gpikePreviewing the Lakers and Blazers round 4
April 8th 2011 01:54
The Portland Trailblazers are in Salt Lake City tonight to face Utah, and tomorrow night they host the defending champs. The Lakers are currently on a three-game losing streak, something that does not bode well for the Blazers who need to win, in order to get the sixth place in the West. The Lakers are 3-0 against Portland this year. Living in Portland, you realize who the Blazers biggest rivalry is, and that is the Lakers. So being swept by Los Angeles would be very traumatizing for everyone in the area, including the Blazers organization.
Two of the games in the series this year, were winnable for Portland. In fact, the Blazers held leads in the fourth quarter, but couldn't put away the champions. Los Angeles beat Portland, 121-96 in the first meeting back on November, 7th. The last two games were decided by less then five points. Portland in previous years have been able to beat the Lakers at home, giving them some good news. The loss on February 23rd, saw the game go to overtime, with Kobe Bryant taking over. LaMarcus Aldridge had a career night going for 29 points and 14 rebounds, but Bryant did a little better with 37 points. The Blazers broke open a close game in the fourth, building a nine-point lead with seven minutes remaining. Then Los Angeles caught fire, and Portland got complacent, and Bryant knocked down a jumper, sending the game to overtime.
The latest game was more of the same. Portland in control until the final minutes when the Lakers suddenly woke up winning, 84-80. Portland tallied 14 points in the fourth quarter, while the Lakers went for 22. Needless to say the game was boring,but Portland should of won. Now they get one more chance. If the Blazers are not careful, they will earn a shot at Los Angeles in the first round of the playoffs. So these final four games with Utah, Lakers, Memphis and Golden State are very important for them to earn three wins.
Adding Gerald Wallace gives Portland added toughness in order to beat teams like Los Angeles. Marcus Camby is questionable for the game after having David Lee fall on top of him during the Blazers terrible game from Tuesday night. Golden State beat the Blazers, 108-87 in Portland. Camby is out for tonight with a sore neck! Portland needs him tomorrow versus Andrew Bynum and the Lakers. The Lakers are knotted into the second seed in the Western Conference, and Coach Phil Jackson may begin resting his starters. This is Portland's only chance in the game. Something about the Lakers is giving this group of Blazers a tough time.
Two of the games in the series this year, were winnable for Portland. In fact, the Blazers held leads in the fourth quarter, but couldn't put away the champions. Los Angeles beat Portland, 121-96 in the first meeting back on November, 7th. The last two games were decided by less then five points. Portland in previous years have been able to beat the Lakers at home, giving them some good news. The loss on February 23rd, saw the game go to overtime, with Kobe Bryant taking over. LaMarcus Aldridge had a career night going for 29 points and 14 rebounds, but Bryant did a little better with 37 points. The Blazers broke open a close game in the fourth, building a nine-point lead with seven minutes remaining. Then Los Angeles caught fire, and Portland got complacent, and Bryant knocked down a jumper, sending the game to overtime.
The latest game was more of the same. Portland in control until the final minutes when the Lakers suddenly woke up winning, 84-80. Portland tallied 14 points in the fourth quarter, while the Lakers went for 22. Needless to say the game was boring,but Portland should of won. Now they get one more chance. If the Blazers are not careful, they will earn a shot at Los Angeles in the first round of the playoffs. So these final four games with Utah, Lakers, Memphis and Golden State are very important for them to earn three wins.
Adding Gerald Wallace gives Portland added toughness in order to beat teams like Los Angeles. Marcus Camby is questionable for the game after having David Lee fall on top of him during the Blazers terrible game from Tuesday night. Golden State beat the Blazers, 108-87 in Portland. Camby is out for tonight with a sore neck! Portland needs him tomorrow versus Andrew Bynum and the Lakers. The Lakers are knotted into the second seed in the Western Conference, and Coach Phil Jackson may begin resting his starters. This is Portland's only chance in the game. Something about the Lakers is giving this group of Blazers a tough time.
Gerald Wallace and Portland need to win versus the Lakers
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