Trailblazing
Most fans and pundits thought that Portland was doomed to spend another few years living in the Western Conference basement when their first round pick, Greg Oden, was placed on the IR with knee problems before the season began. Too young, too inexperienced, not enough time together, were what the critics were saying about the team before the season got underway. Well, the season is about half over and the young Blazers are proving everyone wrong.
With their latest victory–a double overtime road victory against the Bulls–the team has won 15 of the last 16, and is tied for first place with the Denver Nuggets. Against the Bulls, six players scored in double digits, and the team shot 50% from beyond the arc. What makes the victory all the sweeter for the Blazers, though, is the resolve and heart that the team showed on the road. Down by 14 in the third quarter, Portland charged back to force overtime, and then used a combination of tough defense and free throws to put it away.
Lamarcus Aldridge was a huge factor for Portland, scoring 14 and grabbing 13 rebounds, while Brandon Roy led the team with 25 points. Ben Gordan scored 32 for the Bulls and was all but unstoppable, except late in the 2nd overtime, when he was stripped by Jarrett Jack, who made a layup and was fouled by Gordon. Jack made both free throws, and the game was all but over.
Filed under: Uncategorized
