With two games against playoff competition remaining before the All-Star break, the Portland Trail Blazers (30-23) know they have an excellent opportunity to build momentum heading into the second half of the season. In their final game in front of the home fans before the break, the Trail Blazers will host the rapidly emerging Oklahoma City Thunder (29-21) on Tuesday night at the Rose Garden. Opening tip is scheduled for 7:00 PST.
The Trail Blazers have had great success recently against the Thunder, winning four straight games in the series. In their first meeting this season, the Trail Blazers allowed a franchise opponent-low six assists in the convincing 83-74 victory at the Ford Center. Portland has dominated the Thunder at the Rose Garden, winning five straight home games in this series by an average of 12.8 points per game.
After winning nine consecutive match ups against the Los Angeles Lakers at the Rose Garden, the Trail Blazers were unable to overcome the length and athleticism of the Lakers front court in the 99-82 loss. With the Lakers holding the 47-30 rebound advantage, including limiting the Trail Blazers to a franchise-low four offensive rebounds, Trail Blazers head coach Nate McMillan emphasized the inability to match up with the size of the Lakers.
“I thought they just had match ups and they came in with a plan to slow this tempo and pound the ball inside,” McMillan explained after the game. “With Odom and Gasol and Artest, they did that, just pounded it inside and forced us to double team. If we didn’t do that, they were able to score.”
With the size of the Lakers forcing difficult shots in the paint, Andre Miller and Jerryd Bayless had some nice success on the perimeter. Miller did an excellent job playing within the flow and tempo of the game, scoring 14 points on 5-8 shooting and dishing out a team-high six assists. While he clearly was still bothered by an injury to his left quadriceps, Bayless played aggressive and did a nice job of attacking the rim. In only 21 minute of action, Bayless scored 13 points and grabbed two boards.
Despite having to go up against the front court of Odom, Gasol, and Artest, both LaMarcus Aldridge and Juwan Howard were able to make excellent contributions. Aldridge has been tremendous with Brandon Roy on the sidelines and he continued his great run of play against the Lakers, scoring 16 points and grabbing five boards. Howard, who has been remarkably efficient on the offensive end this entire season, chipped in 10 points on 5-7 shooting and pulled down seven boards.
Oklahoma City enters this game playing some of the best basketball in the NBA, having won five straight games. The Thunder are led by the tremendous Kevin Durant. Durant, who is averaging 29.7 points per game, has scored 25 or more points in 24 consecutive games. This is the longest stretch of scoring 25 or more points since Allen Iverson did so in 27 straight games during the 2000-2001 season. Durant is complimented by the vastly improved Russell Westbrook. Westbrook is averaging 16.2 points, 7.5 assists, and 5.0 boards this season.
Greg Oden, Joel Przybilla, Travis Outlaw, and Brandon Roy remain sidelined. This game can be seen on Comcast SportsNet, with Mike Rice and Mike Barrett on the call. 95.5 FM The Game will have the radio broadcast. Antonio Harvey and Brian Wheeler will provide the commentary for the radio audience.