Blazer's Edge - Complete Coverage: Portland Trail Blazers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder The ultimate coverage and analysis of the Portland Trail Blazershttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47543/blazersedge-fave.png2015-02-28T01:07:51-08:00http://www.blazersedge.com/rss/stream/78868422015-02-28T01:07:51-08:002015-02-28T01:07:51-08:00Fans Dance in the Aisles as Blazers Beat Thunder
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<p>Peter Sampson files the In-Arena report for the Blazers' big night against the Thunder.</p> <p>Peter Sampson shares the rollicking good time at the Moda Center during the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.blazersedge.com/2015/2/28/8125233/portland-trail-blazers-vs-oklahoma-city-thunder-russell-westbrook-damian-lillard">Portland Trail Blazers' 115-112 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder</a>.</p>
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<p>What. A. Game.</p>
<p>I haven't been to a Blazers playoff game in probably 15-16 years. At this point, it's just a nice, fuzzy memory. I remember that it happened, and that Sabas and Steve Smith and Rasheed all played. Or at least I think they were all there. But I don't really remember the <i>intricacies</i> of the game itself.</p>
<p>The best playoff-type atmosphere games are a visceral experience, the crowd unified in urging the home team toward victory, as well as in hatred of the opposition. As far as the Moda Center crowd was concerned, tonight was a playoff game. It was loud, it was intense, and it went down to the wire.</p>
<p>I got to the arena about an hour before tip and <span>Dorell Wright</span> was working on his jumper out on the perimeter. Every time I've gotten to the arena well in advance of game time, he's out there, making sure his shot is sound.</p>
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<p>In honor of Meyers Leonard's birthday, he got to choose the warm up music tonight. But they never said what it actually was! It wasn't Drake, which would've made it 3 for 3 on this home stand. It was some nondescript hip hop/pop song.</p>
<p>Before intros, we were treated to both the National Anthem and the African American National Anthem. Both were sung beautifully.</p>
<p>After the "Blazers doing cool stuff in an animated Portland" intro, we were underway!</p>
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<p>The first quarter moved quickly, with the crowd still filing in to their seats. During the first timeout, season ticket holders (since 1974!) Brett and Brad were honored with a piece of the '77 championship hardwood. Coming out of the timeout, <span>Arron Afflalo</span> received yet another nice hand from the crowd.</p>
<p>After the 1<sup>st</sup> quarter, children Eli and Ty bowled for the chance to win free Happy Meals for a year. Ty clearly has a future in the PBA, and made section 112 very happy by winning them a prize courtesy of McDonalds.</p>
<p>I commented last game about the questionable calls that went against the Blazers during the second quarter. Well, the same thing happened tonight. Paging Ed Malloy... It got to the point where Kaman had enough and got T'd up for waving his hand at the official. I don't blame him. In the meantime, the Thunder were making their run, going up 10 on the Blazers. At this point, the crowd willed themselves back into the game.</p>
<p>This is one thing I love about Blazer fans. They really can sense when a run is manageable versus when one is getting away from the team. This was clearly the latter, so we reminded the team that we all wanted to get involved in the game. Sadly, Portland wasn't able to close the gap, and we went into halftime down 59-47.</p>
<p>The halftime entertainment was a dance routine from sorority Zeta Phi Beta and fraternity Alpha Phi Alpha. Pretty cool.</p>
<p>Coming out of halftime, Portland came out firing, Lillard was especially hot as he began matching Westbrook shot for shot. Sound familiar?</p>
<p>During the midpoint 3<sup>rd</sup> quarter timeout, Charlie won the whole arena Jamba Juice by hitting his required three free throws in 27 seconds. He had nice form, though he tended to pull the string on his follow through. The next timeout featured a few Blazers sharing their favorite movie quotes. C.J. McCollum's favorite line is "I'll be back". Dame went with "We can't change the world unless we change ourselves" from Notorious. Rolo picked, you guessed it, "Goonies never say die". Finally, <span>Chris Kaman</span> tried to get a Dumb and Dumber quote going, but ultimately went with "Come get some ham, Tina", from Napoleon Dynamite.</p>
<p>The second half of the 3<sup>rd</sup> quarter was highlighted by very frustrating Blazer defense around the rim. It's one thing for a team to work for good looks, but it's another to get completely uncontested layups after only one off-ball screen. I'm looking at you, Nico. Every time OKC would get a point blank shot, it felt like someone was letting the air out of the building.</p>
<p>It didn't help that the officiating went through another "questionable" period at the end of the 3<sup>rd</sup>. Incidentally, I'm not a big "blame the refs" guy, but there were some serious inconsistencies for a 2-3 minute stretch at the end of the quarter. This culminated in <span>Terry Stotts</span> getting a technical foul and being as angry as I've ever seen him, literally hopping mad. I was surprised he didn't get tossed right there.</p>
<p>But like any good drama, you can't have resolution without conflict preceding it. The Blazers clamped down in the fourth and chipped away. At the 7:19 mark, I turned to my friend Keegan and said "It might be one of <i>those</i> nights..."</p>
