Game Thread GAME# 62: ROCKETS @ BLAZERS - MARCH 11, 2015 - WEDNESDAY, 7:30 PM (PST), KGW & ESPN

[Darkwebs]

WHEN: 7:30 PM (PACIFIC), WEDNESDAY, 3/11/2015​

WHERE: Moda Center, Portland, OR

TV BROADCAST:

AND

RADIO BROADCAST:

------------------------------------------------------



HOUSTON ROCKETS

PRIGIONI , TERRY , JOHNSON , McDANIELS

BREWER , SMITH , DORSEY , CAPELA

PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS

BLAKE , McCOLLUM , CRABBE , GEE

WRIGHT , FREELAND , LEONARD , KAMAN


INJURIES
ROCKETS
Dwight Howard (right knee edema): OUT
Kostas Papanikolaou (sprained right ankle): OUT
TRAIL BLAZERS
Wesley Matthews (left Achilles’ tendon): OUT




HEAD COACHES

- VS –

KEVIN MCHALE --- TERRY STOTTS




OFFICIAL BLAZERS GAME NOTES ​

• Wednesday marks the third and final game between the Trail Blazers and Rockets in 2014-15.

• This game represents a rubber game in the season series, as Portland and Houston split the first two games. Houston defeated Portland 110-95 on Dec. 22, and the Trail Blazers beat the Rockets 109-98 on Feb. 8. Both games thus far have been played in Houston.

• Portland is 2-6 against the Rockets dating back to the start of the 2011-12 season.

• At 41-20, Portland is currently one game behind Houston (43-20) for third place in the Western Conference standings.

• Houston is ranked sixth in the NBA in scoring at 103.3 points per game, while the Trail Blazers have allowed the ninth fewest points in the league (97.4 pts/game).

• The Trail Blazers haven’t won a season series over Houston since 2010-11 (split season series, 2-2, in 2012-13).

• LaMarcus Aldridge led Portland with 24 points on 8-of-17 shooting in Portland’s 109-98 victory over Houston on Feb. 8. Aldridge has made 10+ field goals in seven of his past nine games against the Rockets.

• Arron Afflalo produced 22 points on 7-of-17 shooting (3-7 3-PT) earlier this season on Dec. 17 as a member of the Nuggets.

• In two games against Portland this season, Houston’s James Harden has averaged 44.5 points per game on 49.0% shooting (25-51). He has also attempted 36 free throws between the two contests (31 makes).

• The Trail Blazers eliminated the Rockets in six games in the Western Conference Quarterfi nals last season, marking the first time that Portland advanced to the second round of the playoffs for the fi rst time since the 1999-2000 season.

• In that sixth and f nal game, Damian Lillard connected on a three-pointer as time expired to defeat Houston, 99-98.

• Houston won three of its four games against Portland in 2013-14.

• In six postseason games against Houston last season, LaMarcus Aldridge averaged 29.8 points and 11.2 rebounds while shooting 47.9% from the field.

• HEAD-TO-HEAD HISTORY:
ALL TIME: Rockets lead, 101-80
IN PORTLAND: Trail Blazers lead, 48-41
AT THE ROCKETS: Rockets lead, 60-32

OFFICIAL ROCKETS GAME NOTES




GO BLAZERS!!!​

 

[Darkwebs]

RESERVED

 

[Wheels]

Yay a game I get to watch! I no longer withdraw my name from mod conversation since I can follow the team!

 

[HomerLovesKoolAid]

Fear the flop!

 

[SheedSoNasty]

How sweet it would be to win by 50.

 

[illmatic99]

Another ESPN game that is blacked out on LP, and a 10:30 pm start. I have to be up by 4 am for my flight tomorrow. smh, guess I'm not sleeping tonight.

 

[kjironman1]

It's pretty easy to do a "Stat Dump" on the Rock-etts. Tougher to look at them as a team and see they are quite possibly the best in the west right now. Since the break they have won 7 of 10. They lost their first game to Dallas but then pretty much beat all comers since except of course the game in Atlanta without Harden because he decided to kick LeBron in the groin, and the game in Memphis that the refs missed a huge call on. Harden gets accused of flopping but on that call he was fouled by Zach. The fact is Harden gets to the line because he draws fouls. He has mastered driving and shooting around defenders. Then when he gets contact he sells it. Teams know where the ball is going and who is getting it but they still can't stop it. This is exactly what Westbrook and Curry are doing. Harden belongs in that conversation for MVP.

