Game Thread GAME# 39: CLIPPERS @ BLAZERS - JANUARY 14, 2015 - WEDNESDAY, 7:30 PM (PST), KGW & ESPN (2 Viewers)

[Darkwebs]

PROBABLE STARTERS

VS

WHEN: 7:30 PM, WEDNESDAY, 1/14/2014​

WHERE: Moda Center, Portland, OR

TV BROADCAST:

AND

RADIO BROADCAST:

​

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BENCH

LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS

FARMAR , CRAWFORD , BULLOCK , DOUGLAS-ROBERTS

TURKOGLU , DAVIS , HAWES , UDOH


PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS

BLAKE , MCCOLLUM , CRABBE , BARTON

WRIGHT , CLAVER , ROBINSON , LEONARD



INJURIES
CLIPPERS
NONE
TRAIL BLAZERS
▪ Allen Crabbe (left knee strain): QUESTIONABLE
▪ Joel Freeland (right shoulder strain): OUT
▪ Robin Lopez (fractured right index finger): OUT


HEAD COACHES

- VS –

DOC RIVERS --- TERRY STOTTS




OFFICIAL BLAZERS' GAME NOTES ​

• Wednesday marks the second of three matchups between the Trail Blazers and Clippers in 2014-15.

• The Clippers defeated Portland, 106-102, on Nov. 11 at the Staples Center behind 30 points from J.J. Redick on 11-of-13 shooting. Chris Paul recorded a double-double with 22 points and 11 assists.

• The Clippers outscored Portland by 13 in the second half. In the past eight games, however, the Trail Blazers have outscored their opponents seven times in the second half.

• In that game, LaMarcus Aldridge scored 21 points and hauled in 10 rebounds, marking his eighth double-double in 23 games against the Clippers.

• LaMarcus Aldridge has scored 20 or more points against the Clippers in 12 different games (four consecutive).

• In 103 games played between the Trail Blazers and Clippers in Portland, Los Angeles has won just 18 times (18-85).

• Portland won the season series over Los Angeles 2-1 in 2013-14, as the home team won all three games. The Trail Blazers were one of five teams (Miami, Memphis, Indiana and San Antonio) to defeat the Clippers in a regular season series.

• Entering this season, LaMarcus Aldridge had averaged 17.6 points per game in 22 career games against the Los Angeles Clippers.

• Last season, Portland guard Damian Lillard shot 57% from beyond the arc against the Clippers. That was his third best three-point shooting percentage against all NBA teams and his best shooting percentage against any Western Conference foe.

• In three meetings against the Clippers last season, the Trail Blazers averaged 114.3 points, 7.3 points above their season average (106.7 points/game). They also surrendered 112.6 points per game, 9.8 points above their average points allowed (102.8).

• In 2013-14, Portland averaged more three-point attempts (31.0) and made more three-point fi eld goals (12.0) against the Clippers than vs. any other Western Conference opponent.

• Clippers guard Jamal Crawford averaged 14.0 points per contest in 60 games with the Trail Blazers in 2011-12.

• HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY:
ALL TIME: Trail Blazers lead, 139-68
IN PORTLAND: Trail Blazers lead, 85-18
AT THE CLIPPERS: Trail Blazers lead, 54-50

OFFICIAL CLIPPERS' GAME NOTES


GO BLAZERS!!!​

 

[Darkwebs]

Game 39: POR v. LAC (25-13), 1/14/15

Our last game: W @ LAL, 106-94

http://espn.go.com/nba/recap?id=400578854

-- Damian Lillard dished out more of the same punishment to the Los Angeles Lakers that he did the last time he faced them. They still had no answer for his fourth-quarter theatrics.
Lillard scored 17 of his 34 points in the final 8:16, leading the Portland Trail Blazers to a 106-94 victory Sunday night and making the Northwest Division leaders the first NBA team to 30 wins.
"It's a great accomplishment to have 30 wins in 38 games," Lillard said. "We've just got to keep the same mentality that we've had and always remember that we are an elite team. And we've got to keep proving that every night and stay locked in."
Four other players scored in double figures for the Blazers, who have won 27 of their last 32 games and are a season-best 22 over .500. LaMarcus Aldridge had 15 points and nine rebounds, Wesley Matthews had 16 points and Nicolas Batum added 11.
Chris Kaman had 12 rebounds and nine points in his fourth start of the season and second against his former team.
Lillard averaged 25 points over his previous four games against the Lakers. He scored 16 of his 39 points in the final 5:11 when the Blazers beat them 98-84 at Portland last Monday, and also had a 38-point effort against the Lakers on April 10, 2013.
"It was pretty much the same things I saw the last game against them," Lakers coach Byron Scott said. "We played them really tough, and then Damien kind of takes over. We tried to pressure him, we tried to trap him at times, but he just made some great shots. He's just a heck of a player."
Meyers Leonard put Portland ahead to stay with a 3-pointer, triggering a 17-3 run that helped the Trail Blazers open up an 89-76 lead with 6:50 to play. Lillard made a 3-pointer, a driving layup and a three-point play during a 1:54 span before Aldridge capped the rally with a 20-footer.
"We started to run some sets that I was able to get loose on," Lillard said. "Our bigs did a great job in transitioning and in the halfcourt game and setting solid screens. So I was just able to get a big man in front of me and make plays, and the shots were falling."
The 6-foot-3 Lillard scored Portland's final eight points, including a soaring slam dunk between the 6-10 duo of Jordan Hill and Ed Davis and turned it into a three-point play after Hill fouled him.
"At that point in the game, I knew it was getting really physical. They had cut the lead down, so I knew I had to go strong and I did," Lillard said. "There was a perfect amount of space, and (Hill) jumped late. So I wouldn't even say I completely jumped over him So I did. I was surprised that he didn't just let me get the two points, instead of letting it be an and-one."

