Count it...
posted: Saturday, February 03, 2007 at 9:25 PM
But the Trail Blazers have fallen short here in the Rose Garden. The final score 88 - 86 in favor of Chicago.
Randolph finished with a team-high 27 points and grabbed 7 rebounds for the Trail Blazers. B-Roy turned in 16 points and also had 3 assists.
The Trail Blazers battled back from 17-points to turn this game into a real nail-biter, but in the end, Portland could not make up for the fact that the Bulls drew 25 fouls. The Trail Blazers were only able to draw 17 fouls, although Roy's lay-up attempt should have made it 18.
Chicago also out-rebounded Portland 42 to 36. Ben Wallace led the way with 9 rebounds.
Tough way to end a 4-game home winning streak, but Portland fans have to be pleased with the way their team scrapped their way back from a huge first half deficit.
No call!?!?!
posted: at 9:21 PM
Roy gets less respect than Rodney Dangerfield.
Once again, the Trail Blazers turned to their future Rookie of the Year, and, after some third-degree assault from Kirk Hinrich, the young shooting guard missed his runner.
Chris Duhon cashed in two free-throws to make it an 86 - 82 game before Jarrett Jack cut the lead to 2 on a quick lay-up.
We need a miss from the line and a big three-pointer.
Ben Gordon to the line...
posted: at 9:19 PM
Portland needs a miss. At least one.
First shot is.... Good.
Second shot is.... Good.
With 22.3 left in the game, the Trail Blazers are down 2, 84 - 82. We could use some late game heroics by B-Roy, but don't sleep on Juan Dixon or Jarrett Jack for the game-winner.
It ain't over 'til it's over here at the Rose Garden.
The Bulls don't know JACK!
posted: at 9:16 PM
Jarrett Jack just dissected the Bulls defense and put up a pump-fake runner to tie the game one more time.
It's 82 - 82 with 32.7 left and the Trail Blazers are set up for a 2-for-1 to end the game. Games just don't get any closer than this!
One minute left...
posted: at 9:15 PM
And we're back where we started.
It's 80 - 80 and it's too loud to think here at the Rose Garden.
B-ROY FOR PRESIDENT!
posted: at 9:10 PM
Do you believe in B-Roy!?!?!
The rookie continues to amaze this Rose Garden crowd with his huge jump shots and tough drives to the hoop.
Meanwhile, the Trail Blazers have TIED THE GAME!
Roy has 16 points so far and trails only Zach Randolph, who has 27, for the team lead.
ZeBo Knows!
posted: at 9:06 PM
Exactly how to get the Rose Garden rocking...
The power forward bullied the gigantic Ben Wallace for an offensive rebound and two points, which subsequently made it so loud in the Rose Garden that the rafters started shaking.
It's 76 - 74 Bulls, but this sold out crowd has the Trail Blazers rallying late in the fourth quarter.
Get Jack'd!!!
posted: at 9:05 PM
Jarrett Jack for 3!
It's a 4-point game with 4:23 left to play...
That's our Roy!
posted: at 9:00 PM
How good is Brandon Roy?
Really, really good.
The Rookie of the Year just split 3 Chicago defenders, and flipped in a "did you see that?" lay-up attempt to cut the Bulls lead to 9. Roy only has 12 points on the night, but he's scored everytime the Trail Blazers badly needed a basket.
Ben Gordon has found his stroke in the fourth quarter and really caused problems for the Trail Blazers defense.
Twice, he has pulled up in transition and hit a three-pointer. Gordon's offense has given the Bulls a 9 point lead with 7:23 left in the fourth quarter.
Portland needs to make a run if they want to extend their 4-game home winning streak in the Rose Garden...
Sumos decide Super Bowl...
posted: at 8:48 PM
Well, everyone in the Rose Garden now knows who's going to win the Super Bowl.
Blaze, the Trail Blazers mascot, played quarterback for both the Sumo Bears and the Sumo Colts in what was determined to be an accurate portrayal of tomorrow's big game.
