10 Thoughts vs. Utah 3/31

After a long weekend away, the playoff atmosphere inside the Blaze of Love crib is in full swing.  Jerseys are out, fitted caps are cocked, and the beer is plentiful.  When the Utah Jazz enter the Rose Garden arena tonight we’ll have sweat filled palms (hah) with some extra adrenaline as we find out if “your” Portland Trail Blazers are ready to become the perennial playoff contender we’ve all been waiting for.  Focus boys, focus.

1.  Deron Williams will be one motivated individual, again.  +1 Jazz
2.  Good thing Brandon Roy has been virtually unstoppable in March .  +1 Blazers
3.  ESPN Accuscore is feeling Portland at home as usual.  +1 Blazers
4.  Oh, and Utah hasn’t beaten a Western Playoff Contender on the road yet.  +1 Blazers
5.  Could we call this anything but a “must win”?  Toss Up
6.  Boozer is back plus “Blazer Killer” Okur is always a handful.  +1 Jazz
7.  Luckily LaMarcus is peaking down the stretch.  +1 Blazers
8.  How big will Blake’s performance need to be?  Toss Up
9.  Get ready for some playoff caliber basketball.  +1 Fans
10.  And I’m officially starting to get nervous.  -1 Me

Totals:  Blazers 4   Jazz 2   Fans 1   Me -1

Predicted Winner:  Blazers

Other Previews:

• SBNation style from SLC Dunk.
• And Bloguin coverage from True Blue Jazz.
  

Zach Randolph Twitter Machine? Uh oh.

Zach "Z-Bo" Randolph and the Hoop Family have officially joined the Twitter craze.  Please proceed with caution if you are as offended as I am with the use of the term "lolz".

And to make this post not completely worthless, here is a solid article on the mastermind behind Shaq's introduction to Twitter.

The Final Stretch - 10 Games Left - Blazers End in 7th?

Only 10 games left?  Crazy.  It’s been a long season, but at the same time, seems to have just flown by with ups and downs creating a mixture of emotions.  “Your” Portland Trail Blazers sit in 6th place in the Western Conference, just 1 game back of the Northwest leading Denver Nuggets and just a half a game in front of the Utah Jazz.  This conference is as predicted, going to come down to the last couple of games or possibly, THE last game of the season.

So here is the deal…after plugging all teams and remaining games into the “Blaze of Love Fantastical Playoff Simulating Box”, I came up with some not so jolly results.  After looking through the remaining games of the 8 teams jockeying for playoff position, I attempted to pick winners, based on nothing other than how I felt about the match-up.  I of course, gave plenty of favor to home teams but also tried to look realistically at the timing that each team faced one another.  You definitely can’t assume that all home games or all games against non-playoff teams will be won.  I’ll definitely be looking forward to these pre-playoff performances between potential playoff teams.  It’ll be fantastic.

With all of that nonsense spewed, here are my final Western Conference standings:

Position	Team	W	L
1	LA Lakers	66	16
2	San Antonio	56	26
3	Denver	53	29
4	Houston	52	30
5	New Orleans	52	30
6	Dallas	51	31
7	Portland	51	31
8	Utah	49	33

Now I know that’s not necessarily what you wanted to see from a Blazers blog, and I hope more than anyone that they prove me wrong, but their schedule is brutal.  I have them hitting a rough patch against Memphis which drops them into a 4 game slide ending with a crucial home loss to the Lakers and possibly drops them out of a chance for the top spot in the Northwest.  In fact, in my scenario, by the time they get to the game with the Nuggets, they’ll be 3 games back and the game won’t end up being a factor.   (Shiver now.)

Your thoughts?

Blaze of Glory - 3/27/09

The Blaze of Glory is your almost-daily link list of Blazer blog ridiculousness and other random Blazers info. If you ever want your Blazer blog featured, make sure to drop us a line unless your name is Dwight Jaynes. (Kidding!)

• Shaq doesn't need to comment on young ninjas (Oden).  [SLAM]
• And more on the ninja-ness of Greg.  [Oregon Live Blog]
• Right again Brian, it's time for Roy to be considered All-NBA.  [Columbian]
• Bayless still struggling with the NBA game.  [AZ Central]
  
• Rudy and Channing will be out and about signing autos.  [Blazers Edge]
• NBA finally changed that 6-men on the court rule.  [Seattle PI]
• And a Q&A with Joel.  [Sporting News]
• Those lovely re-thoughts after the Suns game.  [Rip City Project]
  

Blazers act as "Playoff Team", Burn Suns. 129-109

The other day, Ben from Blazers Edge was at practice as usual, and wrote a post emphasizing the thought that the Blazers finally look like a playoff team.  Sure enough, they came out and showed it last night.  In a clichéd “must win game,” Portland delivered with some extra force last night against the Phoenix Suns.  LaMarcus and Roy led the way like we need them too and Oden and Joel controlled Shaq "enough".  The bench stepped up, the energy was up and the crowd was definitely alive.  This performance was exactly what was needed for the city of Portland to start preparing for its first postseason in years.

Game thoughts in fantastical bulleted format:

• Let’s not forget that the Suns were just a little shorthanded.
• After the first quarter, you could almost sense magic from Brandon again.
• Where was "Blazer Killer" Matt Barnes tonight?
• Third quarter ending was epic.
• Aldridge is reaching All-Star level offensively.
• Oden...1 rebound...but those massive blocks made it all OK.
• Anyone get the Supercr3w performance?
• Batum.  We love you.
• Sergio had 8 assists, yet still seemed ineffective.
• Joel and Oden combined for 2 rebounds.  I have no comment.
• Memphis time!
  

