Funny thing is, us Blazer fans have seen it happen to two players in the last three years. I just hope this time around doesn't end up the same as the first time around.
Well, the team was "better" with Roy still being the lead when healthy, at least in terms of record. Plus, Roy has missed enough games the past few years for LMA to shine. I think we're seeing the end result of LMA's work in the summer. It kills me that we'll never get to see this LMA with a healthy Roy, or possibly even a healthy Oden. That was the future Big Three. Roy and LMA may have been enough for a title contender. Imagine Oden along with them. Gah.
That LA dunk to start the fourth quarter pretty much set the tone for the finish. Got the crown re-energized that made the guys play harder on D.
Also, LaMarcus hit the and-one to finally put the Blazers over the top and for good. He was one of the biggest reasons why we won tonight.
He was 13-18 from the field and 8-9 from the line for 34 points. Ya think he's a big reason the Blazers won?
LaMarcus is exhausted, actually paced himself in the 3rd (listening to his interview now); I cannot wait to see him after a week's rest!
Hahaha. LaMarcus was absolutely astonishing tonight, everone knows. But some other Blazers helped. Wes played great, shot it well and hit some timely buckets, not to mention his team-high 8 rebounds. Miller outplayed his PG counterpart, CP3 the All-Star. Rudy brought great hustle and energy off the bench. And Nate outcoached his protege down the stretch. This win was a team effort.
yeah, but part of that was our overall depth and the fact that we didn't have many injury problems until last season.
Some have believed all along he was a square peg in a round hole on this team, which has seemed to want to run for years now. I expect to score less if we go back to a Roy-centered offense, and there is a definite dropoff on defense.
I just can't take anything that you post in a serious manner anymore. This is a red herring built upon a strawman, at least in terms of what both Roy and Nate have said in public. A Matthews-centric offense would also be a bad thing, yet nobody is talking about it.
My hat is off to Monty. He has that team playing hard and physical. I get why the Hornets are so streaky, they really can't win consistently on talent alone. But I can see why they can win 10 in a row (with Oakafor), that team plays hard. My heart is out to Joel. He can't find playing time in this game. With Camby coming back and small ball being effective (and Roy coming back), when the hell is Joel going to find playing time. Man I miss his game. What a great way to go into the all star break. I can take a deep long breath, be on a little Blazer high for the next several days, and then the playoff run.
And I know you all want to dog on Nic, but the guy is asked to play PF . . . he deserves some time to learn and be effective at that position. I say lose the Prince image and bulk up, LA style.
I see the same player, but now he's been given a different role, with new instructions on how to play. Until now, every single player has been required to play with their assigned goal being to support Roy's game. He is the hub and they are the spokes. He has the ball unless he gives it up. He picks his spots and they must space around him, pick for him and stay out of his way. He sets the pace and they must adjust to fit it. Now it's LaMarcus who is given the ball and told to do as he pleases with it. I think he's done a marvelous job in both roles, and said 2 years ago he was the guy we should be building around. He reminds me of Luke.
