Mike Barrett's Blog - Portland Trail Blazers Official Blog

Moving Right Along...

Tue, 01 May 2012 22:36:00 -0700

The Trail Blazers turn the page and get set for a summer of opportunity.

Hickson Impressive in Memphis

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 05:28:00 -0700

J.J. Hickson continues to impact his future despite another loss

Lessons in Phoenix, Four to Go

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 11:05:00 -0700

The Trail Blazers are right in the middle of this Western Conference playoff race, but not in the way they had hoped. They've now got four games left this season, and all will be against team's battling to get into the postseason, or fighting for playoff positioning. In some ways it's lousy timing, given the Trail Blazers are using these final games to discover what they have, and what they want going into the future.

Mavs Survive Blazer Comeback

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 23:37:00 -0700

Portland's furious rally comes up short in final minutes

Rockets Put Away Blazers

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 23:06:00 -0700

Goran Dragic does it again as Houston finishes 4-0 trip

L.A. and Ray Save the Day

Fri, 06 Apr 2012 22:14:00 -0700

Felton goes for 30, and Aldridge hits the game winner in Dallas

Blazer Run Sinks Nets

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 23:43:00 -0700

A 16-1 fourth-quarter run pulls the Blazers out of trouble against shorthanded New Jersey

Jazz Deal Blazers Crippling Blow

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 09:20:00 -0700

Utah rallies in final two minutes and drops the Blazers in Portland

Blazers Close Out Minnesota

Sun, 01 Apr 2012 23:24:00 -0700

Aldridge gets the better of Love in round three.

The Return of Snapper

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 11:35:00 -0700

The Blazers will honor Steve Jones on Sunday night when the team hosts Minnesota at the Rose Garden.

Blazers Finish Sweep of Hornets

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 22:43:00 -0700

LaMarcus Aldridge leads the way as the Blazers put down the Hornets at the Rose Garden.

Thunderstorm at the RG

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 23:38:00 -0700

OKC's big three methodically grind down the Trail Blazers at the Rose Garden.

Felton Keys Victory over Warriors

Sun, 25 Mar 2012 22:49:00 -0700

The Blazers survive 37-percent shooting, and drop Golden State in the final minute.

Lakers Outlast Pesky Blazers

Sat, 24 Mar 2012 00:01:00 -0700

Battling heavy legs, the Blazers show scrap and resolve before falling late in L.A.

Batum Lifts Blazers over Memphis

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 10:44:00 -0700

The Blazers drop the Grizzlies, thanks to some clutch fourth-quarter play.

Bucks Roll Through Portland

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 23:23:00 -0700

Milwaukee spreads Portland out and dominates, getting it's first win at the RG in six years.

The New Era Starts with a Bang

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 22:46:00 -0700

The Trail Blazers, led by Kaleb Canales, pull the upset over the powerful Bulls in Chicago.

A Day of Drastic Change

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 21:32:00 -0700

The Trail Blazers turn the page and set a new course.

Run Down in Indy

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 23:27:00 -0700

The Blazers shoot just 31 percent and are blown out by the Pacers.

A Step in the Right Direction in D.C.

Sat, 10 Mar 2012 21:37:00 -0800

LaMarcus Aldridge scores 30, and the Trail Blazers pick up their first win on this monster trip.

Fork in the Road

Sat, 10 Mar 2012 09:47:00 -0800

After being blasted in Boston, the Trail Blazers try and pick up the pieces in D.C.

The "Opportunity" Road Trip

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 22:35:00 -0800

The Trail Blazers open their longest road trip of the season Wednesday in Minneapolis.

Another Rough NIght At RG

Sun, 04 Mar 2012 09:44:00 -0800

It was a familiar scene, with familiar frustrations, that ended with an all-to-common result- a loss. Afterward, the post-game comments were the same as they've been following the tough defeats during this stretch. It was all about getting off to a slow start, coming out flat, falling behind by double figures, and how things have to turn around quickly if this team wants to salvage the season.

'Big Two' Blow Through Rose Garden

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 23:17:00 -0800

Miami gets a combined 71 points from its two workhorses and rolls in Portland.

Slow Start Dooms Portland

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 08:53:00 -0800

The Trail Blazers deal with familiar issues in Denver, and fall to the Nuggets.

Blazers Drop Spurs by 40

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 23:32:00 -0800

While the Spurs rested key players, the Trail Blazers ran wild in a 137-97 victory.

Early Hole Too Deep for Blazers

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 23:20:00 -0800

Portland's second half rally falls short after falling behind by 30 early in the game.

A Complete Win at the Rose Garden

Sat, 18 Feb 2012 23:10:00 -0800

The Trail Blazers put Thursday's narrow loss behind them and dismantle Atlanta.

Blazers Breakthrough by the Bay

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 23:31:00 -0800

Without LaMarcus Aldridge, the Trail Blazers bounce back and drop the Warriors.

Wizards Blow Past Aldridge-less Blazers

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 22:45:00 -0800

The Blazers lose LaMarcus Aldridge early, and then sit back and watch the Wizards go nuts.

Another Missed Opportunity

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 13:21:00 -0800

The Blazers had their chances in Dallas, but fall in two overtimes.

Crawford Gets Offensive

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 23:38:00 -0800

The Trail Blazers lean on Jamal Crawford's offense, and win in New Orleans.

OKC Exacts Revenge in Portland

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 23:59:00 -0800

The Trail Blazers lose a six-point lead in the final 2:18 and fall in overtime to the Thunder.

Record-Setting Night for Batum

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 23:14:00 -0800

Nicolas Batum hits nine three-pointers as the Blazers hammer Denver at the Rose Garden.

Blazers Blast Bobcats

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 22:44:00 -0800

Portland hits early and often and takes out it's road frustrations on Charlotte.

Another Near Miss on the Road

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 10:43:00 -0800

The Trail Blazers go cold at the wrong time in Utah, and fall to the Jazz.

Payback Time for Blazers

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 23:08:00 -0800

Portland avenges its most lopsided loss with its most lopsided win.

