Garden Of Oden: RELOADED | NLSC Draftees??

[Martti.]

The fuck, you're in March already?

[rise]

He started in March.

I'm glad Aldridge is having a great season. Gerald Wallace is playing well too, but he's not scoring enough.

[shadowgrin]

It's a lockout shortened season Martti.

[deihatein]

He started in March.

I'm glad Aldridge is having a great season. Gerald Wallace is playing well too, but he's not scoring enough.

He doesn't need too when there are other better options on offense.

[Lamrock]

Expect a lot of updates over the next week as I post all-star weekend the rest of the regular season. I will warn you: pics will be a bit sparse in the later recaps. I've been having problems with my phone camera lately, and most of the pics for the next few games are on my old phone, which I can't find the cord for.

Stay tuned, guys.

[Lamrock]

WEEK 5: April 1-7


MVP! MVP! MVP!?!
----------

4/1/12 - 4/7/12 | Record: 3-1 (11-9) | Home: 1-1 (5-3) | Road: 2-0 (6-6)

LA Clippers 100 @ Portland 91 (L)
Portland 106 @ LA Lakers 104 (W)
Portland 82 @ Denver 97 (W)
Charlotte 87 @ Portland 101 (W)
It looked like our season was fucked. We had just lost at home to the Clippers, and fell below .500 despite no major injuries. That seemed to light a fire in LaMarcus Aldridge.

LA made a big push for the all-star game this week, winning player of the week honors and carrying us to three straight wins - two of which were on the road against playoff teams. The big man averaged 30.5 points and 10.5 rebounds in four games. He has looked like a serious MVP candidate, and has made up for the inconsistency of his supporting cast.

The 3-1 week improves us to 11-9, putting us in a tie with the Lakers for 8th place. The all-star starters are to be revealed tomorrow. LaMarcus Aldridge held a 200,000 vote lead over Oklahoma City's Kevin Durant for the starting forward slot (aside Dirk Nowitzki) in the last returns, and is expected to make his first appearance.

Blazers Show Sign Of Crumbling In Home Loss To Clippers
Eric Gordon scored 24 points in second half


Los Angeles 100, Portland 91
Posted April 1, 2012, 11:12 PM PST

In their first of two national television appearances this season, the home team and favorite Portland Trailblazers were defeated 100-91 at the hands of the last place Clippers. In a match-up that was hyped for the season's sole battle between high profile power forwards LaMarcus Aldridge and Blake Griffin, it was actually rising star Eric Gordon that would steal the show.

The game was going Portland's way in the first quarter, with Aldridge dropping 12 points and the Clippers offense being subdued early. A late run in the second quarter sparked by some Portland turnovers saw the Clippers come back to take a one point halftime lead despite Aldridge outscoring Blake Griffin 18 to 9 in the half.

Los Angeles opened up a lead late in the third as the Blazers could not find an answer for Eric Gordon. Roy got torched by him, and Wesley Matthews fared little better when switching on. Portland would come back to take a small lead early in the fourth before Gordon sank a pair of threes. The Clippers would not concede their lead as Portland could not put together enough stops or big plays. The Clips won 100-91, with Gordon taking player of the game honors.

Big Man Beauty Pageant
Gordon, in his fourth season, had a huge year last season that was overshadowed by Blake Griffin and the team's losing record. Now averaging just under 25 points per game, Gordon has taken over as the Clippers' leader, with Blake Griffin having a solid, but underwhelming sophomore season. Gordon is a likely first time all-star. Fellow likely all-star debutant LaMarcus Aldridge also came to play, keeping Portland in it with 27 points and 3 blocks. However, the big man managed just 5 boards and 2 fourth quarter points.

The Clippers, at 4-8, entered the game in last place of the Western Conference. They improve to 5-8, 2.5 games behind 8th place, but tied in the loss column. Portland meanwhile falls to 8-9, a game and a half out of the playoffs. Coach Nate McMillan reportedly chewed out his team. A source close to the team claimed McMillan yelled for ten minutes about the poor defensive effort and turnovers, and cursed Don Nelson's name at least three dozen times.

