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After a terrific first half performance, which saw the Trail Blazers (11-5) build a double-digit lead, there was an ominous feeling in the Rose Garden. Having seen the Trail Blazers allow teams to battle back from huge deficits, the fans became even more antsy when the lead was whittled down to six points in the third quarter. Instead of allowing the Chicago Bulls (6-7) to make it an interesting fourth quarter, the Trail Blazers put their foot on the gas and completely dominated the final 16 minutes of the game on the way to a 122-98 victory, their sixth straight against Chicago.
Both LaMarcus Aldridge and Greg Oden had their best games of the season against a tough Bulls front court. Oden matched a career-high with 24 points and pulled down 12 boards. Aldridge also added 24, but bested Oden's rebounding total with 13. Oden continued his spectacular shooting from the field, hitting 7-8 attempts, and also delivered at the free-throw line, where he hit 10-12 attempts. Trail Blazers head coach Nate McMillan came away very impressed with the play of his young center. "I thought he was great. I though he was really patient in the post, did a nice job taking his time, reading the defense, and if the defense played him with single coverage, he was able to score." Brandon Roy netted 18 points, Andre Miller finished with 16 and Rudy Fernandez added 13 for the Trail Blazers, who host the winless New Jersey Nets on Wednesday. Recap || Game Info || Box Score || Video: Highlights || Video: Postgame Interviews
It’s easy to lose perspective during the course of an NBA season. Between practices, shoot arounds, film sessions, games, travel, appearances and the other ancillary responsibilities that overtake the lives of players and staff for the better part of seven months, it sometimes feels like basketball is the only thing that matters.
When the word gets out that Maurice Lucas, a man who personifies toughness, continues to battle bladder cancer, the game that seems so important seems a little less so. Everyone in the Trail Blazers feels Luke’s absence, but for centers Joel Przybilla and Greg Oden, it is especially troubling, as Lucas works closely with both as the team’s designated “big man” coach. “It’s heartbreaking,” Przybilla said. “He’s a crucial part of this team. All of our thoughts and prayers are with him. To me he’s not only been a coach and a mentor, but a great friend. It’s hard to hear he’s going through some tough times right now. He’s a great person all around and to have him not here, we’re definitely missing something. Every day you walk in the locker room or the practice court and you definitely feel his presence not being there.” Q&A With Coach Lucas  |
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