Miller, Oden shine in 'Turn Back the Clock' loss

[tlongII]

http://portlandtribune.com/sports/story.php?story_id=125558792402591800

Andre Miller and Greg Oden continued to make a strong push for starting roles Wednesday night, but the Trail Blazers had little success stopping the Phoenix Suns in a 110-104 preseason loss.

It was Turn Back the Clock night as the Blazers began celebration of their 40th anniversary by playing their first game at Memorial Coliseum — home of the franchise for its first 25 seasons — since moving to the Rose Garden in 1995.

A sellout crowd of 11,740 watched the Suns win a fast-paced contest in which Portland at times resembled the original Blazers — who allowed opponents to average 120 points a game en route to a 29-53 record — from a defensive standpoint.

“We never established ourselves on the defensive end of the floor,” Portland coach Nate McMillan said. “We let (the Suns) control the tempo. We scored, but we didn’t play any defense.”

Guards Steve Nash and Leandro Barbosa had everything working, combining for 48 points as they carved up their Blazer counterparts.

Phoenix (2-2) — which averaged an NBA-high 109.4 points during the 2008-09 regular season — shot .500 from the field and .522 (12 of 23) from 3-point territory and ran the pick-and-roll to death in handing Portland its second straight loss after two exhibition wins.

“Nash is so good, and we hadn’t scouted them,” Portland’s Brandon Roy said. “When we helped, he’d kick it to the corner to Barbosa. When we didn’t help, Amare (Stoudemire) was dunking.

“Next time we see them (Oct. 22 at Phoenix in the final preseason game), we’ll have a better idea how to guard that. We used a lot of different lineups tonight, different big men, and our calls were a little different.”

Nash collected 23 points and 15 assists and sank 10 of 16 from the field — including 2 of 2 from 3-point range — in 33 minutes. Barbosa, playing mostly the shooting guard alongside Nash, was 10 for 17, sinking 5 of 7 from beyond the arc, en route to 25 points in only 24 minutes.

Miller had his best game yet in a Portland uniform, putting together a sensational fourth quarter in a futile comeback bid. The veteran point guard — acquired via free agency in the offseason — scored 19 of his 25 points in the final period, making 6 of 8 from the field and 6 of 6 from the line.

“I’ve said all along what ‘Dre can do for us,” said Portland forward LaMarcus Aldridge, who also had a fine offensive performance with 20 points and seven rebounds. “It’ll take some time for us all to figure out how to play together, but every game it’s getting better.”

Oden was unstoppable in the first half as his Blazer teammates went to him often. The second-year center abuseed Stoudemire and Channing Frye inside, hitting 7 of 8 from the field and contributing 14 points and eight boards by the break.

The 7-footer didn’t see the ball in the second half, though, taking only two shots. He wound up with 17 points, 13 boards and three blocked shots in 29 minutes.

“We were a second late in our execution,” McMillan said of the second-half problems finding Oden down low. The Suns “started to front the post-ups. A couple of times we tried to get into a high-low, but we made some mistakes and turned the ball over. When an opponent is taking something away, they’re giving up something else. We didn’t take advantage when we had guys open.”

Still, it was another promising performance by Oden, who leads Portland in scoring (15.5) and rebounding (10.5) in the preseason.

“Greg has played great,” Roy said. “He’s playing with a purpose and staying out of foul trouble. He’s doing the best he can to make his case (to be a starter).”

Portland shot .488 from the field and dominated the boards 49-35, but made only 2 of 12 from 3-point range and 18 of 27 (.667) from the line. The Blazers also had 18 turnovers that resulted in 28 Phoenix points.

“Phoenix’s tempo wore us down,” Roy said. “We played with energy, but we hadn’t been going at that pace in previous games. We have to pick up our intensity. Phoenix played hard and fast. I don’t think we were ready for that tonight.”

“A lot of that is conditioning, being able to get out and play this style of basketball,” McMillan said. “We have to be hungry. We got outscrapped, outworked by guys trying to get playing time or make that team (Phoeinx). Too many missed free throws and turnovers, and we have to commit to (the defensive) end of the floor.”