19 27 29 25 100 | PTS: Gordon (32); REBS: Griffin (14); ASTS: M. Williams (12)
27 18 29 17 91 | PTS: Aldridge (27); REBS: Wallace (8); ASTS: Roy (10)

Los Angeles Notables
Eric Gordon: 32 pts, 5 asts, 5 stls (PotG)
Blake Griffin: 20 pts, 14 rebs, 10-16 FG

Portland Notables
LaMarcus Aldridge: 27 pts, 5 rebs, 3 blks
Brandon Roy: 14 pts, 10 asts
Gerald Wallace: 13 pts, 8 rebs, 4 asts, 6-10 FG
Wesley Matthews: 8 pts, 2 TO's, 3-9 FG, Matchup: Eric Gordon (Shitass)

Brandon Roy To Be Suspended One Game
Roy stepped onto court in Clippers game

The Blazers will be without Brandon Roy in Tuesday's game against the Lakers. Roy got off the bench and ran out onto the court to celebrate a LaMarcus Aldridge dunk in the Blazers' loss to the Clippers. Roy will be fined $25,000 by the league and will be able to play in Thursday's game in Denver.


Huh.

April 3, 2012: Blazers (8-9) @ Lakers (10-8)

Blazers 106, Lakers 104
That Clippers loss really left me out of sorts. I had an epiphany: it didn't matter. It's just a game! It was a glorious day. I went skydiving! I went to the park and read a book. I made dinner for my girlfriend. For the first time in five years, I missed a Blazers game.

So apparently Raymond Felton hit a buzzer beater three for us to beat the Lakers 104-102 in Staples without the suspended Brandon Roy. Aldridge had 36 points and 12 boards on 14-21 from the field (perfect from the line too!).

-my suicide note

34 20 28 24 106 | PTS: Aldridge (36); REBS: Wallace, Aldridge (12); ASTS: Felton (11)
30 25 25 24 104 | PTS: Gasol (26); REBS: Gasol, Odom, Bynum (8); ASTS: Blake (4)

Portland Notables:
LaMarcus Aldridge: 36 pts, 12 rebs, 3 blks, 14-21 FG, 8-8 FT (PotG)
Raymond Felton: 14 pts, 11 asts, 6-8 FG
Carl Landry: 14 pts, 2 rebs, 2 blks, 6-8 FG

Los Angeles Notables
Pau Gasol: 26 pts, 8 rebs, 13-20 FG
Kobe Bryant: 21 pts, 3 asts, 4 TO's, 8-10 FG
Metta World Peace: 5 pts, 1 reb, 3 TO's, 3-11 FG (Shitass)

April 5, 2012: Nuggets [11-7] @ Blazers [9-9] (Played)


Portland 97, Denver 82
Can't complain about this win. Aldridge dominated, and from the second quarter on, we were up double digits almost the entire time. Jason Richardson went off, but we seemed to have answers for everybody else.

Not much else to say about this one other than than it's huge. It gets us back above .500, and mere decimal points behind the 9-8 Mavericks for the 8th spot. Dear Kevin Pritchard, Batum and Oden also scored in double digits. That'll make his day.



20 17 28 17 82 | PTS: J. Richardson (26); REBS: J. Richardson (10); ASTS: Lawson (9)
25 25 27 20 97 | PTS: Aldridge (31); REBS: Aldridge (12); ASTS: Matthews (7)

Portland Notables
LaMarcus Aldridge: 31 pts, 12 rebs, 3 blks, 12-22 FG, 7-7 FT (PotG)
Wesley Matthews: 10 pts, 8 rebs, 7 asts, 4-8 FG
Brandon Roy: 11 pts, 6 asts, 3 rebs
Denver Notables
Jason Richardson: 26 pts, 10 rebs
Nene: 13 pts, 5 rebs
Chukwudiebere Maduabum: 2 pts, 6 rebs, 3 TO's, 0-6 FG (Shitass)

April 6, 2012: Bobcats [6-9] @ Blazers [10-9] (Simmed)

Portland 101, Charlotte 87
Finally, the Blazers win a game they're supposed to. Finally, the Blazers get their first three game winning streak of the year (I know, right?). It wasn't a blowout, but thanks to excellent performances from Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge, we won comfortably.

20 19 16 22 87 | PTS: Henderson (18); REBS: T. Thomas (12); ASTS: McGrady (7)
32 22 19 28 101 | PTS: Aldridge (28); REBS: Aldridge (13); ASTS: Roy (4)

Portland Notables
LaMarcus Aldridge: 28 pts, 13 rebs, 4 blks, 12-18 FG (PotG)
Brandon Roy: 19 pts, 4 rebs, 4 asts, 7-13 FG, +19
Carl Landry: 12 pts, 6 rebs, 2 blks, 4-6 FG
Charlotte Notables
Tracy McGrady: 14 pts, 7 asts, 5 rebs
D.J. Augustin: 16 pts, 3 asts
Corey Maggette: 2 pts, 5 rebs, 2 TO's, 1-7 FG (Shitass)

[KidJustin]

$25000 is a lot for a celebration that looked kind of....

[Lamrock]

Sometimes mysterious things happen in this universe...

