953408">February 26, 2015</a>
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<p>Terry Stotts, after <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Blazers?src=hash">#Blazers</a> shots .506 vs. Spurs: "We've been kind of waiting to break out. It was good to have a breakout night."</p>— kerry eggers (@kerryeggers) <a href="https://twitter.com/kerryeggers/status/570849663823163393">February 26, 2015</a>
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<p>VIDEO: Nicolas Batum starts the fast break with a steal and finishes with a <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nba.com/video/games/blazers/2015/02/25/0021400853-sas-por-play1.nba/">one-handed dunk</a>.</p>
<p>VIDEO: Wesley Matthews catches the long outlet pass from Nicolas Batum and finishes with a <a target="_blank" href="http://www.nba.com/video/games/blazers/2015/02/25/0021400853-sas-por-play3.nba/">tough layup</a> while being fouled.</p>
https://www.blazersedge.com/2015/2/25/8112361/blazers-vs-spurs-final-score-portland-san-antonio-wesley-matthewsRyanASterling2015-02-25T00:32:31-08:002015-02-25T00:32:31-08:00Blazers vs. Spurs Preview
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<figcaption>Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Blazers try to avoid three straight losses when they host the San Antonio Spurs tonight.</p> <p align="center"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.poundingtherock.com/">San Antonio Spurs</a> (34-22, No. 7 in the West) vs.</span><a href="https://www.blazersedge.com/" class="sbn-auto-link"> Portland Trail Blazers</a> (36-19, No. 4 in the West)<br>Wednesday, February 25<br>Moda Center; Portland, OR | 7:30 p.m. PST | Local TV/Radio: KGWHD, ESPNHD; 620 AM<br>Out for the Blazers:<span class="sbn-auto-link"> <span>Joel Freeland</span><span class="sbn-auto-link"></span><span> </span><span class="sbn-auto-link"></span></span>| Out for the Spurs: N/A<br>SBN Affiliate: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.poundingtherock.com/">Pounding the Rock</a><a href="http://www.netsdaily.com/" target="_blank"> </a><a href="http://www.netsdaily.com/" target="_blank"> </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/2014/10/28/7085127/blazers-edge-night-2015-announced"> </a><a target="_blank" href="http://www.blazersedge.com/2015/2/18/8063609/help-blazers-edge-send-1000-underprivileged-kids-to-blazers-game">Blazer's Edge Night</a></p>
<p align="left">The Blazers hope to avoid three straight losses when they host the San Antonio Spurs tonight at the Moda Center.</p>
<p align="left">Every year, the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sarodeo.com/">San Antonio Stock and Rodeo Show</a> takes over the AT&T Center for three weeks in February, pushing the Spurs out of the building for their longest road trek of the year, known as the "Annual Rodeo Road Trip." Generally, this trip has a galvanizing effect on the team and they've never come back with a losing record since its inception in the 2002-03 season.</p>
<p align="left">This year, San Antonio is currently 2-4 on its annual rodeo road trip with three games remaining, including tonight's nationally-televised tilt in Portland.</p>
<p align="left">Earlier in the season, when the Spurs got off to a less-than hot start that's left them in the lower-half of the Western Conference playoff picture, fans and analysts looked past their struggles. The team was coming off one of the most impressive championship runs in league history, dismantling the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.hothothoops.com/">Miami Heat</a> in convincing fashion in last year's <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba-finals">NBA Finals</a>.</p>
<p align="left">"Every year for the last half-decade, people around the league have written San Antonio off as too old," many analysts would say when asked about the Spurs' issues on the court. "Each year, they've proven their doubters wrong."</p>
<p align="left">The narrative went from predicting San Antonio's demise due to advanced age to then criticizing those who genuinely pondered how long the Spurs' current dynasty could realistically last. Father Time is, after all, undefeated.</p>
<p align="left">San Antonio fans have reason to be optimistic. Small forward <span>Kawhi Leonard</span>, just 23 years old, took home the 2014 NBA Finals MVP trophy last spring, firmly cementing himself as a foundational piece of the organization going forward. Guards Patty Mills, <span>Danny Green</span> and <span>Cory Joseph</span>, all fixtures in the backcourt, are all between 23 and 27. Centers <span>Tiago Splitter</span> and <span>Aron Baynes</span> are 30 and 28 years old, respectively. And though center <span>Tim Duncan</span> is almost 39 and guard <span>Manu Ginobili</span> is 37 -- both future Hall of Fame locks -- All-Star point guard <span>Tony Parker</span> and key component <span>Boris Diaw</span>, forward, should have plenty of gas left in the tank at 32 years old each.</p>
<p align="left">Still, how do you explain San Antonio's 2013-14 Offensive Rating of 108.2, good for No. 6 in the NBA, dipping to 103.6 and No. 12 in the league this year?</p>
<p align="left"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.poundingtherock.com/2015/2/24/8095077/is-team-basketball-absolving-individual-spurs-from-offensive">Let's allow Pounding the Rock contributor Michael Erler to take over for a moment</a>:</p>
