RTRC: |8-1| Week 3 Results + Week 4 Review

[H00PL0VE]

cool articles out there.


go for the Lakers.

thanks a lot man. And I HAVE to play the Lakers. its our home opener. lol

I liked your division by division previews! Good work man!

Thanks a lot.

Your roster is over spilling with talent. Great start so far!

Yeah it's going to be hard to exploit everyones talent but I will try. Thanks a lot

Good luck in the week man.

thanks a lot. I might post up the week results tonight.

[H00PL0VE]

RETURN TO RIP CITY: A PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS ASSOCIATION

"Brandon Roy Single Handedly Energizes Blazer's Over Lakers"


Brandon Roy Blowing Past Pau Gasol
@

BOX SCORE
LAL || 32 || 21 || 18 || 20 || 91
POR || 23 || 24 || 18 || 30 || 95
Portland, Oregon | November 1, 2009

This was set to be an early statement game for Brandon Roy and the Portland Trail Blazers. If they could hang with the Lakers then they could hang with the rest of the West. Fortunately for them, Brandon Roy seized every opportunity in the 4th to guide his team with a come from behind win at home to fend off last year's NBA Finalists.

Brandon Roy hit huge shots in the 4th including a three-pointer that tied it at 89 with only a few minutes left. Roy ended the game with 30 points on a 12 for 24 shooting night including a 4 of 6 from behind the arc. "I just couldn't let my team go out like that," Roy stated after the game. "There was a point where we were down big and it looked like we were out and about, but I just couldn't let that happen."

Brandon Roy also had 6 rebounds and 6 steals in the Blazers' win.

Roy again had minimal help from his supporting cast. Lamarcus Aldridge continues to be in a funk as he only had 11 points to go with 6 rebounds, 2 steals and one blocked shot. Josh Smith did okay with 16 points and 5 rebounds and Devin Harris added 11 points and 5 steals. Other than those mentioned, everybody else shot poorly or just didn't score enough to help Brandon Roy, who fell to the ground as a sign of exhaustion after scoring 15 points in the 4th to bring his team back.

For the Lakers, Jordan Farmer was simply invincible to the Blazers as he scored 30 points! Farmar shot 11 of 17 from the field including 4 three pointers. "I was just feeling it," Farmar said. "Every time the ball left my hand I knew it was going in. Too bad we couldn't get the win. The Blazers look real tough this season so I'm not surprised they came back. I am surprised that we let them."

Kobe Bryant was right behind Farmar with 25 points to go with 4 assists and Pau Gasol provided litte help with 5 points and 5 rebounds.

Lamar Odom and Andrew Bynum both combined for 24 rebounds (12 each). What really killed the Lakers were their turnovers. The Lakers committed 26 turnovers on the night with 8 of them belonging to Jordan Farmar. If the Laker's would've brought their turnovers down in the 4th, then this game could've easily been theirs.

When asked about his performance, Lamarcus Aldridge stated, "I've been real cold as of late. Roy needs more help and I do intend on going into the gym and working on my shot." Aldridge is averaging a career low 13.2 points per game.

Portland Trail Blazers

RECORD: 5-0
DIVISION: 1st
CONFERENCE: 1st
STREAK: Won 5
CHEMISTRY: 83%
CAP ROOM: $2.54M

OTHER GAMES:
November 5, 2009: Portland Trail Blazers (5-0) @ Golden State Warriors (2-4) [W: 84-72]
November 7, 2009" Houston Rockets (2-3) @ Portland Trail Blazers (5-0) [W: 80-70]

[H00PL0VE]

RETURN TO RIP CITY: A PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS ASSOCIATION

*Week 3*

Game #1

3-3 @ 5-0
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11/09/09 Vs. Memphis Grizzlies

Primary Shooter- OJ Mayo [25.3 PPG]
Secondary Shooter- Rudy Gay [23.5 PPG]
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*Teams Strengths/Weaknesses will be based on a Frontcourt-Backcourt Rating depending on teams starters and bench positions*
Strengths- Backcourt
Weaknesses- Frontcourt
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Coaches Strategy- The Memphis Grizzlies are the surprise team this year. With a standing of 3-3, the Grizzlies are being led by second year man, OJ Mayo and Rudy Gay. Both are averaging over 20 points per contest. In order for Portland to stop this one-two combo they must get in the grill of Mayo and Gay.

