incredible win over the Blazers

I don't know why, but I continued watching into the second half. That first
half was about as bad an exhibition of basketball as you will see. Anyway,
inexplicably watching the second half, I saw play that was just as good as
the first half was bad. How can this happen? Basketball is a funny game.

Although the comeback began in earnest late in the third quarter, the fourth
quarter was nothing short of magical. Lou Williams, Willie Green, Thaddeus
Young, and Andre Iquodala did the heavy lifting and each were outstanding.
Kevin Ollie also made a positive contribution before giving way to Green.
Dalembert was hampered by five fouls, but Jason Smith--- who continues to
surprise-- played like a seasoned vet. The thing I like about Smith is that
not only can he score, he can run the floor like a small forward.
Defensively, he's a work in progress, but when you're 7-feet tall, can move,
and you're not afraid to bang bodies, good things will come to those who
listen to the coach.

On the down side, given the opportunity to stand up and make a difference,
Rodney Carney showed little.

I suspect that after this, Coach Cheeks will be less anxious about putting
guys like Smith, Young and Williams on the court at cruch times. We can't
over-react to this; after all this was the Blazers. However, I have a hunch
this amazing comeback is going to mark a significant milestone for the
maturity of those three young players.

Let's hypothesize a line-up of Dalembert, Smith, Igouadala, Williams and
Green (or Young). Now that is a team which can fly down the court on
transition with the best of them.

----- Kurt Straub

Kurt Straub wrote:
> I don't know why, but I continued watching into the second half. That
> first half was about as bad an exhibition of basketball as you will
> see. Anyway, inexplicably watching the second half, I saw play that was
> just as good as the first half was bad. How can this happen?
> Basketball is a funny game.
>
> Although the comeback began in earnest late in the third quarter, the
> fourth quarter was nothing short of magical. Lou Williams, Willie
> Green, Thaddeus Young, and Andre Iquodala did the heavy lifting and each
> were outstanding. Kevin Ollie also made a positive contribution before
> giving way to Green. Dalembert was hampered by five fouls, but Jason
> Smith--- who continues to surprise-- played like a seasoned vet. The
> thing I like about Smith is that not only can he score, he can run the
> floor like a small forward. Defensively, he's a work in progress, but
> when you're 7-feet tall, can move, and you're not afraid to bang
> bodies, good things will come to those who listen to the coach.
>
> On the down side, given the opportunity to stand up and make a
> difference, Rodney Carney showed little.
>
> I suspect that after this, Coach Cheeks will be less anxious about
> putting guys like Smith, Young and Williams on the court at cruch
> times. We can't over-react to this; after all this was the Blazers.
> However, I have a hunch this amazing comeback is going to mark a
> significant milestone for the maturity of those three young players.
>
> Let's hypothesize a line-up of Dalembert, Smith, Igouadala, Williams and
> Green (or Young). Now that is a team which can fly down the court on
> transition with the best of them.
>
> ----- Kurt Straub

I didn't see the game (I have DirecTv, thankfully)
but the highlights showed a bit of the excitement
of the 3000 fans. I understand the mess that Billie
King created will take years to undo, so I don't miss
the level of play, but I do miss seeing the future
stalwarts of the team take form. It sounds like a
glimmer of hope to me. Thanks for the recap.

Dennis