Camby Helps Shut Down Memphis

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 23:24:00 -0800

The Trail Blazers, behind Marcus Camby's 22 rebounds, snap Memphis' seven-game winning streak.

A Dose of Home Cookin'

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 23:35:00 -0800

The Trail Blazers look shaky at times, but hold off the Sacramento Kings and get a much-needed win.

Blazers Limp Home Following Trip

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 21:12:00 -0800

Detroit caps off a disappointing trip for the Trail Blazers, pulling the upset on Saturday night.

Aldridge Powers Portland

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 09:14:00 -0800

LaMarcus Aldridge carries the Trail Blazers through Canada with 33 points and a career-high 23 rebounds.

Shooting Woes Continue in Atlanta

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 11:25:00 -0800

The Trail Blazers shoot 38 percent in Atlanta and drop their third game on this trip.

Blazers Scratch Out Win in NOLA

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 19:41:00 -0800

The Trail Blazers snap a three-game skid and win for the first time on this six-game road trip.

Missed Opportunity in Houston

Sun, 15 Jan 2012 10:02:00 -0800

The Trail Blazers drop their second game in Texas in as many nights, and now move on to New Orleans.

Fourth Quarter Dooms Blazers

Sat, 14 Jan 2012 09:04:00 -0800

The Blazers can't answer San Antonio's fourth-quarter run, and drop the first game of their trip.

A Magical Night for Orlando

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 22:55:00 -0800

Orlando pours in 16 three-point buckets and then holds off a late Portland rally to win at the Rose Garden.

Balanced Attack Sinks the Clips

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 23:21:00 -0800

The Trail Blazers put all five starters in double figures and stay perfect at home.

Blazers Smother Cleveland

Sun, 08 Jan 2012 22:34:00 -0800

The Trail Blazers bounce back from Friday's loss with a defensive gem against the Cavaliers.

Blazers Too Much for Lakers

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 00:31:00 -0800

Gerald Wallace leads the way, as Portland drops the throttle in the third quarter and beats Kobe and the Lakers.

Blazers Pass Big Test in OKC

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 10:03:00 -0800

Portland rebounds from their first loss of the season and improves to 4-1 with a win over the Thunder in Oklahoma.

Still Looking for Complete Game

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 12:11:00 -0800

The Trail Blazers fall in their first road game, and turnovers are to blame again.

Three Up and Three Down

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 23:39:00 -0800

The Trail Blazers improve to 3-0 with help from some hot shooting, and despite 25 turnovers.

Wallace Leads the Way Again

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 23:10:00 -0800

Gerald Wallace and the Trail Blazers improve to 2-0 after whipping up on the Kings.

One Down, 65 to Go

Mon, 26 Dec 2011 23:31:00 -0800

Gerald Wallace leads by example, as Portland outscraps Philly in the season opener.

L-Train Returns in Exhibition Finale

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 10:22:00 -0800

A rough shooting night dooms Portland in Utah, but positive signs remain heading into opener.

A Solid First Night

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 23:19:00 -0800

The Trail Blazers shoot 56% from the field, and smother the Utah Jazz with an aggressive defense in the first exhibition game.

Crawford Picks Portland

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 16:08:00 -0800

And to think, it was only 20 days ago that we found out there would be a NBA season at all. Seems like forever ago, doesn't it? Especially given what has happened, specifically

The Rock

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 23:52:00 -0800

So, there we were on the first day of training camp. Or, as you've probably heard it nicknamed by now, Black Friday.

The Trail Blazers had just gotten the word that LaMarcus Aldridge

Day One for the Books (Updated)

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 23:11:00 -0800

Well, that's not exactly what we had planned for the opening day of training camp.

I almost didn't sit down to write tonight following Day 1, because I'm still trying to process what has just

Around the League in 123 Days

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 16:24:00 -0800

You’ve been to the mall in December. That was me today. It was packed. Everyone was in a hurry. They were racing all

An Early Present

Sat, 03 Dec 2011 15:33:00 -0800

How strange this has all been.

I know you've probably got your own adjectives, and most of them probably wouldn't be appropriate on this family-friendly site.

Worldwide Clyde

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 10:36:00 -0700

During an offseason where we’ve had so much time to reflect on the past, honor NBA legends, attend special causes, and search for ways to continue to spread the game to the world, one thing is as clear as ever- once a Blazer, always a Blazer. From attending charity golf tournaments with Terry Porter and Jerome Kersey, to watching Brian Grant go above and beyond to raise awareness (and money) for Parkinson’s, to participating in honoring Arvydas Sabonis, alongside Jim Paxson, Grant, Chris Dudley, and so many other players from our past, it was a special summer.

Before The Build

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 16:16:00 -0700

One of the many great things about this job is getting the opportunity to brighten someone's day. Working for the Trail Blazers, and getting the chance to share special moments with fans and would-be fans, is probably the most rewarding part of being in this profession. During the season, and probably more often during the offseason, we get these special chances to step out of our normal roles and do something much more meaningful. Once in a while I take a quick moment to share these experiences with you.

Dishing Out a Huge Assist

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 23:14:00 -0700

The Sabas Reunion Tour

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 10:44:00 -0700

Bring up the name Arvydas Sabonis to long-time Trail Blazer fans and the reaction is fairly predictable.

Breaking Down the New Schedule

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 11:14:00 -0700

This is always one of those days during the summer that quenches a bit of the thirst for NBA news, and gets you thinking about the season. The season always feels closer, regardless of the situation,

Breaking Down the Schedule

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 09:55:00 -0700

The release of the NBA schedule is always kind of a mid-summer treat for those starved for news. It gets you thinking about matchups, road trips, tough months, and favorable stretches. And, for those of us who do the travelling, it's a chance to start going over the schedule to check for games on and around holidays, birthdays, ect.

The

Ball in Oden's Court Now

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 16:32:00 -0700

On Wednesday afternoon the Trail Blazers tendered Greg Oden a qualifying offer which will make him a restricted free agent. The team had until Thursday night at midnight Eastern Time to extend the offer.