NOTES: Portland’s Rudy Fernandez went scoreless in nine first-half minutes and then sat out the second half due to back spasms. He will not play Thursday when the Blazers visit Utah for a game against the Jazz. ... Roy scored 11 points on 4-of-13shooting. The two-time All-Star is 12 for 38 (.316) in the preseason. ... The Blazers wore retro-look jerseys with “Rip City” across the front. Long-time radio voice Bill Schonely called the second half with analyst Mike Rice. ... Fans paid a symbolic $19.70 (the first season of the franchise was 1970-71) for a ticket. ... Oden said he had never been in the coliseum before. “Coach (McMillan) told a couple of stories about playing here,” Oden said. “It was good to hear a little bit of the history of the building.” Roy said he had wandered through the coliseum only once but enjoyed playing there. “It was exciting from the moment we ran out there,” Roy said. “It was really intense. The fans were really into it. It was a great experience. I wish we could have given them a win, but it was a good game for us, and we needed it.” ... Frye, who played the previous two seasons with Portland, was 1 for 9 from the field as Phoenix’s starting center. He had three points and four rebounds in 26 minutes.

[tlongIII]

Oden is going to win the MVP this season!

[Culburn369]

Miller still fightin' for that job, eh?

tee, hee.

[djohn2oo8]

LOL @ T-long and his other alter ego

[Mel_13]

http://portlandtribune.com/sports/story.php?story_id=125558792402591800

Andre Miller and Greg Oden continued to make a strong push for starting roles Wednesday night, but the Trail Blazers had little success stopping the Phoenix Suns in a 110-104 preseason loss.

It was Turn Back the Clock night as the Blazers began celebration of their 40th anniversary by playing their first game at Memorial Coliseum — home of the franchise for its first 25 seasons — since moving to the Rose Garden in 1995.

A sellout crowd of 11,740 watched the Suns win a fast-paced contest in which Portland at times resembled the original Blazers — who allowed opponents to average 120 points a game en route to a 29-53 record — from a defensive standpoint.

“We never established ourselves on the defensive end of the floor,” Portland coach Nate McMillan said. “We let (the Suns) control the tempo. We scored, but we didn’t play any defense.”

Guards Steve Nash and Leandro Barbosa had everything working, combining for 48 points as they carved up their Blazer counterparts.

Phoenix (2-2) — which averaged an NBA-high 109.4 points during the 2008-09 regular season — shot .500 from the field and .522 (12 of 23) from 3-point territory and ran the pick-and-roll to death in handing Portland its second straight loss after two exhibition wins.

“Nash is so good, and we hadn’t scouted them,” Portland’s Brandon Roy said. “When we helped, he’d kick it to the corner to Barbosa. When we didn’t help, Amare (Stoudemire) was dunking.

“Next time we see them (Oct. 22 at Phoenix in the final preseason game), we’ll have a better idea how to guard that. We used a lot of different lineups tonight, different big men, and our calls were a little different.”

Nash collected 23 points and 15 assists and sank 10 of 16 from the field — including 2 of 2 from 3-point range — in 33 minutes. Barbosa, playing mostly the shooting guard alongside Nash, was 10 for 17, sinking 5 of 7 from beyond the arc, en route to 25 points in only 24 minutes.

Miller had his best game yet in a Portland uniform, putting together a sensational fourth quarter in a futile comeback bid. The veteran point guard — acquired via free agency in the offseason — scored 19 of his 25 points in the final period, making 6 of 8 from the field and 6 of 6 from the line.

“I’ve said all along what ‘Dre can do for us,” said Portland forward LaMarcus Aldridge, who also had a fine offensive performance with 20 points and seven rebounds. “It’ll take some time for us all to figure out how to play together, but every game it’s getting better.”

Oden was unstoppable in the first half as his Blazer teammates went to him often. The second-year center abuseed Stoudemire and Channing Frye inside, hitting 7 of 8 from the field and contributing 14 points and eight boards by the break.

