Portland's Game 63: Blazers 103, Grizzlies 93

There would be no late game let down against Memphis tonight. After seeing Portland blow a lead against Memphis back on January 5, tonight was a different story. They hung on with defense and heart to force Memphis even further back in the playoff hunt.

Brandon Roy led the way with his scrappy play, and Nicolas Batum helped shut the door, as Portland came on strong in the third quarter and eventually finished off Memphis 103 to 93.

The game started out much different than it ended. Memphis was the aggressor early on, getting the ball into the post and just watching Gasol and Randolph dominate on the interior.

Portland seemed tired and lackadaisical despite having yesterday off. They committed the majority of their turnovers in the first half and were really lucky to only be down 14 at half time. The only thing keeping Portland honest was the second unit beating up on the Grizz second unit for a short time early in the second quarter. Other than that, Brandon and Andre were ice cold and the game seemed destined for disappointment.

Right off the bat in the second half, the Blazers looked like a different team. They came out very aggressive, pushing the tempo and forcing turnovers. Portland rallied back with a huge 41-21 point third quarter, completely overwhelming Memphis with quality looks on offense and stellar defense. With those 41 points in the third quarter, Portland had matched their output for the whole first half. The momentum had swung and it was most definitely a game again.

This Grizzlies team is much different than ones in the past, however. They won't lie down after such a devastating quarter; in fact, they took quite a few stabs at getting back in the game—including a run late in the fourth quarter getting them within one point. It took effort from every guy, but really it was back to Brandon Roy and our other late game contributor, Nicolas Batum. Nic was huge, with a cut to the hoop, while Brandon was in trouble finishing at the rim and making the free throw with 1:59 remaining, putting Portland up 96-92.

After a Marcus Camby tip-in to stretch the lead to eight points, OJ Mayo went one of two from the free throw line. On the next possession Nic stole the ball from Mike Conley and the game seemed in control. But after a time out, a terrible pass into the back court was stolen by Conley who went in hard to draw contact and finish at the rim.

But Nic would have none of this, and he amazingly avoided contact and blocked Conley's shot, which was corralled by Brandon Roy. Batum was the defensive closer and in this game for good reason. Brandon doesn't have to be the only finisher; this year Batum and Camby can be guys who end games on the defensive end of the floor. It certainly didn't hurt for Portland to be a perfect 19 of 19 from the free throw line, also a good sign.

I thought tonight was a pretty big statement. After a slow start, and already going 3-1 on the road trip, the Blazers could have been content to go home with a winning record. But we all know that isn't good enough at this point. For the rest of the season this team needs a playoff mentality, and I think Nate McMillan is trying to instill that in every player. It's time to finish every game and start protecting home court. They need this for their development—a strong finish in a season with so much adversity.

A huge part of this win had to be the play of Brandon Roy. Despite getting abused physically, he was scrappy, aggressive and playing almost at that 110 percent BRoy level that we're all accustomed to seeing. 

Roy struggled with his shot early on, but stuck with it. He ended with a very Roy-like 25 points, seven rebounds, five assists and three steals. He shared control duties with Andre Miller most of the game, including exclusive offensive closing duties in the fourth quarter. If Roy is healthy, this team is capable of making waves in the playoffs, simple as that.

The other key to this franchise? Nicolas Batum. There's no need for the conservative types to try and deny it anymore, Batum is obviously very important to the Blazers, and potentially as important as Brandon Roy someday. One thing we've lacked is a legitimate defender at the wing position. Martell Webster tried, but he's not it. Nic was brought here for a reason, and now he's just piling on gravy with his offensive contributions.

The kid is a baller, more athletic and designed for basketball than most people realize. He's able to shoot off the dribble or standing still, he cuts with a purpose and will finish over anyone. He can defend super stars at almost every position. His mental game is already light years ahead of where it should be.

There is no scenario where he should not get more playing time and more opportunities to grow. He followed up a 31/7/7 game Saturday with 21 points on 7 of 11 shooting, four three pointers, one steal and one block at the most opportune times, and he does it all without asking for the ball or complaining about anything. He's always in the right place at the right time because he knows where he needs to be. I'm not saying he's going to average 20 points per game, but he's always important even if he only scores two points.

The road trip was a success, and as I hoped for in the beginning, the Blazers went 4-1 with the only loss coming in overtime to a scrappy Chicago Bulls team. The Blazers now have an opportunity to beat Indiana at home on Wednesday, then take three days off before a tough road game in Denver on Sunday. Morale was down a week ago after Portland lost two brutal games in the Rose Garden, but this successful trip puts the goals back in reach and back in perspective.

Box Score