<p>I can't convey just how LOUD the crowd was tonight during the 4<sup>th</sup> quarter. This video doesn't do it justice, but you know how Brian Wheeler sometimes says "and they're dancing in the aisles here at the Moda Center"? Tonight that wasn't hyperbole.</p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zAbT_yGVh1U?rel=0" frameborder="0"></iframe></p>
<p>We really do have the best fans in the NBA. And the Blazers rewarded them with a win! You can read all about that in the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.blazersedge.com/2015/2/28/8125233/portland-trail-blazers-vs-oklahoma-city-thunder-russell-westbrook-damian-lillard">Game Recap</a>. For now...</p>
<p>Non Game Notes:</p>
<p>The Leupold Home Town Hero of the game was Jason Mcutchen.</p>
<p>Bonus: Mr. Mcutchen's wife let him know that they were expecting while he was being honored.</p>
<p>Alex won a washer and dryer from Standard TV and Appliance. Jealous again.</p>
<p>Signs seen: "Time to Afflalo", "Lillard goes dynamite", "L-Train will take the team to victory" and my personal favorite, "ThreeFense"</p>
<p>Upon leaving the arena, I saw that Kersey's #25 is shining on the side of the Moda Center. This might be old news, but I hadn't caught it before (Thunder 3)</p>
https://www.blazersedge.com/2015/2/28/8125367/blazers-fans-dance-in-the-aisles-as-portland-downs-oklahoma-cityDave DeckardPeter Sampson2015-02-28T00:50:26-08:002015-02-28T00:50:26-08:00Thunder Can't Faze Enterprising Blazers
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<figcaption>Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The battle of great point guards was everything you could hope for on Friday night. Russell Westbrook scored 40 but the last laugh belonged to Damian Lillard.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.blazersedge.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Portland Trail Blazers</a> and <a href="https://www.welcometoloudcity.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Oklahoma City Thunder</a> played a whale of a game tonight in Portland's Moda Center. The contest featured two point guards going supernova, key supporting cast members freezing up like an ancient ice age, and a thrilling ending that defied belief. When the smoke cleared the Trail Blazers had earned a 115-112 victory and a clear path to supremacy in the Northwest Division, but it wasn't easy.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Game Flow</b></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Both the Blazers and Thunder pride themselves on offensive potential. They can hit an opponent from multiple positions on the floor, breaking the defense down in the process. All of that went out in the window in the first half of this game, though. Tonight's offense would not be a display of infinite diversity in infinite combinations. Instead it was a two-hour long melodrama featuring 3 above-the-title stars: <span>Russell Westbrook</span>, <span>Damian Lillard</span>, and <span>LaMarcus Aldridge</span>.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Westbrook began the night peppering the Blazers with blasts amidships. Lillard tried gamely to stay in front of him but Westbrook was having none of it. If Russ wasn't scoring in the paint he was setting up teammates for ridiculously easy shots. Like a hidden second eyelid Portland's interior defenders desperately attempted to close off the rim but they turned out mostly superfluous. Westbrook's light was shining too brightly for anything to stop it.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Fortunately Lillard didn't wilt in the face of Westbrook's assault, though he had a closer view than anyone. Instead Dame pinned his ears back and tallied his own points. Lillard turned OKC's usually-firm defense into so much soup, plowing through the lane again and again, tossing in sweet conversions.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Between Westbrook shining like the sun and Lillard spewing points like a busted radioactive reactor, the first half of this game was supremely entertaining. As it turned out, the team that generated momentum through defense, offensive rebounding, and tempo managed to break the deadlock between the two stars. Unfortunately for the Blazers, that team was Oklahoma City. The Thunder shot 51% in the half, beat Portland on the boards, and spaced the floor better around their main man. Thus OKC led 59-47 at the half.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Both teams started the second half with more of a commitment to team ball. The Blazers cranked up defensive pressure, hawking the ball like frantic, green-blooded hobgoblins, forcing OKC into tough misses and turnovers. The Blazers also used Lillard's threat to set up wings for clear three-pointers. Tempo, rebounding, and spacing all went Portland's way and they cut the Thunder lead to 5 midway through the period.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">But even as they crawled back to respectability, the Blazers still faced issues. Containing Westbrook momentarily, they utterly failed at sealing off the lane versus OKC's ensigns and redshirts, including <span>Serge Ibaka</span>, <span>Mitch McGary</span>, and Dion Waiters. The Thunder would convert 10 shots within 4 feet of the bucket in the period. Portland's hree-pointers and balanced scoring couldn't keep up with that kind of production for long and the Blazers found themselves down 11 at the end of three, 89-78 despite their amazing performance.