The 7-footer didn’t see the ball in the second half, though, taking only two shots. He wound up with 17 points, 13 boards and three blocked shots in 29 minutes.

“We were a second late in our execution,” McMillan said of the second-half problems finding Oden down low. The Suns “started to front the post-ups. A couple of times we tried to get into a high-low, but we made some mistakes and turned the ball over. When an opponent is taking something away, they’re giving up something else. We didn’t take advantage when we had guys open.”

Still, it was another promising performance by Oden, who leads Portland in scoring (15.5) and rebounding (10.5) in the preseason.

“Greg has played great,” Roy said. “He’s playing with a purpose and staying out of foul trouble. He’s doing the best he can to make his case (to be a starter).”

Portland shot .488 from the field and dominated the boards 49-35, but made only 2 of 12 from 3-point range and 18 of 27 (.667) from the line. The Blazers also had 18 turnovers that resulted in 28 Phoenix points.

“Phoenix’s tempo wore us down,” Roy said. “We played with energy, but we hadn’t been going at that pace in previous games. We have to pick up our intensity. Phoenix played hard and fast. I don’t think we were ready for that tonight.”

“A lot of that is conditioning, being able to get out and play this style of basketball,” McMillan said. “We have to be hungry. We got outscrapped, outworked by guys trying to get playing time or make that team (Phoeinx). Too many missed free throws and turnovers, and we have to commit to (the defensive) end of the floor.”

NOTES: Portland’s Rudy Fernandez went scoreless in nine first-half minutes and then sat out the second half due to back spasms. He will not play Thursday when the Blazers visit Utah for a game against the Jazz. ... Roy scored 11 points on 4-of-13shooting. The two-time All-Star is 12 for 38 (.316) in the preseason. ... The Blazers wore retro-look jerseys with “Rip City” across the front. Long-time radio voice Bill Schonely called the second half with analyst Mike Rice. ... Fans paid a symbolic $19.70 (the first season of the franchise was 1970-71) for a ticket. ... Oden said he had never been in the coliseum before. “Coach (McMillan) told a couple of stories about playing here,” Oden said. “It was good to hear a little bit of the history of the building.” Roy said he had wandered through the coliseum only once but enjoyed playing there. “It was exciting from the moment we ran out there,” Roy said. “It was really intense. The fans were really into it. It was a great experience. I wish we could have given them a win, but it was a good game for us, and we needed it.” ... Frye, who played the previous two seasons with Portland, was 1 for 9 from the field as Phoenix’s starting center. He had three points and four rebounds in 26 minutes.

non-issues

[lil_penny]

Oden seems to have found his touch now... he's looking like a completely different dude now, hope roy gets back in his groove and all the teams issues and rust gets resolved by the start of the season. And of course everyone gets and stays healthy. Nash and barbosa killed last night.

[WildcardManu]

Oden is going to win the MVP this season!

Wow, complete delusional homerism.

[da_suns_fan]

http://portlandtribune.com/sports/story.php?story_id=125558792402591800


Guards Steve Nash and Leandro Barbosa had everything working, combining for 48 points as they carved up their Blazer counterparts.

“Nash is so good, and we hadn’t scouted them,” Portland’s Brandon Roy said. “When we helped, he’d kick it to the corner to Barbosa. When we didn’t help, Amare (Stoudemire) was dunking.

Nash collected 23 points and 15 assists and sank 10 of 16 from the field — including 2 of 2 from 3-point range — in 33 minutes. Barbosa, playing mostly the shooting guard alongside Nash, was 10 for 17, sinking 5 of 7 from beyond the arc, en route to 25 points in only 24 minutes.

Why did we trade for freaking Jason Richardson!!! :bang

DAMN YOU STEVE KERR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The guy is completely useless when he's not scoring and he's not nearly effective as LB!!! Barbosa needs to be starting.



Oden was unstoppable in the first half as his Blazer teammates went to him often. The second-year center abuseed Stoudemire and Channing Frye inside, hitting 7 of 8 from the field and contributing 14 points and eight boards by the break.

