Portland’s Most Anticipated Games
By David MacKay
Jan. 29, 2013; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) is surrounded by teammates after making a last second game-winning shot against the Dallas Mavericks at the Rose Garden. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports
3) Dallas Mavericks – December 7th, Moda Center
The Dallas Mavericks have a history of giving up memorable Blazer moments. There was Brandon Roy’s historic game 4 in the 2011 playoffs, LaMarcus Aldridge’s game winner in 2012, and another Aldridge game winner this past season after an enormous comeback effort. Every year I look forward to this matchup because it is generally tight and yields some of the best Blazer basketball.
This season, both teams have been heavily retooled. Among others, Dallas has added Jose Calderon and Monta ellis to their lineup, while Portland has stocked their bench with fresh faces. Through all this, the anchors remain; Dirk Nowitzki and LaMarcus Aldridge. It is unknowable which team will have the upper-hand this time.