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">As the fourth period opened <strike>Gary Mitchell</strike> ...errrr...Mitch McGary's deity-like lane scoring threatened to spiral out of control. The Thunder stretched their lead to 13 with 9:40 remaining in the game. At that point the Portland faithful were preparing the bagpipes and empty torpedo cases for their fallen heroes. No need, as it turned out. Somehow, in an improbable plot twist, their team would rise from the ashes.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">It started with new recruit <span>Arron Afflalo</span> hailing from distance, scoring the first 3 of his 11 points in the final period. Then Lillard checkmated OKC's defense time and again from the high pick and roll position. As the game drifted into critical possessions, Lillard gave way to Aldridge in the post. The Blazers' captain delivered again and again, kissing home an array of shots or heading to the line for free passes which he took full advantage of.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">On the other end the Blazers finally decided that they'd seen enough of Westbrook running amok time and again. <span>Nicolas Batum</span> tapped Lillard on the shoulder and took his place on defense, putting the nerve pinch on OKC's point guard. Westbrook still scored but he had to work twice as hard just when he was twice as tired. His final quarter wasn't nearly as pretty as his first half. Plus, in true Westbrook style, Russell forgot that the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few...or the one. In this case the "one" was him, as shot attempts in the period would prove. The contrast between his approach and Portland's was stark...though we should hasten to point out that with <span>Kevin Durant</span> in street clothes, Westbrook didn't have his captain to turn to like Lillard did.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">After 48 minutes of literally anything you could imagine coming to life before your eyes (for good or ill) the game came down to the final. climactic moments. Portland's defense and rebounding had given them better possessions in the fourth period than Oklahoma City had. Their three-dimensional, chess-like attack prevailed over Westbrook trying to restart his team through controlled implosion. Plus the Blazers hit their free throws.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">All of this set the stage as Portland led 113-110 with 6 seconds remaining. Oklahoma City had the ball for the last possession in regulation. A three would tie the game, sending it into overtime. In this situation the Blazers took a logical approach, electing to foul Westbrook, allowing the potential for 2 points at the foul line but not 3 from the arc.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Unfortunately <span>Wesley Matthews</span> picked that exact moment to bring out his drunken Gorn impression, fouling late, while Westbrook was in the shooting motion. Half of the Moda Center crowd responded with, "Highly Illogical." The rest of them screamed, "KHAAAAAAAAAAAN-FOUND IT! THAT"S GOING TO GIVE HIM THREE FREE THROWS! You Klingon bastard, you've killed our division lead!!!"</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">(Either way...poor Wes! I'm sure the human half of all of us felt for him in that moment.)</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">But then, in a final dramatic turn of fortune, Westbrook missed the first free throw, causing everyone in the arena to raise an eyebrow and exclaim, "Fascinating..."</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">(Or maybe, "YESSSSSSSSSS OHMYGOSH WE'RE GONNA WIN THIS THING CUZ EVEN IF HE SPITS AT US FROM HELL'S HEART IT"S ONLY WORTH 2 POINTS NOW! WARP US OUT OF HERE, SULU!)</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Westbrook made the final 2 foul shots. It looked like he was trying to miss the last one but couldn't manage it. Adding injury to insult, he took a vicious knee in the temple from his own teammate in the lane scrum following. With a little over a tick left the Thunder fouled Lillard for possession. Dame sank the shots with his customary cool demeanor and OKC never got off the last-second heave. Portland walked out of the arena with an emotional, dramatic 115-112 victory.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Epilogue:</p>
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<p>Some speculation Westbrook's dent could be a fracture of the zygomatic arch. JR Smith had one last year and played through it wearing a mask</p>
— Royce Young (@royceyoung) <a href="https://twitter.com/royceyoung/status/571577489106972672">February 28, 2015</a>
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<p style="text-align: left;">Ouch.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Analysis</b></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The Blazers now stand 8 games over their division rivals in the loss column with tiebreaker in hand, making it 9 for practical purposes. That's a pretty nice lead with only 25 games remaining on Portland's schedule. That's the most important thing to come out of tonight's game by far.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Russell Westbrook scored 40 with 13 rebounds and 11 assists. The only thing that stopped him tonight was his fatigue, with maybe a side-splash of Batum-Matthews defense. But it seemed pretty clear that not only were the Blazers incapable of stopping the opposing point guard, they were barely capable of stopping the ripple effects on other players. OKC shot 48% tonight but they were above 50% most of the game, courtesy of Westbrook in the lane early, then everybody else in the lane after. Portland's bigger defenders had no way to rotate quickly enough against penetration when OKC was running free and easy. At a certain point it almost looked like they gave up., with near disastrous results. Nor were the Blazers good in transition tonight. No matter how secure the defense seems--and it's certainly more secure this year than last--these bugaboos haven't disappeared entirely.