Plus/Minus Sheet:  (Hello starters!)

Highlights for those of you NCAA-ing:


Box Score.

Shaq Does it Again - Tweet's Free Tickets

I was watching his damn Twitter account all day, and then took an hour or so break to actually do some work and missed this Tweet!

And I was definitely ready for Shaq-touching-mission too...sounds like a ton of people showed up though which is cool.  Portland fans, proving they are legit as always.

10 Thoughts vs. Phoenix 3/26

Pretty bummed that I won't be at the game tonight, but at least it'll be in HD on TNT.  We all know what happened the last time Phoenix was in town...

Can we get a repeat?

1.  Shaqtus vs. the Chameleon.  +1 Suns
2.  Nash vs. Blake.  Toss Up
3.  ESPN Accuscore showing the Rose Garden love.  +1 Blazers
4.  No more Raja Bell or Diaw; plus Barbosa and Amare are out.  +1 Blazers
5.  And no one left to guard LaMarcus.  +1 Blazers
6.  But Grant Hill has been in rare 1998 form over his last 4.  +1 Suns
7.  And Phoenix has won 6 straight overall.  +1 Suns
8.  This game matters just a little bit, don't you think?  Toss Up
9.  Heard that SuperCr3w will be with the Blazer Dancers.  +1 BD's
10.  All I want is a half-time Tweet from Shaq.  +1 Twitter

Totals:  Blazers 3   Suns 3   Blazer Dancers 1   Twitter 1

Predicted Winner:  Blazers (barely)

Other Previews:

• SBNation style from Bright Side of the Sun.
• And Ben does it up at Fanster.
  

Shaq's First Portland Tweet

Following THE_REAL_SHAQ on Twitter is about as good as it gets.  He even managed to drop his first Portland Tweet today...stay tuned for more. 

And if you noticed, his Tweet right before this one was an announcement for a free ticket in Phoenix last night against Utah. Gotta love the Diesel.

Brandon Roy - House of Hoops Outtakes Video

Early in the season, Foot Locker released a series of commercials called "House of Hoops" which included clips on Brandon Roy, Deron Williams, Kevin Durant, and Rudy Gay.  We actually ran a post on that now that I think about it.  (Slow!)  And now, they've released the outtakes from those original commercials and of course, we thought it would be fitting to at least give you Brandon Roy's?  (And we snuck in Durant's as well.)

And Kevin Durant:


You can check out the other two videos at our YouTube page.

Longest Antonio Harvey Article in the History of Earth

After Monday night's loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, one Blazer fan found Antonio Harvey's take on the game to be worthy of a 2032 word thesis.  Supposedly the NBA had a fix on this game and Antonio wouldn't admit it!  Apparently, to the author of this article, shooting 29% from three and 40% overall while allowing the Sixers to shoot 51% for the game has nothing to do with the outcome?  Oh, and the fact that there was only a 5 foul difference between the two teams...granted, there was a huge discrepancy in free throw attempts, but we see that almost nightly in the NBA. In fact, I would argue that the Blazers were fortunate to even be in this game especially after the horrid start they had.

My favorite excerpt from the article:

Further, it is shameful for so-called "Blazer" Antonio Harvey to come out on FM radio and publicly defend the corrupt/utterly incompetent refs—especially after the Tim Donaghy incident has shown us that NBA refs are not above fixing games. The fact that the congressional "investigation" in to NBA refereeing did not turn up any other guilty refs has probably just made these guys feel like they can get away with anything. With all the gambling that goes on surrounding NBA games, how is it any surprise when the refs pull this stuff?

All I can say to that is, "hahahah!"  This guy is fantastic!  Someone hire him to write more 2000+ word conspiracy theory articles.  By no means am I a huge Antonio Harvey fan, but come on, a "fixed" game?  And people actually still talk about Tim Donaghy?

I was at the game and never once did I feel that this game was "fixed".  Were there some bad calls?  Of course.  Steve Javie was one of the officials; would you expect anything else from him?  But a "fix"?

An Odd Game. Sixers Take Down Blazers. 114-108

I'm still semi-confused after last night's game.  The Blazers got off to their normal slow start and then turned on the burners late to comeback in what should have been a victory in regulation. Instead of that last part happening, the game went into an overtime in which Portland was completely outperformed by the Philadelphia Sixers who smacked the Blazers with only their 7th home loss of the year.  And the most baffling part of it all has to be Philadelphia's incredible job on Brandon Roy.

Game thoughts in fantastical bulleted format:

• A big shout out to Comcast SportsNet for hosting us in their box. Had a blast!
• LaMarcus' stats look good at first glance but 9 of 25 from the field and -10 plus/minus screams disaster.
• Oden was surprisingly efficient with Joel having an off night.
• Rudy's -16 also stings.
• I hope we never have to see Brandon Roy shut down like that again.  It was painful to watch.  There is no second option down the stretch.
• Great to have Batum and those intangibles back.
• Three Sixers starters eclipsed 25 points...wow.
• Andre Miller proves again to be a "Blazer Killer".
• Phoenix on Thursday...good luck!

Highlights for those of you Gossip Girl-ing:


Box Score.