[shadowgrin]

Roy showed a gang sign. That's why he was fined.

[Lamrock]

LaMarcus Aldridge Voted All-Star Starter



April 8, 2012 - LaMarcus Aldridge has been voted into his first all-star game, the league has announced today on TNT. The first time all-star will be joined by the Mavs' Dirk Nowitzki and San Antonio's Tim Duncan. Kobe and the Hornets' Chris Paul will start in the backcourt. Heat team mates Dwyane Wade and LeBron led the way in voting for the East. They are joined by Orlando's Dwight Howard, the Knicks' Carmelo Anthony and the Bulls' Derrick Rose. The reserves, selected by the coaches, are to be revealed in the next few days.

Western Conference

Chris Paul (NOH) | 5th appearance | 19.9 PPG, 8.7 APG, 5.5 RPG, 3.0 SPG
Kobe Bryant (LAL) | 14th appearance | 25.0 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 4.3 APG
Dirk Nowitzki (DAL) | 11th appearance | 27.4 PPG, 9.1 RPG, 3.9 APG
LaMarcus Aldridge (POR) | 1st appearance | 24.7 PPG, 8.9 RPG, 2.0 BPG
Tim Duncan (SAS) | 14th appearance | 19.5 PPG, 10.2 RPG

Eastern Conference

Derrick Rose (CHI) | 3rd appearance | 26.9 PPG, 8.2 APG, 3.8 RPG
Dwyane Wade (MIA) | 8th appearance | 22.4 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 4.9 APG
LeBron James (MIA) | 8th appearance | 23.9 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 5.9 APG
Carmelo Anthony (NYK) | 5th appearance | 22.4 PPG, 7.0 RPG
Dwight Howard (ORL) | 6th appearance | 17.6 PPG, 12.4 RPG, 2.1 BPG

[Lamrock]

WEEK 6: April 8-14


My phone camera has been messed up lately.
----------

4/8/12 - 4/14/12 | Record: 1-2 (12-11) | Home: 1-0 (6-3) | Road: 0-2 (6-8)

New Orleans 77 @ Portland 87 (W)
Portland 86 @ Memphis 97 (L)
Portland 96 @ Houston 105 (L)
Other than LaMarcus Aldridge making the all-star team (as a starter no less!), this was not a very good week for the Blazers. It did open well, as we managed to pull off a comeback win over the Hornets for our fourth straight victory.

Unfortunately, things took a turn as we hit the road for a two game trip before the all-star break. Aldridge put up big numbers (at least in the Grizzlies game) but has received middling help from his teammates. Still in a close fight for a playoff spot, these last six games will decide our fate.

April 8, 2012: Hornets [10-9] @ Blazers [11-9] (Simmed)

Portland 87, New Orleans 77

Incredible. We were down at home 54-37 at the half. Our winning streak - what winning streak? Fuck this team.

But then something magical happened. 24 minutes of the best defense I've ever seen the Blazers play saw Portland win the second half 50-23 to come away with its fourth win, 87-77. The prolific all-star LaMarcus Aldridge and efficient Nicolas Batum led the way for the Blazers, who improve to 12-9.

27 27 10 13 100 | PTS: C. Butler (16); REBS: Okafor (11); ASTS: Paul (9)
19 18 19 31 91 | PTS: Aldridge (22); REBS: Aldridge (9); ASTS: Matthews (5)

Portland Notables
Nicolas Batum: 15 pts, 3 rebs, 4-6 FG, 6-6 FT (PotG)
LaMarcus Aldridge: 22 pts, 9 rebs, 5 blks, 7-20 FG
Wesley Matthews: 11 pts, 5 rebs, 5 asts

New Orleans Notables
Chris Paul: 12 pts, 9 asts, 6 rebs, 4 stls
Trevor Ariza: 11 pts, 7 rebs
Emeka Okafor: 2 pts, 11 rebs, 5 TO's, 1-8 FG (Shitass)

Durant, Gasols Headline All-Star Reserves
Eastern Conference To Have Six Debutants



The NBA has announced the all-star reserves today. While the West team was largely as expected, there were some controversial picks in the Eastern Conference. The West is headlined by the Thunder's Kevin Durant and the Lakers' Pau Gasol. Gasol's brother Marc Gasol is joined by frontcourt partner Zach Randolph on the team. San Antonio's Manu Ginobili, the Wolves' Kevin Love and the Kings' Tyreke Evans round out the reserves. Manu Ginobili is injured and is likely to be replaced. Marc Gasol is also questionable.