After research, it seems the two stars get most of their shots while they have a decent amount of space between themselves and the defenders. If Brandon Roy and Josh Smith can keep their guard up and stay in their faces, then Portland could very much have a great game against the Grizzlies. If they can stop Gay and Mayo, that's about 48 points that there keeping Mayo and Gay from having combined.
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Premiere Matchup- OJ Mayo VS. Brandon Roy
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Game #2

5-0 @ 2-3
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11/11/09 Vs. Miami Heat

Primary Shooter- Dwyane Wade [22.0 PPG]
Secondary Shooter- Michael beasley [21.0 PPG]
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*Teams Strengths/Weaknesses will be based on a Frontcourt-Backcourt Rating depending on teams starters and bench positions*
Strengths- Backcourt
Weaknesses- Frontcourt
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Coaches Strategy- Nothing needs to be said about the Heat. Dwyane Wade and Michael Beasley are the new leaders of the group with everybody else at a distant 3rd. Wade can do just about anything on the floor to manipulate defenses. Portland shouldn't be a option. Wade will find a way to tear up the interior defense of the Blazers.

Lamarcus Aldridge has had a slow start to his bright future. If he can get himself together today against the smaller Michael Beasley then it could set the tone for the Blazers the rest of the way. The Miami Heat have a squad full of star players but only a few are really a threat to Portland. Once dwyane Wade takes the bench, I wouldn't be surprised to see Portland's guards taking over the game.

The key to this game for Portland is to beat the Heat up inside and protect the paint from the drives that Wade will create.
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Premiere Matchup- Dwyane Wade VS. Lamarcus Aldridge
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Game #3

5-0 @ 4-2
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11/13/09 Vs. Indiana Pacers

Primary Shooter- Danny Granger [16.7 PPG]
Secondary Shooter- Jamaal Tinsley [16.0 PPG]
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*Teams Strengths/Weaknesses will be based on a Frontcourt-Backcourt Rating depending on teams starters and bench positions*
Strengths- Backcourt
Weaknesses- Frontcourt
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Coaches Strategy- News out of Indiana is that Danny Granger is injured. With that said we can safely say that the Pacers are still 4-2 with Granger being sidelined. A sidenote: The Portland Trail Blazers have expressed interest in the star Forward but will not begin talking until Granger is fully healed from his injury.

Back to the game. The only other scorer the Pacers have are Jamaal Tinsley, Troy Murphy and Brandon Rush. Even that seems like a stretch for the Pacers. The Blazers are stock full of players who can score. The Pacers will miss Granger and his range but they will have to make do without him for another 7 days. Michael Dunleavy is the only other small forward the team has and he is having a slow season with only 9.3 points per contest.

If the Pacers wan't to continue their early success, another scorer must step up for the Pacers. The problem is, it won't be a big because nobody else is withing 10 points of Troy Murphy's average this season.
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Premiere Matchup- Brandon Roy VS. Danny Granger
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Game #4

5-0 @ 3-3
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11/14/09 Vs. New York Knicks

Primary Shooter- Larry Hughes [14.0 PPG]
Secondary Shooter- Nate Robinson [11.3 PPG]
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*Teams Strengths/Weaknesses will be based on a Frontcourt-Backcourt Rating depending on teams starters and bench positions*
Strengths- Backcourt
Weaknesses- Frontcourt
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Coaches Strategy- Nothing special going on with the Knicks. Just the same chemistry-less team looking to find themselves in the league. They are being led by on and off Larry Hughes who seems to have a great scoring night every other night. If the Knicks have any hope at all then they must get the scoring machine version of Larry Hughes.

Behind Hughes, Nate Robinson is the teams 2nd scoring leader followed by Danilo Gallinari with 10 points. If you're third leading scorer is averaging 10 points that has to spell trouble. The Knicks must find a more consistent scorer because the Blazers have a full roster they can throw at New York to get points. Al Harrington is havign a slow start with 9.5 points per game and Eddy Curry is just a lost soul in New York with 8.5 points per game.

For the Blazers, if they can establish themselves early and have a solid 1st and maybe second quarter then I can honestly see the starters resting on the bench the rest of the game while the reserves handle New York the rest of the way.
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Premiere Matchup- Toss-up VS. Toss-up
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Projected Week Result- (3-1)

[H00PL0VE]

RETURN TO RIP CITY: A PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS ASSOCIATION

[[Hyperize]]

Great job getting Josh Smith and Devin Harris (I know it's a little late). You have the new big three in Brandon Roy, Josh Smith, and Devin Harris. Jordan Farmar had an amazing game, but good win nevertheless.

[H00PL0VE]

RETURN TO RIP CITY: A PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS ASSOCIATION

Trade Talks in Portland


Will Danny Granger be heading to Portland?

The Portland Tribune | Sun, Nov. 8, 2009

The Portland Trail Blazers are leading the West early in the season. Just as everything seems to be okay in Portland, a trade discussion leaked from the office concerning Danny Granger of the Indiana Pacers.