Wesley Matthews gets his surgery today. I would not expect to see him there tonight but then again you never know with that guy? The fact remains that the Blazers need to step it up defensively tonight. The game against the T-Wolves was tough to watch. Something has got to happen to inspire these guys and i hope it happens soon.

Looking at some rotations has Aldridge coming up against Jones again. This is not as much of a mismatch now as it has been in games gone by. Jones has been thrust into the starting lineup and he is in fact responding very well. He is holding down the fort well during this time without Howard. The other guy playing well Motiejunas. Danatas is hitting the three ball and he will pull Lopez out of the middle. Because Rolo is less mobile than some he might have to rely on Aldridge to cover. What happens is Jones ends up eating offensive rebounds and the lanes become wide open alleys for Harden to wander into. When Harden gets his shoulder past a defender the defense has to react and that gets our guys into foul trouble. There is no question the Blazers have their work cut out for them tonight.

Patrick Beverly is not so much a offensive threat but he can score. The problem comes when he frustrates Damian Lillard. This will be his main job tonight. Lillard needs to maintain the calm cool demeanor and be patient. No dot let Beverly get into your head Dame.

AAA will be key. Making Harden play defense will be important even if they switch things up. The more you make Harden work the better. If Afflalo can get some offense going Batum will become the presence that might very well turn the tides for the Blazers.

The Bench....I would expect to see Freeland and even some Meyers taking some fouls tonight. The one thing most are talking about is "Who is going to step up?" Look for CJ to get his chance. He has been here longer than Gee so he knows the offense a little better but if he is not cutting he might have a short leash. Blazers need some scoring tonight off the bench or this will be a long game for the starters.



Pick tonight is Nicolas Batum. No question he will be the difference maker for the rest of the season. Tonight is the start of that. Batum has got to show night in and night out from here on out. This would be a great game to start that triple double streak that seems to be going around the NBA lately here in Portland.

Go Blazers!

kjironman is a fan!!!

 

[Back2Back]

Rockets keep winning...let the haters hate!

Rockets are still in 3 right behind Memphis at 2 (All this with being without their starting C, starting PG , & starting PF for almost half the season). The league MVP will be in your hose tonight...Hopefully the Rocket fans will get an MVP chant going like they have been around the league.

It's fun as a fan to be one of the most hated teams in the league.

Let's Go Rockets!!!

 

[kjironman1]

Rockets keep winning...let the haters hate!

Rockets are still in 3 right behind Memphis at 2 (All this with being without their starting C, starting PG , & starting PF for almost half the season). The league MVP will be in your hose tonight...Hopefully the Rocket fans will get an MVP chant going like they have been around the league.

It's fun as a fan to be one of the most hated teams in the league.

Let's Go Rockets!!!

This is the first game played here since Lillard ended their season last year. Blazers have split the series so far. We will see who gets "Hosed". Assume you meant House....
Nah Rockets don't even compare when it comes to Hate around here. Lakers hold that title.

 

[julius]

Rockets keep winning...let the haters hate!

Rockets are still in 3 right behind Memphis at 2 (All this with being without their starting C, starting PG , & starting PF for almost half the season). The league MVP will be in your hose tonight...Hopefully the Rocket fans will get an MVP chant going like they have been around the league.

It's fun as a fan to be one of the most hated teams in the league.

Let's Go Rockets!!!

They're not hated because they're winning. I think it's safe to say most of us don't hate Golden State (cept when they're playing Portland) or Atlanta (same).

 

[BlayZa]

Rockets keep winning...let the haters hate!

Rockets are still in 3 right behind Memphis at 2 (All this with being without their starting C, starting PG , & starting PF for almost half the season). The league MVP will be in your hose tonight...Hopefully the Rocket fans will get an MVP chant going like they have been around the league.

It's fun as a fan to be one of the most hated teams in the league.

Let's Go Rockets!!!

yeah, pretty sure the reason why everyone can't stand the Rockets isn't because they are winning.