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The matchup and rotation crisis gave <span>Terry Stotts</span> a chance to tinker with lineups in the second half. Portland matched Oklahoma City by running smaller formations, making liberal use of Afflalo to good effect. Last week's trade paid off big tonight, and not just because of Afflalo's 18 points. He gives the Blazers flexibility and security they didn't have when <span>Will Barton</span> and CJ McCollum were the main choices off the bench.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">This was a playoff atmosphere, becoming more so as the game progressed. Yes, the Thunder were short-handed but they tested the Blazers every bit as much despite that. Portland once again proved their resiliency. That's like an ace in the hole...one that you can't draw every hand, but that feels good in your pocket nevertheless. If there were any lingering doubts after the recent mediocre stretch, the Blazers proved tonight that they belong in the playoffs every bit as much as any other contender in the crowded and talented Western Conference. Then again, making the playoffs isn't the goal this year. The Blazers are going to secure a seed and will almost certainly gain an upper-bracket slot in the process. They'll still need to work on some of those weaknesses if they want to take the next step, moving beyond the "scrappy team, happy to be there" stage to live long and prosper in the post-season.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Individual Notes</b></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">LaMarcus Aldridge continues to vacillate between looking hesitant and looking excellent. We saw more of the former early, more of the latter as the team needed him. It seems to me that the less he thinks, the easier his shots flow. The game got pretty intense in the second half and Aldridge exchanged serious words with Serge Ibaka. Perhaps adrenaline worked for him. Either way, it was nice to see clockwork-LaMarcus back for a while. He scored 29 on 10-23 shooting, including 9 critical points as the fourth quarter closed. Add in 5 assists against a single turnover plus a mighty 7 offensive rebounds and this was a pretty good night for Aldridge.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Damian Lillard scored 29 himself, largely due to his "<span>Kiki Vandeweghe</span> guards Kiki Vandeweghe" matchup with Westbrook. If these two point guards matched up every night they'd be co-MVP's. 10-22 shooting, 5 assists.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Wesley Matthews had 3 steals and hit 2-6 threes (33%) but otherwise went pure Ensign Leibowitz on offense, finishing the game 2-13 overall for 8 points. Nicolas Batum wasn't that much better at 2-6 for 9 points and three steals. To their credit, both took their turn on the bucket brigade trying to put out Westbrook's fire. Both did comparatively well.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span>Robin Lopez</span> shot 4-8 for 8 points but otherwise wasn't a factor, getting lost in the whirling rotations, sometimes looking incredulously at teammates as if to say, "How the BLEEDING HECK could you let a guy get down the lane that quickly and what the SMOKING HELLBLAZES do you expect me to do about it?"</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">If Lopez didn't have a chance on defense, you know <span>Chris Kaman</span> didn't either. Fortunately Kaman produced 8 points and 7 rebounds in 14 minutes to help make up for it.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Arron Afflalo don't have to make up for nothing. Arron Afflalo just took the navigator's seat that's been a rotating mess since this series began. Arron Afflalo just started quoting Russian proverbs and all the girls think he's super-cute. Arron Afflalo will be staying for a while. If you doubt that, check out the 18 points on 5-6 shooting and the fourth-quarter Denebian Bacon-saving.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">You know who barely played tonight? <span>Steve Blake</span> got 11 minutes while <span>Dorell Wright</span> and <span>Meyers Leonard</span> got the Doug E Fresh 6 minutes treatment. None of them did much with their time. Poor Meyers also has to suffer the indignity of being the second-most-alluded-to Leonard in this recap. Bad night.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The Blazers travel to Sacramento to face the <a href="https://www.sactownroyalty.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Kings</a> on Sunday.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=400579161" target="_blank">Your Boxscore</a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The <a href="http://www.blazersedge.com/2015/2/27/8124935/blazers-vs-thunder-final-score-portland-beats-russell-westbrook" target="_blank">Instant Recap</a> with tweets, videos, and more!</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.welcometoloudcity.com/" target="_blank">Welcome to Loud City</a> manages to celebrate Westbrook while simultaneously being bummed about the outcome.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Still to come: our In-Arena Report from a wild and crazy Moda Center.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Call and leave questions, comments, or short rants for our podcast at <b>234-738-3394.</b></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The <b>deadline</b> for sending underprivileged kids to the March 30th Phoenix-Portland game is fast approaching. <a href="http://www.blazersedge.com/2015/2/26/8116791/blazers-edge-sending-1000-kids-to-trail-blazers-game" target="_blank">Click here </a>to see how you can sponsor 1 or 2 young people!</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/2015/2/28/8125233/portland-trail-blazers-vs-oklahoma-city-thunder-russell-westbrook-damian-lillardDave Deckard2015-02-27T22:10:22-08:002015-02-27T22:10:22-08:00Blazers Rally to Stun Thunder Behind Aldridge's 29