According to sources, the Blazer's aren't looking to keep the high-flying Josh Smith as they had tried that type of player before in Darius Miles and Travis Outlaw. Now, the Blazer's are looking for a player who can help Brandon Roy around the arc rather than somebody who needs to be in the air posterizing defenders.

Nothing is official yet, this is all just from a source. If these trade alligations are true then there will be a lot of questions being asked in the Portland locker room. Especially with chemistry.

More on this will be given as soon as more information has been given.

[H00PL0VE]

Great job getting Josh Smith and Devin Harris (I know it's a little late). You have the new big three in Brandon Roy, Josh Smith, and Devin Harris. Jordan Farmar had an amazing game, but good win nevertheless.

Thanks a lot man. Farmar torched us from everywhere! It was one of those hand trembling games lol. But thanks for the props.

[Shabron]

granger... if you can pull taht off... stacked team

[H00PL0VE]

RETURN TO RIP CITY: A PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS ASSOCIATION

"Brandon Roy's 30 Points Ices Heat"


Greg Oden Fighting Beasley Underneath
@

BOX SCORE
POR || 26 || 34 || 18 || 25 || 103
MIA || 26 || 17 || 24 || 29 || 96
Miami, Florida | November 11, 2009

Boy oh boy did the real Brandon Roy show up tonight! Brandon Roy was simply amazing against the Miami Heat. In fact, the entire Portland Trail Blazers performed excellent. Brandon Roy and Rudy Fernandez both held Dwyane Wade to a mere 7 points the entire game as Wade shot only 1 for 5 on the night. Now this doesn't take a brain surgeon to understand this but if Wade is only scoring 7 points, then you know your team is in trouble.

Brandon Roy lit Miami up for 30 points on a 13 for 24 night including 3 three-pointers. "I was just going within the offense," Roy stated after the win. "I just felt confident with every shot I took and I prayed that they went in. The other guys did great too and helping me keep our composure on the court." Brandon Roy added 4 rebounds and 4 assists on the night.

The big surprise came from the team's 6th man Josh Smith who shot 8 of 13 from the field on his way to 20 points off the bench! After the rumors of Josh Smith being traded for Danny Granger, it seems Smith is making his case as to why he should stay with Portland.

Lamarcus Aldridge, who's been the wild-card of this team, had a great night compared to his other games with 14 points and 6 rebounds including 2 blocked shots and 2 steals.

For Miami, it was the 2nd year guard, Mario Chalmers, who led the team with 19 points and 10 assists giving him a double double on the night. "It's tough you know?" To go in and give it all you got and lose." Chalmers said, "But we got to move on. Roy simply killed us and we couldn't stop him." Of course, Chalmers is referring to the 34 points quarter that Portland had in the 2nd as Miami only scored 17.

Michael Beasley tried to provide offense but his 16 points, 8 rebounds performance just wasn't enough. Miami needed Wade.

On top of Wade's 7 points, he added 9 assists and 2 steals.

Jermaine O'Neal, who had 9 points and 10 rebounds, got into a slight altercation with the referree after a blocking foul was called on him in the 3rd which resulted in a technical foul.

Portland Trail Blazers

RECORD: 8-1
DIVISION: T-1st
CONFERENCE: T-2nd
STREAK: Won 3
CHEMISTRY: 84%
CAP ROOM: $2.54M

OTHER GAMES:
November 9, 2009: Memphis Grizzlies (5-5) @ Portland Trail Blazers (8-1) [L: 98-93]
November 13, 2009: Portland Trail Blazers (8-1) @ Indiana Pacers (6-3) [W: 71-68]
November 14, 2009: Portland Trail Blazers (8-1) @ New York Knicks (6-4) [W: 85-76]

[H00PL0VE]

RETURN TO RIP CITY: A PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS ASSOCIATION

*Week 4*

Game #1

3-4 @ 8-1
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11/16/09 Vs. Denver Nuggets

Primary Shooter- Carmelo Anthony [28.7 PPG]
Secondary Shooter- Ben Gordon [19.0 PPG]
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*Teams Strengths/Weaknesses will be based on a Frontcourt-Backcourt Rating depending on teams starters and bench positions*
Strengths- Backcourt
Weaknesses- Frontcourt
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Coaches Strategy- After acquiring Ben Gordon from the Bulls this season, the Denver Nuggets haven't exactly been that great team everybody expected to be. They most certainly have the talent to make some noise but the chemistry has just gone wrong.

