NorthWest Sports Blog brings you daily features on Oregon, Washington State, and BC amateur and pro sports teams.
Bryant Knox grades the job that Portland Trail Blazers GM Neil Olshey did during the 2012-13 season. The good is highlighted by Damian Lillard, JJ Hickson, Eric Maynor and even Roy Hibbert. The bad is reserved for the depth, or lack thereof, that the team was depth. The Nicolas Batum contract and the drafting of Meyers Leonard look good, but are still up for debate.
Jason Hartzog previews the Portland Trail Blazers’ April 17 matchup against the Golden State Warriors. Damian Lillard versus Stephen Curry is a fun match-up to watch. These two guys can fill it up on any given night. They have had some great games against each other already. LaMarcus Aldridge, Nicolas Batum and Wesley Matthews have all missed the past few games. Jason is hoping the all come back soon.
Jason Hartzog previews the Portland Trail Blazers’ April 16 matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers. The Blazers are currently on an 11-game losing streak. They will look to end the season on a strong note in their final two contests, but they’ve been playing without starters Wesley Matthews, Nicolas Batum, LaMArcus Aldridge, and/or JJ Hickson for most of their current skid. The key matchup in this one will be at the center position between Meyers Leonard and DeAndre Jordan.
Jason Hartzog previews the Portland Trail Blazers’ April 14 matchup against the Denver Nuggets. Jason says they key matchup he’s watching is Wilson Chandler versus Will Barton. If Barton can have a nice game and keep up with Chandler’s defensive intensity then it could open up things for Damian Lillard. Lillard will likely see a lot of double teams in this one if Lawson is limited again as he was last game.
Jason Hartzog previews the Portland Trail Blazers’ April 12 matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Jason says the Thunder are still playing for the top seed in the west. They won’t let this one slip away without a fight. Can we get more Lillard please? Damian Lillard was outstanding as he scored a new career high 38 points vs. LA. The Blazers got off to a quick start, shot the ball well, and really looked in control the whole game.
Lillard’s Big Night Sitting 11 games under .500, and mathematically eliminated from playoff contention, the Portland Trail Blazers had very little to play for heading in to last night’s contest against the rival Los Angeles Lakers. However, any time Portland hosts the Lakers at the Rose Garden, no matter the situation, there’s always something to [...]
Bryant Knox previews the Portland Trail Blazers April 10 matchup against the LA Lakers. Portland took down the Lakers to start the year, but this LA team has seen a drastic change since the All-Star break. Whether Kobe Bryant is a scorer or a facilitator will play a big role in this one. Nicolas Batum, Steve Nash and Wesley Matthews are questionable, while Metta World Peace is out.
NWSB Insider and Portland Trail Blazers Blogger breaks down Wesley Matthews’ post-game interview following the loss to the Houston Rockets on ESPN. Matthews has emerged as the vocal leader on this team. LaMarcus Aldridge has always been quiet and Damian Lillard doesn’t have the experience, leaving Matthews to encourage this team along the way. Matthews spoke candidly about this team’s effort Friday night, and he set the tone for what needs to happen down the stretch.
Bryant Knox previews the Portland Trail Blazers April 7 matchup against the Dallas Mavericks. These two teams have established a history, with the most dramatic game taking place back on Jan. 29. Portland won the game on a last-second shot. Now, Portland is officially out of the playoffs, but Wesley Matthews has urged his teammates to continue playing with pride. The key matchup will be between Dirk Nowitzki and LaMarcus Aldridge. Nicolas Batum is out
NWSB Insider and Portland Trail Blazers Blogger breaks down what you can expect with PDX officially out of the playoffs. Following the loss to James Harden, Jeremy Lin and the Houston Rockets, Portland is officially playing for a spot in the lottery. The team will certainly rest injured players such as Nicolas Batum, so expect to see youngsters Meyers Leonard and Victor Claver earn more time. LaMarcus Aldridge should continue to be the leader, as Damian Lillard’s inexperience could be a problem while staying motivated.
NWSB Insider and Rip City hoops blogger Jason Hartzog reviews the Portland Trail Blazers April 3rd matchup versus the Memphis Grizzlies. He points out it was a rough night for Joel Freeland and Meyers Leonard. They both showed some of their offensive ability. However, it was their lack of defense that stood out in this one. Will Barton followed the rest of the team with horrible shooting.
Bryant Knox previews the Portland Trail Blazers’ March 30 matchup against the Golden State Warriors.Portland made a major comeback the last time these two played to make it a game late, but a strong start would have avoided having to do that. The key matchup in this one is going to be at the point guard position, as Stephen Curry and Damian Lillard have proven they can carry their teams. LaMarcus Aldridge is out.