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<p>LaMarcus Aldridge had 29 points and 16 rebounds, and the Portland Trail Blazers rallied to stun Oklahoma City at home Friday night.</p> <p><span>LaMarcus Aldridge</span> had 29 points and 16 rebounds, <span>Damian Lillard</span> had 29 points, and the <a href="https://www.blazersedge.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Portland Trail Blazers</a> overcame <span>Russell Westbrook's</span> third straight triple-double to beat the <a href="https://www.welcometoloudcity.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Oklahoma City Thunder</a>, 115-112 Friday night at Moda Center.</p>
<p>Defense was at a premium in the first quarter, with both teams shooting over 46%. Aldridge had ten to lead the Blazers, Lillard had nine, and <span>Robin Lopez</span> contributed six. It was all they could do to contain Russell Westbrook, who had 12 of Oklahoma City's 25 points in the period. Aldridge got two of his ten off of a fast break dunk created by a fantastic pass from <span>Nicolas Batum</span>, who threaded the needle between <span>Serge Ibaka</span> and <span>Mitch McGary</span>. With a late three by <span>Steve Blake</span>, Portland led by three after one.</p>
<p>The second quarter was the stuff of nightmares for Portland fans. The Blazers shot just 6-of-22 from the field, missed seven shots from within four feet of the basket, and gave up basket after basket on fortunate tips to the wrong player. Batum, Lopez, and <span>Wesley Matthews</span> combined to shoot 0-for-10 in the period, and Oklahoma City took advantage. The Thunder led by as many as 14, with <span>Anthony Morrow</span> doing damage off of the bench with 11 points in the quarter. Portland would trail by 12 at halftime, with Lillard leading the Blazers in the quarter with six.</p>
<p>Both teams traded sets of runs in the third quarter, with Portland's 7-0 run matched by the Thunder's 10-0 run, matched by a Portland 10-0 run, matched by an Oklahoma City 14-4 run. The Blazers grew frustrated in the quarter with their inability to stop Ibaka and McGary from dunking in the post, and with some highly questionable calls by the referees. Lillard led all Blazers in the quarter with seven, but Oklahoma City led by 11 after three.</p>
<p>Finally the defense clamped down in the fourth quarter, and the Blazers stormed back into the game. With Oklahoma City leading by five, Matthews hit a corner three to cut the lead to two. Westbrook missed a jumper from the foul line, and Aldridge tipped in his own miss on the other end to tie the game at 103. Aaron Afflalo drilled a three to give Portland the lead, but Westbrook scored an and-one to even the score. Aldridge hit a shot over Ibaka to give Portland a lead, and on the other end of the court, Ibaka and Aldridge renewed their rivalry with a brief scrum after Ibaka gave a pair of elbows to Batum's chest. Both players were given a technical foul. With under a minute to play and the teams tied at 110, Matthews missed a short jumper, but Aldridge was fouled on the rebound. He would hit one of two free throws. Batum blocked Westbrook's shot on the other end, but Lillard missed a floater with 11 seconds remaining. Westbrook drove the lane, but missed and Afflalo grabbed the rebound. He hit both free throws, but Matthews fouled Westbrook on a near half-court shot for three free throws. Westbrook missed the first, but hit the second and third, allowing Lillard to hit free throws to seal the game.</p>
<p>Afflalo led the bench with 18 points on 6 attempts. Matthews finished with eight points on 2-of-13 shooting.</p>
<p><a href="http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=400579161">BOX SCORE</a></p>
<p align="center"><b>Gameday Thread Comments of the Night</b></p>
<p>Thanks to all who participated in tonight's Gameday Thread! We had more than 2,000 comments during this tight thriller. Here were some of the favorites:</p>
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<p>This team is going to kill me one of these days.<br>by <b>Bradley James McEachern</b></p>
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<p>So crazy that we're 8-2 in our division, and the losses are to Utah and Minnesota<br>by <b>SlickRick1987 </b></p>
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<p>Worth Noting that Blazers played small with Aldridge at Center & Afflalo in.<br>by <b>tyeforshee</b></p>
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<p>That was a Terry Stotts Masterpiece. Loved pretty much every lineup change he made in this game. Our small-ball lineup is so big-time.<br>by <b>AdoptedPDXfromNYC</b></p>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Post-Game Reaction</b></p>
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<p>The Trail Blazers now have a .500 record (11-11) when trailing at the beginning of the fourth quarter this season (9-2 at home). <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PORvsOKC?src=hash">#PORvsOKC</a></p>
— Trail Blazers PR (@TrailBlazersPR) <a href="https://twitter.com/TrailBlazersPR/status/571552165400989697">February 28, 2015</a>
