BLAZERS GRADED: Atlanta 115, Portland 107
Saturday, January 03, 2015
"Portland don't know what hit 'em," said Dominique Wilkins. "Portland is getting run out of their own building."
"And folks, that almost NEVER happens here," added Wilkins' play-by-play partner.
Indeed, the Blazers were waxed at home in a way they rarely are.
The Hawks' 115 points were the most the Blazers have allowed in Portland all season, and their first loss to an Eastern Conference opponent at home.
That the Hawks were able to emerge victorious is not, in itself, entirely remarkable, though the manor in which they did--generally stifling the Blazers--is. Atlanta were playing their second game in as many nights while Portland were coming off a rare three-day break.
At times, Saturday, the Blazers flirted with another spectacular comeback, but the Hawks, led by Jeff Teague and Paul Millsap continually slammed the door. Atlanta dominated Portland scoring points in the paint and forcing turnovers.
Damian Lillard had a handful of jaw-dropping plays, but by the time he made them the Blazers were in too big of a hole. By the time Lillard made his second field goal, midway through the third quarter, Atlanta were already up 20.
More concerning than the Saturday's loss, however, was an injury to Joel Freeland.
In the fourth quarter Freeland went up to block Paul Milsap at the rim and badly tweaked his shoulder. Freeland looked to be in a significant pain and immediately singled to the bench that he was hurt and needed to be taken out. He went straight to the locker room and did not return. The specificity of the injury has yet to be detailed.
Joel freeland hurt trying to block shot. Headed to locker room. pic.twitter.com/59mOgnUqtK
— Bruce Ely (@bruceely) January 4, 2015
---
NICOLAS BATUM: C+
While Batum has looked more confident in taking his outside shot, the results are still in the toilet. He made just 2-of-7 from behind the arc, Saturday, to finish with 16 points, four rebounds and three assists.
LAMARCUS ALDRIDGE: B+
This is a tough one. While Aldridge piled up 30 points, 12 rebounds and four assists, watching the game his impact felt negligible, or at least untimely. Besides rebounding, he was a non-factor on the defensive end, as no Blazer could slow Paul Millsap.
JOEL FREELAND: Incomplete
With Robin Lopez out, Freeland's minutes have increased and so has his effectiveness. He's become a much better defender, and more reliable in general. That said, if he's to miss significant time because of tonight's shoulder injury, it would be a real blow to his development.
WESLEY MATTHEWS: C-
An up and down game for Matthews, who made some hustle plays, drained some shots, and clanked a bunch more. In the end, though, 5-for-15 from the floor is a bummer.
DAMIAN LILLARD: C
He made some spectacular shots, but they can't overshadow his poor play early. Lillard had just two points midway through the third quarter. By that time the Blazers were down 20.
STEVE BLAKE: D
Blake gave away three turnover and was continually torched by Jeff Teague, particularly on two consecutive occasions when the Blazers had a chance to claw their way back.
DORELL WRIGHT: A-
Wright continues getting minutes and making the most of them. He drained 3-of-4 from deep, pouring in 10 points in as many minutes.
KILLER TWEET:
the first thing thomas robinson did when he came out of his mother’s womb was untuck his jersey
— Dane Carbaugh (@danecarbaugh) January 4, 2015
Follow us on Pinterest Google + Facebook Twitter See It Read It