Thing off the top I hate more than their record is

1. 2faced attitude around harden, his flopping, lack of D, and overall apathy for anything outside of putting the ball in the basket or falling to the ground when someone breathes on him.
2. dwight howard. although it seems most fans there are turning on him too. yay.
3. the fact clyde seems to mostly forget his roots and prefers to keep his head up the rockets ass. i know he's on their commentary team n shit, but come the fuck on....
4, overall douchebag vibe of their fan base. its up there with the wolves and lakers.
5. 'The Harden Way' - gtfo.
6. hate the uniforms too.

 

[Superbeard]

yeah, pretty sure the reason why everyone can't stand the Rockets isn't because they are winning.

Thing off the top I hate more than their record is

1. 2faced attitude around harden, his flopping, lack of D, and overall apathy for anything outside of putting the ball in the basket or falling to the ground when someone breathes on him.
2. dwight howard. although it seems most fans there are turning on him too. yay.
3. the fact clyde seems to mostly forget his roots and prefers to keep his head up the rockets ass. i know he's on their commentary team n shit, but come the fuck on....
4, overall douchebag vibe of their fan base. its up there with the wolves and lakers.
5. 'The Harden Way' - gtfo.
6. hate the uniforms too.

Well Clyde is more of a Houston guy. Remember that he played for the University of Houston, went to high-school in Houston, and won a championship in the NBA in Houston. So yeah, that shouldn't be that surprising that the Rockets are probably his favorite team. He likes the Blazers too though, he gives you guys more respect than other teams. Either way, Rocket fans don't like him commentating games either lol.

It's pretty easy to do a "Stat Dump" on the Rock-etts. Tougher to look at them as a team and see they are quite possibly the best in the west right now. Since the break they have won 7 of 10. They lost their first game to Dallas but then pretty much beat all comers since except of course the game in Atlanta without Harden because he decided to kick LeBron in the groin, and the game in Memphis that the refs missed a huge call on. Harden gets accused of flopping but on that call he was fouled by Zach. The fact is Harden gets to the line because he draws fouls. He has mastered driving and shooting around defenders. Then when he gets contact he sells it. Teams know where the ball is going and who is getting it but they still can't stop it. This is exactly what Westbrook and Curry are doing. Harden belongs in that conversation for MVP.

Wow, thank you. I've been saying this since forever in those around the NBA threads. Harden as Tony Allen would tell you is "Relentless" in attacking the rim as well. He just doesn't stop, it's rare this season to see him just settle for jumpers.

Any ways I would say "Hope it's a close game." but i'd be lying. I hope we blow you guys out (nothing personal, i'd wish we blow everyone out) so instead I'll just hope that neither team suffers any more injuries. You guys seem to have the worst luck with the 'season ending' variety.

 

[BlazerDuckSeahawkFan94]

We better not lose this game, losing to Rockets is worst than losing to the Lakers.

 

[kjironman1]

We better not lose this game, losing to Rockets is worst than losing to the Lakers.

Sorry my friend but losing to the Rock-etts right now would still not be worse than losing to the Lakers.

 

[BlazerDuckSeahawkFan94]

Sorry my friend but losing to the Rock-etts right now would still not be worse than losing to the Lakers.

I can live with losing to the Lakers, it means we played like shit. Losing to the Rockets usually means Harden gets twice as many FTA than FGA.

 

[Strenuus]

Those shirts are badass.

 

[RipCityBlazer]

Does anyone know if those shirts are going on sale?

 

[Strenuus]

If anyone is going to the game tonight, would they mind if they signed this banner on behalf of S2?

 

[KeepOnRollin]

 

[Strenuus]

For some light reading before the game or to start the angst towards Houston before the game, here you go. Their game thread.

http://bbs.clutchfans.net/showthread.php?t=263320

And by angst, I mean, not trolling them.

 

[Strenuus]

You have been warned: Jon Barry doing "commentary" tonight on ESPN. If you can watch KGW, do it.

 

[Strenuus]

Tony Brothers, Eli Roe, Sean Wright officiating tonight.

Ugh.

 

[-Ace-]

If anyone is going to the game tonight, would they mind if they signed this banner on behalf of S2?

Any special message in particular?

 

[Strenuus]

Any special message in particular?

Not really. Just something saying this forum is thinking and pulling for him. S2, Rip City Two, however you want.

 

[BlazerDuckSeahawkFan94]

Tony Brothers, Eli Roe, Sean Wright officiating tonight.