Oden, who has been working out in Los Angeles, was in Colorado Wednesday for a regular appointment with his knee specialist.

A New Point

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 22:58:00 -0700

We all knew that addressing the point-guard position was one of the primary goals the Trail Blazers had heading into the NBA Draft on Thursday night. After all was said and done Portland added two horses to the backcourt, and also said goodbye to a couple of fan favorites.

Andre Miller has been huge for the Blazers the last two years and it's not easy

Eventful Summer Kicks Off

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 23:10:00 -0700

It's not really a bold prediction to say that it's going to be an eventful summer for the Portland Trail Blazers. Draft time usually is, as you know, and there are so many other things to keep our eyes on.

There's the big, big stuff, as in the labor situation, but I'm not going near that one. Not that I could offer a decent prediction, even if

Now What?

Tue, 17 May 2011 21:34:00 -0700

Every year it amazes me. How quickly everything you're so locked into can come to a close in the blink of an eye.

I heard another NBA coach this off-season simply say "you wake up, and it's over." That's simply put, but is pretty darn accurate. I know that as fans you go through the same stuff. When you live and breathe something,

Mavs Slam the Door in 6

Fri, 29 Apr 2011 00:23:00 -0700

They say a playoff series doesn't really start until a team wins on another's home floor. Well, the first time that happened in this series actually ended the series, as the Dallas Mavericks, the third seed in the west, took out the Trail Blazers in game 6, 103-96.

For Portland, the season is over. For Dallas, it's on to play the L.A. Lakers

Mavs Recover in Game 5

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 10:17:00 -0700

There was so much talk, and so many questions and concern about how the Dallas Mavericks would rebound from their heartbreaking loss in Game 4 in Portland on Saturday. The team was beaten to a pulp by the Dallas media, and you could tell early in the game that the fans definitely had a wait-and-see attitude, as far as how involved they would get early in Game 5.

Roy Makes History in Game 4

Sat, 23 Apr 2011 19:38:00 -0700

There were 20,357 in attendance at the Rose Garden on Saturday. Ten years from now, there will be 50,000 saying they were there. That's how big this was. It was crazy. I'd say it was unbelievable, but that doesn't do it justice. I called the game on TV, and can't wait to go back and watch it just to see what the heck

Rip City Revival in Game 3

Fri, 22 Apr 2011 00:08:00 -0700

Oh, the twists and turns in a seven game series. It's a beautiful thing. The story lines, the momentum shifts, the individual performances- this is what is so great about the postseason.

On Thursday night at the Rose Garden we saw a red-hot start by an undrafted second-year player, a return to glory for Portland's all-star, some clutch free-throw

Portland's Turn to Hold Serve

Wed, 20 Apr 2011 11:16:00 -0700

Going into a playoff series you tell yourself that you've got this to fall back on- two home games, just like your opponent had. It's kind of a worst-case-scenario thing going into the first two games of a series. It's more of a "let's steal game one," to a "let's earn a split on the road," to a "okay, all they've done is hold serve."

Technically,

Dallas Survives Game One

Sat, 16 Apr 2011 23:27:00 -0700

You have to continue to remind yourself that we're talking about a seven-game series here.

Keep in mind, I'm saying that as much to myself as I am to you. This is why the playoffs are so different from the regular season, and why in this particular instance, it's easy to just wallow in the coulda and shouldas.

Despite not

It's Dallas in Round One

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 10:29:00 -0700

It's the matchup just about Blazer fan was asking for, and now they've got it. To be honest, it was the matchup every team in the bottom half of the Western Conference playoff race wanted. Don't think Dallas hasn't been hearing every bit of that. We had to wait a while on Wednesday night, and in fact were already off the air by

Regular Season Ends in East Bay

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 12:31:00 -0700

We expected a game with playoff-type intensity. Instead, Memphis decided to roll the dice in an attempt to avoid the L.A. Lakers in the first round of the playoffs. It left the Trail Blazers a bit surprised, a bit out of sync, but with plenty of energy to pick up win number 48 of the season.

With the win, the Trail Blazers locked up

A Chance to Nail Down Sixth

Tue, 12 Apr 2011 08:02:00 -0700

The NBA scoreboard has certainly been kind to the Trail Blazers lately, after weeks of unfavorable results (at least it seemed like weeks). Now, due to last night's upset in New Orleans, the Blazers once again control their own destiny. They can lock up the sixth seed in the Western Conference race tonight when they host Memphis at the Rose Garden.

Blazers Run Away from Lakers

Fri, 08 Apr 2011 23:34:00 -0700

On Friday night the Lakers were looking to finish off a four-game sweep of the Trail Blazers for the first time in 22 years. They had already won the season series (for just the third time since 1989), but this night turned into a confidence-building win for the Blazers, and the fourth-straight loss for the Lakers.

Both of these teams have implied

Wire to Wire in Utah

Thu, 07 Apr 2011 23:14:00 -0700

It doesn't matter who is in uniform for the Utah Jazz, or who is coaching them for that matter, a win in Salt Lake City is a win in Salt Lake City. And, winning both meetings in that arena doesn't happen often. In fact, the last time the Blazers won two games in Salt Lake City in the same season was during the 2000-01 campaign.

It's very true,

A Missed Opportunity

Tue, 05 Apr 2011 23:05:00 -0700

I have absolutely no explanation for what happened in the NBA on Tuesday night. You'd have had an easier time accurately picking the Final Four in the NCAA Tournament than predicting the upsets in the league on this evening.

Sure, you get the occasional shocker in the NBA. Sometimes you'll see a couple of surprising scores on a given night.

Blazers Blow Past Dallas

Sun, 03 Apr 2011 22:04:00 -0700

If you're one of the many Blazer fans who think Dallas would be a favorable first-round playoff opponent for Portland, I don't imagine your opinion changed after what happened Sunday night at the Rose Garden.

The Trail Blazers took an early seven-point lead, and then recorded their best second quarter of the season, and took total control. In

Blazers Get Defensive in Second Half

Fri, 01 Apr 2011 23:19:00 -0700

It's a funny game. Sometimes the opening minutes of a contest set the tone for the entire night. We've seen the Trail Blazers dig themselves deep holes in opening quarters, and spend the rest of the night struggling to dig out. Other times, early double-digit leads are completely meaningless.

