Remember earlier in the season when Portland’s intensity level was often in question? Well, the Blazers pretty much killed that theory within twelve minutes on Tuesday.
On a night when Portland desperately needed to show a division rival like the Utah Jazz how legit they are, the Blazers accomplished that and then some. They started aggressive, were active and efficient – essentially providing a glimpse of how good this team really is.
The Blazers 39 points in the first quarter was the most in the opening period this season and tied a team mark for the most in any quarter.
Intense. Exactly how Portland wants to play with the playoffs approaching.
And it went a little something like this….
10:53: Brandon Roy jumper
10:29: LaMarcus Aldridge alley-oop
10:01: Steve Blake three-pointer
9:03: LaMarcus Aldridge lay-up
8:24: Brandon Roy three-pointer
8:13: Steve Blake three-pointer
7:20: Brandon Roy fade away jumper
6:46: LaMarcus Aldridge jump shot
6:24 Brandon Roy dunk
5:49: Brandon Roy lay-up
5:03 Nicolas Batum dunk
4:47: LaMarcus Aldridge freethrows (2-2)
4:13: Greg Oden freethrows (1-2)
3:59: Brandon Roy jump shot
3:33: LaMarcus Aldridge freethrows (2-2)
1:42: Greg Oden freethrows (2-2)
1:02: Greg Oden dunk
0:05: Sergio Rodriguez three-pointer
Three quarters later, Portland finished off Utah with a 125-104 win – their third straight victory of 20 plus points.
Who would have thought Portland would be sitting a game and a half back of the number two spot out West? Crazy.
Now if the Blazers can only show up on the upcoming road trip to Oklahoma City, Houston, Memphis and San Antonio.
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The Latest: Oh, how the shameless plugs pile up….let me count the ways.
And finally….while the Phoenix Suns are quickly fading in the postseason picture behind Dallas, questions about the offseason are already taking place.
Will Grant Hill return? Will Alvin Gentry be back?
After speaking to both guys, it’s clear they want their journey in Phoenix to last.
pic via: washington post
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