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<p class="pgh-paragraph" id="paragraph7">The problem is bigger than the Spurs averaging 4.9 fewer points this season than last or sinking from 7th to 12th in offensive rating. It's that almost <i>everyone</i> has been worse, or at least less efficient, instead of just one or two guys.</p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph" id="paragraph8">Parker, Mills, [Marco] Belinelli, Manu Ginobili and Boris Diaw are all scoring less and shooting a worse percentage than they did last season. That's five of the team's ten best players, and they're having more difficulty scoring, dramatically so in some cases.</p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph" id="paragraph9">Leonard, Danny Green and Matt Bonner are averaging more points, but shooting a worse percentage. That makes eight of the top 12 shooting it worse than last year. Again, the difference is huge in some cases.</p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph" id="paragraph10">Duncan and Tiago Splitter are scoring fewer points but shooting a better percentage, just barely so in both of their cases.</p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph" id="paragraph11">That leaves two Spurs who are both scoring more points and shooting more efficiently than last season: Joseph and Aron Baynes. No offense to either of them and I'm a fan of both, but when Joseph and Baynes are your only two improved scorers, your team is probably struggling to score.</p>
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<p align="left">Pretty much the entire roster is scoring less efficiently than last year. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2015/2/24/8101513/tony-parker-struggling-stats-synergy-sports-spurs">Parker is getting to the rim less and shooting worse from everywhere but the perimeter</a>, where he only launches 1.5 shots a game. As the engine to the Spurs' car struggles, so too do the surrounding players.</p>
<p>"Can you point to anybody who is doing well?" <a target="_blank" href="http://www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs/article/Spurs-insist-struggles-go-beyond-Parker-6099055.php#/0">Ginobili asked the San Antonio Express-News yesterday.</a> "[Parker] is struggling like the rest of us are struggling. It’s an 'us’ thing. We as a team have to get it together."</p>
<p>Some local columnists are even <a target="_blank" href="http://www.expressnews.com/sports/columnists/roy-bragg/article/These-are-the-times-that-try-Spurs-fans-souls-6095474.php?t=2f072439a439a20598&cmpid=twitter-premium">pondering whether or not the Spurs will make the playoffs</a>.</p>
<p>San Antonio isn't clicking during the stretch run of a season for what seems like the first time in a decade-and-a-half. Fans and media alike seem puzzled and unable to come up with a solid explanation.</p>
<p>Still, the Spurs have coach <span>Gregg Popovich</span>, one of the all-time greatest minds in the game, and Duncan is still having a solid season, his per-36 numbers in line with his career numbers. Even his non-adjusted averages of 14.6 points and 9.8 rebounds per game this year are more than respectable, especially considering his age.</p>
<p>San Antonio's defense isn't all that bad, either. The teams ranks No. 6 in the league in Defensive Rating this season according to NBA.com. The Spurs are still elite at defending within the perimeter and limit opponents' attempts from outside. They're decent at defending the paint, limit easy ball movement and come out of the gate strong, posting the NBA's best first quarter defense in terms of points allowed, according to TeamRankings.com.</p>
<p>No matter how you spin it, though, San Antonio has still lost three straight games since the All-Star break and those around the team are looking for answers.</p>
<p>Can the Blazers capitalize on the Spurs' recent offensive woes?</p>
<p>Maybe.</p>
<p>Portland has similarly come out of the gates since the extended break with a whimper, posting an embarrassing loss in Utah last Friday and a fourth quarter meltdown on Monday against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.grizzlybearblues.com/">Grizzlies</a> that led to another deflating defeat. In those two games, the Blazers have shot just 38.3 percent from the field and 30.9 percent from outside. Scoring, assists and rebounds are down, while turnovers are up.</p>
<p>The defense has been solid for stretches; Twice in the game against Memphis, Portland held the Grizzlies to 19 points in a quarter. Against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.slcdunk.com/">Jazz</a>, only 39 first-half points were given up. But Utah then rattled off a 26-point third quarter and a 27-point fourth quarter while the Blazers stayed ice cold. On Monday, Memphis busted the game open with 34 points in the fourth period and cruised to the victory.</p>
<p>Point guard <span>Damian Lillard</span> has converted well in the paint -- where he's attempted just a quarter of his shots -- and in the midrange, but his three-point shooting is an abysmal 29.4 percent in the two games since the All-Star break. Like the team itself, Lillard's assists are down and his turnovers up, and he's been much quieter on the defensive end since starting the season much improved on that side of the ball.</p>
