Reader poll: *Now* how do you think Blazers-Rockets will end up?
Over the last couple of days, we asked readers who they thought would win the Blazers' first-round playoff series with the Houston Rockets, in light of Saturday night's blowout of Portland by Houston in Game 1. By last night, the verdict was in: Houston would take it, probably in 5 games.
But now the Blazers have evened the series at one game apiece, as the teams head down to Houston for two more games, Friday and Sunday evenings. Houston backup center Dkembe Mutombo suffered a season-ending (and given his age, career-ending) injury last night. Do these facts change your opinion any? Here's a chance to weigh in:
Comments (5)
Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge both had fantastic nights. Each had 20+ points with a FG percentage above 55%. Bravo to both.
Now, the adjustments will come in Game 3. Brandon Roy will more than likely be double-teamed. Luis Scola will get more physical on LaMarcus Aldridge. It will be interesting to see how Roy and Aldridge respond to the adjustments.
I am surprised that Adelman is still allowing Ron Artest to huck up 20+ shots a game with less than half connecting in Game 2. Ron Artest is not intelligent at shot selection he is no Ray Allen or Reggie Miller. Adelman should scold him to high hell in the locker room and the press conferences for Artest's idiotic shot selection.
I still believe that Houston will both Game 3 and 4 to eventually take it in 5. Adjustments will be made, the officiating will go their way at home, and Houston may pull an "Ariza" on Brandon Roy.
However, with your second option being Ron Artest, Houston is not making it past the Los Angeles Lakers.
Oden should've taken a good look at Mutombo lying on the floor at the end of his career. because someday--probably sooner than later--that'll be him. time was, Mutombo was a fantastic defender and center, averaging double-doubles every night. in about 1992.
Gotta agree with Moonbat. Artest cost the Rockets the second game by hoisting up one stupid shot after another. And still, we only one by four points. Artest is the kind of guy who can take over a game, and also totally screw up a game, no matter who else is playing.
If Outlaw doesn't step up, Batum should get more minutes. He's a far better defender and passer and keeps teammates in the flow. It may all hinge, however, on how many fouls Przybilla gets and how long he has to sit on the bench.
My take is the Blazers win another home game, but the Rockets take the series in 6.
The story that was missed by Canzano and the rest of the media was the warm and sincere tribute to Mutombo after he went down. The crowd started chanting his name and then gave him an amazing ovation. So there are still good Blazer and basketball fans at the Rose Garden.
I think the Blazers have it in them to steal one game in Houston and take it in game 7. They have settled in with the whole playoff thing and the butterflies are gone. Yao cannot play the entire game, and with Dike out we have two big men ready to step in and control the paint while Yao sits. It will require tough defense and a field goal percentage around 50% to pull this off. Keeping Aaron Brooks below 30 points, etc. will also go a long way towards winning the series as well.
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Comments (5)
Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge both had fantastic nights. Each had 20+ points with a FG percentage above 55%. Bravo to both.
Now, the adjustments will come in Game 3. Brandon Roy will more than likely be double-teamed. Luis Scola will get more physical on LaMarcus Aldridge. It will be interesting to see how Roy and Aldridge respond to the adjustments.
I am surprised that Adelman is still allowing Ron Artest to huck up 20+ shots a game with less than half connecting in Game 2. Ron Artest is not intelligent at shot selection he is no Ray Allen or Reggie Miller. Adelman should scold him to high hell in the locker room and the press conferences for Artest's idiotic shot selection.
I still believe that Houston will both Game 3 and 4 to eventually take it in 5. Adjustments will be made, the officiating will go their way at home, and Houston may pull an "Ariza" on Brandon Roy.
However, with your second option being Ron Artest, Houston is not making it past the Los Angeles Lakers.
Posted by YoungOregonMoonbat | April 22, 2009 4:26 PM
Oden should've taken a good look at Mutombo lying on the floor at the end of his career. because someday--probably sooner than later--that'll be him. time was, Mutombo was a fantastic defender and center, averaging double-doubles every night. in about 1992.
Posted by ecohuman.com | April 22, 2009 9:43 PM
Gotta agree with Moonbat. Artest cost the Rockets the second game by hoisting up one stupid shot after another. And still, we only one by four points. Artest is the kind of guy who can take over a game, and also totally screw up a game, no matter who else is playing.
If Outlaw doesn't step up, Batum should get more minutes. He's a far better defender and passer and keeps teammates in the flow. It may all hinge, however, on how many fouls Przybilla gets and how long he has to sit on the bench.
My take is the Blazers win another home game, but the Rockets take the series in 6.
Posted by Gil Johnson | April 22, 2009 11:48 PM
The story that was missed by Canzano and the rest of the media was the warm and sincere tribute to Mutombo after he went down. The crowd started chanting his name and then gave him an amazing ovation. So there are still good Blazer and basketball fans at the Rose Garden.
Posted by db | April 23, 2009 5:01 AM
I think the Blazers have it in them to steal one game in Houston and take it in game 7. They have settled in with the whole playoff thing and the butterflies are gone. Yao cannot play the entire game, and with Dike out we have two big men ready to step in and control the paint while Yao sits. It will require tough defense and a field goal percentage around 50% to pull this off. Keeping Aaron Brooks below 30 points, etc. will also go a long way towards winning the series as well.
Posted by Usual Kevin | April 24, 2009 12:21 PM