What I liked most about the Blazer win over Boston
I believe this is one of the most promising games in the last couple of seasons for the Portland Trail Blazers. And no, not just because it was won with Brandon Roy on the sidelines. It was much more than that:
- Portland was tough. Tough. All night long. When they got an elbow in the chops, the Blazers gave one right back. They made several subtle physical statements, right from the first Boston possession of the game, that they would take no crap Tuesday night. That’s a huge step forward for the Trail Blazers — a quantum leap, really, because it was a step many thought they couldn’t make. They’ve been soft at times in the past — and may again be soft. But Tuesday they showed that they CAN play tough, too.
- I don’t even know where to start with Greg Oden. He met the physical challenge and became a huge factor in the game. Boston does not have anyone big enough to guard him. He keeps offensive rebounds alive and he seals the middle on defense. Every game he shows you something more on offense. He hit a face-up jumper and a FINGER ROLL(!!!!) Tuesday night. Sorry, but executed perfectly, there’s no prettier shot in basketball than the finger roll. You probably grew up watching George Gervin drop them in from the middle of the lane, like in the greatest Nike commercial EVER (“The one thing I could do was finger roll.”) Beautiful stuff. But I can still remember Wilt Chamberlain, when he wasn’t close enough to dunk, could finger roll with incredible accuracy. It’s a great shot because a tall guy with long arms can get the ball past a defender and make a shot almost unblockable by using it — and draw a lot of fouls in the process. If you’re still not on the Oden Express, that’s fine. Just be careful what you say about him because at some point, you’re likely to look pretty foolish (SIDEBAR TIME!!!! — Once there was a sportscaster at KGW (8), a legendary pioneer in Portland, named Doug LaMear. Doug was a good guy, but back in the day when most of Portland was frustrated by Bill Walton’s politics and his inability to play many games without getting hurt, LaMear suggested the Blazers ought to trade Walton for “(noted naturalist) Euell Gibbons and a six-pack of carrot juice.” It was funny stuff and ended up in Time Magazine, even. Except a year or two later when Walton was leading Portland to its only NBA title, nobody thought it was too funny then — by that time good ol’ Bill had become Portland’s favorite hippie center. Careful what you say now, folks — if he doesn’t get seriously hurt, this guy Oden is going to be a monster. END SIDEBAR)
- Steve Blake made huge shots and defended some very tough guys.
- Joel Przybilla and Oden played together for a few minutes and it was VERY effective. I liked the look of Oden with the ball on one side of the lane and Przybilla crashing the rim from the weakside. In the playoffs, I’d be tempted to use the two centers with Aldridge in a tight, three-man, two-position rotation.
- Playoffs? You better believe it.
- I think Nate McMillan, deep down, must have loved this game. Finally, his team captured some of the coach’s physical toughness. It will be interesting to see if it was a one-night wonder or a long-term addition.
NBA, Trail Blazers | Dwight Jaynes | December 31, 2008
Bill Walton, Boston Celtics, Brandon Roy, Doug LaMear, Dwight Jaynes, George Gervin, Greg Oden, Joel Przybilla, Nate McMillan
Stern needs to get after Garnett. He was throwing elbows at everybody once the game was effectively lost. They’ll probably fine Aldridge for poking him back, but KG is going to cause a serious melee at some point. I wonder who will finally give him what he wants — maybe Artest?
This was the game our young Blazers grew up. Facing the world champs without our leader, the guys really stepped it up when it counted most
GREG ODEN set the tone. That is right naysayers, Mr. Oden showed why he is our best chance to win rings. With Boston in control and starting to coast, He layed a good hard but clean foul on Ray Allen. A technical was called on Oden, but the game changed from that point. It frazzled Allen and the celtic bench and it served notice that we were no longer gonna just take it. It inspired the blazer players and excited the fans.
A switch got turned on right then and there and just like a bud at springtime, we bloomed right then and there
Second half Oden sets the tone. The inside hoop over Garnett sent the message: YOU or anyone else on your team cannot stop me inside. It was brilliant. Then Nate does the coaching move of the season by putting both Pryzibilla and Oden in at the same time. Boston who usually is the most physical team in the NBA had no answer and soon had to go to a smaller line-up. Symbollically we chopped them at the knees and we just had to hold steady for the win
And WE DID…48 minutes of hard played basketball. Aldridge grew as a man this game, and Steve Blake continues to prove to us all why he is our starting point…
I know this is only one game of 82, but this is the one where we stepped up. We started 3 rookies and our bigs came to play. This is where Oden felt confident enough to lead. We played with aggressive determination. and we did it without our all-star
2009 I am looking very much forward too
Red hot and rollin
Last night’s game was huge for the blazers. I think it’s the type of win they will point to after the season is over as being pivotal. I have to say that I will never doubt Steve Blake again. He was NAILS last night! Talk about stepping up! While Oden, L.A. and Outlaw deserve a lot for the win, I thought Blake stepped up big time without Roy. He made every key shot he took and found the open guy. What a great team effort. Also, it was great to see Joel and Greg on the floor together. I hope to see it more this year.
Perhaps the best thing about Oden is that he has such a tremendous amount of room to grow on offense.
Remember, he played just one year of college ball, and most of that with a broken right wrist. Then last year, it was injury rehab, so he really hasn’t had much opportunity to work on his offensive skills since high school.