Trail Blazers iPod Touch or iPhone Apps

For those of you Blazer Maniacs out there with an Apple iPhone or iPod Touch, you are likely as obsessed with applications for them as I am.  As my fixation grows, I decided to see what the world had to offer for Blazers related material…the outcome was pretty grim.  I did find a few, but nothing extremely fulfilling aside from this creepy mini-bobblehead of Brandon Roy. (Which of course is bobble-able just by shaking your little iPhone around.)  Neat.

Brandon Roy Bobblehead ($0.99)

Pretty self explanatory isn't it?  An application that gives your screen a mini-bobblehead which you can shake around and laugh at the creepiness of it for about 5 minutes.  Luckily it's only $0.99 because another penny more would have made this a ripoff...or something.

iFan Portland ($0.99)

Basically gives you a special application dedicated to the Blazers.  It populates a news feed with the latest Blazers news, standings, playoff news, and stats.  Probably worth purchasing just to have it all in one place.

Trail Blazers Crazy ($1.99)

Pretty much the same thing as iFan Portland except it's brand new.  But from what I can tell without wasting the $2, it's nothing special.  Someone buy it and tell me what they think.  (Kidding!)

Trail Blazers Schedule (FREE)

Ummm...yeah.  This would be the schedule at your fingertips.

Sounds like some Blazers-worthy programmer needs to get their little keyboard fingers dirty and whip up something special for us all to download.  It’d be a goldmine I would think.  (And now I ponder the idea of making some chincy iPhone app.)  Oh and by the way, none of those are affiliate links or anything dirty like that; just direct links to the app if you want them.

Blaze of Glory - 3/23/09

The Blaze of Glory is your almost-daily link list of Blazer blog ridiculousness and other random Blazers info. If you ever want your Blazer blog featured, make sure to drop us a line unless your name is Dwight Jaynes. (Kidding!)

• Can you complete the Blazers inspired crossword puzzle?  [Bust a Bucket]
  
• A warm and fuzzy 2-year old blog's birthday.  [Deceptively Quick]
  
• Photo recap from the Milwaukee win.  [Blazers Center Court]
• Check out the new Rip City Project.  [Rip City Project]
  
• Hello Jason Quick-Milwaukee recap.  [Behind the Blazers Beat]
• Martell is still working to get back this season.  [Behind the Blazers Beat]

10 Thoughts vs. Philadelphia 3/23

After a solid 3-2 road trip, the Blazers find themselves still stuffed in the middle of the Western Conference Playoff race.  I was worried that they might slip down to the bottom after that 5 game stretch but have proven many of us wrong once again.  The wins might not always be pretty, but somehow, someway, they continue to find ways to win against quality opponents.  And now they come back home for 4 games which could pose an even greater test.  Philly first!

1.  81% via ESPN Accuscore.  Damn right.  +1 Blazers
2.  Philly ending their own 5 game roadie in Portland.  +1 Blazers
3.  Iguodala vs. Roy.  +1 Blazers 
4.  Andre Miller vs. Blake.  +1 Philly
5.  How badly is Dalembert going to abuse Oden?  Toss Up
6.  A win in Staples Center doesn’t mean anything in the RG.  +1 Blazers
7.  Przybilla is now the ultimate x-factor.  +1 Blazers
8.  Injuries.  +1 Philly
9.  Can the Blazers seriously get to 50 wins?  Toss Up
10.  View from the Comcast box.  +1 Me

Totals:  Blazers 5   Sixers 2   Me 1

Predicted Winner:  Blazers

Other Previews:

• Our long time friends at Recliner GM.
• SBNation style at Liberty Ballers.
  

Pre-Weekend Ramble - 3/20

I'm still completely consumed in NCAA Tourney action so I apologize now for the lack of Blazers-related posts.  My bracket has just one nasty little mark on it from the Illinois-Western Kentucky game, but I think I'll live.  And....into the quick thoughts...

Blazers vs. Cavs -

• I was able to watch most of the Blazers game with the Cavaliers last night and I must say, that I was pretty pleased with the way Portland played.  Team turnovers were low and they outrebounded the hell out of Cleveland, but they still couldn't overcome Mr. James.
• Oden was +5 yesterday and Joel was -10 even with another solid double-double.  I may bitch, constantly about Greg, but his presence is needed and WILL be need come playoff time.
• Rudy is still playing scared or uncomfortable...Sergio and Bayless are playing like D-Leaguers...
• Fortunately for everyone, the Blazers have today off and then head to Milwaukee tomorrow to finish out this road trip.  And if they pull off the win, they'll finish up the trip 3-2 which should leave everyone very happy.

NCAA Tourney -

• As I previously mentioned, my bracket dominated through the entire first day...but the second day is always another story.  The first set of games this morning are going as planned yet I'm still worried.  
• How are your brackets looking?

NBA Dancer Bracket -

• I've officially given up on my promotion of this event.  The Blazer Dancers lost in the opening round to Houston...yes Houston.  So I'm also officially pissed at Blazer fans for not going to the NBA.com site and voting continuously throughout the day to make sure they advanced.  You all managed to advance the Blazers in that ridiculous 2-on-2 tourney that Ball Don't Lie put on, yet you let your girls down.  Sad.  (Still wondering why none of our fellow Blazer blogs supported this at all.)
  
• OK, I sort of lied...I'm going to bring back some posts on the bracket once it gets to the final four teams.  We need to see if Miami can 4-peat!

Have a great weekend all!

