Too Much Heat
Miami came into Portland as the hottest team in the NBA, and they showed why in their impressive 107-93 victory over the Blazers. Chris Bosh missed this game, but LeBron James and Dwayne Wade combined for 71 points to carry the Heat to an easy victory.
The Portland Trail Blazers trailed by double digits all throughout the second half.
Love ‘Em
1. Nicolas Batum
Nicolas Batum has been great since coming back from his injury. He has clearly established himself as the team’s best shooter. Last night he went 6 for 11 from the floor for 17 points. He also led the team with three steals and two blocked shots.
Batum is showing what an asset he is to this team.
2. Joel Przybilla
Przybilla was forced into action due to Kurt Thomas’ concussion last night. Not many people expect much from Joel Przybilla, but he gave them a solid 19 minutes of time last night. He finished with four points, six rebounds, and two blocked shots. He could improve the team’s depth down low.
Hate ‘Em
Trail Blazers vs Heat: Love Em & Hate Em
1. Defense on James and Wade
LeBron James and Dwayne Wade are great players, but how the Blazers let them get so many open looks is very confusing.
With Chris Bosh out of the lineup, Portland should have been doing their very best to make anyone else on this team beat them. Instead, both stars continually got open looks at the basket.
2. Too Many Turnovers
Against the best teams in the league, the Blazers simply can’t afford to turn the ball over 16 times. Jamal Crawford turned it over five times, while Wesley Matthews and Gerald Wallace both turned it over three times.
Miami had just nine turnovers, and that really is about where Portland needs to be in a game like this.
3. Marcus Camby
Marcus Camby isn’t having the kind of impact he has had in the past. Last night he was just 1 for 6 from the floor, and he played only 21 minutes. He is the guy the Blazers need to shut down the paint when playing against a great opponent like Miami.
Portland has now dropped to .500 on the season.
They will host Minnesota on Saturday night as they try to get back above the .500 mark.
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