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<p>Portland has defeated Oklahoma City in three straight games for the first time since 2009 (four games). <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PORvsOKC?src=hash">#PORvsOKC</a></p>
— Trail Blazers PR (@TrailBlazersPR) <a href="https://twitter.com/TrailBlazersPR/status/571552231725514753">February 28, 2015</a>
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<p>LaMarcus Aldridge has scored 25 or more points in all three games against Oklahoma City this season. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PORvsOKC?src=hash">#PORvsOKC</a></p>
— Trail Blazers PR (@TrailBlazersPR) <a href="https://twitter.com/TrailBlazersPR/status/571552302152081409">February 28, 2015</a>
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<p>The Trail Blazers improve to 8-2 vs. the Northwest Division this season (5-0 at home) and now hold a seven-game lead over Oklahoma City.</p>
— Trail Blazers PR (@TrailBlazersPR) <a href="https://twitter.com/TrailBlazersPR/status/571552537242812416">February 28, 2015</a>
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<p>Biggest stat of the 4Q: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Blazers?src=hash">#Blazers</a> got to the Free-throw line 18 times, Afflalo was there 7 of those times.... stop the clock, get the points</p>
— Jabari Young (@JabariJYoung) <a href="https://twitter.com/JabariJYoung/status/571555070061375489">February 28, 2015</a>
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<p>Arron Afflalo's 18 points tonight are the most by any Trail Blazer off the bench this season. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PORvsOKC?src=hash">#PORvsOKC</a></p>
— Trail Blazers PR (@TrailBlazersPR) <a href="https://twitter.com/TrailBlazersPR/status/571556217505501184">February 28, 2015</a>
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<p>Russell Westbrook will be further evaluated for blow to face and will not speak to media</p>
— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) <a href="https://twitter.com/BenGolliver/status/571559074107506689">February 28, 2015</a>
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<p>Asked what the issue was with Ibaka, Aldridge responded: "That was nothing" <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Blazers?src=hash">#Blazers</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Thunder?src=hash">#Thunder</a></p>
— Jabari Young (@JabariJYoung) <a href="https://twitter.com/JabariJYoung/status/571561962661797889">February 28, 2015</a>
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<p>Matthews said he won't get an x-ray on his right hand though he was definitely favoring it after that final play.</p>
— Erik Gundersen (@blazerbanter) <a href="https://twitter.com/blazerbanter/status/571562110234185728">February 28, 2015</a>
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<p>'<a href="https://twitter.com/nicolas88batum">@nicolas88batum</a> on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Blazers?src=hash">#Blazers</a> win over OKC: "The way we played the first three quarters was bad. The way we ended up the game was good."</p>
— kerry eggers (@kerryeggers) <a href="https://twitter.com/kerryeggers/status/571562430762905600">February 28, 2015</a>
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<p>Thunder say official update on Russell Westbrook likely coming on Saturday.</p>
— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) <a href="https://twitter.com/BenGolliver/status/571562501252362243">February 28, 2015</a>
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<p>More <a href="https://twitter.com/nicolas88batum">@nicolas88batum</a> on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Blazers?src=hash">#Blazers</a> 4th-quarter rally: "We got some stops. The crowd was into it. That was a crazy game. I like it."</p>
— kerry eggers (@kerryeggers) <a href="https://twitter.com/kerryeggers/status/571562880543289345">February 28, 2015</a>
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<p>Asked if this was the biggest game he's been apart this season, Afflalo smiled and said: "Yeah. It's not even close."</p>
— Jabari Young (@JabariJYoung) <a href="https://twitter.com/JabariJYoung/status/571565189138526208">February 28, 2015</a>
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<p>"I don’t even know stats, none of that stuff. I know that we were down and made a spirited comeback..." - Arron Afflalo.</p>
— Mike Richman (@mikegrich) <a href="https://twitter.com/mikegrich/status/571564680461733888">February 28, 2015</a>
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<p>Great team win tonight! Way to overcome a big deficit and my blatant attempt at point shaving <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NeverSayDie?src=hash">#NeverSayDie</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RoloHasSomGamblingDebts?src=hash">#RoloHasSomGamblingDebts</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RIPCITY?src=hash">#RIPCITY</a></p>
— Robin Lopez (@rolopez42) <a href="https://twitter.com/rolopez42/status/571565824261017601">February 28, 2015</a>
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<p>LaMarcus Aldridge dropped an "anything is possible" but laughed at himself halfway through saying it.</p>
— Mike Richman (@mikegrich) <a href="https://twitter.com/mikegrich/status/571568189198352385">February 28, 2015</a>
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<p>For as tight as tonight's game was, there were only two lead changes</p>
— Casey Holdahl (@CHold) <a href="https://twitter.com/CHold/status/571569623885205505">February 28, 2015</a>