The 7-footer didn’t see the ball in the second half, though, taking only two shots. He wound up with 17 points, 13 boards and three blocked shots in 29 minutes.

Meanwhile, Amare has 2 rebounds in 32 minutes!!! Could have used Diaw's post defense against Portlands bigs. But hey! We got Jason Richardson and his dunk title!! :bang

[Culburn369]

But, didn't they try starting Barbosa and it didn't work out?

[ElNono]

If they shine and lose, I don't want to know what happens when they don't shine...

[tlongII]

Barbosa was on fire last night. I couldn't how hot he and Nash were from 3 when they had been sucking from long-range in their earlier pre-season games. It was still a lot of fun last night though!

[da_suns_fan]

But, didn't they try starting Barbosa and it didn't work out?

Nope. Barbs has only started because of injuries. But his stats as a starter (12 games last season) are fantastic. Im talking 20ppg, 5 assists, 4 rebounds and 2.5 steals on 50% shooting.

[Culburn369]

That would be an awfully short starting backcourt, da.

[2Cleva]

The Blazer Backcourt
by Dave on Oct 15, 2009 1:26 AM PDT in News 59 comments

Whatever happened or didn't happen in last night's pre-season contest against Phoenix a couple of lines from the boxscore are going to cause people to start chattering.

Andre Miller: 9-15 shooting and 25 points
Brandon Roy: 4-13 shooting and 11 points

Both lines continue the general pre-season trend for each player (Miller upwards, Roy in a funk). This is going to bring discussion. Is there something wrong with Roy? Can Roy and Miller co-exist?

I won't believe anything is wrong with Brandon himself until this trend continues deep into the regular season. He's given too much, too often to begin doubting him over a couple exhibition outings. Most likely he's not taking training camp and pre-season as seriously as he used to, which is certainly his right. Perhaps he's not in practice, having taken most of the summer off. I can live with that as long as he's ready in a couple weeks. It's also possible that the Blazers aren't going with their "A" options yet. Six guys on the team took double-digit shot attempts tonight. That means the Blazers are stretching their legs and exploring their possibilities. It's possible in a real game that Brandon's 4-13 performance would have morphed into a 10-20 night via some serious second-half intensity. To the extent that the Blazers continue to feed Oden and get shots for Miller Brandon will have to adjust. He may not be as dominant of a #1 option as he has been in the past. But he'll still be the clear #1 and the team will work that out once the shakedown cruise is over.

The only long-term malaise I have even a ghost of a fear about is the dreaded "Just Signed a Big Contract Dropoff". I don't believe for a second that Brandon would abdicate his responsibility and passion just because he's a rich man now. We're not talking Bonzi Wells here. Money does change things, however, and it's hard to adjust from young and hungry to older and more satisfied while still finding the same intensity. Conscientious players also tend to push a little too hard after signing that first big deal. If Brandon's game waggles a little in the short term we'll just have to live with that. He has enough talent around him to pick up the slack.

The issue of Roy and Miller co-existing is an open one. From the beginning we said that playing with Andre would be a serious change from playing with Blake. Miller handles the ball more. Miller drives more. Miller treads on Brandon's territory more. But Miller is also an experienced point guard. He knows on which side the toast is buttered. Any offensive tension won't last long because one of two things will happen. Either Miller will see his responsibility as keeping all three big dogs on this team happy, which means putting the ball in Brandon's hands plenty, or the team will be forced to phase out Miller to bring Roy's game back to full. There's not another option. There's no way the team sacrifices Brandon for anyone. They go nowhere serious without him.

