Game 80: Blazers 91, Lakers 88

Box Score

Sometimes the phrase "A win's a win," can't be used to describe a game.

With so much of the Western Conference playoff seeding up in the air, a victory against the Lakers would mean so much on so many levels. But how realistic was it? Having not won in LA since Feb. 22nd, 2007 , this would be a daunting task to say the least.

The day began with the news that Kobe would in fact play in this game after sitting the last couple for no apparent reason other than resting for the playoffs. That means Kobe wants to win, especially considering his Lakers teammates won in Portland earlier this year without him. With Portland as a possible first round opponent, I'm sure Kobe was thinking let's beat them today, and then beat them in the first round.

The first half of this game was similar to what we've seen before from Portland against the upper eschelon of the West. Allow the opponent to lead, stay on their heals, but never quite gain control or a lead. This game felt to me like it would be a disappointing ending during half-time.

Then of course we find out at half-time that Brandon Roy is out for the rest of the game. Now how is Portland supposed to win? The Blazers continued to battle in the 3rd quarter, ramping up the intensity and playing abnormally good defense. Martell and Nicolas were shutting down Kobe and the team was inspired to win after losing their All-Star.

The Blazers completely came alive in the 4th quarter, swarming on defense and creating easy shots on offense. For awhile it was looking like Portland had control, especially when they had a five point lead with about a minute left. But that's when things got a little crazy, just like the kids in that LaMarcus Ford truck commercial. The Lakers have the ball at the top of the key with under a minute remaining. Kobe settles in about 5 feet behind the 3-point line while Derek Fisher goes stumbling in (on purpose) and trucks Martell Webster, allowing Kobe to hit an uncontested 3. The Blazers blow their next opportunity and Kobe comes right back down, knifes through the defense, and manages to finish at the rim while drawing a foul on LaMarcus Aldridge. Kobe finishes, and within seconds the Lakers now have the lead.

Portland regains their composure, and somehow Marcus Camby manages to finish a sweet offensive rebound from an Aldridge miss with just 12 seconds left. Portland retakes the lead, but the Lakers have plenty of time to get a shot. Here's where it gets ridiculous.

The Lakers are already in the bonus and for some reason Martell Webster is unaware, he fouls Kobe on purpose sending him to the line for what could have been game winning free throws. Amazingly Kobe misses both, and even more amazingly, the Lakers get the rebound. Portland now fouls Derek Fisher, he goes to the line, and misses the front end of two free throws. Game is tied, fans and viewers are in disaray; no one knows what's going on.

Then comes probably the biggest gift the Lakers have ever given the Blazers. The Lakers foul Martell Webster on a three point shot and Martell manages to make all three free throws. With just a couple seconds left, the Lakers inbound to Pau Gasol who misses a three pointer from the top of the key. Lakers lose at home, Kobe is pissed, incredible finish. I'm pretty sure Gasol is not the guy you want shooting game ending three pointers.

The Blazers end up winning the game despite mental mistakes galore down the stretch. Both teams were pathetic in the closing seconds, but Portland came out victorious. A win's a win right?

One of the biggest surpises in this game for Portland had to be the play of the bench unit. With Brandon Roy virtually gone the whole game, Martell Webster stepped up his game, scoring 16 points in 24 minutes while Jerryd Bayless and Rudy Fernandez both played extremely efficiently in their time on the floor. You can't always win the game, but you can sure lose it sometimes; these guys certainly didn't waste any possessions.

One of the key individual performances for me had to be that of LaMarcus Aldridge. He was relied on offensively and managed 24 points on 10 of 21 shooting, while also grabbing 11 rebounds against a good rebounding team in the Lakers. I also was impressed that Aldridge stayed aggressive late in the game and continued to contribute down the stretch. He may not always be consistent, but he's working on it, and lately, he's really been tremendous.

The Blazers now control their destiny once again. A win tomorrow and a win on Wed. means the six seed and avoidance of the Lakers in the first round. Not that it matters, but Portland will have their hands full no matter who the opponent. The fact is, Portland needed to prove to themselves today, and that they could win on the road. Beating the best team in the conference is great momentum for the playoffs. I really hope Brandon Roy is okay; he'll have an MRI tonight .

Go Blazers! Let's finish the season strong!