Well we definitely learned some lessons in this one.
It’s a shame because the Blazers played really well. Probably one of their best offensive performances. They were aggressive, they attacked the basket, they got to the line and didn’t rely on the 3 or jumpers. They played well but couldn’t eek it out. Dallas won this game. Their 10-2 run from a little under the 7 minute mark to a little over the 3 minute mark in the 4th quarter won this game. Point blank. Up until then it was the Blazers game. But that switch turned on, winning time was upon us and Dallas wanted it more. They went on and took it, they made the plays left and right. Kidd’s three, Terry’s three in transition, Barea making jumpers and Bass’ tip-in. All plays that Dallas made. That’s something Portland doesn’t have right now, that killer instinct. Dallas turned a switch on while the Blazers were Googling it trying to find the manual. It will come, patience people.
I would probably feel a bit worse about this game…but it’s clear why the Blazers lost. All the frustration in the world from a fan doesn’t mean much. Let’s be real anytime you let a team shoot 58% in a half on your home court, you’re probably not coming out with a win. You can’t do that against the Thunder, Kings or Wizards let alone the Dallas Mavericks. Heck I bet most people who read this can’t shoot 58% in a gym by themselves. Anytime you let a team get 16 offensive rebounds you’re probably not coming out with a win. How is Barea getting 4? Kidd getting 3? Midgets. I mean look at the stats that means of the 40 shots that Dallas missed they nearly got half of the back. You can’t lose the battle of the boards like that (42-32). Getting to the line 32 times is amazing but useless if you only make 21 of the attempts.
The Blazers played well and played their hearts out but they didn’t do enough to win. It was a great game a fun basketball game to watch even if my Blazer hat was off. Back and forth, both teams answering adversity, both teams changing the lead, making adjustments. Just fun. But when it came down to winning the veterans went into a different gear, plain and simple.
But it sure is tough to swallow that Barea and Bass turned into Stockton and Malone and basically won the game. Le sigh.
Other thoughts:
- Seriously when on earth did Barea decide to turn into Chris Paul? Could we really not keep him in front? Is he that fast/good? Honestly. He was slicing and dicing and finishing…holy sheesh. Aggravating.
- Speaking of aggravating, tonight reminded me how frustrating the Mavs can be. I was deathly afraid of Jason Terry because I felt he was going to make huge shots. Sure enough he did. And Dirk just absolutely tore poor LaMarcus apart. No easy way to say it. 12/18? Come on now.
- Sergio played some of the best basketball of his career in the second quarter.
- Jason Kidd intentionally took that ref out. You can not debate this with me. He was going for the ball but he definitely extended his arms to get a shot in. Guess you can’t blame him, a chance to get an official with a good excuse. But still. J-Kidd shoved the hell out of him. And yes it was comedy.
- Reggie Miller called Steve Blake, James Blake once.
- Josh Howard wanted nothing to do with this game. Nothing.