Weekend Recap, At Chicago and Minnesota

After starting out the current 5-game road trip with two victories, the Blazers went into Chicago on Friday and Minnesota tonight for a winnable back-to-back to go 4-0 on the trip. The result of Friday's game wasn't a win, but it ended up being an exciting overtime game against a streaking Bulls team. Chicago had won 7 of their previous 9 and guys like Derrick Rose and Luol Deng had been brilliant. In Minnesota tonight things were a bit different. The T-Wolves put up a fight early on, but eventually Portland got it out of reach sometime in the 3rd quarter. Nicolas Batum and LaMarcus Aldridge were just too much for Minnesota to handle. A split on the weekend is good, with the most important game coming up on Monday.

I'll start things off with a closer look at the game in Chicago. It felt like Portland was playing from behind. In the first quarter it looked like the game could spiral out of control, but Portland fought back in the 2nd quarter to get within 2 at half time. LaMarcus was unstoppable but the Bulls were matching everything. The most disappointing part about this game had to be the 95-90 lead the Blazers had with about 6 minutes left in regulation. They couldn't stop the onslaught of Derrick Rose in the 4th quarter and narrowly escaped losing in regulation to a Rose lay-in with no time left. Derrick was brilliant against the Blazers for the first time in his young career. In his previous 3 games against Portland, he'd scored 6 points, 13 points and 14 points. But his 33 points in this game and the craftiness with the ball and around the rim showed why Rose is an elite young point guard. In overtime, momentum seemed indifferent as Brandon Roy hit a jumper with just under 4 minutes to give Portland a lead. But that ended up being the last good thing to happen to Portland. Hinrich, Deng, Gibson all made shots and the Blazers went ice cold. Before we knew it, the game was over. It was a hard fought game, one that Portland could have won. It certainly wasn't devastating and will probably continue to build confidence for the Blazers.

Minnesota was a totally different story. The T-Wolves looked much worse than I thought they'd be, but I guess that's how you only win 14 games. Minnesota almost never got out on perimeter shooters for Portland, they were sloppy turning the ball over 19 times, many were unforced errors as well. Portland came out hot in this game, but when the reserves came in, the Timberwolves made a spirited run to keep the game close. Once personnel changes were corrected, the game was virtually over. Portland led by 14 at the half and put it out of reach in the 3rd quarter. It was the way every game against Minnesota has been, a blow out. Things can change quickly in the NBA though, a team with pieces like Minnesota could easily be very competitive next year. For now, they are struggling and we played like we should against them.

One guy who deserves a lot of credit the last two games, and really all month long, is LaMarcus Aldridge. He's answered the call and stepped up more than ever. The haters are never going to be satisfied, but I appreciate the month of February where LaMarcus averaged 20.5 points per game, 8.5 rebounds, 2 assists, and shot a very efficient 53% from the field. His play on this road trip(minus the game in Toronto) has been stellar. He's causing teams to make decisions about double teaming him, which opens things up for everyone else. For all the criticism, I think we know who LA is now, and the only thing I need is more long-term consistency. But for now, he's been great.

Another guy who wasn't a huge offensive factor against Chicago but busted out big time against Minnesota, was Nicolas Batum. His 8 pts and 2 rbs in 23 minutes on Friday was modest, but he is always defense first. Having a guy like Nic who will play defense first and is capable of offensive output, is huge for this team. Tonight his smooth outside jumper and incredible length was put to work on the Timberwolves. He went crazy with 31 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists, and 3 steals in 29 minutes. He was absolutely on fire and even hit 5 three pointers. Granted, this happened against Minnesota, but that doesn't mean it's not important. Having a game like this will put in Nic's head that he can do this again. Never underestimate confidence. I still think the sky is the limit for Nic, KP knows it, other teams know, it's just a matter of time for this guy. He has every single basketball tool right now and a body designed for the NBA game. Kenny Vance always says it, and I agree, put Nic in the starting line-up and leave him there for the next 10 years. He's right, do it.

In terms of overall success on this road trip, the Blazers have done fairly well. 3-1 with the only loss coming in overtime is not something to take advantage of away from home. The real make or break of the trip will be Monday in Memphis. The Grizzlies had been making a strong playoff push, but then they hit a wall in February and started losing. Lately they've been winning every other contest and lacking consistency. The fact is, they are a quality opponent now. OJ Mayo is a confident shooter and Zach Randolph has become a team player who is focused on winning. Imagine that. Like I said, the road trip has been good so far, and could end up being great with one more win. The Blazers could put it in cruise control and probably take the 8th spot in the west, but why settle? Why not push for the 6 seed? Let's hope the intensity ramps up and every player really focuses in on a playoff push. March could be a very good month!