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Trail Blazers 99 At Bulls 89 Game Thread
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  1. DHawes22
    DHawes22
    Posts: 6476

    Posted 03/19/2013 10:35 PM



    March 21st, 2013
    5:00 PM | United Center | Chicago, IL
    Trail Blazers (31-36) At Bulls (36-30)

    What To Watch For
    Defensive Intensity
    The Trail Blazers could have won either game this road trip, probably even both, had they played a full 48 minutes of defense. Portland gave up 58 points to the Bucks in the first-half and trailed by as many as 27 points. But when they came out to open the third, they were swarming Milwaukee and held the home team to just 44 points over the final 24 minutes, even trimming the lead to as little as seven. Against Phildelphia, the Blazers also allowed 58 first half points and found themselves behind by as many as 14 in the third quarter. Portland locked down Philly to the tune of 43 second half points, but once again, it was too little, too late. Watch this game closely and see which Trail Blazers squad shows up. Will it be the one who fought valiantly to rally for the win or will it be the one who came out shaky, allowing their opponents to get into an early offensive rhythm? Portland had no problem scoring at will to make the comeback attempts legit against Philadelphia and Milwaukee, but being down 10 to Chicago feels like 20. The Bulls won't make life so easy on the visitors from the Pacific Northwest. Under Coach Thibodeau, the Bulls are suffocating on D, allowing their opponents to shoot a meager 43.8% -- fifth best in the NBA. One way the Blazers had been coming back was the 3-point shot. Against Chicago, that may not be an option. The Bulls only give up 33.6% shooting from distance -- third stingiest in the league.

    Blazer Backcourt
    This game hinges on the play of the Blazer backcourt: Damian Lillard and Wesley Matthews. Chicago has been starting Nate Robinson and Marco Belinelli. And while those two can certainly score the rock -- combining for 52 points Monday night against Denver -- neither will be confused for an All-Defense member, which is where Lillard and Matthews can take over the game. Before his 8-point outing, on 2-10 shooting, in Milwaukee, Dame had scored 20 or more in nine of his last 10 games and Wes is coming off a 28-point performance in Milwaukee in which he hit a season-high seven 3's, so both players will be coming into the Windy City ready and rollin. But this game will be won on the defensive end of the floor, like many of them are when you tangle with the Bulls. Portland must lock down Nate and Marco and not allow them free reign in the paint. If Lillard and Matthews can keep their counterparts under 35 combined points, it will bode well for the Blazers' chances of getting win No. 1 on this road trip.

    Trail Blazers At Bulls Highlights
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  1. Tobyus Sanchezo
    Tobyus Sanchezo
    Posts: 1600

    Posted 03/19/2013 11:15 PM

    Regroup, reload, retaliate. This Blazer team knows how to win. Let's get this done.
    I am a fan of playoffs in two zero one three
  1. BLASER
    BLASER
    Posts: 595

    Posted 03/21/2013 8:24 PM

    great win

    I am a fan of JJ Hickson Posterizing The Opposition
  1. Tobyus Sanchezo
    Tobyus Sanchezo
    Posts: 1600

    Posted 03/22/2013 12:08 AM

    Dictated the pace, played scrappy defense. Great 3 point shooting, really lit things up in Chi-Town.
    I am a fan of playoffs in two zero one three
  1. riverman
    riverman
    Posts: 1098

    Posted 03/22/2013 9:44 AM

    Best defense all season!
    I am a fan of A team that plays like Tower of Power on a big stage on a good night
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