They are led by the NBA's leading scorer, Carmelo Anthony and the veteran that changed the team around in Chauncey Billups. We can't forget that the Nuggets signed veteran point guard Jason Kidd as well. The Nuggets have a very deep backcourt that can all shoot and have a crazy night. The Portland guards will need to up the defense if they hope to stop the likes of Billups, Kidd, Anthony Carter, Ben Gordon and Dahntay Jones.

The frontcourt is being led by Kenyon Martin. But after him and Nene, the Nuggets don't get very deep on offense. Look for Portland to beat the Nuggets inside and play stellar defense on the guards because that's where most of the points will be coming from.
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Premiere Matchup- Carmelo Anthony VS. Brandon Roy
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Game #2

5-5 @ 8-1
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11/18/09 Vs. Milwaukee Bucks

Primary Shooter- Richard Jefferson [16.2 PPG]
Secondary Shooter- Michael Redd [14.7 PPG]
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*Teams Strengths/Weaknesses will be based on a Frontcourt-Backcourt Rating depending on teams starters and bench positions*
Strengths- Frontcourt
Weaknesses- Backcourt
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Coaches Strategy- A lot of people don't expect much from this game. The Portland Trail Blazers certainly have the team chemistry and the team talent to rid of the Bucks easily. The Bucks do have some scorers in Jefferson, Redd and Villanueva but they still haven't found a way to split the ball possessions between the 3.

The Blazers should try and watch the Bucks' front court as they can be a menace to face. Malik Allen is a 6'10" force that can shoot the three and can spread the floor and the same goes for the 6'11" Villanueva.

If the Blazers can stick to the gameplan and just attack then this should be an easy win before they begin their 2 game road series.
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Premiere Matchup- Michael Redd VS. Brandon Roy
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Game #3

8-1 @ 3-5
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11/19/09 Vs. Dallas Mavericks

Primary Shooter- Dirk Nowitzki [27.4 PPG]
Secondary Shooter- Josh Howard [17.5 PPG]
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*Teams Strengths/Weaknesses will be based on a Frontcourt-Backcourt Rating depending on teams starters and bench positions*
Strengths- Frontcourt
Weaknesses- Backcourt
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Coaches Strategy- Dirk is having a great start to his season. However the Mavericks as a whole is having a slow start at 3-5. The Mav's are dead last in their division and it comes of no surprise. Dirk is doing all the scoring and Dallas has no other scoring threat to help Dirk. The closest person is Josh Howard but with the right forward, he can easily be stopped.

The backcourt is being led by Jason Terry who is averaging 17 points per game. On top of Terry, the Mavericks' backcourt doesn't get much deeper. It's not going to be hard to stop the Mavs' offense seeing as they only have one established shooter on the outside and 2 established scorers on the inside. Best believe that once Dirk, Terry and Howard hit the bench, the Blazers will come out to play.
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Premiere Matchup- Lamarcus Aldridge VS. Dirk Nowitzki
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Game #4

8-1 @ 6-2
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11/21/09 Vs. Los Angeles lakers

Primary Shooter- Kobe Bryant [19.3 PPG]
Secondary Shooter- Pau Gasol [13.5 PPG]
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*Teams Strengths/Weaknesses will be based on a Frontcourt-Backcourt Rating depending on teams starters and bench positions*
Strengths- Toss-up
Weaknesses- Toss-up
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Coaches Strategy- In this match-up we will see the Lakers take on the Portland Trail Blazers yet again after Portland beat the Laker's in the Blazers' home opener. In that game Brandon Roy scored 30 points to lead his team to victory. We can't forget, however, that Farmar and Kobe Bryant were the only true scorers as Farmar had 30 and Bryant had 25.

This time, Kobe is ready and we expect a big game from him. If Kobe can knock his shots down like before and get more support from his cast, I can easily see L.A. come away with the win and the revenge. In order for this to happen, Lamar Odom and Pau Gasol will need to step things up as they combined for a total of 13 points the last time.

Portland will need the help of Roy, Aldridge and Josh Smith for this one. The Lakers will be attacking early and the Blazers' must be ready to defend and attack back. If the big 3 of Roy, Smith and Aldridge can come through then we can very much see Portland getting the 2-0 edge over L.A.
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Premiere Matchup- Brandon Roy VS. Kobe Bryant
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Projected Week Result- (2-2)

[kibaxx7]

Ben Gordon in Denver Good luck in the week man!

[H00PL0VE]

Ben Gordon in Denver Good luck in the week man!

Thanks a lot man. I will be playing the Nugget's, too. It was between the Nuggets and the Lakers but I think I'll let fate handle the Lakers and our rematch lol. Update coming up tonight.