On Friday night at the Rose Garden,

Seven To Go

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 18:25:00 -0700

The road trip to Oklahoma City, San Antonio, and New Orleans was similar to the road trip earlier in the month. After that trip everyone agreed, considering the competition, a 2-2 mark was pretty acceptable, and that before the trip started we probably would have been okay with that. But, after dropping games in Charlotte and Atlanta, it felt more like a missed

Blazers Survive San Antonio

Mon, 28 Mar 2011 22:22:00 -0700

This was the very definition of a trap game. Gregg Popovich knew it, and so he decided to go all in. He can be unconventional, and even though this was a loss for them, this may end up helping this San Antonio team in the long run.

With Tim Duncan out, and Manu Ginobili injuring his quad on Sunday night in Memphis,

Wallace's Huge Night Not Enough

Mon, 28 Mar 2011 09:36:00 -0700

Gerald Wallace certainly did all he could at Oklahoma City on Sunday night. As tremendous as he was at the offensive end, he was perhaps even better defensively. But, the Trail Blazers struggled to score down the stretch and fell to the Thunder 99-90. It's the third time this season the Blazers have lost to the Thunder, after dropping the first two contests

Batum's Game Winner Stuns Spurs

Fri, 25 Mar 2011 23:53:00 -0700

Nicolas Batum's heroics on Friday night will go down in Trail Blazers' history.

Not only was it one of the greatest late-game comebacks ever, and not only was it set up by two Batum free throws with 0.9 seconds left, but it was one of the greatest plays in franchise history. And, it all happened in front of his mother, who heads back to France on Saturday.

Wallace Takes the Lead

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 23:18:00 -0700

It's clear that Gerald Wallace is getting more and more comfortable as a Portland Trail Blazer. But, following the 111-76 win over the Washington Wizards on Tuesday night, said he won't feel like he's totally a part of the group until he learns to throw the lob pass to LaMarcus Aldridge. He was laughing when he said it, but that certainly sounds like something

Lakers Rally Past Blazers, Again

Sun, 20 Mar 2011 22:33:00 -0700

As difficult as it is to accept, at least while it's happening to you, this is what the Lakers do. This is why they're an excellent playoff team, once of the best defensive teams in the league, and why Kobe Bryant is still the best clutch player in the NBA.

Blazers Step on the Gas

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 23:10:00 -0700

Thursday night at the Rose Garden reminded me a lot of the Mike Tyson/Marvis Frazier fight back in '86. I bought the pay-per-view, had the food spread all ready, and in 30 seconds Tyson had Frazier

Blazers Down Red-Hot Mavs

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 23:27:00 -0700

The best road team in the NBA came into the Rose Garden on Tuesday night, shot 60 percent from the field, got 28 points from its star player, and lost.

The Dallas Mavericks rode into this game winners of 20 of their last 24 games (three of those four losses in that stretch were decided by one point). They came in

The Sweet 16

Mon, 14 Mar 2011 10:34:00 -0700

If the true stretch run in the NBA season starts after the all-star break, then I'm not sure what to call the final 16 games. This is especially the case this season as it relates to the Portland Trail Blazers. This is crunch time, and we're about to learn a lot about where this team is headed, not only concerning this year's playoffs, but perhaps into the

Blazers Give One Back

Sat, 12 Mar 2011 08:27:00 -0800

We are now in Atlanta, and are getting set to wrap up this four-game road trip. We got in very late last night, and this being the second of a back to back, this will be a short blog.

As you know, it was a very disappointing night in Charlotte for the Trail Blazers. Your fears don't always come true in a situation like this, but that's

A Statement Win in Miami

Tue, 08 Mar 2011 21:34:00 -0800

The eyes of the nation were on the Trail Blazers on Tuesday night in Miami. Okay, the amazing build up to this game had a lot more to do with the Heat than the Blazers.

Most of the talk, all afternoon long, was about how this would be a get-well game for Miami, and how they would grind the Trail Blazers into dog meat. How Portland

Blazers Survive Magic Kingdom

Mon, 07 Mar 2011 22:41:00 -0800

Make that six in a row on the road. It doesn't matter how, who they were against, or who wasn't playing in a particular game. Victories away from home are never easy, especially at this time of year. Plus, because of all they've been through this season, they qualify for not having to explain anything after wins.

The message before this

Off to Florida

Sun, 06 Mar 2011 09:31:00 -0800

Get-away games can sometimes be a struggle. This is especially the case when you’re playing an undermanned team that you should handle

Back on Track in Sac

Wed, 02 Mar 2011 22:29:00 -0800

Following the last two home games, the Trail Blazers badly needed this victory. I suppose that’s pretty obvious. They got the win, despite a very good night offensively for the Sacramento Kings, who were coming off a nice win over the Clippers, and were just days removed from a win at

Hawks Lock Down Portland

Sun, 27 Feb 2011 23:39:00 -0800

Following a trade, it's sometimes nice to get a game (or a practice) to attempt to mesh and make adjustments. A game against a lesser opponent would have perhaps provided that for the Trail Blazers. But, Sunday night, against a big, physical Atlanta Hawks team, Portland didn't have that luxury.

The Hawks, who were coming off an impressive win

Roy to the Rescue

Sat, 26 Feb 2011 08:18:00 -0800

After having their hearts ripped out on Wednesday night by the Lakers, blowing an eight-point lead with just over four minutes to play, the Trail Blazers reversed roles on Friday night, and won in dramatic fashion.

