Heartbreak in Sacramento
Blazers fans are realistic and it has become clear that the Portland Trail Blazers won’t be in the postseason in 2012. LaMarcus Aldridge being declared out for the rest of the season was the final straw. Still, Portland has been fighting hard and making fans proud of their effort.
Where: Power Balance Pavilion, Sacramento, California
Officials: #24 Mike Callahan, #36 David Jones, #63 Derek Richardson
Attendance: 16012
Last night’s loss to Sacramento was a real heart break.
The Blazers led almost the whole way, only to lose 104-103 when Marcus Thornton knocked down a jumper with three seconds left.
Love ‘Em
Wesley Matthews
Wesley Matthews was absolutely on fire last night. How hot was he? Matthews knocked down 8 out of 10 three-point attempts and finished with 31 points.
Matthews hit two from beyond the arc in the last minute of the game, and it appeared the final one might be a game-winner until Thornton crushed the Blazers hopes.
Still, it was Matthews best game of the season.
Active Defense in the Paint
Coach Canales has been preaching defense, and the Blazers worked very hard in the paint last night. Portland blocked eight Sacramento shots. Joel Przybilla and J.J. Hickson both had two blocked shots.
Hate ‘Em
Blazers vs. Kings Love 'em & Hate 'em
More Injuries
Both Raymond Felton and Nicolas Batum aggravated previous injuries in last night’s loss. Felton and Batum are both listed as doubtful for tonight’s game against the Suns. It’s discouraging for Blazers fans to see so many key players go down with an injury.
Inability to Close the Game Out
Portland led by nine points with less than eight minutes to go, but they were unable to finish the game strong. The Blazers went more than four minutes without scoring a point in the fourth quarter, and they couldn’t come up with stops when they badly needed them at the end of the game.
Too Many Turnovers
The Blazers turned the ball over 17 times in this one. Sacramento had just six turnovers. The Kings scored 19 points off the Blazers miscues, while Portland had just two points off turnovers.
In the end, this is what really kept Portland from winning this game.
The Blazers could be mathematically eliminated from playoff contention tonight in Phoenix.
Let’s hope the short-handed Blazers put forth a strong effort.
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