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Blazers week in review 02-09

By Erik Gundersen, Columbian Trail Blazers Writer
Published: February 8, 2015, 4:00pm

Blazer Beef

The Portland Trail Blazers had a great week, which made the fourth quarter against the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday all the worse.

The Blazers blew a 16 point lead in the fourth quarter and lost to Dallas, 111-101 in overtime.

The fourth quarter was a comedy of errors for the Blazers, including nine turnovers.

Damian Lillard missed a 3-pointer that would have given Portland the win as time expired.

The Blazers scored a measly 13 points in the final 12 minutes and did not make a field goal in the final 3:54 in regulation or the first 3:14 of overtime. They went 7:08 without a made field goal.

Blazer Bravo

Obviously, the best thing to happen to the Blazers over the past week was the return of starting center Robin Lopez.

Lopez came back on Feb. 3 after missing 23 games and his return seemed to spark the best series of games that Nicolas Batum has had this season.

In addition to the improved play of the starting lineup during the home stand, Lopez’s return has also allowed Portland’s younger players to thrive in more specific and settled roles.

CJ McCollum and Meyers Leonard in particular have played well over the past week. Portland’s bench-led unit sparked Portland on a 42-22 fourth quarter in Thursday’s win over the Phoenix Suns.

Damian Lillard, named as an All-Star replacement, got his perimeter jumper back in Saturday’s heartbreaker to the Mavericks and he also played some of the best defense of his career. Lillard tied a career high in steals and blocks in Saturday’s loss.

By the Numbers

2 — Following Lillard being named to the Western Conference All-Star team, he and LaMarcus Aldridge become the second pair of Blazers teammates to be All-Stars in back-to-back seasons (Bill Walton and Maurice Lucas, 1977-78).

3 — Along with Wesley Matthews in the 3-point contest, the Blazers will have three players involved in the All-Star weekend festivities.

4 — Damian Lillard becomes the fourth player in franchise history to make two All-Star games in his first three seasons (Sidney Wicks, Maurice Lucas, Brandon Roy).

The Week Ahead

Wednesday vs. Los Angeles Lakers (7 p.m., KGW 8): The Lakers’ season in the Western Conference basement can only be salvaged at this point by getting a top-five pick.

NBA All-Star Saturday at Barclay’s Center in Brooklyn (5:30 p.m., TNT): Portland’s Wesley Matthews competes in the NBA 3-point shootout.

NBA All-Star Game, Sunday at Madison Square Garden in New York (5:30 p.m., TNT): Lillard and Aldridge represent the Blazers in the 64th NBA All-Star Game.

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Columbian Trail Blazers Writer