Trailing Denver 89-82 with just 3:48 left, and after trailing by as many as 11 earlier in the fourth quarter, Portland mounted a rally

Blazers Go Cold, Lakers Rally

Wed, 23 Feb 2011 23:18:00 -0800

For all of the clutch wins and outstanding fourth-quarter play turned in by the Trail Blazers lately, this one goes down as a big missed opportunity. The Lakers appeared to be ready, several times in the final five minutes, to be knocked out for good. But, the Trail Blazers missed their final seven shots of regulation and left the door wide open. Again

Red Hot and Rolling at the Break

Wed, 16 Feb 2011 23:32:00 -0800

Everyone has expectations before a season begins. Often times there are several moments during a season where you adjust your expectations. These adjustments occur for a variety of reasons. It can be a trade, a coaching change, the expected development of a certain player, or the disappointment of another. Being we're Blazer

Sweet 16 in Minnesota

Tue, 15 Feb 2011 10:05:00 -0800

In the NBA, winning 16 in a row over anybody is impressive. There are upsets every single night in this league and we're often talking about things not going as planned or predicted. But, with another four-game sweep of the Timberwolves in the books, by the time these teams meet again next season, it'll be over four years since a Minnesota win over Portland

Aldridge's Remarkable Roll Continues

Sun, 13 Feb 2011 18:53:00 -0800

This is some kind of a ride for LaMarcus Aldridge. If he’s not named Western Conference Player of the Week, there should be an investigation.

Aldridge Does it Again

Fri, 11 Feb 2011 21:00:00 -0800

How do you back up a 42-point game on Monday? How about 37 points and 10 rebounds on the first game of a road trip on Friday?

LaMarcus Aldridge has said that not making the Western Conference All-Star team was no big deal, and that he wasn't that bothered by it. If that's true, he's got a funny way of showing it. He continued his barrage

Another One for the Books

Mon, 07 Feb 2011 23:34:00 -0800

Sometimes games go exactly as you would expect. In fact, most of the time you can pretty much at least predict what the flow of a game will be like, and come close to predicting whether or not it'll be a high or low scoring game. But, not all the time.

There is one reason why this has been difficult lately, when talking about the Portland Trail

Blazers Escape From Ohio

Sun, 06 Feb 2011 10:27:00 -0800

We survived minus-17 degree temperatures in Denver, the ice rink that was Indianapolis, and a Saturday night snowstorm in Cleveland. Most of all, however, the Trail Blazers avoided becoming that team. That team, as in, the one that would be the talk of the NBA for being the team the Cleveland Cavaliers

Aldridge Drops 40, Blazers Drop Spurs

Wed, 02 Feb 2011 02:25:00 -0800

Coming off two-straight home losses, still very shorthanded, and just as they were kicking off a difficult and crucial month, the Trail Blazers were able to accomplish what few thought they could. Of all the unexpected feats this team has pulled off this season,

The East's Beast is Still Boston

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 21:06:00 -0800

When you play the team that boasts the league's highest shooting percentage, you don't have to match them in that category, but you can't get away with shooting 36.7 percent from the

Slow Start Burns Blazers

Mon, 24 Jan 2011 23:09:00 -0800

I'm not sure the outcome of this game can be summed up quite as easily as you might think. But, it's pretty clear that Portland didn't bring the defensive intensity early. They

A Master's Degree in Handling Adversity

Sat, 22 Jan 2011 23:22:00 -0800

You really couldn't make this stuff up if you tried.

Add another storybook victory to the Trail Blazers' season, as

Blazers Drop the Hammer on Clips

Thu, 20 Jan 2011 23:35:00 -0800

I suppose it's okay to admit that I had an awful feeling about this game the entire day on Thursday. As I was standing on the court during pre-game warmups it wasn't getting

Batum Leads the Way in Sac

Thu, 20 Jan 2011 10:10:00 -0800

Nothing was easy about Wednesday night's win in Sacramento. Nothing has been easy for this team all season. And, if you've followed anything that's happened lately, you know that's not about to change.

L-Train Rolls Over Minnesota, Again

Mon, 17 Jan 2011 23:15:00 -0800

If LaMarcus Aldridge could only play against the Minnesota Timberwolves every night, this whole All-Star debate wouldn't be taking place. He'd already have his ticket to Los Angeles.

In three

Defense Comes Alive in Fourth

Sat, 15 Jan 2011 23:41:00 -0800

The longer you play, the greater the chance that the numbers will return to their normal averages. However, for much of the game on Saturday night at the Rose Garden, it appeared the New Jersey Nets were going

Ice-Cold Blazers Rolled by New York

Tue, 11 Jan 2011 23:01:00 -0800

This is what we call a "trap game." You can see these coming, and often times there's not much you can do about it.

Before this game, on the pre-game show, we talked about the fact that

Miami At Its Best in Win

Sun, 09 Jan 2011 22:26:00 -0800

It would probably be going overboard to suggest that the Miami Heat can't play any better, but even they admitted, after their overtime win in Portland, that performance was pretty tough to beat.

Huge Rally, Huge Win in Houston

Wed, 05 Jan 2011 22:09:00 -0800

It'll certainly go down as one of the more memorable wins of the season for the Trail Blazers. It was pulled off in unlikely fashion. A third-quarter meltdown, followed by an incredible fourth quarter

Game Slips Away in Dallas

Wed, 05 Jan 2011 09:37:00 -0800

On Sunday, the Trail Blazers won a game despite shooting 43 percent. That was at home. Having an off night offensively on the road is an entirely different challenge.

Houston No Match for Surging Blazers

Sun, 02 Jan 2011 23:26:00 -0800

Don't look now, but this shorthanded, beaten-up team, that was said to be out to pasture, is gathering some serious momentum and is looking better with each passing game.

Blazers Drop Utah Again

Thu, 30 Dec 2010 23:31:00 -0800

On a night that began with the Trail Blazers announcing that Brandon Roy would be out for an indefinite period of time, the team showed its fans it can still be very dangerous without him. It doesn't seem especially

L.A. Closes Out Jazz in Utah

Tue, 28 Dec 2010 00:35:00 -0800

Savor this one, because it doesn’t happen very often. This one certainly came at a good time.