The big surprise for the East is the trio of Milwaukee Bucks: Stephen Jackson, Andrew Bogut and Brandon Jennings. All three are having career seasons, but the Bucks are in the middle of the pack. First-timers John Wall and Andray Blatche are representing the Wizards, who are practically eliminated from playoff contention. Andre Iguodala is having a killer season for the lottery bound Sixers and is joined by the Nets' Deron Williams.

Western Conference
Tyreke Evans (SAC) | 1st appearance | 21.3 PPG, 6.3 APG, 4.3 RPG
Kevin Love (MIN) | 5th appearance | 17.9 PPG, 13.2 RPG, 3.7 APG
Pau Gasol (LAL) | 5th appearance | 20.0 PPG, 10.2 RPG
Zach Randolph (MEM) 2nd appearance | 19.0 PPG, 12.0 RPG
Kevin Durant (OKC) | 3rd appearance | 24.6 PPG, 8.0 RPG (Injured, replaced by Gay)
Manu Ginobili (SAS) | 3rd appearance | 20.4 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 5.9 APG
Marc Gasol (MEM) | 2nd appearance | 14.2 PPG, 10.0 RPG

Notable Snubs: Steve Nash (PHX); Eric Gordon (LAC); Kevin Martin (HOU); Stephen Curry (GSW); Russell Westbrook (OKC); Monta Ellis (GSW); David Lee (GSW); Luis Scola (HOU)

Eastern Conference
John Wall (WAS) | 1st appearance | 14.3 PPG, 8.3 APG, 2.4 SPG
Stephen Jackson (MIL) | 1st appearance | 18.1 PPG, 5.8 APG, 5.1 RPG
Andre Iguodala (PHI) | 1st appearance | 17.9 PPG, 8.9 RPG, 5.4 APG
Andray Blatche (WAS) | 1st appearance | 16.0 PPG, 7.8 RPG
Andrew Bogut (WAS) | 1st appearance | 11.9 PPG, 9.2 RPG, 2.0 BPG
Brandon Jennings (MIL) | 1st appearance | 17.7 PPG, 6.3 APG, 3.3 RPG
Deron Williams (NJN) | 3rd appearance | 22.8 PPG, 7.1 APG, 3.7 RPG

Notable Snubs: Amar'e Stoudemire (NYK); Paul Pierce (BOS); Rajon Rondo (BOS); Danny Granger (IND); Al Horford (ATL); Josh Smith (ATL); Kevin Garnett (BOS); Chris Bosh (MIA); Joe Johnson (ATL); Joakim Noah (CHI)

Furthermore, the Rookie/Sophomore team rosters were announced today. They are as follows:

Rookie Team
Kyrie Irving (CLE)
Marshon Brooks (NJN)
Derrick Williams (MIN)
Tristan Thompson (HOU)
Jonas Valanciunas (TOR)
----------
Kemba Walker (CHA)
Travis Leslie (LAC)
Jan Vesely (WAS)
Enes Kanter (UTA)

Sophomore Team
John Wall (WAS)
Wesley Johnson (MIN)
Paul George (IND)
Blake Griffin (LAC)
DeMarcus Cousins (SAC)
----------
Patrick Patterson (CLE)
Al-Farouq Aminu (LAC)
Derrick Favors (DET)
Greg Monroe (DET)

April 9, 2012: Blazers [12-9] @ Grizzlies [13-8] (Played)

Memphis 97, Portland 86
This one was frustrating. Despite a career high 41 points from LaMarcus Aldridge, the Grizzlies were control the whole game, as they played excellent defense and team basketball. Even without the injured Marc Gasol, they dominated.

Memphis had a small lead for most of the first half, and it blew into double digits in the third. Portland made a couple runs, but Memphis would always match. Though Aldridge won the scoring battle, Rudy Gay was far more efficient and his team got the win. Gay is expected to join Aldridge on the all-star team as a replacement for Kevin Durant, who went down with a lower back strain and is sitting out the all-star game.

23 14 21 28 86 | PTS: Aldridge (41); REBS: Wallace (8); ASTS: Felton (8)
26 19 23 29 97 | PTS: Gay (27); REBS: Randolph (8); ASTS: Conley (10)

Memphis Notables
Rudy Gay: 27 pts, 5 rebs, 11-14 FG (PotG)
Zach Randolph: 16 pts, 8 rebs
O.J. Mayo: 17 pts, 6 rebs, 4 asts

Portland Notables:
LaMarcus Aldridge: 41 pts, 4 rebs, 4 asts, 16-33 FG, 8-8 FT
Raymond Felton: 18 pts, 8 asts, 4 rebs, 8-11 FG
Wesley Matthews: 2 pts, 2 rebs, 4 TO's, 0-7 FG (Shitass)

April 11, 2012: Blazers [12-10] @ Rockets [12-9] (Simmed)

Houston 105, Portland 96
The Rockets showed why they were one of the league's better teams with a win over the Blazers. Led by the duo of Kevin Martin and Luis Scola, the Rockets were able to overwhelm the Blazers' defense to give them a win going into the all-star break. LaMarcus Aldridge and Raymond Felton had decent nights go to waste as the Blazers go into the break on a two game slide.

