tlongII
01-05-2013, 11:42 AM
http://www.oregonlive.com/blazers/index.ssf/2013/01/young_blazers_win_another_close_game_86-84_over_me.html
The Trail Blazers improved to 2-1 on their four-game trip and moved to 17-15 on the season with a victory over the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum.
Clutch when it counts: Despite their relative youth and inexperience, the Blazers have been surprisingly clutch. Friday’s win over the Grizzlies moved them to 8-2 in games decided by six or fewer points this season. They also are undefeated (4-0) in overtime games and 13-1 when leading or tied heading into the fourth quarter.
Matthews gets extended playing time: Starting shooting guard Wesley Matthews played 39 minutes against the Grizzlies — the most he’s played since returning New Year’s Day from a left hip flexor strain. Matthews had played 24 and 25 minutes, respectively, against the New York Knicks and Toronto Raptors before Friday night. With the extended run, Matthews also had his best performance since his return, finishing with 21 points on 8 of 14 shooting.
Z. Bo sits: Zach Randolph, the one-time Blazers power forward, was a late scratch Friday night because of flu-like symptoms. For Randolph, who is averaging 16.7 points and 12.3 rebounds, it was the first game he’s missed this season. Marreese Speights started in Randolph’s absence and was impressive, recording 22 points and 13 rebounds.
A return to Memphis: Rookie guard Will Barton, who attended the University of Memphis for two seasons before the Blazers drafted him last June, made his first visit here as a professional. Barton, who had a large contingent of friends and fans in the stands, entered with 4:01 left in the first quarter to a nice ovation. He went on to play 10 minutes and score four points, making 2 of 3 shots.
Starting power: As his been the case most of the season, the Blazers starters did most of the scoring Friday night, accounting for all but nine of the team’s points. All five starters reached double figures in scoring and JJ Hickson (19 points, 11 rebounds) and LaMarcus Aldridge (15 points, 12 rebounds) logged double-doubles.
The Trail Blazers improved to 2-1 on their four-game trip and moved to 17-15 on the season with a victory over the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum.
Clutch when it counts: Despite their relative youth and inexperience, the Blazers have been surprisingly clutch. Friday’s win over the Grizzlies moved them to 8-2 in games decided by six or fewer points this season. They also are undefeated (4-0) in overtime games and 13-1 when leading or tied heading into the fourth quarter.
Matthews gets extended playing time: Starting shooting guard Wesley Matthews played 39 minutes against the Grizzlies — the most he’s played since returning New Year’s Day from a left hip flexor strain. Matthews had played 24 and 25 minutes, respectively, against the New York Knicks and Toronto Raptors before Friday night. With the extended run, Matthews also had his best performance since his return, finishing with 21 points on 8 of 14 shooting.
Z. Bo sits: Zach Randolph, the one-time Blazers power forward, was a late scratch Friday night because of flu-like symptoms. For Randolph, who is averaging 16.7 points and 12.3 rebounds, it was the first game he’s missed this season. Marreese Speights started in Randolph’s absence and was impressive, recording 22 points and 13 rebounds.
A return to Memphis: Rookie guard Will Barton, who attended the University of Memphis for two seasons before the Blazers drafted him last June, made his first visit here as a professional. Barton, who had a large contingent of friends and fans in the stands, entered with 4:01 left in the first quarter to a nice ovation. He went on to play 10 minutes and score four points, making 2 of 3 shots.
Starting power: As his been the case most of the season, the Blazers starters did most of the scoring Friday night, accounting for all but nine of the team’s points. All five starters reached double figures in scoring and JJ Hickson (19 points, 11 rebounds) and LaMarcus Aldridge (15 points, 12 rebounds) logged double-doubles.