Sacramento (10-12) @ Portland (14-11)

[cuad]

Jason Thompson missing two wide open shots in a row.

[cuad]

I also dislike how often we play LeBron ball, and how we play defense, and how Westphal never has Hawes in the post.

[cuad]

Lol who's that bimbo sitting next to Geoff Petrie?

[pillwenney]

Come on guys. This can be a big road win for this team.

[cuad]

We need Justin Williams.

[pillwenney]

We need Justin Williams.

Justin Williams would've actually committed a foul there instead of being called for a foul.

The problem with the play you're talking about was that Jason completely played it wrong-position wise.

[Wolfay]

What on earth do we have to do to win on the road? This is frustrating beyond all comprehension.

[KingInExile]

Yet another demonstration of the team's inability to close out on the road.

[cuad]

Yeah well at least Justin Williams would have grabbed more than 2 rebounds in 27 minutes.

[Milkdud]

Wow, Blazer fan that is flat out impress by Evans.

[cuad]

We lost this game in the 3rd quarter when McMillan pulled Przybilla out of the game after we didn't even try to get him in foul trouble.

[darkadun]

so freaking pissed right now. This was a game we should of won. We basically gift wrapped the game to the blazers.

[pillwenney]

Well, tough to complain about that half--especially when we got off to such a rocky start.

I think a big key for us is keeping Przybilla in foul trouble. His defensive presence is absolutely crucial for them.

Well, I hate to say I was right. Przybilla was far and away the MVP of this game--stats be damned.

Agreed with others--incredibly frustrating loss. The game was just so winnable.

Personally, I'm up for benching Spencer again--maybe give him another chance to get his head out of his ass. Stats don't even do justice to how bad he was tonight. But he also needs to be put in a situation where he can be the center of things more often. He scored on a couple of straight possessions in the second when given the ball. We just never give him the ball because he's currently a horrendous "incidental scorer".

I'll say this--I can't wait to get Kevin back. Put him in there with him getting the opportunities that Noc and Donte are currently getting, and this team suddenly gets a whole lot better offensively.

We also just need to find a way to get Tyreke involved more consistently. Having said that. Portland was really trying to keep him from getting the ball in the end, and our guys just didn't execute.

Back to Przybilla though--I hope this game is a reminder to those out there that consistently underrate the importance of an interior presence defensively. I'll say it again--the guy was absolutely huge tonight, and players of his type shouldn't be viewed as just off-the-bench role players. There aren't many defensive anchors in this league, and we need one. Having said that, a lot of it isn't really Spencer and Jason's fault. The other rotations now are pretty bad, and Jason and Spencer can both improve in their rotations a lot too--which they presumably will over time.

[pillwenney]

Yeah well at least Justin Williams would have grabbed more than 2 rebounds in 27 minutes.

Yeah, but he wouldn't have pulled defenders away from the basket the way Spencer did through the game--and of course, Spencer isn't usually this bad. The answer sure as hell isn't Justin Williams.

[Agenda42]

Wow, Blazer fan that is flat out impress by Evans.

No kidding. Are we sure he's 20? Looks 25. He's as NBA ready as any one and done I've ever seen.

[KingInExile]

Yeah well at least Justin Williams would have grabbed more than 2 rebounds in 27 minutes.

I am longing for the day when posters on this board get over their irrational infatuation with Justin freaking Williams! The way some here worship him you would think that he's the next incarnation of Moses Malone. Get over it. Justin Williams was nothing but an athletic hack that was never going to be anything more than a deep bench project.

[cdt3]

Hawes is not ready yet. I agree they need a defensive Center. They are just so packed with offensive big guys. They need one.

JT put up 19/9 vs the last 3 playoff teams we have faced. Donte/Noci/Spencer all stunk tonight.

And will Martin or Garcia hit a late free throw? That is the problem with too much youth late in the game. Even Evans missed 1 that may have changed the game. It will come.

[Nicky Nix Nook]

I want a Pryzbilla NOW!

[a-rod]

I've never been a fan of Paul Westphal or the way he coaches defense...

I realize that his knowledge is in offense and game management, but he needs to realize that way he coaches defense dont work anymore, this isn't the 90s, his overall defensive game plan was pathetic..

[breaker91]

Hey guys I know you are frustrated at tonight's loss, but you should keep your head's up. You guys have a very promising future. Your squad reminds me of the Blazers a few years back. I'm so impressed with Evans. He is the new Brandon Roy. A very calm player who knows how to pick his spots to get to the hoop. With Thompson, Cassipi, and even Udrih you guys have a great core to build off of, but can we please have Udoka back? I really miss his physical D.

I'll also agree with what Mitch was saying. Pryzbilla was huge for us tonight.