19 25 31 21 96 | Aldridge (16); REBS: Wallace (10); ASTS: Felton (10)
32 22 27 24 105 | PTS: Martin (29); REBS: Scola (8); ASTS: Lowry (7)

Houston Notables
Luis Scola: 25 pts, 8 rebs, 9-12 FG (PotG)
Kevin Martin: 29 pts, 5 rebs
Kyle Lowry: 19 pts, 7 asts, 3 rebs

Portland Notables
LaMarcus Aldridge: 16 pts, 8 rebs, 2 blks
Raymond Felton: 12 pts, 10 asts, 7 rebs
Greg Oden: 3 pts, 7 rebs, 3 TO's, 1-8 FG, 6 fouls (Shitass)

Parker, Cousins, Gay Named All-Star Replacements
Durant, Ginobili and Marc Gasol will miss game with injuries

David Stern announced the three replacements for the Western Conference all-star team today. Replacing the Spurs' Manu Ginobili will be teammate Tony Parker. Sacramento center DeMarcus Cousins is the questionable replacement for the Grizzlies' Marc Gasol. Finally, the Grizzlies will have two all-stars in the game after all, as Rudy Gay has been named to replace Oklahoma City's Kevin Durant. The Eastern Conference all-star team has no injured players.

Tony Parker (SAS) | 4th appearance | 21.6 PPG, 7.3 APG (replacing Manu Ginobili)
DeMarcus Cousins (SAC) | 1st appearance | 13.3 PPG, 9.4 RPG (replacing Marc Gasol)
Rudy Gay (MEM) | 1st appearance | 18.0 PPG, 7.0 RPG (Replacing Kevin Durant)

[rise]

How on earth is Andray Blatche an All-Star over Amar'e Stoudemire? Same question about Brandon Jennings and Rajon Rondo.

[Gamebreaker]

I've been gettin into this. Your struggling entertains me! Hope you make it into the playoffs. Looks like it's gonna be close.

Dig the humor. Your portrait of Don Nelson feels like it might be spot on.

[deihatein]

Both Dirk and Tim Duncan starting in the all-star game. Unreal

[Lamrock]

I know, right? What is it, 2010?!

[deihatein]

I know Dirk became a starter once in the all-star game but I can't recall both him and Duncan starting at the same time.

[Lamrock]

In the 2010 all-star game, they started together, as Dirk replaced Kobe as the starting 2, and Duncan was the starting center.

[KidJustin]

In the 2010 all-star game, they started together, as Dirk replaced Kobe as the starting 2, and Duncan was the starting center.

just because it was dallas....oh and Yao was hurt (again)

[Martti.]

Jennings an All-Star! Yeaahhh..

[Lamrock]

I only got one usable pic and I played it a couple weeks ago, so not much in the way of all-star coverage (and I simmed the Rookie Challenge), but here's the obligatory report:

Sophomores Escape 122-118 Thanks To Wall's 37

Sophomores 122, Rookies 118

February 17, 2012; Los Angeles, CA - John Wall was the only player in the rookie-sophomore game to also be named to the all-star game and he played like it. The Wizard had 37 points, helping the Sophomores hold off a furious fourth quarter run by the rookie team. The rookie team shot itself into an early hole but a 42-24 fourth quarter advantage was not enough, thanks to some big shots by Wall down the stretch. This is the third straight year the sophomores have won, and improve their record to 9-4 over the rookies.

Sophomore notables
John Wall: 37 pts, 6 asts, 2 stls, 15-25 FG
Derrick Favors: 14 pts, 19 rebs, 3 blks, 6-10 FG
Blake Griffin: 16 pts, 7 rebs

Rookie notables
Kyrie Irving: 20 pts, 11 asts. 6-19 FG
Enes Kanter: 7 pts, 15 rebs
Derrick Williams: 18 pts, 4 rebs, 5-22 FG (Shitass)

West Routs East 125-98, Ends Two Year Drought
Kobe Bryant named MVP with 22 points


Debutant LaMarcus Aldridge had 15 points and 6 rebounds.