The issue I'm more worried about is defense. Brandon likes to conserve energy for offense. Miller is a better offensive than defensive player. I don't know if you caught it, but Ben had an amazing get from Nate McMillan on pick and roll defense in particular in his Monday Practice Report. The Blazers are adjusting their coverage to keep the centers more grounded and in less foul trouble. This puts some pressure on forwards but the primary responsibility lies on the guards. They have to stay in front of their men on the drive and stay with them off of screens. If they can't handle it the defense falls apart before it starts. I know it's pre-season but I'm looking at Steve Nash with 23 points and 15 assists in last night's game and Leandro Barbosa with 25. Those are "Eeeek!"-inducing numbers not just for Roy and Miller but the entire defense. And this comes in a pre-season where the primary emphasis is supposedly on defending.

While the offensive adjustments for Roy and Miller individually and collectively will probably happen quickly, if not entirely smoothly, the defensive implications of the pairing (and maybe any Blazer pairing in the backcourt) trouble me. I'm not sure lapses there are going to melt away so surely. And if they don't the Blazers will have a stronger current to swim against each game which is not conducive to compiling the astonishing win totals many are hoping for.

http://www.blazersedge.com/2009/10/15/1085976/the-blazer-backcourt

[tlongII]

Non-issue

[tlongIII]

The game was awesome. My dad and I did our usual. We went to the dollar store and picked up a case of Shasta and red vines and parked across the street from the arena and listened to the game on the radio. I think we even saw one of the players... it might have been a crackhead... it was probably a crackhead... it was a crackhead.

[DPG21920]

Barbosa was on fire last night. I couldn't how hot he and Nash were from 3 when they had been sucking from long-range in their earlier pre-season games. It was still a lot of fun last night though!



The issue I'm more worried about is defense. Brandon likes to conserve energy for offense. Miller is a better offensive than defensive player. I don't know if you caught it, but Ben had an amazing get from Nate McMillan on pick and roll defense in particular in his Monday Practice Report. The Blazers are adjusting their coverage to keep the centers more grounded and in less foul trouble. This puts some pressure on forwards but the primary responsibility lies on the guards. They have to stay in front of their men on the drive and stay with them off of screens. If they can't handle it the defense falls apart before it starts. I know it's pre-season but I'm looking at Steve Nash with 23 points and 15 assists in last night's game and Leandro Barbosa with 25. Those are "Eeeek!"-inducing numbers not just for Roy and Miller but the entire defense. And this comes in a pre-season where the primary emphasis is supposedly on defending.

Not a coincidence. When your team sucks at defense, sucky teams light you up.

[ambchang]

Why did Nash play 33 minutes in a pre-season game?

Why is it that whoever Nash guards can score at will?

[Culburn369]

The game was awesome. My dad and I did our usual. We went to the dollar store and picked up a case of Shasta and red vines and parked across the street from the arena and listened to the game on the radio. I think we even saw one of the players... it might have been a crackhead... it was probably a crackhead... it was a crackhead.

:rollin

[da_suns_fan]

That would be an awfully short starting backcourt, da.

True, but a fast one as well. There arent THAT many big 2s that you have to worry about. And when the Suns DO see the Kobe's of the league, just put Hill on them (which they do ANYWAY since Richardson sucks at defense).

The Suns dont deserve Grant Hill. What a stud.

[da_suns_fan]

Why did Nash play 33 minutes in a pre-season game?

Why is it that whoever Nash guards can score at will?

Not sure but Portland played almost all of their starters 30+ minutes. Maybe both teams wanted to win this game.

Any player Nash guards can score at will? Its amazing no one has broken Wilt's record!

[tlongII]

Not sure but Portland played almost all of their starters 30+ minutes. Maybe both teams wanted to win this game.

Any player Nash guards can score at will? Its amazing no one has broken Wilt's record!

I think both teams wanted to win it last night. The crowd was amped due to the game being played at the Memorial Coliseum and I'm sure that influenced the coaches.

[DPG21920]

Wait, so Portland wanted to beat the Suns and could not? lololololol

[#2!]

The blazers didn't expect the suns to run an uptempo offense? What a bullshit excuse.

On Oden, it would be cool if he had a breakout year. It sucks though that the defensive responsibilities are being put on the guards when they have such a good defensive big man in Oden. It'll just take him time to figure out how to play d w/out fouling.