After a safety by Sumo Urlacher, Blaze Grossman then threw an interception to the Colts defense, which took the pick to the house and won the game for Indianapolis.
With 8:58 left in the fourth, we know who's going to win the Super Bowl, but we don't know who's going to win the match-up between the Trail Blazers and the Bulls. Portland trails by 1, 66 - 65, but has the momentum heading into the home stretch.
No soft shots tonight...
posted: at 8:40 PM
Portland couldn't have asked for a better third quarter from their Trail Blazers...
Not only did the Portland scrap their way back from a 17-point deficit, but they've also turned up the defensive intensity.
Ben Gordon had a wide open look down the middle of the key, but as he drove the line, rookie LaMarcus Aldridge met him with a full head of steam. Aldridge sent the shooting guard to the floor and made him earn his two points the hard way.
As action gets going in the fourth quarter, the Trail Blazers are down 1, 59 - 58, and it doesn't look good for fans hoping for a 100-point free Chalupa.
DEE-FENSE! DEE-FENSE!
posted: at 8:35 PM
Never count out the Trail Blazers! Ask the Hornets, ask the Sonics, ask the Timberwolves, and now you can ask the Chicago Bulls...
After being down by as many as 17, the Trail Blazers have stormed back in the second half and tied the game at 54.
Brandon Roy now has 10 points on the night and Zach Randolph leads all Trail Blazers with 20 points, but it's been a team effort on both the offensive and the defensive end.
Joel says NO-NO!
posted: at 8:30 PM
You can't put up a soft shot in the land of the giants, especially with Joel Pryzbilla around.
Pryzbilla is one of the NBA's most underrated shot blockers, and he's already redirected two shots here in the second half.
On the other end, Randolph and Roy have taken over, converting nearly every Trail Blazers possession into points. The Bulls have been unable to maintain their early pace, however, and have had to watch as the Trail Blazers cut their lead to 1 point!
It's 53 - 52 after a Zach Randolph three-pointer and the Rose Garden crowd is on their feet!
Udoka - Roy - ZeBo!
posted: at 8:24 PM
It took about 24 minutes, but the Trail Blazers have started heating up from the floor. Ime Udoka has connected on two baskets, and the Trail Blazers one-two punch of Brandon Roy and Zach Randolph has cut the Chicago lead to 10-points.
It's 51 - 41 here at the Rose Garden.
During the timeout, one lucky fan from Vancouver, WA had the chance to shoot free-throws for a chance to win 250 dollars. The fan was only able to hit 2 out of about 15 shots, and then failed to make the money ball, which means he'll only leave tonight's game with a memory.
Getting ready for Super Bowl Sunday...
posted: at 8:16 PM
The Trail Blazers had a chance to chime in on who they felt was going to win tomorrow's big game. According to the Trail Blazers, the Colts will win tomorrow's Super Bowl by at least a touchdown.
They're undecided, however, on what company will have the best commercial.
Ime Udoka has drawn his 4th foul early in the third quarter, and that's really unfortunate for the Trail Blazers, who need his energy and his long range jumper.
Brandon Roy nailed a 7-foot runner to start the Trail Blazers second half scoring and then Ime followed up his effort with a three-pointer of his own. Roy only has 4 points on the night.
Shhh... Don't tell Raef
posted: at 8:13 PM
But his Kansas JayHawks have just been upset by Texas A&M. The Aggies, who are currently ranked #8 in the nation, pulled off the mini-upset 69 - 66, giving them their first win over Kansas in 12 tries.
Trail Blazers forward Raef LaFrentz is a proud product of Kansas basketball.
ZeBo... and one!
posted: at 8:03 PM
The fastest way to cut into the Bulls lead is get the ball to Zach Randolph, who is one of the few Trail Blazers that has had success against the tough Chicago defense.
Heading into halftime, the Trail Blazers have dug themselves into a hole here in the Rose Garden. Trailing 45 - 28, Portland has been out-rebounded 28 to 14 and failed to convert Chicago's turnovers into points. The Bulls have turned the ball over 13 times, but it has only led to 12 Trail Blazers points.
