Trail Blazers vs Rockets Saturday, 10/31/09 AT 05:30PM

Trail Blazers Start Season 1-2 With Loss To Rockets

11/01/09

Written by: caseyholdahl



Inconsistency on the defensive end was something that plagued the Portland Trail Blazers throughout the preseason. After opening the regular season with two strong defensive performances, the Trail Blazers (1-2) could do nothing to slow down the Houston Rockets (2-1) in the 111-107 loss. What makes this defensive effort even more surprising is the fact that Portland limited the Rockets to 87 points in the regular season opener earlier this week.

“We have to play with more of a sense of urgency," said head coach Nate McMillan. "As a unit we have to be better on the defensive end and to take pride in our defense and make stops."

Much like they struggled with Carmelo Anthony on Thursday, the Trail Blazers could find no way to slow down Trevor Ariza. In a tremendously efficient offensive performance, Ariza scored a team-high 33 points, including five shots from beyond the arc. In a performance eerily similar to his breakout play in the 2008-2009 playoffs, Aaron Brooks came out on fire, and ended the night with 28 points and eight assists.

While it’s far too early in the season to panic, this is the second straight game that the opposing back court has been dominant. In the 97-94 loss to Denver, Anthony and Chauncey Billups combined for 63 points, while in tonight’s game, Ariza and Brook combined for 61.

For the game, Portland shot 51.4% from the field, and was able to get to the line 31 times. However, after limiting Houston to 37% shooting in the opener, the Rockets hit 12-24 three pointers, and shot 50.6% from the field for the game.

"Our defense was not very good, right now we're not giving much effort on the defensive end and that's where it starts," said Brandon Roy. "It doesn't seem like our effort is there. I see a team that's thinking to much right now.”

After struggling with his shot in the season opener, Roy put together his second straight terrific performance.  The Rockets had no answer for Roy and his versatility on the offensive end. Roy matched a career high with five three pointers, and aggressively attacked the basket, while on his way to a game-high 42 points. LaMarcus Aldridge displayed the great scoring touch that he is known for, as he scored 27 points on 13-16 shooting from the field.

Andre Miller came off the bench and continued to provide this team with valuable contributions. Miller scored a season-high 15 points and chipped in five rebounds and two assists. Unfortunately, Steve Blake has yet to find his usually steady shooting touch. Blake shot 1-4 from the field, and only scored two points in 25 minutes. Blake did pick up a small knock when he banged legs with a Rockets player trying to fight through a screen. However, Blake came back in the second half, and did a solid job of finding his teammates by leading the team with six assists.

The Trail Blazers will have no time to dwell on this tough loss. The team returns to action tomorrow night, when they visit the Oklahoma City Thunder. Oklahoma City is off to a 2-0 start, which includes a very impressive victory in Detroit. Although it’s only the fourth game of the season, this will be an important game against a tough and much improved Northwest Division opponent. Opening tip for the game tomorrow night is scheduled for 4:00 PST.
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This photo: Rudy Layup Vs. Houston / put this photo on your page

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