<p>Power forward <span>LaMarcus Aldridge</span>, who missed the Memphis game with a sprained right thumb, will return to the lineup tonight after scoring only 14 points in Utah on 5-of-16 shooting from the floor. Good news may be around the corner for Aldridge, however: In three games against the Spurs this year, he's averaged 26.3 points and 12.7 rebounds, shooting 48.5 percent from the field. Lillard has similarly played well against San Antonio this season, putting up averages of 29.7 points and 5.7 assists to go along with 5 assists, while making 51.6 percent of his baskets. Sure, his outside shooting has been horrid against San Antonio, but Lillard should be able to get to the rim and score tonight when he needs to.</p>
<p>He also did this to the Spurs back in December:</p>
<p><iframe class="imgur-embed" src="http://i.imgur.com/VO15aQf.gifv#embed" frameborder="0" height="404" width="100%"></iframe></p>
<p align="left">Guards Wesley Matthews and <span>Steve Blake</span>, along with forward <span>Nicolas Batum</span>, have all had issues hitting shots against San Antonio this year, none shooting above 29.4 percent from deep and 33.3 percent from the field against the Spurs. Aldridge and Lillard have truly strapped the team on their respective backs against San Antonio this season, with only a couple solid performances from the supporting cast sprinkled in.</p>
<p align="left">Guard CJ McCollum, center <span>Chris Kaman</span> and forward <span>Dorell Wright</span> have all shot fairly well versus the Spurs, and big man <span>Meyers Leonard</span> has been decent in very limited minutes. Center Robin Lopez has played less than 20 total minutes against them this season due to injury.</p>
<p align="left">The point is, the Blazers have needed monster efforts from their star players to build a 2-1 record against San Antonio this season. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs/article/Splitter-s-role-remains-in-flux-for-Spurs-6099664.php#/0">Now that Splitter is dealing with a reduced role</a> and with Baynes starting in the middle, you have to figure Portland's bigs and its scorers in the paint will have a clearer path to points inside. The Spurs also have the second-worst perimeter defense in the NBA since the All-Star break, according to HoopsStats.com, so Lillard, Matthews, Batum & Co. should get some clean looks from outside tonight, which could be big after dealing with the youthful energy and length of the Jazz and the suffocating defense of the Grizzlies the past two games.</p>
<p align="left">Newly-acquired backup guard <span>Arron Afflalo</span> has finally <a target="_blank" href="http://www.oregonlive.com/blazers/index.ssf/2015/02/steve_blake_twice_a_part_of_midseason_trades_knows.html">gotten some solid practice time in with his new team</a>. Back in December when he was with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.denverstiffs.com/">Nuggets</a>, he dropped 31 points on 12-for-20 shooting against San Antonio and, after playing 24 minutes off the bench Monday in his first action as a Blazer, Afflalo could be in line for big minutes again tonight.</p>
<p align="left">In the most recent two games, the Blazers haven't impressed individually on the glass, but that's skewed heavily because Aldridge didn't play against Memphis. Duncan and Baynes do a good job on the boards for the Spurs but, as a team, they're average right now. San Antonio doesn't crash the offensive glass hard but they're much better on the other end. Portland has struggled recently to grab misses underneath its own basket but has advantages otherwise. Lopez should be able to fight for put-backs and tap-outs against Baynes down low.</p>
<p align="left">With both teams currently facing offensive woes and with extended losing streaks on the line for each squad tonight, this game will come down to who can execute down the stretch. While the Spurs really have no firm answers as to why things just aren't working in their favor lately, the Blazers can at least point to Aldridge's absence Monday night and the insertion of two new players -- Afflalo and wing <span>Alonzo Gee</span> -- into their rotation in the last week for some of their issues since the All-Star break.</p>
<p align="left">It's not panic time yet for Portland and its fans, but with Oklahoma City climbing the Western Conference rankings quickly and a reeling Spurs unit rolling into town, tonight would be a good time for a good old-fashioned, morale-boosting win over the defending champs. If the Blazers can get some support for Aldridge and Lillard -- Matthews, Batum, McCollum, Leonard and Afflalo are all prime candidates against San Antonio's as-of-late leaky perimeter defense -- they can head into Friday night's showdown with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.welcometoloudcity.com/">Thunder</a> at home with a win tucked into their back pocket and some momentum instead of riding a three-game losing streak and searching for answers.</p>
<p>-- Chris Lucia | blazersedgepodcast@gmail.com | <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/ChrisLucia_BE" style="background-color: #ffffff;">Twitter</a></p>
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https://www.blazersedge.com/2015/2/25/8106113/portland-trail-blazers-vs-san-antonio-spurs-previewChris Lucia