| 19 March 2011
In a battle of two teams that have won 12 of their past 17 games, the Portland Trail Blazers prevailed with an attack that was too much for the impressive Philadelphia 76ers to handle, compiling their 40th win of the season, 110-101.
Wesley Matthews wears his Three Goggles throughout the first half for efficient Blazers
During a recent practice head coach Nate McMillan showed his team how the "Three Goggles" have affected their defense. He didn't outlaw them, however, so Matthews, in particular, continued to wear them. He hit five three-pointers in the first half, all off assists and each from a different spot on the court. He was feeling it, parked beyond the line and firing whenever the opportunity presented itself.
This barrage helped Portland grab a 36-27 lead after one quarter, and he added a sixth three-pointer in the second quarter. The team had eight by intermission, carrying a eight-point advantage into the break. They had 17 assists on 22 field goals, shot 62 percent, and received 45 points from the trio of Matthews, LaMarcus Aldridge, and Gerald Wallace on a blistering 17-22 from the field.
Philadelphia's talent shows as they stay close against Portland
There's a reason why the 76ers entered 12-5 in their last 17 games and sat sixth in the Eastern Conference standings. First-year head coach Doug Collins has his team playing at an extremely high level, and their young talent was on display. Their first-half attack was balanced, as six players scored six or more points.
The quartet of Lou Williams, Jodie Meeks, Evan Turner, and Thaddeus Young--all 23 or younger--provided a sustained spark and did most of their damage off the dribble. These four scored 35 first-half points, creating for themselves on the perimeter and inside. In large part because of them, Philadelphia shot 55 percent in the first half and kept the Blazers from building a comfortable lead. They weren't missing a beat without their star, Andre Iguodala, and they weren't done.
Portland's unselfishness exemplfies their tremendous amount of chemistry
To excel as well as they did, the Blazers made extra passes and ran their set-plays to precision. Andre Miller, who was celebrating his 35th birthday, started what became a passing clinic. He had three first quarter assists and six by halftime. Most came in transition or possessions that ended early in the clock. Portland has been playing uptempo a lot lately, and this game was no different. They made the most of their transition opportunities and passed up wide open shots for higher percentage ones,
The Blazers finished with 29 assists on 37 field goals, and seven players had at least two. This ability to find open teammates, either off penetration or from swinging the ball around the perimeter, spread out the 76ers defense and helped Portland keep Philadelphia's scoring runs to a minimum and maintain their advantage.
Wallace proves his worth in second half, aggressive in evey aspect
The Blazers could keep hold of a six to eight point lead primarily because of Wallace's effort. The small forward who is primarily playing power forward in McMillan's small lineup, was everywhere and did everything. He was the second-half's facilitator, making plays for others in finishing with a season-high eight assists, two off his career-best. But that wasn't all. He dove for loose balls, picked pockets, hit three-pointers, used his strength to get position inside, and grabbed rebounds.
Philadelphia wouldn't go away, staying in striking distance due to the play of their bench. This unit scored 59 of the team's points on 59 percent shooting. But Wallace made sure their play along with that of starters' Williams, Holiday, Meeks, and Turner wouldn't lead to victory. He had 22 points, six rebounds, the aforementioned assist total, and four steals.
"He was huge for us," said Aldridge postgame. "We always knew he could pass. And tonight he made some good reads."
"He brought some energy to the game," added Miller. "The effort was there."
Lakers next on the schedule on end of back-to-back
Portland now gets ready to face the Los Angeles Lakers in the second of a back-to-back.
"Let's worry about the Blazers," said Wallace. "Not about what the Lakers are doing."
photo: daylife
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