Given a full season in the NBA (unless Coach Canzano cuts his playing time back to 10 minutes per game) and an offseason working on one or two “go-to” moves could produce quite an all-around player.
Dwight, Enjoyed your commentary last night on Talkin’ Ball Great game!
And a power play goal! Hopefully Winter Hawks coach Mike Johnston was taking notes.
Dwiiiiiiiiight !
Oh my gosh this is the Greg Oden we have been waiting for.
He showed heart,anger,and a winning desire.
I am thrilled with the win,Steve Blake was fantastic !
I am kind of shocked with Bayless..thought he would look better.
I really enjoyed your comments in the show after the game..
that’s a good show !
Oh man,do we really finally have the #1 pick ?
My favorite thing about the win… not havnig to hear “fire Nate” for at least one more game. Scoot over Blazer believers, the idiots are about to jump back on the bandwagon.
Great measuring stick game last night.
Congrats to Greg he took big steps not only with his play but his attitude and fire he showed. I have been waiting for that all season.
Before people start hammering on Bayless, be fair to the kid, I have seen worse. Unless you give him steady minutes you won’t see him at his best.
Blake showed great leadership last night, willing to take big shots, big time shooter in the clutch.
I was impressed with Joel getting on the guards for their less than stellar perimeter defense in the first half.
Nate showed great creativity with the twin towers. Very effective change of pace.
I told my Brother during the game I could live with a loss because of their effort, but wow am I proud of those guys for what they showed last night.
LA stood his ground last night, showed some toughness.
KG is a punk. The little ticket didn’t show me much of anything except a lack of class. I am sick of people insulting Bill Russell by saying KG is just like him. Bill is nothing but class and dignity. I wouldn’t urinate on KG if he was on fire.
I hate Boston! I hate the Boston Celtics more than any sports team in any league, at any level! Any win over the Celtics is a great win. I want to live to see the day that the Blazers will have a winning record vs. the Celtics, for games played IN Portland. This eats me alive.
Knock Knock:
Who’s There:
The Portland Trailblazers !
Folks…… Greg (sambowie) Oden has one decent game….But he did not carry the team. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Sheeesh…
bob , your a troll!
Bob, You’re right that was one game and GO didn’t “carry” the team. But that’s two games in a row that GO looked comfortable. That’s two games in a row that we saw the same Oden (personality wise) we cheered at Pioneer Square the day after the draft.
If you go back and analyze that game (which I did) we don’t win w/out Oden. He nicely patrolled the paint, got us 7 extra chances at the bucket, had 3 steals, and added in a couple of assists!
Let’s not forget that Oden has had 10 or 11 double doubles this season. I’m sure that leads all rookies in the association. As long as he plays loose like this the rest of the season he’ll be good.
BTW…I LOVE this team. Can I hear an AMEN?
“BOB”
You don’t understand our joy.
Greg literally blossomed in front of us last night.
But then you wouldn’t understand because me thinks you are a
Laker fan.
LA put the “s” in swagger last night.
Dwight, thanks for your recap!
Good job Los Blazers with your total team effort! Loved the
energy and I will be willing to beat that we see more of JB.
peacequiet,
Not a lakers fan, lifelong blazer fan. me thinks the blazers were sold a bad bill of goods with ol’ glass bones oden…. But thankfully they have the Vanilla Gorilla, Roy, Blake L.A., T.Outlaw etc… to make up for the poor choice in pickin’ Greg (sambowie) Oden…..
Hey Bob,
How many double doubles does he have? He played on a bad ankle when he could have sat out. How many games has Roy missed because of various injuries? Bob you are a closet lakers fan, come clean. Oden will probably end up avg a double double before it is all said and done. He is getting better as the season goes, he even acted like he cared, that is progress! It seems Bob that if people in the know in the NBA think he is going to be good that says something. I think once he gets recovered from the microfracture Greg’s biggest problem will be between his ears.
Its only ONE game that sambowie jr. did ok in, and now many of you are annoiting him as the ” second coming of obama”……
Bob,
Please go back thru the season and look at his game stats…he has at least 10 double doubles. He is the leading rookie in that category. I am not sure but B.O. didn’t play in the NBA. I am confused by your statement. I have criticized GO in past posts, but I also believe in stating the positive when it occurs. Check his game by game stats, and remember he has played limited minutes early on. Bob, he is also 20 years old. Not even in the physical prime for athletes. Let’s have this discussion next year at this time before you label him a bust.
Did Sam Bowie hurt you on a personal level?
Bob, bob, bob. When are you going to remember to put that second O in your name where it belongs?
While you are a MILDLY entertaining troll, you should go back under the bridge.
You can call Odem Sam Bowie Jr…..but I do not believe we ever saw Bowie put up double doubles at the rate Odem is doing. And if you cannot see progress in his game, you are as blind as you are “troll-ish”.
Rusty: Odem plays for the Lakers, Oden is a trailblazer.
F5 don’t throw rocks at me, you live in me!Odom plays for the Lakers.
The ” you are a troll ” comments are entertaining from the sheeple…. Just because I think Greg (sambowie) Oden will be a bust….
way to elevate your game Bob you the man! Bob the broken recorder. Dude when you realize in about a year or two that Oden is a solid player if not an all star you can ask the sheeple for forgiveness. You sound like Dawson and Canzano, that is all that needs to be said.