Post-Christmas Trip Rolls On

Sun, 26 Dec 2010 22:35:00 -0800

The headlines were very easy to come up with following the Christmas-Day game at Golden State. Anything having to do with Portland's giving spirit in the fourth quarter, to

LaMarcus 2.0

Mon, 20 Dec 2010 23:24:00 -0800

Strange things happen during times of adversity. You adjust, you grow, you mature, and at times you reinvent. The Trail Blazers know this well. They've faced plenty of adversity. I've said this before,

The Gift That Keeps on Giving- Perspective

Mon, 20 Dec 2010 14:20:00 -0800

It's the week of Christmas. The Holiday Season lasts much longer than this, of course, and is such

Portland Survives Again

Sat, 18 Dec 2010 23:12:00 -0800

The Trail Blazers only had nine players available on Saturday night at the Rose Garden. They ended up using all nine. And, all nine, in one way or another, had something

Rudy, L.A., Lift Portland to Win

Fri, 17 Dec 2010 23:32:00 -0800

We should have known it was going to be a strange game, and a bad night for injuries, when Minnesota's Darko Milicic sprained his ankle during the opening jump ball.

I know,

Another Fourth-Quarter Drought

Mon, 13 Dec 2010 22:08:00 -0800

The Trail Blazers saw their eight-game winning streak in Memphis come to a crashing halt on Monday

Confidence Grows Following Win in Phoenix

Fri, 10 Dec 2010 23:28:00 -0800

If Thursday’s win over Orlando was the most impressive of the season, then Friday’s

A Statement Win for Shorthanded Blazers

Tue, 07 Dec 2010 23:22:00 -0800

The Trail Blazers aren't through this tough stretch of games, nor are they clear of all of their recent problems. But, during a time when it's obvious this is just about

Blazers Hang On, Then Exhale

Sun, 05 Dec 2010 22:37:00 -0800

Losing streaks are odd. They are certainly no fun. The most damaging thing about them is that they erode confidence, and they chip away at your belief. I know that's

Blazers Go Down Swinging in Boston

Wed, 01 Dec 2010 21:28:00 -0800

As disappointing as it is that the Trail Blazers have now lost five-straight games, Wednesday night was a huge step

Remember the Fourth-Quarter Magic?

Wed, 01 Dec 2010 09:22:00 -0800

We are now in Boston, as this four-game road trip continues. This is the only back-to-back set on this trip,

Slump in 4th Sinks Blazers

Mon, 29 Nov 2010 09:29:00 -0800

Even if all the reasons weren’t the same, the Trail Blazers went ice

Trip Starts in New Jersey

Sat, 27 Nov 2010 21:23:00 -0800

It’s not like there’s ever a good time for a four-game road trip to the other coast, but…

It's Utah in the Fourth Quarter. Again.

Sat, 20 Nov 2010 23:07:00 -0800

You could see this coming a mile away.

This is what Utah does. This is what they've been doing. Okay, it was uncoventional the way it happened this time. But, when

All Hands on Deck

Thu, 18 Nov 2010 23:41:00 -0800

The win at Memphis on Tuesday was huge for the players, as they avoided being shutout on the three-game road trip. This win, over Denver at the Rose Garden, was huge for the fans. Call it a band-aid if

Matthews and Miller in Memphis

Wed, 17 Nov 2010 08:42:00 -0800

Last week when the Trail Blazers defeated the Detroit Pistons, I called it a much-needed victory. I take that back. That wasn’t a must-needed win. Tuesday night’s win in

Familiar Feeling in the Air

Mon, 15 Nov 2010 09:43:00 -0800

Just because we've felt this before, doesn't make it any more comfortable now. And, it's clear, sitting around and feeling like your team deserves a break is a waste of time. How

Q and A with Brandon Roy

Thu, 11 Nov 2010 21:04:00 -0800

This latest road trip is underway. Given the fact that Brandon Roy's knee has become just about the only topic of conversation in Blazernation, it's time to address it. I always feel a straight question-and-answer

A Much-Needed Thrashing

Tue, 09 Nov 2010 23:09:00 -0800

You could make the case that this was the most complete effort of the season for the Trail Blazers. Of course, like everything else recently,

Blazers Come Up Empty in LA

Mon, 08 Nov 2010 10:12:00 -0800

Burn the game film of this game. Actually, being it's usually on DVD these days, frisbee them against the wall. Or, erase the hard drive on the scouting computer, and just move on.

Ice-Cold Finish Sinks Portland

Thu, 04 Nov 2010 23:36:00 -0700

We've talked recently about how it's never too early for a team to establish its identity in an NBA season. Often times a team's poise and confidence is shaped by the experiences

Three of Four On the Road

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 01:55:00 -0700

For a game that started exactly like Monday’s in Chicago, it couldn’t

Maurice Lucas- 1952-2010

Sun, 31 Oct 2010 20:46:00 -0700

The great Maurice Lucas, dubbed by Bill Walton, many times, "the greatest Trail Blazer of all time" passed away Sunday evening.

As most of Blazernation

Fourth Quarter Magic, Again

Sun, 31 Oct 2010 10:16:00 -0700

I've always felt that a team figures out its identity early in a season. Nate McMillan has always coached this way, and his teams have traditionally started seasons quickly. Perhaps it's a tribute to his tougher-than-normal training camps. It's probably equal parts conditioning, game planning, and establishing

Back to back? No Worries.

Thu, 28 Oct 2010 00:19:00 -0700

The back-to-back set. It's one of the tougher situations the NBA schedule makers can throw at you. But, for the Trail Blazers, two games in two nights hasn't been a scary

Four-Game Trip Starts in LA

Wed, 27 Oct 2010 11:24:00 -0700

There was certainly a lot to like about opening night at the Rose Garden on Tuesday. The Trail Blazers won, Brandon Roy put to bed any thoughts that his subpar preseason would lead to a slow start to the regular season, Nicolas Batum didn't get lost in the shuffle and established himself, and they got a complete effort from

And So it Begins...

Mon, 25 Oct 2010 22:56:00 -0700

The hay is in the barn. At least it better be. Because this countdown clock is nearing it's end.