Their last game: L v. MIA, 104-90

Hassan Whiteside spent the summer dialing NBA teams seeking a tryout. No was always the response until he heard yes from Miami coach Erik Spoelstra.
Whiteside signed with the Heat as a free agent around Thanksgiving and has played four games in the D-League this season. The Clippers were among the teams that turned down his workout request.
"We didn't look at him before, me and 29 other teams," Clippers coach Doc Rivers said. "He's playing terrific."
They had no answer for the 7-foot Whiteside in his third year out of Marshall. His offensive display ran the gamut from tip-ins to dunks to jumpers. About the only thing Whiteside didn't do was try a 3-pointer. He was 10 of 13 from the field and 3 of 4 from the line in 28 minutes.
"He changed shots down low on defense and got us offensive rebounds, putbacks, dunks, layups, and did a really good job of controlling the paint," Bosh said.
Blake Griffin scored 26 points and Chris Paul had 23 points and nine assists for the Clippers. They had won two straight and six of their previous eight.
Paul, Matt Barnes, DeAndre Jordan and Jamal Crawford were whistled for technical fouls and the team spent much of the game barking at the referees.
The Clippers took a 19-6 lead, helped by 3-pointers from J.J. Redick, who finished with 14 points, and two by Paul. From there, it was all Miami.
"That's the thing that is so frustrating," Griffin said. "We started the game well and just didn't do a good job after that."
Whiteside replaced Chris Andersen halfway through the first and propelled the Heat on a 24-10 spurt, including 13 in a row when Jordan and Paul earned technicals, to give Miami a 30-29 lead. Whiteside was 5 of 6 from the floor and had six rebounds in 6 minutes in the quarter.
"We gave him too many easy buckets right at the glass," Griffin said. "He played extremely well. His efficiency was great. He was the biggest difference in the this game."

The Clippers got within seven with 2 minutes left only to watch Bosh hit a 3-pointer and keep the Heat ahead 100-90 as Miami fans chanted, "Let's go Heat!" In the game, the Heat controlled the boards, 46-27.
"It gave them too many bullets," Griffin said.

Injuries: POR- Crabbe (questionable), Lopez (out), Freeland (out)

Matchups:
Lillard vs. Paul (17.9ppg, 9.6apg, 4.5rpg, 1.3stl/g, 41% 3pt)
Matthews vs. Redick (15.1ppg, 1.8rpg, 1.6apg, 42.6% 3pt)
Batum vs. Barnes (9.4ppg, 3.2rpg, 1.2apg 39.5% 3pt)
Aldridge vs. Griffin (22.7ppg, 7.7rpg, 5.0apg)
Kaman vs. Jordan (9.4ppg, 13.5rpg, 2.3blk/g, 70%FG, 40%FT)

Power Rankings
ESPN (8) Perhaps no two days this season illustrate the up-and-down nature of these Clips more than Saturday's rout of the Mavs ... followed by a humbling L on the same floor to Miami. You heard Jamal Crawford's take, right? Says the reigning Sixth Man of the Year: "We're consistently inconsistent."

Fox Sports (10) It’s hard to imagine the Clippers winning a title this season. But when you look at how wide open this league is right now, it also wouldn’t be absurdly surprising if they did. The nine-game homestand was mostly a success, as the Clippers won six of nine. The defense has looked slightly better, but a real test will come in Portland tonight.

NBA.com (9) Pace: 96.3 (15), OffRtg: 110.2 (3), DefRtg: 103.5 (17), NetRtg: +6.7 (4)
The Clippers were on their way to a 7-2 homestand until they were outscored 37-12 by the Heat in a 10-minute stretch spanning the first and second quarters on Sunday. It was the latest example of how much they need bench help. But they've been watching the Western Conference arms race from the sidelines so far, and Austin Rivers isn't the answer.

CBSSports.com (10)
They've won games, but never seem to win a game that impresses you. Even the victory vs. the Mavericks wasn't as good as it looks on the surface. And their penchant for getting absolutely embarrassed in their own building isn't exactly encouraging.

