Blazers vs. Kings tonight
The Kings come to the Rose Garden tonight off an interesting game last night at Los Angeles. Playing without starters Kevin Martin and Mikki Moore, along with sixth man Francisco Garcia, Sacramento shot 53.4 percent and scored 108 points against the Lakers.
Still, the Kings lost by 10. It’s typical of Sacramento this season. This team can shoot and score — but can’t stop anybody.
The Blazers actually play a similar type of game but just play it better — and more deliberately. Portland won’t give up as many points because it plays at a much slower pace and doesn’t turn the ball over as often, so when teams shoot more than 50 percent against the Blazers, they still won’t score too much more than 100 points, if that many. Portland will shoot well — particularly from three-point range — most nights.
The Blazers need to hammer the ball inside against Sacramento (and against everyone else, for that matter — although they seldom do it). And watch the transition defense because the Kings will try to run at every opportunity. After losing last night in Los Angeles, I can’t imagine Sacramento having enough steam to come in to Portland and win.
NBA, Trail Blazers | Dwight Jaynes | November 24, 2008
We looked very sloppy out there tonight. Whatever though I’ll take a win. Joel continues to save us in the center position. Greg just still looks raw. Hey have you heard any more about Maurice Lucas and when or if he’ll be returning to the Blazer bench this year? Man I hope so because I think Maurice could really help Greg improve on the little things in his game. I think the NBA should take the All-Star votes that have been for Greg and put them to Joel. He’s been the real all-star and should be rewarded for the hard gritty work he’s puttin in.