For the second-straight season, the Trail Blazers will open the NBA season at home,

Progress in Finale

Thu, 21 Oct 2010 23:03:00 -0700

In a preseason that has been mostly underwhelming, the Trail Blazers took a big step foward in their final exhbition game on Thursday night at the Rose Garden. They got off to a slow start, but were able to fight off the Denver Nuggets in the second half, and won the game 90-83. The win doesn't totally erase the many question marks that are floating over the

Blazers Go Cold in Oakland

Mon, 18 Oct 2010 23:31:00 -0700

Shooting 37 percent and scoring only 78 points against the Golden State Warriors would certainly be cause for concern in the regular season. Monday night in Oakland, the Trail Blazers played a pretty solid first half. They led most of the first two quarters, by as many as 11 at one point. But, the second

10 Things We've Learned So Far...

Sun, 17 Oct 2010 23:13:00 -0700

Yes, I am officially ready for the regular season to begin. Yes, I think the exhibition season is too long. And, yes, I wish we were doing all of the preseason games on TV (those aren't among the 10 things, but I just wanted to get them out of the way).

20 Years Of Rice

Sun, 10 Oct 2010 19:07:00 -0700

We’ll get back to recapping exhibition games, making

Two Losses in Utah

Thu, 07 Oct 2010 22:57:00 -0700

It's usually the same in the preseason. If you win, we go on and on about what it could mean, and how it could be a sign of things to come.

Nice Way to Start

Tue, 05 Oct 2010 23:13:00 -0700

Okay. Let's get the question out of the way- the question I was asked about 14 times on Tuesday night. I probably even asked it to a few people standing around me.

Courtside Recap

Tue, 05 Oct 2010 11:16:00 -0700

On the eve of the exhibition-season opener, we were back on the air with Trail Blazers Courtside. Since I'll be blogging again after the game against the Clippers,

All Business at Camp

Thu, 30 Sep 2010 22:37:00 -0700

NBA training camps are so short, and things are so condensed, that practice sometimes feels like a race. Nate McMillan is a coach who has a definite practice plan and usually has it on a piece of paper stuck into the back of his pants. Between each drill, and each session, time is put on the clock. Whether the

A Different Feeling at Camp

Tue, 28 Sep 2010 22:25:00 -0700

It's always amazing to me how quickly this whole thing begins. I mean, we know it's coming. I've been inside the gym during some of the five-on-five

Pre Pre-Season Underway

Wed, 15 Sep 2010 16:30:00 -0700

Okay. First things first. Yes, the blog looks different. I am very slow to adapt, so it took me a while to come around. Finally, I've learned the new system (which took about 10, maybe 15 minutes) and off we go.

Aldridge Ready to Roll

Mon, 23 Aug 2010 13:33:00 -0700

In the midst of the unfortunate situation involving Rudy, the questions being asked about Oden's status, and calls from some fans to land an all-star point guard at all cost, two key cogs in the Blazer wheel continue to pound away and prepare for training camp. The two original pillars of the rebuilding process in Portland, Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge, are working

Cho Finalizes Cabinet

Thu, 12 Aug 2010 10:30:00 -0700

It's been a whirlwind month for Portland's new general manager Rich Cho. His top priority was to hit the ground running after he accepted the position, and now he's finalized the staff that he hopes will help him take the Trail Blazers to the next level.

"No Change" in Rudy's Status

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 11:05:00 -0700

For this being the off season, we sure have been busy.

There was the draft, complete with the KP situation and Martell Webster trade, the process of learning the picks, summer

Rich Cho's Time

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 13:36:00 -0700

The search is over. The third interview, evidently, was the charm.

Rich Cho, 45, has today been named new general manager of the Trail Blazers.

Blazers president Larry Miller interviewed Danny Ferry, Randy Pfund, and then in Las Vegas at Summer League, interviewed Cho. I don't know what happened in that last interview, but it's become clear

Patty Continues To Impress

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 11:20:00 -0700

We talked over and over before the Las Vegas Summer League started that this would be a very crucial time for Patty Mills. The Trail Blazers had Patty under contract last season, when he saw limited action, but was active for their first-round playoff series. He had a couple of stints in the D-League, but came to the summer league with one goal. He wants a contract, from

Opening Win In Vegas

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 10:59:00 -0700

The Trail Blazers have matched their win total from last year's experience in Las Vegas after just one game. As everyone always says, the win-loss records don't really mean much during summer-league play, but Vegas veterans Jeff Pendergraph and Dante Cunningham didn't enjoy going 1-4 last summer.

Sit This One Out?

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 14:14:00 -0700

I'm not suggesting the Trail Blazers should completely forget the idea of landing a free agent. It's fine to browse, create relationships, and gauge interest. But, am I the only one who wouldn't mind seeing the team take a pass on all of this nonsense and steer around this seller's market?

Another Memorable Draft Day

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 11:50:00 -0700

We should know to expect the unexpected on a day that has been so eventful over the past few years for this organization. But, not many people expected the evening to start like it did.

Staff Changes, Finals, ect.

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 11:36:00 -0700

Monty Williams told me last week that he's blessed to be getting an opportunity to be a head coach in the NBA, but isn't having an easy time leaving Portland. He loves the Trail Blazer organization, as you've probably heard him say a number of times, but he's referring to his love for the community.

Williams wasn't sure what to think when he joined the Trail

A Few Moments With the Prez

Tue, 08 Jun 2010 13:51:00 -0700

We're closing on a big time for the Trail Blazers, as you know. Along with Summer League, the NBA Draft is one of the more vital times for any NBA team. Some teams build through free agency, and even though the Blazers have also used that time to benefit the roster, they've really made their mark during draft time.

Settling Into the Off Season

Tue, 18 May 2010 10:21:00 -0700

I know. It's been a while. Well, longer than my usual breaks from the blog anyway. It's not like I haven't been thinking about all of you.

Actually, that's not true. I haven't been thinking about you. But, how long could that last, right? And, by the way, when is training camp?

Phoenix Turns Out The Lights

Mon, 03 May 2010 10:54:00 -0700

There were moments in this game where it felt like there could be just enough magic left in this season to force a game seven. A Portland second-half run knotted the game at 76-76, and you could feel the momentum building. But, as they had most of the series, the Phoenix Suns had all of the answers.