Western Conference 125, Eastern Conference 98

February 19, 2012, Los Angeles, CA - The Western Conference all-stars have defeated the Eastern Conference all-stars, ending a two year losing streak in blowout fashion. Despite having three injury replacement players, the West was favored due to some questionable East reserve picks. However, few expected this.

The game was actually quite close from the start, with a plethora of alley-oops, missed dunks, no defense and the usual hijinks. However, a 25-4 run for the West broke the game open, and the West led by 20+ for the remainder of the game. Game MVP Kobe Bryant, Chris Paul and LaMarcus Aldridge had stand-out performances for the West. Meanwhile, Rookie Challenge MVP John Wall flourished in the losing effort with 30 points.

After the game, David Stern hinted his displeasure at the league's decision to have an all-star game. "We saw with the... I want to say... inconsistent quality of the rosters, and the fact that it was in last year's venue... it raises some questions". What that means is unknown. Scott Brooks coached the winning Western Conference squad, while Tom Thibodeau helmed the East. The West now trails the East 36-25 in the all-time series.

West notables
Kobe Bryant: 22 pts, 5 rebs, 4 stls (All-Star MVP)
Chris Paul: 20 pts, 9 asts
LaMarcus Aldridge: 15 pts, 6 rebs, 5-8 FG, 4-4 FT, 1-1 3pt

East notables
John Wall: 30 pts, 5 asts, 10-27 FG
LeBron James: 14 pts, 10 rebs, 5 asts
Carmelo Anthony: 18 pts, 5 rebs

[Valor]

talk about a blowout....

[Lamrock]

It would have been higher scoring, and probably had Aldridge as the MVP had I not simmed the second half. All-Star game is kind of boring.

[Mavs4Life]

That was fast , Wall was beast all Weekend long

[Lamrock]

Catching Up...

Notable Signings

Shannon Brown - Detroit Pistons - 1 yr, $5.76M
Andrei Kirilenko - Cleveland Cavaliers - 1 yr, $3.77M
Kris Humphries - Golden State Warriors - 1 yr, $4.56M
Earl Boykins - Toronto Raptors - 1 yr, $3.25M
Joel Przybilla - Sacramento Kings - 1 yr, $1.41M

Notable Trades

<-->
Detroit trades Rodney Stuckey, Richard Hamilton to Utah for Derrick Favors, Mehmet Okur
Detroit trades Terrico White, Jason Maxiell to Minnesota for Anthony Randolph
Milwaukee trades Keyon Dooling, 2013 2nd to Detroit for Ben Wallace
Philadelphia trades Craig Brackins to Milwaukee for Shaun Livingston
Indiana trades Rafer Alston to Milwaukee for Ersan Ilyasova, Francisco Elson

Portland trades Marcus Camby, '12 1st rounder (top 5 protected) to New York for Ronny Turiaf, Carl Landry
Denver trades Kosta Koufos to Golden State for Louis Amundson, 2012 2nd rounder
Atlanta trades Zaza Pachulia to Utah for Jeremy Evans, Raja Bell
Miami trades Eddie House to Sacramento for Kurt Thomas
Cleveland trades Joey Graham, Luke Harangody to Charlotte for D.J. White, 2012 2nd rounder
Washington trades Trevor Booker to New Jersey for Brandan Wright, Johan Petro

[Lamrock]

WEEK 7: April 15-21


Oden has been healthy, but moments like this have been few and far between
----------

4/15/12 - 4/21/12 | Record: 2-2 (14-13) | Home: 2-2 (8-5) | Road: 0-0 (6-8)

Detroit 92 @ Portland 115 (W)
Indiana 103 @ Portland 112 (W)
Chicago 101 @ Portland 93 (L)
Oklahoma City 83 @ Portland 76 (L)
After a big pair of wins against the dregs of the central division, our home stand was looking good as we headed down the home stretch of the season. Unfortunately, the top team in each conference visited, and both got a dominant performance out of their superstar. Aldridge averaged 31 points and 11 boards, but the rest of the team has been inconsistent at best.

There are now just two games left in the season - against the Knicks at home, and then in Golden State for the final game. We would be a lock for the playoffs by winning both, and we'll need at least one win to have a shot. Oh boy.

Trade Deadline Bonanza
Recent Lottery Picks Headline Movers In Trade Deadline

The trade deadline has come and gone, seeing many average to subpar players change teams. The biggest deal was an absolutely baffling one that saw the Cavaliers deal recent #4 pick Tristan Thompson and their 2013 first round pick for the Rockets' Patrick Patterson. The Rockets also sent 2009 lottery busts Hasheem Thabeet and Terrence Williams to the Raptors for Jose Calderon and Sonny Weems. These trades headline a deadline that while somewhat busy, was completely devoid of marquee players.