Kirk Hinrich has been unreal from the field tonight. The point guard has 15 points on 6 of 8 from the field. The Bulls have also connected on 6 three-pointers, shooting 6 of 9 from deep, which has helped them build their halftime lead. The Trail Blazers are 1 of 6 from beyond the arc.
There's a lot of time left, but the Trail Blazers have to find some offense if they're going to claw their way back into this one. Hopefully the halftime performance by the Oregon State Jam Squad will get the Trail Blazers fired up!
2:52 left in second...
posted: at 7:56 PM
As time winds down in the second quarter, Portland has to be a little concerned with their offensive efficiency. The Trail Blazers have only scored 6 points in the second quarter, even though they've had open looks from nearly every spot on the court.
Zach Randolph leads all scorers with 9 points.
If Travis Outlaw and LaMarcus Aldridge can continue to hook up on alley-oop thunder dunks like they just did, the Trail Blazers should see a drastic increase in shooting percentage.
The Bulls have built a 16-point lead, 42 - 26, but the Trail Blazers are trying desperately to tighten up the gap before halftime.
Travis Outlaw is in!
posted: at 7:53 PM
In an effort to re-energize this Rose Garden crowd, the Trail Blazers have turned to electric small forward Travis Outlaw.
Outlaw suffered an ankle injury that sidelined him for awhile, but he's back now and ready to light up the Bulls.
Sloppy start for Chicago...
posted: at 7:45 PM
Despite having one of the deepest backcourts in the NBA, with Chris Duhon, Ben Gordon and Kirk Hinrich, the Chicago Bulls have struggled early.
The Bulls have 10 turnovers to the Trail Blazers 6.
Chicago's backcourt has hit 4 three-pointers, while the Trail Blazers have only been able to connect on 1 shot from long range. Ime Udoka and Martell Webster need to start connecting if the Trail Blazers want to extend their home winning streak and beat the Chicago Bulls.
It's 26 - 19 Chicago.
B-Roy returns to start the 2nd...
posted: at 7:37 PM
Brandon Roy was forced out of the game early due to an open cut on the rookie's face.
The cut has stopped bleeding, however, and B-Roy has returned to the lineup for the Portland Trail Blazers. Portland needs B-Roy to start getting aggressive on the offensive end as they've struggled to get things going in the second.
The Bulls have hit two quick shots from downtown and now lead 20 - 18.
Whoops...
posted: at 7:31 PM
In one of the funniest 30 seconds in basketball history, forward Andres Nocioni lost his shoe on a dribble drive and then had to match-up with LaMarcus Aldridge on the other end of the floor.
Nocioni did not pull a Bill Walton and throw his shoot at the ensuing jump shot.
The Bulls finally decided enough is enough and called a timeout so that Nocioni could put his shoe back on.
Heading into the second quarter, the Trail Blazers lead the Bulls 16 - 12. Portland needs to pick up the pace if they're hoping to make tonight a Chalupa Night for all the fans in attendance.
Aldridge checks in...
posted: at 7:25 PM
Although he never suited up for them, Aldridge should be anxious to prove that the Bulls made a mistake trading him for Tyrus Thomas.
The rookie power forward has averaged 7.0 points and nearly 4 rebounds per game for the Trail Blazers and has provided Portland with another high energy offensive threat off the bench.
With 2:59 left, the Trail Blazers have doubled up the Bulls 16 - 8.
Ime gets on the HustleBoard early...
posted: at 7:19 PM
Ime Udoka is quickly becoming a household name in Portland.
The small forward never gives up on a rebound or on a defensive set and his effort has paid off for the Trail Blazers early. After a Portland turnover, Udoka tipped an outlet pass, which was then converted into a quick two points for the Trail Blazers.
It's 13 - 6 Portland with 5:12 left in the first quarter.
Big Ben causing problems...
posted: at 7:16 PM
The power forward who almost single-handedly made defense look cool again, has caused all sorts of problems for the Trail Blazers early.
