Game 48: Rockets 104, Blazers 100

Blazer life without Brandon Roy is getting tougher every game. It was one thing to sneak up on teams without Roy, but now it's an absolute battle every game to compete with top squads in the West. Last night against Houston, Portland played inspired ball, but came up short thanks to a third quarter lull, losing 104-100 for the ninth time in Houston (including playoffs).

I was really impressed with the way Portland began this game. Taking a 10-point lead in the first quarter was the only way they could compete with Houston. If Portland doesn't attack, then problems arise. For the most part, guys like LaMarcus Aldridge and Rudy Fernandez were taking full advantage and working to get their best shot opportunities.

Despite getting shredded by Aaron Brooks all game long, it was the third quarter where everything spiraled out of control. Brooks was allowed to get into the paint and score at will.

On the other end of the court, Portland was stagnant and forcing jumpers. The Rockets led by 13 points, and Portland seemed somewhat deflated. Despite a strong comeback, the Blazers could not stop Carl Landry in the fourth quarter and ultimately the Rockets finished the job, breaking their own three-game home losing streak.

As far as individual performances go, Andre Miller struggled shooting the ball for the third game in a row. Last night he played quite a bit in the first half but I don't believe he saw any action in the fourth quarter. At a certain point, with a veteran like Andre, you have to let him play his way out of it. He'll find other ways to contribute.

Martell Webster was also awful shooting, missing all five of his threes and not exactly making a huge impact in this game, although his one bucket (No. 2 highlight) was pretty amazing. A change should be coming at this position however.

On the positive side of things, Rudy Fernandez was hotter than a pistol all night long. He tied his career-high of 25 points and five threes kept Portland in the game and nearly got it tied at the end of regulation.

LaMarcus Aldridge also came out early in this game with a different sort of focus. He was working the point with stronger moves and balanced hook shots. I didn't see any fade aways and he was drawing fouls consistently from about six to eight feet away from the hoop. If LA could play that way for 30-35 minutes, he'd be a beast.

Regarding Nicolas Batum, I think something special is going on here. His play since returning has been nothing short of awesome. His shot looks better, his confidence and demeanor are different, he is ready to be a real part of this team. The time he spent in the starting line-up last year and the tremendous work he did in the Eurobasket has created a player who can always contribute because he's good at so many different facets of the game. If he has a bad shooting night, who cares? He'll have a few steals, rebounds, and play superior defense. I'm excited for his emergence, stay tuned people!

Hopefully Portland can catch a team by surprise in the upcoming schedule, because as I look at the next five games, I don't see any cupcakes. We could be looking at an eight-game losing streak and an uphill battle just to make the playoffs. I'm not saying I'd blame the team at all considering the injuries, but it sure would be disappointing.

Box Score

Allowing to Aaron Brooks to roam the paint and score time and time again. Houston with 56 points in the paint. Andre Miller and Martell Webster combining for 2 of 13 from the field.	Rudy's career tying 25 points and 3 bombs to keep Portland in the game. Nicolas Batum's emergence, including career highs with 9 rebounds and 5 assists . LaMarcus attacking the basket early and showing that he can be a difficult match-up against good defensive teams.