Houston trades Patrick Patterson to Cleveland for Tristan Thompson, 2013 first rounder
Houston trades Terrence Williams, Hasheem Thabeet to Toronto for Jose Calderon, Sonny Weems
Golden State trades Ekpe Udoh to Detroit for Shannon Brown, Austin Daye
Indiana trades Brandon Rush, Dahntay Jones to Philadelphia for Marreese Speights
Chicago trades C.J. Watson to Milwaukee for two 2012 2nd rounders
New Jersey trades Kenyon Martin to Orlando for Brandon Bass

April 18, 2012: Pistons [6-11] @ Blazers [12-11] (Simmed)

Portland 115, Detroit 92

The Pistons from Motor City came into Rip City and it became Blowout City. The game was a blowout from the start, as the rebuilding Pistons were down 19 by halftime. Portland wins a game they're supposed to, while it helps the Pistons' cause (lottery balls).

27 14 17 34 92 | PTS: Gordon (18); REBS: Favors (10); Bynum (4)
29 31 29 26 115 | PTS: Felton (23); REBS: Wallace (12); ASTS: Matthews (6)

Portland notables
Raymond Felton: 23 pts, 5 rebs, 5 asts, 6-8 FG (PotG)
Gerald Wallace: 19 pts, 12 rebs, 5 asts
LaMarcus Aldridge: 22 pts, 9 rebs
Detroit Notables
Ben Gordon: 19 pts, 3 rebs
Will Bynum: 16 pts, 4 asts
Mehmet Okur: 7 pts, 1 reb, 4 TO's, 2-7 FG (Shitass)

April 19, 2012: Pacers [8-11] @ Blazers [13-11] (Simmed)

Portland 112, Indiana 103

Thanks to LaMarcus Aldridge tying his career high in points, the Blazers were able to triumph against the visiting Pacers. Aldridge scored 42 points, and did so on just 20 field goal attempts. (75% FG, 92% FT, 79% TS) Despite his brilliance, the Blazers were unable to put the Pacers away until the fourth quarter. Portland wins their second straight and improves to 14-11 on the season.

22 22 31 20 103 | PTS: Granger (24); REBS: Hickson (9); ASTS: Collison (5)
26 30 22 34 112 | PTS: Aldridge (42); REBS: Oden (14); ASTS: Felton (4)

Portland notables
LaMarcus Aldridge: 42 pts, 10 rebs, 15-20 FG, 12-13 FT (PotG)
Raymond Felton: 20 pts, 4 asts
Gerald Wallace: 13 pts, 9 rebs
Indiana notables
J.J. Hickson: 20 pts, 9 rebs, 6-9 FG
Danny Granger: 24 pts, 4 rebs, 3 asts
Marreese Speights: 2 pts, 3 rebs, 1-9 FG (Shitass)

Rose Outduels Aldridge As Bulls Beat Portland
by Andy Beggs

Chicago (101) at Portland (93)


Carl Landry teabags the Bulls' front line

The Chicago Bulls have increased their winning streak to four games following a solid 101-93 win in Portland, improving to 14-7. The win came in a game that saw huge performances from stars Derrick Rose and LaMarcus Aldridge.

The Bulls got off to the better start, but could never pull away from the Blazers. Chicago would pull out to a nine point lead at the half, thanks to Portland committing a plethora of turnovers and Derrick Rose having a dominant half with 23 points. Our offense left something to be desired in the third however, with Nicolas Batum switching on to Rose. Despite getting another poor shooting night out of Brandon Roy, the Blazers were kept in the game by LaMarcus Aldridge.

The fourth period saw both teams playing very well. The Bulls continued to barely hold on to their lead, and it wouldn't be until a Carl Landry dunk with three minutes left in the game to put them up 90-89. Unfortunately, all that work getting back into the game would be for naught as a couple big offensive rebounds converted into threes put the Bulls on a 12-3 run to close out the game with the win, 101-93.

Derrick Rose outdueled fellow MVP candidate LaMarcus Aldridge with 38 points to Aldridge's 33. This game increased Rose's lead for the scoring title but also vaulted Aldridge into second place, with 25.9 points per contest (to Rose's 27.6). The Bulls also got a very strong game from Luol Deng, who chipped in 26 points, and sank the momentum shifting three late in the game.

The loss drops Portland to 14-12, and into a tie for the sixth seed (with New Orleans, who Portland defeated earlier in the year to win the tiebreaker). All three teams they face (OKC, NY, GSW) are playoff teams, but two of the three are at home, where they are 9-3. The Bulls meanwhile improve to 14-7 and take a one game lead for first in the conference over the 13-8 Magic.