No 15 Thoughts vs. Cleveland 3/19

The usual gameday "15 Thoughts" have been cancelled due to something just a little more important...the NC-freaking-AA Tourney! 

Not that tonight's game against LeBron and co. isn't important, but with Batum out and Aldridge flying at half mast, this one could get ugly pretty fast.  I am excited to see Oden back in the lineup though, and maybe he'll be the difference that the Blazers need to pull off a miracle?

The TV will be on flip-flop mode between the evening NCAA games and the Blazers game, but I can't say we'll be fully involved.  Go Blazers!

And the NCAA Tourney is Upon Us!

This has probably been my favorite time of year since that first day that I picked up a basketball.  This is the Super Bowl to me; and nothing will change that.  Spending hours in front of a TV never felt quite as good as it does during this opening weekend.  Last year, I took the entire weekend off and live blogged while bar hopping with a buddy around Portland.  My plan was to do it again this year, but work did not permit, so instead, I'll be planted in my big ol' comfy chair, in front of my big ol' HD TV catching every minute of action while attempting to get some work done.  :)

I realize that there is an incredible game tonight between "your" Portland Trail Blazers and LeBron's Cleveland Cavaliers, but that almost takes a back seat to my precious NCAA Tourney.  (I'll still try to have some preview stuff up today, don't worry.)

With all that said, I've gone with Memphis in both my ESPN bracket and my Yahoo bracket...

Make sure to join in on the Blazers Edge Bracket Contest to compete with the rest of your Blazers colleagues.  And by the way, you only have about 43 minutes left to join.

So who is in your Final Four?  Your champion?

BoL Officially Tweeting - Follow us!

We've had our Twitter account for almost a year now and have tried our hardest to avoid the hell out of it.  We kept saying to ourselves, "Do you really have the time to spam off comments while running 2 blogs and a full time job?"  We also weren't necessarily sure what the hell the point of it was.  OK, still have no idea...someone explain.

Anyway, the pressure mounted, and we've officially given in.  The Twitterberry and bbTweet are in full effect, along with our first Twitpic...(speaking Twitter hurts.)  I doubt we'll ever bring out the Twitter crowds like Shaq does, but it'll still be fun to give you updates from our Trail Blazer travels. 

Follow us!

Voting is Live! Blazer Dancers vs. Rocket Power Dancers

Get over to NBA.com and VOTE NOW for your Blazer Dancers! 

And if for some reason you needed any extra motivation, here are some pics:

 

  

  

VOTE DAMMIT!

10 Thoughts vs. Indiana 3/18

I know that you all have your minds completely focused in on the 2009 NBA Dancer Bracket, but it’s time to put your game face back on.  “Your” Portland Trail Blazers take on the lousy Indiana Pacers who seem to want to keep losing after blowing a lead at the Rose Garden earlier in the month.  However, the Pacers have taken out every single elite team in the entire damn league at home, so the Blazers could be in trouble.  The Pacers like to get out and run, and we all know how badly Portland struggles on the road against a team with any sort of offense.  *Cough* Golden State 800 times in a row. *Cough*

1.  First team to 100, wins?  Toss Up
2.  Jarrett Jack averaging 20+ over his has 10.  +1 Still Glad he’s a Pacer
3.  Oden puts down the binky and returns?  Toss Up
4.  Danny Granger returns to the starting lineup.  +1 Pacers
5.  Pacer Dancers in the Brackets?  +1 First Round Loss
6.  Slowing down TJ Ford.  Toss Up
7.  Marquis Daniels as tonight’s “Blazer Killer”?  Toss Up
8.  Anyone else enjoying Brandon’s extra-dominance as of late?  +1 Blazers
9.  Anyone else not enjoying Rudy’s post-chest injury slump?  Toss Up
10.  Portland…7 consecutive wins against sub .500 teams.  +1 Blazers

Totals:  Blazers 2   Pacers 1   Jack 1   First Round 1

Predicted Winner:  Blazers

Other:

• Only the best from Indy Cornrows.
  

NBA Dancer West Bracket Round 1: Blazers vs. Rockets

The only first round battle that truly matters my friends!  "Your" Blazer Dancers take on the Rockets Power Dancers to see who will advance to take on either the Jazzbots or the TWolves Dancers; both teams they will dominate.  But before we get ahead ourselves, this matchup with Houston will not be easy!

We were hoping the crew over at Blazers Edge would show some love to the BD's on this and use their power to win another voting battle just like they did with Yahoo's 2-on-2 contest!

Battle pics:

Portland Blazer Dancers

 

 

Houston Rockets Power Dancers

 

 

Voting opens today, so make sure you get your ass over to NBA.com and vote for "your" Portland Blazer Dancers!

-CLICK HERE TO VOTE-

(All photos courtesy of NBA.com)

NBA Dancer East Bracket Round 1: Sixers vs. Nets

In this first round battle, you basically get an #8 and #9 seed since neither one is all that impressive, yet it could easily go either way.  A solid match-up, but not one that will stick out in your mind after round 2 when neither team will likely be moving on past Automotion.

Battle pics:

Philadelphia Sixers Dancers

 

 

New Jersey Nets Dancers

 

 

My vote?  Nets Dancers.  Your vote?

And don't forget to head over to NBA.com to cast your vote!