Link to Grandpa Blaze's Prediction Game
Link to MediocreMan's Over/Under Game

Final Thoughts: Clips get out to fast starts, and Portland's MO has been to not do the same. However, the 2nd half is Lillard Time, and he leads the league in 4th-quarter points. I expect an up-and-down game, but I think that POR's offense (especially from 3) proves better than LAC's--even though they have 4 really good 3pt shooters, POR is among the league's best at defending the 3--and it comes down to who makes clutch shots late. So even though LAC may be up at half...may be up at the end of three...Portland's never out of it. Again from ESPN:

Trail Blazers: Portland is 15-3 when Lillard leads them in scoring and 13-3 when Aldridge does. They shared team scoring honors twice, combining for 70 points in a 115-106 loss at Chicago, and scoring 23 apiece in a 108-95 home win against San Antonio. ... The Blazers are 20-0 when leading after three quarters. They also have won a league-best eight games when trailing after three.

Lillard Time. LMA-Train. Wesniss Everthreen. Meyers Leonar_. From 3? 2 much.

POR 115
LAC 106

 

[Rhal]

Going to the game tomorrow. Its going to be the first one I attend this year, really excited

 

[MAS RipCity]

Really wish we had RoLo and Joel back for this one ...

 

[Draco]

Griffin is a matchup nightmare for us. I'd put Wesley on him a few plays.

 

[Blazersfan161]

Clippers are struggling so I like our chances

 

[PtldPlatypus]

Griffin is a matchup nightmare for us. I'd put Wesley on him a few plays.

I'd go a different route.

"Thomas--you're the only one big and athletic enough to keep up with Blake. So you're going to start, you're going to blanket him, and not let him see an inch of daylight. If he scores more than 6 points on you in the first quarter, you will be traded to Philadelphia before the game is over."

 

[Boise Blazer]

I'd go a different route.

"Thomas--you're the only one big and athletic enough to keep up with Blake. So you're going to start, you're going to blanket him, and not let him see an inch of daylight. If he scores more than 6 points on you in the first quarter, you will be traded to Philadelphia before the game is over."

"And in what can ONLY be described as the greatest defense effort of all time Thomas Robinson has held Blake Griffin to a box score shutout. Griffin never even touched the ball. Amazing! In the post game interview Robinson's only quote was repeat, 'Not Philly... Not Philly... Not Philly' as he hugged himself and rocked back and forth at his locker."

 

[Pinwheel1]

I think we should start Leonard against Jordan. Make Jordan leave the paint to cover him.

But regardless if he starts or not, we need Meyers to have a good game. I don't have a good feeling about this game.

 

[Boise Blazer]

Somehow I had it in my head that this game was in LAC so I was happy to find out I was wrong

 

[illmatic99]

We haven't played a good team in a while and we got three straight coming up. They got us at their place early in the season-- gotta get that back tonight. I'm pumped. Just hate the 10:30 start time.

 

[magnifier661]

We haven't played a good team in a while and we got three straight coming up. They got us at their place early in the season-- gotta get that back tonight. I'm pumped. Just hate the 10:30 start time.

Actually I would include Sac and Phoenix being tough games as well, since Phoenix historically play us tough and SAC beat us early this season. So the next 5 will be tough.

 

[Boise Blazer]

ESPN Debates Who Is The Best Point Guard: Chris Paul Or Damian Lillard

http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=espn:12166691

 

[BrianFromWA]

Preview updated in Post 2. Have fun during the game, I will not be around. Sly's preventatively banning me for putting up too many LMA shooting stats.

 

[riverman]

This is a game we need to win and hopefully win decisively

 

[BlazerWookee]

How's this for a game day shirt?

 

[BBert]

Pretty cool. Even with $amon on it.

 

[rasheedfan2005]

We haven't played a good team in a while and we got three straight coming up. They got us at their place early in the season-- gotta get that back tonight. I'm pumped. Just hate the 10:30 start time.

yeah i just took a nap so i can watch game and then get up for work

 

[KingSpeed]

ESPN just did a great segment on Damian. We have a true superstar. Avery Johnson said we have a championship caliber team. Jalen Rose said we need a better bench.

 

[KingSpeed]

How's this for a game day shirt?

Love it!!

 

[Strenuus]

yeah i just took a nap so i can watch game and then get up for work

You realize if we lose, you lose your mid day beauty sleep, right?

 

[rasheedfan2005]

You realize if we lose, you lose your mid day beauty sleep, right?

losses are so rare this year i dont mind planning my life around the games

 

[PHXBlazer1]

I can't wait to see what Dame has planned for us tonight

 

[rasheedfan2005]

i just finished replay of last game. lillard in the last 2 minutes, holy shit. i watched just for the dunk but he completely crushed the purple and piss in about 45 seconds.

 

[Jade Falcon]

Go Blazers! So excited about this game! L-Train: show Griffin who's the best PF in the league!

I've got my Damien shirt on because I think Dame's gonna go ape shit against Paul tonight.

 

[KingSpeed]

Hawks first team to 31 wins. Love it. I'm a big Hawks fan. Except when they play Blazers. They're Blazers East. Great team with no respect.

 

[Strenuus]

Meyers should be starting...

 

[Strenuus]

Hawks first team to 31 wins. Love it. I'm a big Hawks fan. Except when they play Blazers. They're Blazers East. Great team with no respect.

So... the Rodney Dangerfield of the east?

 

[Strenuus]

So glad it's not just on ESPN.

 

[Strenuus]

Lets go blazers!!