Lamrock's Blazers - Retired

[Mark.]

Yeah, don't get me wrong, I like the moves from an overall standpoint. But as you said, they were tough moves, that were likely to be unpopular to most and will likely hurt a bit in short run. Hopefully Poythress can develop into something of a replacement for Batum and then in that sense it won't be a bad offseason at all.

[Lamrock]

2013-14 NBA Pre-Season Power Rankings



The Miami Heat look poised for a repeat with the addition of J.R. Smith, but the return of Derrick Rose and Dwight Howard to the East should pose a threat. Meanwhile, the West is wide open with the Thunder coming off of last year's disappointment. Disagree with the rankings? Well that's just like your opinion, man.

Contenders

1. Miami Heat
The two-time defending champions get even deeper with the MLE signing of J.R. Smith.
2. Oklahoma City
After being stunned in the first round, the Thunder return with a similar squad plus Victor Oladipo.
3. New York
Bolstering their bench significantly, the Knicks will look to make a deeper playoff run this year.
4. Chicago
Does Derrick Rose still have it? We'll find out this season.
5. San Antonio
While it's been over six years now since their last Finals appearance, the Spurs remain a feared team.
6. Orlando
Dwight rejoins the team after a season with the Lakers, and returns to a younger, more talented roster.

Dark Horses

7. LA Clippers
Blake Griffin vows to be an NBA candidate in his fourth NBA season.
8. Indiana
Danny Granger returns to a Pacers team that was #1 defensively, but struggled to score.
9. Memphis
Memphis returns with more or less the same roster as last season.
10. Denver
The deep Nuggets seek redemption after yet another first round exit.

Playoff Teams

11. Houston
The Rockets will be without Lin for the first couple months, but add Millsap to a solid team.
12. Boston
Ainge decided to keep the team together for one more run, reloading with a deeper bench.
13. Golden State
Steph Curry is a huge threat but the Warriors' success will hinge on their health.
14. New Orleans
With Eric Gordon hopefully healthy and Anthony Davis looking to become a star, the Hornets could make the playoffs
15. Philadelphia
Bynum might actually play this season!
16. Brooklyn
Last season was a major disappointment, but they stood pat and will give it another go.

Outside Looking In

17. Atlanta
Josh Smith remains a Hawk and the team uses its cap space on Nate Robinson. Exciting!
18. Portland
The Blazers made some risky moves this Summer and may struggle, but have two stars in Aldridge and Lillard.
19. Utah
Even after letting Millsap walk, the Jazz managed to get even more top-heavy with Anthony Bennett and Nikola Pekovic.
20. Detroit
Trey Burke and Andre Drummond might be fun to watch as Detroit hopes to return to the post-season.
21. LA Lakers
It looks like a trying season for the Lakers, who lost Dwight in free agency.
22. Cleveland
With David West on board, Kyrie Irving hopes to carry the Cavs to the playoffs in his third season.
23. Dallas
The Mavericks aren't getting any younger, but continues to stick with it's mediocre roster.
24. Minnesota
This team can't catch a break, but might be decent if healthy.
25. Milwaukee
Their marquee additions were Steve Novak and Randy Foye, Enough said?

Might As Well Tank...

26. Charlotte
With the acquisitions of Gortat, Marcus Smart and Nerlens Noel, Charlotte might actually be decent this year.
27. Washington
Will Ben McLemore be the second rookie to win sixth man of the year? (Ben Gordon, 2005)
28. Toronto
Move along, nothing to see here...
29. Sacramento
The Kings aren't going anywhere. Literally and figuratively.
30. Phoenix
Without Marcin Gortat, the Suns likely become the worst team in the league.

[Mark.]

I pretty much agree with the Rankings, maybe swap the Wizards and Bucks, otherwise all swell to me.

Will be interesting to see how Dwight 2.0 goes with the Magic. I line-up of Dwight/Martti/Tobee/AA/Meer must be a bit worrying for the Heat, not to mention the Heat Kryptonite "Vucci-Mane" backing up Dwight!!

[Durant35]

Damn! JR Smith on the Heat?!

[Valor]

Bucks have the best SG rotation in me and JJ Redick man, they should do alright

[The X]

Love the Power Rankings. Never thought to do them after an off-season. Allows quick recap of where each team sits in the pecking order after off-season.

I don't mind that Batum was moved, but don't like your SF rotation.

[Phil89]

Interesting trade for you, giving up one of your stars for future flexibility. Did you have your eye on anyone in particular from the next free agent class when doing that trade or is it too early to start thinking about that?

Will be exciting to see how the Wizards go with Wall, Beal and McLemore in the next few seasons. They should have drafted Noel though lol

[Martti.]

Wow, we can make some serious noise in the East.

[Lamrock]

Lillard Takes Over In Fourth As Blazers Win Opener
10/30/2013 - Rockets 93 @ Trail Blazers 101



With Jeremy Lin to miss the first couple months of the regular season with an MCL injury, the new look Houston Rockets were the underdogs coming into Portland. While expectations are high for Paul Millsap in Houston, Patrick Beverley had his hands full with Damian Lillard. With a few new faces themselves, Portland got their season off to a good start, thanks to a dominant fourth qyarter.

The Rockets came out of the gates with more energy and killed them on the boards in the first half. The Rockets made a run to go up by as many as 17 in the third quarter but Blazer rookie Alex Poythress offered a response, scoring 9 of his 17 points in the third period to put Portland within striking distance. Damian Lillard took it from there in the fourth, scoring at will as the Rockets just couldn't make shots. Lillard finished with 29 points and 12 assists, sinking a pair of free throws to give the fans Chalupas and a 101-93 victory.

