Blazer Beef
The Blazers’ late-game execution in the middle games of last week left a little to be desired.
Nicolas Batum missed a key free throw with 12 seconds left that could have tied the game Wednesday against Phoenix, which ruined his best performance of the season.
Then against Boston on Thursday, Wesley Matthews and Thomas Robinson both missed one of their two chances at the line in the final moments. Making matters worse, Matthews was out of position when Boston’s Jared Sullinger found a wide-open Evan Turner for the game-winner.
They were not at full strength, but it also shows what they missed from a leadership standpoint with LaMarcus Aldridge out.
Blazer Bravo
LaMarcus Aldridge making his dramatic return on Saturday from a thumb injury that will require surgery is the Blazers’ story of the year so far.
Aldridge scored 26 points and had nine rebounds as well as a game-changing presence.
After seeing the Blazers squander opportunities to win, it is clear how big of an impact Aldridge has for the Blazers on both ends. He has to stay away from his patented swat-strip for now, but is getting used to playing by using a more straight-up approach by using his length.
Also, Thomas Robinson did a pretty good job defensively in the fourth quarters against Sacramento, Phoenix and Boston.
By The Numbers
107.9 — Portland’s points scored per 100 possessions when Aldridge plays, the highest of any Blazer.
99.6 — Portland’s points scored per 100 possessions when Aldridge sits.
21 — Aldridge has made 21 3-pointers, tied for seventh on the team. Aldridge made a total of 24 in his first eight seasons.
The Week Ahead
Monday at Brooklyn Nets, 4:30 p.m. (CSN): The Nets have lost two games in a row and have fallen out of the playoff picture after Saturday’s loss at Utah.
Wednesday at Cleveland Cavaliers, 4 p.m. (KGW): Portland blew these guys out in November but LeBron James was not exactly an engaged participant in the fourth quarter. They have made some big trades and are fresh off an impressive win over Oklahoma City on Sunday.
Friday at Atlanta Hawks, 4:30 p.m. (CSN): The Hawks dominated the Blazers in Portland on Jan. 3. Atlanta has won 16 games in a row, and has lost only twice since Nov. 28.
Saturday at Milwaukee Bucks, 5:30 p.m. (CSN): Despite injury issues and off-court drama, the Bucks are 22-21 and poised to make the playoffs with the league’s fourth best defense.