28 29 20 24 101 | PTS: Rose (38); REBS: Noah, Deng (7); ASTS: Rose (7)
26 22 23 22 93 | 12 23 26 15 | PTS: Aldridge (33); REBS: Aldridge (16); ASTS: Felton (14)

Chicago [14-7] notables
Derrick Rose: 38 pts, 7 asts, 6 rebs, 14-25 FG (PotG)
Luol Deng: 26 pts, 7 rebs, 4 stls
Joakim Noah: 10 pts, 7 rebs, 4 blks, 4-5 FG
Portland [14-12] notables
LaMarcus Aldridge: 33 pts, 16 rebs, 3 asts, 13-20 FG, 7-8 FT
Greg Oden: 6 pts, 6 rebs, 4 blks, 2-4 FG, 2-2 FT
Brandon Roy: 9 pts, 6 asts, 3 TO's, 3-13 FG (Shitass)

April 21, 2012: Thunder [17-8] @ Blazers [14-12] (Played)



Oklahoma City 83, Portland 76

Kevin Durant came up big down the stretch as the Thunder clinched their division with a win in Portland. The Blazers wanted to win this one, facing their rivals at home. The close race for a playoff spot made this a must-win for the 14-12 Blazers, and Portland played like it. At least for the middle quarters.

The Thunder dominated defensively in the first, leading by double digits for most of it, and holding Portland to just 12 points. Things turned around in the second half, as Durant and Westbrook went cold from the field, and Brandon Roy started to play well. The score was 39-35 Thunder going into the half.

The third quarter saw LaMarcus Aldridge go to work, and Portland continuing with the good defense. Aldridge had 14 of his 25 in the third quarter as Portland led by five going into the fourth. The Blazers could not buy a bucket in the final period, with OKC playing excellent defense. On the other end, Kevin Durant was shaking off his poor start, and the Thunder were eating up the offensive boards. OKC won the game 83-76, clinching their division. Portland meanwhile moves into a tie with Denver for the 7th seed (Portland owns tiebreaker).

23 16 17 27 83 | PTS: Durant (26); REBS: Perkins (12); ASTS: Westbrook (8)
12 23 26 15 76 | PTS: Aldridge (25); REBS: Aldridge (10); ASTS: Felton (10)

Oklahoma City notables
Kevin Durant: 26 pts, 8 rebs, 3 asts, 10-27 FG (PotG)
Kendrick Perkins: 12 pts, 12 rebs, 4-7 FG
Russell Westbrook: 10 pts, 8 asts, 7 rebs, 4 stls, 3-13 FG
Portland notables
LaMarcus Aldridge: 25 pts, 10 rebs, 2 blks
Brandon Roy: 22 pts, 4 rebs, 3 asts
Raymond Felton: 5 pts, 10 asts, 2 rebs, 4 TO's, 2-15 FG, 1-10 3pt (Shitass)

Playoff Picture

Western Conference
1 y-OKC | 18-8 | .692%
2 x-MEM | 17-9 | .654%
3 x-SAS | 17-9 | .630%
4 GSW | 15-9 | .625%
5 HOU | 14-11 | .560%
6 NOH | 14-12 | .538%
7 POR | 14-13 | .519%
8 DEN | 14-13 | .519%
LAL | 12-12 | .500%
UTA | 13-14 | .481%
DAL | 12-13 | .480%
SAC | 12-14 | .462%
PHX | 11-13 | .458%
LAC | 11-13 | .458%
o-MIN | 9-17 | .346%

Eastern Conference
1 x-CHI | 17-8 | .692%
2 y-BOS | 17-8 | .654%
3 ORL | 14-9 | .609%
4 x-MIA | 16-11 | .593%
5 ATL | 12-10 | .545%
6 CLE | 11-10 | .524%
7 NYK | 12-13 | .480%
8 NJN | 12-15 | .444%
MIL | 11-14 | .440%
CHA | 10-13 | .435%
IND | 10-15 | .400%
DET | 9-17 | .346%
o-WAS | 9-19 | .321%
o-PHI | 8-17 | .320%
o-TOR | 7-18 | .280%

Power Rankings:

1 BOS 2 CHI 3 SAS 4 OKC 5 MEM
6 ORL 7 MIA 8 GSW 9 POR 10 HOU
11 LAL 12 NOH 13 ATL 14 DAL 15 DEN
16 CLE 17 PHX 18 NYK 19 LAC 20 SAC
21 UTA 22 MIL 23 IND 24 NJN 25 CHA
26 MIN 27 DET 28 WAS 29 PHI 30 TOR