Game 42: Wizards 97, Blazers 92

Today's game was a perfect example for why not attacking the basket can lead to a let down. Without Brandon Roy for balance and his closing abilities, the Blazers went to Washington and lost to an underrated Wizards team, 97-92.

This game had trouble written all over it. Washington, which is really is better than its record indicates, had been playing much better since the departure of Gilbert Arenas. Presumably they'd like nothing more than to knock Portland down a peg or two.

Even with Arenas out, Washington has two bona fide stars in Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison. They also have decent pieces with Mike Miller, Randy Foye, Andray Blatche, and Brendan Haywood. Jamison was good in this game, but the Blazers really just killed themselves. Portland only made three of their 17 three point attempts and never really committed to getting into the paint.

Despite recent successes without Brandon Roy, this was a game in which Roy was needed. Brandon would have been able to change up the offensive game plan and get easy buckets. Andre Miller tried, but the Wizards always had answers.

On the other side, Washington was aggressive and a little lucky, getting to the line 28 times (12 more than the Blazers) and converting 25 of them. That was really the key.

Despite poor three-point shooting and lack of penetration, Portland was still in the game, up until the last few minutes at least. A glaring weakness was shown, as the team more or less stood on the perimeter, simply passing the ball around the three-point line. No one seemed to be able to get an open look or find anyone cutting. The offense was stagnant and seriously lacking in the closer department. We will need Roy on Wednesday.

Another red flag in this game was the role reversal in how each team was perceived. In most cases, a Roy-less Blazer squad is given no chance to win. They usually come out aggressive and hungry. Take the Spurs and Magic games for example. The Blazers pushed it throughout, led most of the game, and finished things up well before time expired. They never really needed Brandon because guys shot the ball well, and there was no need for a finisher. Games like this make everyone appreciate Brandon that much more.

The Blazers have a few more interesting games on this road trip. Philly has a bad record and just lost to Minnesota today, but they always play the Blazers tough, including a fairly impressive win in the Rose Garden in December. Boston has lost three of their last four, but are still obviously the upper echelon in the East. Then of course Detroit on Saturday. Detroit is as inconsistent as they come, and the Blazers must be locked in for these road games.

Today was by no means devastating, but it showed how important Brandon Roy is, how bad falling in love with the three can be, and that games during work hours are simply not acceptable. I'll be having a talk with the man in charge about getting it off next year.

Box Score

3-for-17 from deep is just devastating to a game plan. LaMarcus unable to clutch up despite good numbers. Making 10 fewer free throws than Washington and attempting 12 less. Not good. Allowing Antawn Jamison all kinds of freedom to shred our defense.

Andre Miller was spectacular in the second half, too bad about foul trouble in the first. Bayless did have eight assists, that's good even if most were just kick outs to jump shooters. LA had a career high 15 rebounds (nine offensive) without even trying. Imagine if he was committed. Steve Blake continues being aggressive and contributing off the bench. Getting Roy for Foye on draft day 2006. Still feels good.