(All photos courtesy of NBA.com)

NBA Dancer East Bracket Round 1: Bobcats vs. Hawks

From the Eastern Conference, comes two sort of under the radar dance teams with the Lady Cats of Charlotte and the A-Town Dancers of Atlanta.  The Lady Cats have been one of our favorites all season long as you can tell from our assortment of posts dedicated to them.  This one is also currently running and is no surprise to us that the Lady Cats are putting the boot-y to the Hawks girls.

Pictures from the battle:

Charlotte Lady Cats

 

 

Atlanta A-Town Dancers

 

 

So you tell us, who deserves the win in this match-up?

And if you can get there in time, make sure to head over to NBA.com for voting!

(All photos from NBA.com.)

NBA Dancer West Bracket Round 1: Suns vs. Thunder

In round 1 of the Western Conference bracket, the Phoenix Suns Dancers are taking on the Oklahoma City Thunder Dancers in a match-up that I figured would be a landslide, but am looking so far like an idiot.  Who would have thought the Thunder Dancers would be dominating like this?  As I'm typing this, the current voting percentages have the Thunder Dancers in a blowout with 78% of the vote.  Damn.

Here are the pictures involved in the battle:

Phoenix Suns Dancers

 

  

 

Oklahoma City Thunder Girls

 

  

So you tell me, who deserves to win this battle?  

And if you get there in time, make sure to head over to NBA.com for voting!

(All photos from NBA.com.)

NBA Dancer East/West 1st Round - Missed Games

Since I was a little slow to get on the 2009 NBA Dancer Bracket coverage, I missed yesterday's battles between two Western and two Eastern Conference teams.

From the west, the Spurs Silver Dancers crushed the Mavs Dancers while out east, the Cavaliers Girls barely lost to the Detroit Automotion.

To see photos of the west battle, head here.  The east battle, here.

2009 NBA Dance Team Bracket is Live!

Still super annoyed with myself for not realizing that the most amazing time of the year is upon us!  (Thanks to Casey for pointing this out.)  Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the 2009 NBA Dance Team Tourney/Bracket/Awesomeness!

Here is a cappy of the bracket, but you should just head over to NBA.com anyway to vote for your Blazer Dancers!  (Especially since their match-up with Houston starts tomorrow!)

(click for big boy version)

We will obviously have full coverage going forward and deeply apologize for not prepping you earlier for such a monumental event.

Blaze of Glory - 3/17/09

The Blaze of Glory is your almost-daily link list of Blazer blog ridiculousness and other random Blazers info. If you ever want your Blazer blog featured, make sure to drop us a line unless your name is Dwight Jaynes. (Kidding!)

• Your Petteri Koponen watch is back on!  [Deceptively Quick] 
• This amazing post about Greg, Jaric, Lima and Serg.  [Blog de Rudy]
  
• Photos from last night's game against the Memphis Grizzlies.  [Center Court]
• The official Jerryd Bayless poll.  [Blazers Edge]
• Yes Mike, wire-to-wire wins are fantastic.  [Mike Barrett]
• Re..re...re...re-thoughts on the Memphis game.  [Rip City Project]
• Bizusts and nug-buckets after the game.  [Bust a Bucket]
  
• Martell still thinks he'll be back for the Playoffs.  [KPTV]
  
• Most "miserable" city in America is Portland?  Probably true.  [OpEdNews]
• A running list of Tweets involving Brandon Roy.  [Todd Mintz]

Blaze of Love Grows...A Little

The BoL hit another stage in it's blogging life this week!  Woohoo! 

So what happened?  Well, we received our Google "Sitelinks" for lack of a better internet term.  So what the hell does that mean?  Well, that means when you type the keywords "blaze of love" into Google, you get our site first, plus it has those nifty little direct links under it. 

Here is the screeny:

Normally, Google gives out anywhere from 5-15 links underneath your site but for some odd reason, they decided to give us a whopping 3.  And the worst part, one of them is Darius Miles, whom we've only written about maybe 5 times?  So random.

Anyways, I'll be looking to update these in the next week or so through my Webmaster Tools to hopefully give you all some halfway meaningful links such as the "Blazer Dancers" link, which to me, is the most damn important one.

Weird post, I know, but just wanted to share.  Thanks for everything BoL readers!

10 Thoughts vs. Memphis 3/16

Not sure what it is about this 5 game road trip, but something doesn’t feel quite right.  At a time when “your” Portland Trail Blazers cannot afford to go on any sort of a losing streak, they head into tonight off of one of the worst losses of the season which also happened to be the 1st game of a 5 game road trip.  And this trip isn’t getting any easier from here out either, people.  Time to show the world just how much this team is improved and matured.

1.  ESPN Accuscore hasn’t woken up yet this morning.  Toss Up
2.  In the second game of road trips, Portland is 2-5.  +1 Grizzlies
3.  In the second game of a back-to-back, Portland is 5-4.  +1 Blazers
4.  In road games following a road loss, Portland is 4-3.  Toss Up
5.  Portland’s road record better than Memphis’ home record?  +1 Blazers
6.  Portland looking for their second road win in 9 games?  +1 Grizzlies
7.  Nice to see Darius averaging 9 minutes a game.  +1 Lawsuit
8.  Why did my brain think the Grizzlies had talent?  -1 Me
9.  Brandon Roy.  +1 Blazers
10.  OK, it is still the Memphis Grizzlies.  +1 Blazers

Totals:  Blazers 4   Grizzlies 2   Lawsuit 1   Me -1

Predicted Winner:  Blazers

Other Previews:

• Only the best from 3 Shades of Blue.
  

