Trail Blazers-Pacers: Brandon Roy Leads Portland Past Indiana

Box Score

Despite injuries and team struggles recently, the Trail Blazers took care of a Granger-less Pacers team in Indiana, winning 102 to 91.

In the short term, this is an important win. It stops the bleeding, gets a few guys confidence, and hopefully helps the team discover its new identity without Batum, Outlaw, Oden, and Rudy. As predicted, Brandon Roy took control of this game especially down the stretch.

Tyler Hansbrough somehow ended up with his first double-double, thanks to seven offensive rebounds (11 total). Dahntay Jones also had a solid night, scoring 19 points in 31 minutes.

The Good

Obviously the best thing is that Portland secured a win on the road. At this point in the season and with the injuries Portland has sustained, wins are huge.

Brandon Roy had a tremendous night. From top to bottom he was good, minus a few missed free throws. Brandon kept his turnovers to a minimum, shot efficiently, and had the 29/7/5 game that I envisioned.

LaMarcus Aldridge was also pivotal. His shot selection was better, he was efficient, and he scored at will when he wanted to be aggressive. Something about Oden being out is triggering a renewed commitment for Aldridge and Roy.

The Bad

I hate to harp on this, but when is Martell going to come around? Seriously, I feel bad at this point. He's shooting just under 38 percent from the field and under 36 percent from three.

Webster was once again brutal offensively, shooting two for eight from the field and just being very ineffective. He did get five boards, but teams don't play him honestly right now. He desperately needs to can that open three-pointer.

Stop pressing, and start feeling it.