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<p>"That’s what we do. We support each other. We move the ball. We play exciting basketball games." -- Dame</p>
— Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) <a href="https://twitter.com/trailblazers/status/571570902137110528">February 28, 2015</a>
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<p>OKC had been 28-4 when leading after 3 (up by 11 tonight). Blazers now have 14 wins when trailing by 10-plus points.</p>— Mike Barrett (@blazermb) <a href="https://twitter.com/blazermb/status/571571983160197120">February 28, 2015</a>
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<p>VIDEO: LaMarcus Aldridge leaks out for a <a href="http://www.nba.com/video/games/blazers/2015/02/27/0021400869-okc-por-play1.nba/" target="_blank">fast break dunk</a>.</p>
<p>VIDEO: Blazers TV announcers Mike Barrett and Mike Rice are not pleased with Terry Stotts's technical foul.</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" height="480" width="480" src="https://vine.co/v/O2TBAaKY3T0/embed/simple"></iframe>
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https://www.blazersedge.com/2015/2/27/8124935/blazers-vs-thunder-final-score-portland-beats-russell-westbrookRyanASterling2015-02-26T22:02:23-08:002015-02-26T22:02:23-08:00Blazers vs. Thunder Preview
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<figcaption>Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>ESPN NBA writer and DailyThunder.com proprietor Royce Young stops by Blazer's Edge for a Q&A session discussing tonight's matchup between the Portland Trail Blazers and the Oklahoma City Thunder.</p> <p align="center"><span class="sbn-auto-link"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.welcometoloudcity.com/">Oklahoma City Thunder</a> (32-25, No. 8 in the West) vs. </span><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blazersedge.com/">Portland Trail Blazers</a> (37-19, No. 4 in the West)<br>Friday, February 27<br>Moda Center; Portland, OR | 7:30 p.m. PST | Local TV/Radio: CSNNWHD, ESPNHD; 620 AM<br>Out for the Blazers:<span class="sbn-auto-link"> <span>Joel Freeland</span><span> </span></span>| Out for the Thunder: Kevin Durant, <span>Steve Novak</span>, <span>Steven Adams</span><br>SBN Affiliate: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.welcometoloudcity.com/">Welcome to Loud City</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 href="http://www.blazersedge.com/2014/10/28/7085127/blazers-edge-night-2015-announced" target="_blank"> </a>|<a href="http://www.blazersedge.com/2014/10/28/7085127/blazers-edge-night-2015-announced" target="_blank"> </a><a target="_blank" href="http://www.blazersedge.com/2015/2/26/8116791/blazers-edge-sending-1000-kids-to-trail-blazers-game">Blazer's Edge Night</a></p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph" id="paragraph1" align="left"><i>From time to time, Blazer's Edge collaborates with blogs that cover other NBA teams to get an in-depth view of Trail Blazers opponents from the people who follow them most. Today we'd like to welcome ESPN NBA writer and <a target="_blank" href="http://dailythunder.com/">DailyThunder.com</a> proprietor <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/royceyoung">Royce Young</a> to preview tonight's Blazers-Thunder matchup.</i></p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph" align="left">---</p>
<p><b>Blazer's Edge: </b><i><b><span>Kevin Durant's</span> missed the last three games, but as of this writing, the Thunder have rattled off seven straight wins and have averaged the most points per game in the league since the All-Star break. Obviously <span>Russell Westbrook</span> is a huge part of this equation, but what other pieces have fallen into place for OKC lately that have led to the current surge?</b></i></p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph"><b><a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/royceyoung">Royce Young</a>: </b>The deadline trade is obviously a factor, because it's given the Thunder extra depth to absorb Durant's absence, specifically in that it allows Westbrook to hover between distributor and scorer more. In the past, with no Durant, Westbrook basically had to shoulder an offensive mindset to make up for the loss of Durant's production. Now, with <span>Enes Kanter</span>, <span>Serge Ibaka</span>, <span>Anthony Morrow</span>, <span>Dion Waiters</span> and others, Westbrook doesn't have to do as much on his own.</p>
<p><b>BE: </b><i><b>Up until the last several weeks, many prognosticators were still wondering aloud whether or not the Thunder would even make the playoffs. Now with New Orleans falling off, Phoenix trading away some of its core and OKC back to its winning ways, do you think the Thunder can sneak up on Portland and win the Northwest Division? What has to go right for that to happen?</b></i></p>
<p><b><a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/royceyoung">RY</a>: </b>I think it <i>could</i> happen, but I don't think it's likely. First step for the Thunder is winning <span class="aBn"><span class="aQJ">Friday's</span></span> game. But it would take an especially hot finish by the Thunder and while I think they're capable of winning 19 of 25 or something, the Blazers would also have to drop. For example, OKC went 19-6 to finish out, they'd be 51-31. But to pass the Blazers, Portland would need to finish 13-13. I don't really see that happening.</p>
<p><b>Blazer's Edge reader BlazerTucker asks: <i><font>How have the Thunder done integrating their newest players? Does Kanter seem like the solution at C, or is he too much of a liability on defense? Could this open up the middle for our guards more than they have seen against <span>OKC</span> in the past?</font></i></b></p>