Greg Oden - The Debate is Settled

No we aren't talking about the Sam Bowie debate.  Or if he is "injury prone".  Or if he has a heart for basketball still.  Or if he drinks and parties too damn much. (Although he was having quite the time at Portland City Grill on Friday after the game.) 

We are talking about him either truly being 45 or maybe even the actual star of Benjamin Button.  And here is the junior high proof...

 

(Deadspin via Hoop Doctors.)

Rudy and Sergio on NBA XL

A big thanks to our friends over at Hoop Doctors for posting this video of "your" Spanish Connection.  Always nice to see our boys get some air time. 

No 15 Thoughts vs. New Jersey 3/13

A day off for Blaze of Love has left you all without our normal "15 Thoughts", but don't worry, we'll still be at the game cheering and beering away.  Should be a pretty solid game tonight especially with Devin Harris and VC in town so we'll hopefully see many of you there!

LaMarcus Aldridge - Post Lakers Game Fan Chat

The other night, after the Lakers game, we had a chance to head down to the court and shoot a couple of free throws which we posted video of.  Well, before that all happened, LaMarcus Aldridge was kind enough to come out and chit chat with the group we were in.  (Luckily we got this on video too!)

The audio from LA is difficult at times to understand seeing as I snapped this with a digital camera and he was using a mic which was pumped through the PA system.  Still, pretty cool to have him just answer a bunch of fan questions and to see the lighter, more personal side of him.

Enjoy!

10 Thoughts vs. Dallas 3/11

Anyone else not looking forward to this game tonight between the Dallas Mavericks and “your” Portland Trail Blazers?  In 2 games this season, it’s become pretty obvious that the Blazers don’t match up well with the Mavs and this could be the letdown of the year if the boys can’t come together and grind this one out.  After the ultimate high from Monday night, there really isn’t anywhere to go but down, is there?  I’m just hoping for some continued magic in the Rose Garden tonight…this shorthanded team is going to need it.

1.  I’m sort of surprised to see these Accuscore numbers.  +1 Blazers
2.  Back-to-back roadies for Dallas.  +1 Blazers
3.  27-5 at home means nothing in this game.  Toss Up
4.  Finding an answer for Blazer-killer, Brandon Bass.  +1 Kidding Right?
5.  Slowing down Dirk?  Toss Up
6.  Rudy out!  +1 Mavericks
7.  Bayless sick?  -1 Depth
8.  More “MVP!” chants for the Natural?  Toss Up
9.  How do you repeat Monday’s performance?  Toss Up
10.  Better find a way if you don’t want home playoff games.  Toss Up

Totals:  Blazers 2   Mavericks 1   Ridiculous 1   Depth -1

Predicted Winner:  Blazers

Other Previews:

• Only the best from Mavs Moneyball.
  

Lamar Odom Suspended 1 Game

League officials smack thugboy, Lamar Odom with a 1 game suspension for his role in the altercation that occurred last night between the Lakers and Blazers.

The NBA announced on Tuesday that Odom will serve a one-game suspension without pay for leaving the vicinity of the bench during the altercation. He will serve the suspension when the Lakers play at Houston on Wednesday.

It's too bad the suspension comes against the Rockets seeing as the Blazers are competing with them for playoff positioning.  Why couldn't they just hold onto his suspension until April 10th when the Lakers come back to Portland?  The chances of a thuggish repeat of last night would be decreased by 200% with Odom out of the arena.

Another interesting note in the article touches on Rudy and Sergio watching the game while sitting in the hospital.  Poor Rud-ster couldn't even laugh because his whittle ol' lungs were hurting.  Cute.

Blaze of Glory - 3/10/09

The Blaze of Glory is your almost-daily link list of Blazer ridiculousness and info. If you ever have anything to add to it, make sure to drop us a line unless your name is Dwight Jaynes. (Kidding!)

• How about some reasons why the Lakers stink it up in Portland?  [DIME]
  
• Part 2 with Greg Oden via Jason Quick.  [Oregonian]
• A fantastic live blog from a Lakers fan living in Portland. [Willamette Week]
• I completely agree...not a dirty play.  [Fanhouse]
• I too wish Kobe was available after this game, Kerry.  [Portland Tribune]
• Rudy actually flopped last night?  [With Leather]
• Another blog questioning Rudy's fall.  [Intentional Foul]
• And it looks like he'll be released from the hospital any moment.  [Yahoo Sports]
  

Blazers Make it 7 in a Row. Portland Romps Lakers. 111-94

Last night's game against the Los Angeles Lakers was easily one of the top 3 games of my 4 year  career here in Portland.  The energy, the play on the court, the fans.  It was essentially a perfect game from the Blazers against one of their fiercest competitors and rivals, AKA the best team in the league.

Lakers/Kobe Fans in Portland:

What's with all the fake ass bandwagon Kobe/Lakers fans in Portland?  I'm guessing they are in every city, but the numbers seemed to double last night compared to other past Lakers contests.  They all walk in with attitudes too, because their fake fandom with the Lakers somehow makes them really special?  Not getting it...

All I can say, is please keep coming out and spending all that cash for 100 level seats while the Blazers romp you over and over again.  And then we get to watch you exit the arena with your tail between your legs wondering why you just dropped $75 for Kobe's newest jersey plus another $40 for your girlfriend's matching version.

