Trail Blazers vs Timberwolves Saturday, 11/21/09 AT 07:00PM

Efficient offensive performance leads to Trail Blazers victory

11/21/09

Written by: Max Mandel

The mark of a great team is how it bounces back from its lowest moments. After a disheartening performance in the Bay Area on Friday night, the Portland Trail Blazers (10-5) returned to the Rose Garden and took out their frustration on the reeling Minnesota Timberwolves (1-12). With Trail Blazers head coach Nate McMillan returning to the starting lineup that he began the season with, the Trail Blazers put together an impressive offensive display in their 106-78 victory. Portland matched a season-high with 10 three pointers made, and they now have won their last 11 games against the Timberwolves.

Martell Webster marked his return to the starting lineup with easily his best performance of the season. Webster scored a season-high 21 points on 7-13 shooting, while also grabbing a career-high 13 rebounds. This marks the first time in his career that Webster has recorded a double-double. Part of the reason that McMillan elected to move Webster into the starting lineup was to make sure that he got more easy looks on the offensive end. Although it was only one game, it appears that the strategy worked quite well.

"Well, certainly with that first group, a spreader," McMillan said of the role that Webster plays. "Brandon, LaMarcus, and Greg are seeing double teams when they play, and you need a guy who can keep that defense honest, and if they don't,  he (Martell) has the ability to hurt them with the three point ball."

With LaMarcus Aldridge battling foul trouble throughout the night, the combination of Greg Oden and Joel Przybilla completely dominated the Timberwolves front court. Oden repeatedly received great service from his teammates who were attacking the paint, and he made sure that he finished emphatically at the rim. Oden scored 16 points on 7-9 shooting, and also blocked a game-high three shots on the defensive end. Przybilla came off the bench and provided the energy and physicality that he is known for. In only 20 minutes of action, Przybilla recorded a double-double, with 14 points and 11 boards.

It's no surprise that in scoring 106 points, the Trail Blazers shot the ball much better from the field. As a team, Portland shot 50% from the field, and hit ten shots from behind the arc. With guys knocking down open looks, the Trail  Blazers recorded 28 assists, while only turning the ball over nine times. After the game, McMillan explained that the success was just a matter of guys hitting open shots.

"It's been awhile since we've seen guys make shots. Tonight we were knocking down our shots, open looks, shots we've had in other games. We're very capable of knocking those shots down and we just have to keep taking them."

The Timberwolves will be very glad that they don't see this Trail Blazers team again until February. In each of the three meeting this season, the Trail Blazers have won by over 20 points, with the 28 points tonight being the largest victory. Minnesota received a nice performance from Al Jefferson, who seems to be rounding into shape. Jefferson scored a team-high 20 points and grabbed 10 boards, and is looking more like the consistent double-double threat that people are accustomed to seeing.

Portland will continue this home stand on Monday night when the Chicago Bulls pay a visit to the Rose Garden. Opening tip is scheduled for 7:00 PST at the Rose Garden.
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