<p><b><a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/royceyoung">RY</a>: </b>The new pieces have slotted in really well, especially Kanter. He and Westbrook already have an obvious chemistry in the pick-and-roll, with Westbrook actively looking to set him up in the paint as much as possible. When Steven Adams returns, it's a good question as to who starts, because there's no question Adams is a better, stronger, more physical defender. The interior is definitely more open now, because Adams is an excellent paint clogger, but Serge Ibaka is back to his weakside swatting ways, so I don't think there's some runway to the bucket or anything.</p>
<p><b><b>BE:<i> </i></b></b><i><b><font>I've heard some national pundits criticizing coach Scott Brooks' offense, generally calling it "simple" and implying that he essentially just rolls the ball out and lets Durant and Westbrook do their thing. What is the national media missing here, or do they have a solid point?</font></b></i></p>
<p><b><a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/royceyoung">RY</a>: </b>That's an oversimplified narrative that's easy to jump on and run with. Is Brooks' offense intricate or complex? Not at all. But the proof is in the pudding: When Durant and Westbrook are healthy, the Thunder have routinely finished top six in offensive efficiency. So ask yourself: Is it the job of a coach to have an offense that's complicated, or an offense that's successful? And I don't think you can argue much with the results. The Thunder have some tremendous improvisational players in Westbrook and Durant, and Brooks, to a fault sometimes, let's them play to their strengths. The Thunder do take some bad shots, but like anyone's offense, it doesn't look good when the shots don't fall. But when Durant drops 36 and Westbrook adds 28, nobody is praising Brooks' offense. It's just that he's got two great players. Like I said, that's an easy narrative to follow, and one that I don't think is especially fair.</p>
<p><b><b>BE: </b></b><i><b><font>OKC has twice lost to Portland this season, both times with Durant in street clothes, as he will again be for this matchup. What's the key for the Thunder tonight against the Blazers? </font></b></i></p>
<p><b><a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/royceyoung">RY</a>: </b>Westbrook. Westbrook, Westbrook, Westbrook, Westbrook and Westbrook. If he can play well and orchestrate the offense, keeping everyone involved and included, the Thunder can be dangerous even without Durant.</p>
<p><b><b>BE:</b></b><b><font> <i>With the acquisition of Dion Waiters earlier in the season and the trade-deadline additions of <span>Kyle Singler</span>, <span>D.J. Augustin</span>, Steve Novak and Kanter, the Thunder are now legitimately at least two-deep at every position when healthy. Who are the key role players for this team and what are their main functions?</i></font></b><b><font></font></b></p>
<p><b><a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/royceyoung">RY</a>: </b>Quietly, I think D.J. Augustin is a critical piece. He gives the Thunder a terrific change of pace behind Westbrook and even has the ability to play alongside him. Singler is your prototypical glue guy, Waiters your stereotypical gunner, Anthony Morrow your straightforward sharpshooter. But Augustin can do a lot and keep the scoreboard moving even when Westbrook or Durant aren't on the floor.</p>
<p><i>Special thanks to </i><i><a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/royceyoung">Royce Young</a> of ESPN NBA and DailyThunder.com for joining Blazer's Edge to preview tonight's matchup with OKC. Follow Young on twitter <a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/royceyoung">@royceyoung</a>.<br></i></p>
<p>-- Chris Lucia | blazersedgepodcast@gmail.com | <a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="https://twitter.com/ChrisLucia_BE" target="_blank">Twitter</a></p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph" id="paragraph38"><b>Help us send 1000 underprivileged kids to the March 30th game against the <a data-ref-index="47" class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/">Phoenix Suns</a>! Tickets can be purchased</b> through this link: <a data-ref-index="48" style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.rosequarter.com/blazersedge" target="_blank">www.rosequarter.com/blazersedge</a> Promo Code: <b>BLAZERSEDGE</b></p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph" id="paragraph39">You simply click on the gray bar that says, "Donate Tickets" and follow the prompts.<b> Ticket costs</b> <b>range from $13-16</b> each this year</p>
<p class="pgh-paragraph">Blazer's Edge reader <b>GMan83201</b> has gotten creative and pledged to donate a certain number of tickets based on specific random events in tonight's game:</p>
<div>Lillard 20+ points: 1 ticket</div>
<div>Aldridge double double: 1 ticket</div>
<div>Matthews 3+ threes: 1 ticket</div>
<div>Lopez double double: 2 tickets</div>
<div>Batum triple double: 3 tickets</div>
<div>Meyers Leonard triple double: 50 tickets</div>
<div>NONE OF THE ABOVE HAPPEN: 2 tickets (minimum donation)</div>
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<div>Other readers have made similar pledges to great success in the past. If you have your own interesting ways of contributing to Blazer's Edge Night, please feel free to share in the replies!<br>
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https://www.blazersedge.com/2015/2/26/8119299/portland-trail-blazers-vs-oklahoma-city-thunder-previewChris Lucia