Ugh.

Fucking hate Brothers

 

[KingSpeed]

It's pretty easy to do a "Stat Dump" on the Rock-etts. Tougher to look at them as a team and see they are quite possibly the best in the west right now. Since the break they have won 7 of 10. They lost their first game to Dallas but then pretty much beat all comers since except of course the game in Atlanta without Harden because he decided to kick LeBron in the groin, and the game in Memphis that the refs missed a huge call on. Harden gets accused of flopping but on that call he was fouled by Zach. The fact is Harden gets to the line because he draws fouls. He has mastered driving and shooting around defenders. Then when he gets contact he sells it. Teams know where the ball is going and who is getting it but they still can't stop it. This is exactly what Westbrook and Curry are doing. Harden belongs in that conversation for MVP.

Wesley Matthews gets his surgery today. I would not expect to see him there tonight but then again you never know with that guy? The fact remains that the Blazers need to step it up defensively tonight. The game against the T-Wolves was tough to watch. Something has got to happen to inspire these guys and i hope it happens soon.

Looking at some rotations has Aldridge coming up against Jones again. This is not as much of a mismatch now as it has been in games gone by. Jones has been thrust into the starting lineup and he is in fact responding very well. He is holding down the fort well during this time without Howard. The other guy playing well Motiejunas. Danatas is hitting the three ball and he will pull Lopez out of the middle. Because Rolo is less mobile than some he might have to rely on Aldridge to cover. What happens is Jones ends up eating offensive rebounds and the lanes become wide open alleys for Harden to wander into. When Harden gets his shoulder past a defender the defense has to react and that gets our guys into foul trouble. There is no question the Blazers have their work cut out for them tonight.

Patrick Beverly is not so much a offensive threat but he can score. The problem comes when he frustrates Damian Lillard. This will be his main job tonight. Lillard needs to maintain the calm cool demeanor and be patient. No dot let Beverly get into your head Dame.

AAA will be key. Making Harden play defense will be important even if they switch things up. The more you make Harden work the better. If Afflalo can get some offense going Batum will become the presence that might very well turn the tides for the Blazers.

The Bench....I would expect to see Freeland and even some Meyers taking some fouls tonight. The one thing most are talking about is "Who is going to step up?" Look for CJ to get his chance. He has been here longer than Gee so he knows the offense a little better but if he is not cutting he might have a short leash. Blazers need some scoring tonight off the bench or this will be a long game for the starters.



Pick tonight is Nicolas Batum. No question he will be the difference maker for the rest of the season. Tonight is the start of that. Batum has got to show night in and night out from here on out. This would be a great game to start that triple double streak that seems to be going around the NBA lately here in Portland.

Go Blazers!

kjironman is a fan!!!

Great post!! Huge game tonight. We win the season series with a win even though tonight is our only game at home vs Houston. The only time they beat us this season was without Aldridge (who owns them). Houston loves to talk about injuries but we've had more. 3 of our starters have missed significant time and a 4th starter is now done for the year. Plus Freeland, Crabbe, and CJ have missed games. Lillard and Kaman have played through injuries.

Aldridge is playing like the NBA's real MVP delaying surgery to help his team win games.

I have no doubt the Blazers will win tonight. The Rockets simply aren't that good. Watch them tumble down the standings.

 

[KingSpeed]

I'm gonna try hard to not post much during the game. Maybe timeouts and halftime but I really want to give this game 100% focus like when I'm at the game.

 

[Strenuus]

Great post!! Huge game tonight. We win the season series with a win even though tonight is our only game at home vs Houston. The only time they beat us this season was without Aldridge (who owns them). Houston loves to talk about injuries but we've had more. 3 of our starters have missed significant time and a 4th starter is now done for the year. Plus Freeland, Crabbe, and CJ have missed games. Lillard and Kaman have played through injuries.

Aldridge is playing like the NBA's real MVP delaying surgery to help his team win games.

I have no doubt the Blazers will win tonight. The Rockets simply aren't that good. Watch them tumble down the standings.

You keep saying that and it doesn't happen.

 

[riverman]

The cast for the remake of Robinson Crusoe?

 

[riverman]

This is a big game for our bench to step up. There's probably not a game I want to win more than this one the entire season! Go Blazers!