Big Ben has already grabbed 4 rebounds including 3 on the offensive end.
Despite Wallace's ownership of the paint, the Trail Blazers have jumped to an early lead. Juan Dixon hit a three-pointer, after subbing in for Brandon Roy, and then hit a fadeaway.
It's 7 - 4 Trail Blazers...
ZeBo for two!
posted: at 7:12 PM
The Rose Garden crowd is living and dying with every basket and they didn't have to wait long for the Trail Blazers to break the ice.
Zach Randolph scored the game's first two points on a 10-foot jumper from the baseline.
The basket is a good sign for the Trail Blazers, because Randolph's ability to score on PJ Brown and Ben Wallace will be a big factor in deciding the outcome of this game.
Starting lineups introduced...
posted: at 7:05 PM
Luol Deng, PJ Brown, Ben Wallace, Ben Gordon and Kirk Hinrich for the Bulls.
Ben Wallace received a huge introduction from the Portland crowd, who respect the fact that the Forward/Center really came out of nowhere to become a NBA icon. Wallace is a prime example of hard work and dedication paying off big time.
No surprises in the Trail Blazers starting lineup. Randolph, "The Thrilla" Pryzbilla, Ime Udoka, J-Jack, and B-Roy will all get the start for Portland. Rookie point guard Sergio Rodriguez will not play in tonight's contest. Sergio sprained his ankle in Wednesday's game against the Nuggets and is expected to miss about 10 days.
Opening tip to Portland and we are underway in the Rose Garden!
New Rookie Tee-Shirts!
posted: at 6:58 PM
In a slightly unrelated game note, the Portland Trail Blazers introduced a brand new Rookie Super Hero tee-shirt to celebrate the success of their young players.
The tee-shirts feature the comic likeness of Brandon Roy, LaMarcus Aldridge and Sergio Rodriguez and should become a hot selling item, especially as the race for Rookie of the Year draws to a close.
10 minutes to game time...
posted: at 6:50 PM
Zach Randolph should really have his work cut out for him tonight as he'll be matched up with two of the best post defenders in the NBA. Forward/Center Ben Wallace is a consistent candidate for Defensive Player of the Year, leading his team in steals and blocks, but the Bulls also have PJ Brown.
Brown is an under-rated defender, who stays active in the paint.
If Zach Randolph can score, despite the tough defense, it will take a lot of pressure off of the Trail Blazers backcourt, who shouldered most of the offensive burden in their most recent contest against the Nuggets.
Trail Blazers look to make it 5 in a row at home...
posted: at 6:32 PM
The young Trail Blazers are growing up, and they're growing up fast. After tying for the league's worst record at home last year, the Trail Blazers have turned it around this season and become one of the most dangerous teams in the league on their home-court.
Currently, the Trail Blazers are riding the momentum of a 4-game home winning streak and look to extend that here tonight against the Bulls.
The Rose Garden should start to feel even more comfortable now that Trail Blazers owner Paul Allen has agreed to purchase the arena.
To extend their home winning streak, the Trail Blazers need to continue to play the stifling defense that has helped them in their past 4 wins. At home, the Trail Blazers hold opponents to 90.0 points per game, which is 8.0 points better than their season average. Playing solid defense means more than just challenging every shot, they also must keep Big Ben Wallace off the boards. Wallace, who was acquired during the off season, is one of the best rebounders in the NBA and should draw the attention of Zach Randolph, Jamaal Magloire, and Joel Pryzbilla.
Travis Outlaw may return to action tonight after missing some games with a sprained ankle. His presence gives the Trail Blazers another scoring threat and a body to contain the explosive small forward Luol Deng.
Don't forget that the Trail Blazers and the Bulls actually swapped draft picks on draft day. After drafting Tyrus Thomas from LSU, the Trail Blazers traded the pick for the rights to LaMarcus Aldridge. Tonight's contest will give Portland fans a chance to compare both sides of the trade and get an early look at who got the better end of the deal.
Here's to making it 5 in a row at home!
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