Ariza Foul:

Even after seeing this play live in the RG and then the single replay they showed on the scoreboard, I still don't think Trevor Ariza's foul on Rudy was a cheap shot.  Was it a hard foul on a fast break with a guy in a completely vulnerable position?  Yes.  Did Ariza deserve the flagrant 2 and ejection?  Yes.  But again, was it a cheap shot?  No.

*Update*  - ESPN is reporting that the league will NOT suspend Ariza for this foul.  This is the correct decision.

Defense, defense, defense!

Tbe Lakers looked like the slow kid trying to fit the triangle into the square slot last night against the Blazers defense.  By far, the best team defensive performance of the season.  Joel Przybilla should have been handed an award last night for the 1-on-1 job he did on Pau Gasol.  Phenomenal.

Bonus footage:

The Blaze of Love team remaining clutch from the charity stripe.  (Well, half of it. Hah.)


Box Score.

Lakers in the Rose Garden - 6 Game Streak Look-Back

The media has done a fine job of pointing out the fact that the Blazers have owned the Lakers at the Rose Garden over the last few years taking 6 in a row.  This prompted us to go back and take a quick look at each of these games to decide what the deal is.  Are the Blazers catching the Lakers on back-to-back nights?  Are they just outplaying them?  Is it simply the RG?  What's the deal?

Game 1 - April 20, 2005 - Blazers 106-103 - Box Score.

• No idea how the Blazers won this game.  Kobe went off and the Blazers still had Ruben Patterson.
• Maybe the fact that Pritchard was the interim head coach at the time and is quoted as calling Ha Seung-Jin a part of the Blazers' "future".
• Oh yeah, Kobe was also without Phil and Shaq.
  

 Game 2 - January 11, 2006 - Blazers 113-103 - Box Score.

• Again, another head scratcher.  Kobe goes off for 41 and the Blazers rely heavily on Juan Dixon and Ruben Patterson?
• Always nice to end Kobe's streak of 45 point outbursts.  (Not that anyone should be bragging about giving up 41.)
  
• The Lakers will likely blame this one on Smush Parker, but we're going with the Von Wafer sighting off of L.A.'s bench.

Game 3 - March 1, 2006 - Blazers 99-93 - Box Score.

• The common thread here seems to be Kobe going off for 30+ with the Blazers still winning despite having one of the worst lineups in NBA history.
• I can't believe Krhyapa started so many games for Portland.
• The Rose Garden crowd returns?
  

Game 4 - November 8, 2006 - Blazers 101-90 - Box Score.

• Brandon's mysterious heel injury sidelines him...Blazers still win.  Seriously, none of these make sense.
• Zach has a big game and we see how awful Andrew Bynum is yet no one complains like they do with Oden.
• The recap actually talked about Zach dropping pounds and becoming more dedicated.  (hahahah.)
  

Game 5 -February 29, 2008 - Blazers 119-111 - Box Score.

• The official beginning of the new Blazers.  Roy and Aldridge pairing up for a big win.
• This was the Lakers squad that was on its way to the NBA Finals.
• Great time to end a Lakers' 10 game win streak.
  

Game 6 - April 8, 2008 - Blazers 112-103 - Box Score.

• The future is now.  
• There was even a Channing sighting!

So what's the conclusion?

The Rose Garden matters.  I know that we all already know this, but when you look back at many of those Blazers teams, they should never have won any of those games.  The Jail Blazer era was coming to an end and the team was filled with horrible draft picks and Zach Randolph yet still found ways to win.

If the current home streak is going to reach 12 and the home streak against Los Angeles is going to hit 7, then tonight's Rose Garden crowd is going to be as important as ever.

I know they won't disappoint.  (It is the Lakers after all.)

15 Thoughts vs. Los Angeles (Lakers) 3/9

Game of the year anyone?  I bought tickets to this game so long ago, that I had almost forgotten the actual date of it.  It seems wrong that we had to wait until March 9th to finally bring the Lakers to town doesn’t it?  Winners of 7 straight at home against L.A., “your” Portland Trail Blazers desperately need to extend that number to 8.  We all know that they can’t beat anyone legit on the road, so the least they can do is take down Hollywood at home and hopefully jump another couple of spots in the playoff standings.

Things are always different when the Lakers are in town, so the “15” is changing to one-two word thoughts:

1.  Kobe.  +1 Lakers
2.  Phil.  +1 Lakers
3.  Gasol.  +1 Lakers
4.  Roy.  +1 Blazers
5.  Bynum.  +1 Bust
6.  Oden.  +1 Bust
7.  Fisher.  +1 Flop
8.  Martell.  +1 Kobe’s Shoes
9.  Rose Garden.  +1 Blazers
10.  Accuscore.  +1 Lakers
11.  Odom.  +1 Toolbox
12.  The “Stache”.  +1 Bust a Bucket
13.  L*kers.  +1 Blazers Edge
14.  LaMarcus.  +1 Post Game Interview with Us (Maybe)
15.  Lakers.  +1 Lakers

Totals:  Blazers 2   Lakers 5   Bust 2   Flop 1   Shoes 1   Tool 1   BaB 1

Predicted Winner:  Lakers

Other Previews:

• Forum Blue and Gold.
• The Lakers Nation.
• LA Ball Talk.
  

5 Quick Thoughts vs. Minnesota 3/7

Not much to say about the game tonight between Portland and the Minnesota Timberwolves is there?  The T-Wolves are awful, and the Blazers are almost unstoppable at home.  Al Jefferson is out for the year, and he was basically the only factor in this series that could have helped this team from Minnie.  Time to get back on the winning side of things...