While Lillard had the big game, rookie Poythress was the real story, impressing doubters with a big game in his debut. Rookie Ryan Alexander saw just 6 minutes but scored 4 points off the bench. Portland will travel to San Antonio next to face the Spurs.

HOU 25 25 27 14 | 93 [1-1] - Harden: 17/4/5; Beverley: 7/1/13; Millsap: 6/7/0
POR 21 21 28 28 | 101 [1-0] - Lillard: 29/5/12 (PotG); Poythress: 17/7/2 stls, 8-11 FG; Hickson: 12/12/1

[Martti.]

Poythress showing up big, during the NCAA season I remember someone saying he could be a sleeper to go #1, but I guess his stock fell.

[Mark.]

Nice game from Lillard and a brilliant first impression from Poythress

[Durant35]

Great debut for Poythress! Strong performances by Damian and Hickson.

[Axel The Great]

Pretty underwhelming games from Harden and Millsap. Good effort holding the Rockets to 14 points in the fourth quarter. I think it's safe to assume this season will be +.500 for you.

[hova-]

Decent win and good outing by your rookie. I guess he could be the X-factor for you this season.

[Valor]

Poythress, wow Granted it's against the Rockets but not bad

[Lamrock]

Blazers Open Season With 6-0 Start



There wasn't a ton of hype about the Blazers going into the season, but they've certainly gotten the league's attention now. With Damian Lillard averaging a shade under 31 points per game and the bench coming up big, the team is 6-0, including 4-0 on the road. While it's very early in the season, it looks like this will be a big year for the young point guard. How long they'll keep this run up is unclear, but for now, we're enjoying the ride!

Lillard Scores 34 As Blazers Rout Spurs
11/2/2013 - Trail Blazers 117 @ Spurs 87

With Manu Ginobili out, Portland flaunted their depth against the Spurs. After a close first half, the Spurs returned gassed, and ultimately lost by a deceiving margin as Portland's garbage time players got hot from the field. Damian Lillard had 34 for Portland, out-playing Tony Parker, who had a nightmarish shooting performance. Portland improves to 2-0 while the Spurs pick up their first loss of the year.

POR 28 25 26 38 | 117 [2-0] - Lillard: 34/1/6, 12-14 FG; Aldridge: 23/6/4, +24; Matthews: 20/4/3
SA 29 22 18 18 | 87 [2-1] - Duncan: 14/12/3; Parker: 14/3/9, 4-18 FG; M. Ginobili: DNP

Blazers Close Out Grizzlies In Fourth
11/3/2013 - Trail Blazers 97 @ Grizzlies 82

Stifling defense kept the Blazers at bay in the first half, but thanks to the heroics of Damian Lillard, Portland remains undefeated. The Grizzlies pounced on the Blazers' turnovers and controlled the game early on. Late in the third period, the Blazers went on a 14-2 run sparked by LaMarcus Aldridge on both ends. It would be sixth man Ramon Sessions though who closed out the game, scoring 12 of his 16 points in the final period. Former Blazer Jerryd Bayless led the way for the Grizzlies with 19 points and 10 assists.

POR 17 24 24 32 [3-0] | 97 - Lillard: 33/5/8/5 TO's, 12-15 FG; Aldridge: 22/10/6; Sessions: 16/3/1
MEM 24 23 17 18 [1-2] | 82 - Bayless: 19/4/10, 7-25 FG; M. Gasol: 15/4/2; Billups: 14/1/2

Aldridge, Blazers Hold Off Mavs
11/5/2013 - Trail Blazers 97 @ Mavericks 91

LaMarcus Aldridge always seems to play particularly well in his hometown of Dallas and this game was no exception. With 26 points and 12 boards, LA had his best game of the season, and helped the Blazers remain undefeated. Damian Lillard was held scoreless in the first period, but a run to open the second quarter gave Portland the lead.

The Blazers led by as many as 14 points but the Mavericks, without starting point guard Darren Collison, never gave up. Portland was on fire in the fourth, but Dallas hit some big shots to get and stay within single digits. A late run gave Portland a scare, putting the Mavs within a point with seconds to go. Alex Poythress hit a timely jumper to put the team up three, and after a stop, Portland played the foul game to a 97-91 victory, improving to a league-best 4-0.

POR 22 27 20 28 | 97 [4-0] - Aldridge: 26/12/2; Poythress: 15/7/3; Lillard: 22/5/5/6 TO's, 6-16 FG
DAL 27 16 20 28 | 91 [1-2] - Beaubois: 14/9/10; Mayo: 21/4/2; Nowitzki: 15/7/0

Lillard Registers Career Scoring High As Blazers Make It 5-0 Against Clippers
11/7/2013 - Clippers 106 @ Trail Blazers 111

The Clippers proved to be the biggest challenge for the Blazers yet this season, but they still were able to remain undefeated, courtesy of star players Damian Lillard and LaMarcus Aldridge. Offense was the name of the game from the get-go as the teams traded big plays in the first half. Jamal Crawford caught fire in the second half, leading the Clippers to a small lead in the fourth quarter. Portland responded with a 13-2 run out of a timeout, to take a lead they wouldn't give up. The Clippers stayed in the game until the end with some clutch shots, but Lillard sank 6 free throws in the dying seconds of the game to seal the win and finish with a career high 37 points. The Blazers are now 5-0, while Los Angeles is a disappointing 1-4.

LAC 31 20 23 32 | 106 [1-4] - Paul: 18/3/13/4 stls; Crawford: 26/6/4; