Game 59: Blazers 102, Nets 93

Sometimes a win is just a stepping stone to regaining confidence.

Tonight Portland had to win a road game in New Jersey just to stop the bleeding. Not to say that last weekend's losses were completely devastating, but lately every Blazer loss has taken on a life of its own.

The city is living and dying by the team right now, and with just 23 games left, a win to start the current five-game road trip was a great start.

As is the case in a lot of NBA mismatches, the better team took a big lead, the underdog made a spirited run, and eventually the better team won. Simple enough.

Obviously it would be nice for the Blazers to continue to dominate the Nets, but at this point, the mentally fragile Blazers just needed an opportunity to get clutch shots, free throws, and even some defensive stops.

Yes, it was a win against New Jersey , but we'll take it.

Even though Portland didn't put New Jersey away sooner than the final few minutes, they still won the game for a reason.

The main reason? Turning the ball over just four  times (three according to the box score) and New Jersey not scoring off any of them. Portland shot 54 percent from the field and had 23 assists to New Jersey's 14. Portland also made a concerted effort to defend Brook Lopez and force other players to make jumpers.

The Nets shoot, and make, the fewest three pointers in the league. It was a good game plan even though Courtney Lee torched the nets with four of four threes and Devin Harris was simply too quick to handle. Both New Jersey players scored 28 points, but it wasn't enough to get their sixth win.

One of the most dominating aspects of the Blazers' 19-point first half lead was the play of LaMarcus Aldridge.

He's been getting grief for not being a go-to guy in the fourth quarter, but you can't argue with him getting the game going early on. When Aldridge is hot, he is not guardable. The semi-frustrating fade away jumper cannot be stopped, and when he's cutting and his teammates are finding him, look the hell out.

I love a focused LA.

The starting backcourt also put on quite a show. Miller and Roy combined for 11 assists and zero turnovers, but most importantly Brandon Roy looks healthier every day.

With the season winding down, and Steve Blake out of town, the so-called lack of synergy between Roy and Miller seems like a thing of the past.

These good performances by our best players also show why a win against the worst team in the league can be a good thing. Guys are regaining their confidence and a real test will be tomorrow night in Toronto.

I still think the Blazers can surprise and go 4-1 on this trip; let's hope that the Blazers feels the same way.

Box Score

Allowing New Jersey to hang around. Courtney Lee and Devin Harris going off for 28 points. Marcus Camby spraining his ankle and scaring the crap out of Blazer nation. Batum 1 of 4 from the field, 0-3 from three as a starter tonight.	Roy, Miller, and Aldridge not only having big offensive games but also zero turnovers combined. Keeping Brook Lopez from dominating the game. A win. Roy looking noticeably better and playing much better.