1.  This game should have been 95% on Accuscore.  +1 Blazers
2.  Just look at the starting 5 for the Timberwolves.  +1 Blazers
3.  Minnesota without Jefferson, could compete in the D-League.  +1 Blazers
4.  Always love another Telfair sighting. -1 NRA
5.  Portland is 25-5 at home people.  +1 Enough Said

Totals:  Blazers 3   Timberwolves 0   NRA -1   Nothing Else to Say 1

Guaranteed Winner:  Blazers

Other Previews:

• TWolves Blog with the best Minnesota coverage.
• SBNation style from Canis Hoopus.
  
• More from Wolves Watch.

Nathan Vredevelt Passes Away

Nathan Verdevelt, the boy with down syndrome that wandered out of a luxury box at Sunday night's game and onto the I-5, was taken off of life support today.  He fought for days, but his injuries remained too severe.
The Vredevelt family issued this statement:

“We cannot thank you enough for the outpouring of your love and support. Your prayers are carrying us, and God is revealing his grace minute by minute.”

On Wednesday, doctors also told Nathan’s family to stay near him.

Nathan Vredevelt passed away peacefully today, Thursday, March 05, 2009, surrounded by family. He never regained consciousness from his injuries, and was removed from life support. He did not feel any pain.

This is an incredibly sad story, but at the same time, should have Blazers fans feeling pretty proud for their efforts.  In just days after Nathan was struck by multiple cars, the Blazers and their fans gathered over $40,000 to assist the Vredevelt family through this horrible time.

Too Much Denver. Nuggets Pull Away from Blazers. 106-90

How are you feeling after last night’s loss to the Denver Nuggets?  Surprised? I no longer am.  The Blazers are easily one of the top 5 or 6 teams in the league when they play in the Rose Garden, but once they jump on Paul Allen’s plane and head anywhere respectable, they play like the young team of years past.  The Nuggets were the better team last night from the opening tip even after Portland made two major runs in the 3rd quarter.  Until some defensive maturity sets in with these young pups, it could be a while before we can all start thinking of anything but first round losses.

Game thoughts in fantastical bulleted format:

• Just as I started my leap onto the LaMarcus/Outlaw bandwagons, this game happened.
• Superstars always get theirs, but they shouldn't get 40.
• The depth that Oden provides was needed last night.
• Nate preaches defense, but can't make adjustments for sh*t.
• How many times in a row can a team run a double-pick-wheel and get a free dunk?
• Bayless and Sergio are competing for worst back-up PG in the league.
• Channing, you are getting your shot and failing miserably.
• Time for some Ruffin physicality?
• Rudy should be thanking LaMarcus after laying the hammer on "Birdman" Andersen.
• Now, get back home and rest for this 4-game homestand.
  

Plus/Minus Sheet:

No Highlights.

Box Score.

Blaze of Glory - 3/5/2009

The Blaze of Glory is your almost-daily link list of Blazer ridiculousness and info. If you ever have anything to add to it, make sure to drop us a line unless your name is Dwight Jaynes. (Kidding!)

• $13,000...nice work Blazers fans!  [Outlook]
• A look at Martell and his random, season long, foot injury.  [DIME]
  
• I think we're beyond irritated with Oden at this point.  [Bleacher Report]
• And I don't think we're being unfair as critics.  [Cleveland.com]
  
• Four Blazers included in the newest Nike campaign.  [HoopH]
• Sheed's going Nuggets on us tonight.  Uh oh.  [Bust a Bucket]
• I'm with Ryan on this one, let's forget about Oden.  [The Tailgate]
• Oden also officially hit the fantasy "cut list" this week.  [ESPN]
  

15 Thoughts vs. Denver 3/5

We're back, tan and ready to take over the top of the Northwest Divison!  We received a nice homecoming present last night with the comeback win over the Pacers and are looking forward to tonight's battle.  The Nuggets are pretty heavily favored which doesn't make a ton of sense, but we'll go with it.  Maybe the "bench drama" unfolding with Carmelo Anthony will be the downfall of the Nuggets this evening?

1.  ESPN Accuscore really likes the home squad.  +1 Nuggets
2.  Back-to-back games with a late night plane ride.  +1 Nuggets
3.  Portland working 6 of their last 8.  +1 Blazers
4.  Denver not working 5 of their last 7.  +1 Blazers
5.  But taking 16 of 18 at home from Portland.  +1 Nuggets
6.  We love the Nuggets Dancers!  +1 Us
7.  Billups vs. Blake.  +1 Nuggets
8.  LaMarcus taking his game to a new level?  +1 Blazers
9.  Hollinger loving Brandon Roy right now.  +1 Blazers
10.  Has Outlaw become a major player?  Toss Up
11.  Chris Anderson has his own wallpaper?  +1 Seriously?
12.  Who will be the random Blazer killer tonight?  +1 Kleiza
13.  "The Nuggets are slipping."  +1 Blazers
14.  Smelling the Playoffs.  +1 City of Portland
15.  Returning from vacation to Portland rain.  +1 Hawaii

Totals:  Blazers 5   Nuggets 4   Hawaii 1   Seriously 1   Us 1   Kleiza 1   Portland 1  

Predicted Winner:  Blazers

Other Previews:

• All about the Nugg Doctor!