Game 56: Blazers 109, Clippers 87
With so much attention being focused on the trade for Marcus Camby today, it was hard to believe there was a game tonight. The long All-Star layoff was very much the hesitation move before an explosive final stretch of the regular season for the Blazers. Even though Portland acquired Camby and Los Angeles acquired Blake and Outlaw, none of the players involved in the trade would play in this game tonight. Despite Portland's need for a center, Camby wasn't yet necessary, as the Blazers used 15 steals, 49 percent shooting, and determined play to disrupt and dismantle the Clippers, winning 109 to 87.
Once again I really feel like I'm in a Blazer daze. Watching this team without Brandon Roy for weeks, acquiring Marcus Camby, losing Blake and Outlaw, and then coming off a long break. It's hard to focus in on what's really going on here. The Blazers got a solid win tonight without their new rent-a-center. When he does suit up, Portland instantly becomes a playoff contender in a big way. Last week, specifically during the Thunder game, it felt like everything in Blazerland was heading in the wrong direction. But now, just a week later, the season has new life, guys now have more defined roles with bigger minutes, and our defense will get better. Everyone wins.
As far as how the Blazers won this game, I think it was one of the more mental victories of the year. Portland played with extremely high intensity, and with an added bonus of knowing low post help was on its way. The were inspired, Brandon Roy made an appearance despite still feeling pain, and some of our new key guys stepped up and made major contributions. It started and ended with active play on the defensive end as Portland had a season high 15 steals. Every starter had at least two steals and the team seemed to feed off this energy.
Individually, guys were focused on their craft tonight. Martell Webster was hitting threes early, and late in this one. Despite looking a bit uncomfortable very early on, Webster was absolutely locked in by the time the game ended. He tied a career high with seven three-pointers and scored 28 points.
Andre Miller seemed to have a little bounce in his step. I knew the lay-off would be a big positive for him, and he responded with a tremendous 10 points, 12 assists, and six rebounds. He was attacking, finding his teammates, and doing everything the Blazers wanted when they brought him in to run this team. Pretty soon he'll have his old running mate, Marcus Camby, back at the center position, and life will get even easier for Miller.
I was also very impressed with LaMarcus Aldridge's continued commitment to getting easier shots in the paint. He's nowhere near flawless with his low post game, but he's aggressive and getting to the free throw line. I like the way LaMarcus is carrying himself on the floor right now, and he may be the one guy who benefits the most from having Camby in the frontcourt.
Even as the Blazers were putting on a show against the Clippers tonight, I couldn't help but think ahead. Acquiring a legitimate big man like Camby can redesign the whole team for the rest of the season. I never thought I'd see the day that Kevin Pritchard would give away guys like Blake and Outlaw, but he did it. It had to be done based on the personnel we have, and now the Blazers can really move forward. It seemed like a broken season at times, but it could end up being successful by the time it's all said and done. As much as I loved Steve Blake and Travis Outlaw as brothers on this team, they had to go from a basketball and personnel standpoint. I wish them all the luck in the world, and I think everyone will ultimately be better for this trade.
A tough weekend task awaits the Blazers as they take on the Celtics on Friday and the Jazz on Sunday. Despite how incredibly bad Portland has played against Utah this year, I have renewed faith in their abilities with a defender and shot blocker like Marcus Camby. The near future is bright again, enjoy it Blazer fans!
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