The Trail Blazers led 2-0 in this game, and couldn't ever

Suns Bomb Away In Game 5

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 13:06:00 -0700

As excited as we were about the way the Trail Blazers started game five on Monday night, there were also some sobering realities. During an early time out, as I was scanning the box score, I looked over to see what Rice was noticing, and asked him cautiously, "is this fool's gold?" That's one of his favorite lines, and it described this situation very well.

Blazers Bite Back In Game 4

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 14:18:00 -0700

Brandon Roy was the heartbeat. LaMarcus Aldridge was the soul.

All this talk about the Trail Blazers facing an elimination game on Monday in Phoenix was put on the back burner, and now it's a brand-new series. As I told you after a very ugly game three, it's a long series, and things can change quickly.

Suns Dominate Game 2

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 12:23:00 -0700

Game two in a playoff series is always "the adjustment game," as we talked about over and over again. Now, game three is going to have to be the "re-adjustment game" for the Trail Blazers. After getting slapped around by Phoenix on Tuesday night, the ball is now in Portland's court to tweak the game plan.

First things first. The goal of a road team in the

Blazers Shock Suns, Strike First

Tue, 20 Apr 2010 13:25:00 -0700

Just when you think this crazy season can't get any crazier.

I guess we should know better.

Absolutely no one, nationally, gave the Trail Blazers a shot in game one of this series. Even fewer have given them a chance to win this series (that one probably hasn't changed). Clearly, there is still a long, long way to go. But, the undermanned

Escape From L.A.

Mon, 12 Apr 2010 15:12:00 -0700

I know what you're thinking.

I can't say that I blame you. But, I still don't think this Trail Blazer team wants any part of the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round of the NBA playoffs.

Neil Diamond, who was in attendance at the Staples Center on Sunday afternoon, had a great song called "Don't Think... Feel." The Trail Blazers appeared

Lesson Learned

Sat, 10 Apr 2010 00:18:00 -0700

There was clutching, grabbing, holding. There were harsh words exchanged, there were four technical fouls called, as emotions spilled over from the court to the stands. In other words, this was a playoff-style game.

This much we know. If these two teams square off in the first round it'll be an absolute war. It'll be tough against anyone, but there is bad

Blazers Move Into Sixth

Fri, 09 Apr 2010 15:39:00 -0700

It could be only for a short time, and it may not help decide who they play in the first round of the playoffs, but the Trail Blazers moved ahead of both San Antonio and Oklahoma City in the Western Conference race.

The standings will show a three-way tie between the teams, as they all sit 48-30, but the Blazers own the tiebreaker against the Spurs, and

Gutty Win in Miami

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 09:40:00 -0800

A night after struggling with their outside shots, getting pounded on the boards, and setting an all-time record for fewest assists in a game, the Trail Blazers managed a complete recovery and posted one of their more important wins of the season. The fact that the Blazers won in Miami should have surprised absolutely no one, as their all-time record in this

Throwback Night in Indy

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 09:59:00 -0800

The Trail Blazers weren't wearing vintage jerseys, or honoring anyone from the past on Wednesday night in Indianapolis, but they played like the team we've come to know. LaMarcus Aldridge got the team off to a solid start, scoring the first 10 points of the game, and Brandon Roy took over late. Steve Blake hit a big three to put the game away, and Joel Przybilla was his

Flat Start to Trip

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 11:30:00 -0800

The four-game road trip started in New York city on Monday night, and started with a frustrating loss to the Knicks, who have now won four of their last five. They've posted some impressive victories as of late- drilling Phoenix by 27, and winning in Atlanta- and they'll certainly add this win to their list.

Defense Blamed For Another Loss

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 10:09:00 -0800

There are some very troubling stats from the last three games for Portland fans. Some of the stuff is hard to believe, and some of it is pretty explainable. For me, the most amazing thing to consider is that the Trail Blazers haven't held a lead in a game in the last 11 quarters. It's actually over 11 quarters, and can be traced back to the loss to Memphis, when

Blazers Suffer Nasty Loss

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 10:41:00 -0800

It would be easy to make an attempt to point to just one thing that went wrong on Friday night at the Rose Garden, as the Blazers were upset by the Memphis Grizzlies 106-96. But, it seemed a perfect storm of problems derailed Portland early, and that was that. They did charge back, and cut it to 8 points in the fourth quarter, but it was way too little, way too late.

Blazers Survive Hungry Nets

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 09:45:00 -0800

There were several reasons to be concerned heading into this game. Any time you're playing a team that hasn't won a game yet, you know you could be "it." And, here's a cliche that you can certainly apply- New Jersey is better than its record. Perhaps that isn't saying much, because they're now 0-15, but they are now finally getting healthy.

Oden Brilliant in Blowout

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:47:00 -0800

Clearly, he's getting there.

If you start thinking he's somehow satisfied, think again. He only half acknowledged that he'd played a good game, saying "I'm not saying my game is where I want it to be..." For other NBA teams, that's bad news.

Oden absolutely dominates the paint when he's in the game.

Off and Running

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 17:45:00 -0700

Monday was a long day for the players. Not because they were asked to do an incredible amount of stuff, but because they were all suited up and couldn't play. After all, training camp didn't begin until Tuesday morning. This was just Media Day.

Pre-Draft into Next Gear

Sat, 06 Jun 2009 12:41:00 -0700

To most of us who are around it, this seems like the time of theseason when NBA talent scouts really get to work. There are the bigpre-draft camps around the country, and in Europe, and many teams aregetting up-close looks at players they want to know more about headinginto the NBA Draft.

But, the truth is, thebulk of the hard work has been done. The

Who's on Your Wish List?

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 09:33:00 -0700

In recent years, at about this time of the off season, we've had some healthy debates. Normally these discussions were centered on the NBA Draft. Afterall, that's how this team was built. And, we will continue to talk draft picks, but as I've mentioned, I'm not nearly as interested in the draft this season, and I can't imagine you are either- at least