tlongII
10-09-2009, 01:44 PM
http://www.nba.com/blazers/news/trail_blazers_get_first_look_a_2009_10_08.html
After opening the preseason with back-to-back victories against the Sacramento Kings, the Trail Blazers travel to Los Angeles to face a Clippers team that has high expectations after a disappointing 2008-2009 campaign. The Clippers opened the preseason with a 108-101 loss at Golden State, but all eyes will be on Staples Center this Friday, with Blake Griffin expected to make his Clippers debut after missing the opener with a knee injury. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 pm
In the pair of games against Sacramento, the Trail Blazers displayed tremendous depth and versatility in the frontcourt. In the opener, LaMarcus Aldridge was his typically efficient self in the preseason opener, as he scored 20 points on 8-11 shooting from the field. With Aldridge getting a bit of a rest in the second of the back-to-back games, Juwan Howard showed some of the veteran savvy that is expected from him, with a solid 14 points and four rebounds in the victory.
Without a doubt, the most encouraging and exciting factor of the first two games has been the production of Greg Oden. After battling inconsistency throughout his rookie season, Oden has been relentless and dominant in the post, averaging 19 points and 10.5 rebounds in the two contests, and playing with the confidence that seemed to lack at times last season. With Oden playing at this high level, the Trail Blazers have numerous options and looks that they can present in the frontcourt.
Against the Clippers, Oden will face one of the better front lines in the NBA, with Chris Kaman, Marcus Camby, Craig Smith, and Blake Griffin available for Mike Dunleavy. When healthy, both Kaman and Camby are elite defenders around the rim. Smith, who came over in a trade from Minnesota, is an undersized PF, but the Boston College product has been a consistent scorer since entering the league. Griffin, who was the #1 pick in the NBA Draft, has a rare combination of size, skill, and athleticism. While he must continue to refine his game around the basket, Griffin will be able to contribute immediately because of his ability to rebound and play above the rim.
One of the most intriguing individual match ups will see two of the brightest young guards go head-to-head, when Brandon Roy and Eric Gordon are on the court. With his ability to score and distribute the ball from the wing, Roy is widely considered one of the elite young guards in the league, and is coming off consecutive All-Star game appearances. Gordon displayed his natural scoring instincts during his rookie season, as he averaged 16.1 points as both a starter and a sixth man for the Clippers. It should be fun to watch these two highly skilled guards face off on both ends of the court.
Last season saw the Trail Blazers win three of the four games in the series, including the final three after losing the opening matchup at home in overtime. Steve Blake turned in a truly historical performance during the February 22nd tilt at the Rose Garde, as Blake tied the NBA record for most assists in a quarter (14) in the 116-87 Portland win. This game will also mark a little bit of a homecoming for Blazers guard Andre Miller. Miller played the 2002-2003 season with the Clippers.
After opening the preseason with back-to-back victories against the Sacramento Kings, the Trail Blazers travel to Los Angeles to face a Clippers team that has high expectations after a disappointing 2008-2009 campaign. The Clippers opened the preseason with a 108-101 loss at Golden State, but all eyes will be on Staples Center this Friday, with Blake Griffin expected to make his Clippers debut after missing the opener with a knee injury. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 pm
In the pair of games against Sacramento, the Trail Blazers displayed tremendous depth and versatility in the frontcourt. In the opener, LaMarcus Aldridge was his typically efficient self in the preseason opener, as he scored 20 points on 8-11 shooting from the field. With Aldridge getting a bit of a rest in the second of the back-to-back games, Juwan Howard showed some of the veteran savvy that is expected from him, with a solid 14 points and four rebounds in the victory.
Without a doubt, the most encouraging and exciting factor of the first two games has been the production of Greg Oden. After battling inconsistency throughout his rookie season, Oden has been relentless and dominant in the post, averaging 19 points and 10.5 rebounds in the two contests, and playing with the confidence that seemed to lack at times last season. With Oden playing at this high level, the Trail Blazers have numerous options and looks that they can present in the frontcourt.
Against the Clippers, Oden will face one of the better front lines in the NBA, with Chris Kaman, Marcus Camby, Craig Smith, and Blake Griffin available for Mike Dunleavy. When healthy, both Kaman and Camby are elite defenders around the rim. Smith, who came over in a trade from Minnesota, is an undersized PF, but the Boston College product has been a consistent scorer since entering the league. Griffin, who was the #1 pick in the NBA Draft, has a rare combination of size, skill, and athleticism. While he must continue to refine his game around the basket, Griffin will be able to contribute immediately because of his ability to rebound and play above the rim.
One of the most intriguing individual match ups will see two of the brightest young guards go head-to-head, when Brandon Roy and Eric Gordon are on the court. With his ability to score and distribute the ball from the wing, Roy is widely considered one of the elite young guards in the league, and is coming off consecutive All-Star game appearances. Gordon displayed his natural scoring instincts during his rookie season, as he averaged 16.1 points as both a starter and a sixth man for the Clippers. It should be fun to watch these two highly skilled guards face off on both ends of the court.
Last season saw the Trail Blazers win three of the four games in the series, including the final three after losing the opening matchup at home in overtime. Steve Blake turned in a truly historical performance during the February 22nd tilt at the Rose Garde, as Blake tied the NBA record for most assists in a quarter (14) in the 116-87 Portland win. This game will also mark a little bit of a homecoming for Blazers guard Andre Miller. Miller played the 2002-2003 season with the Clippers.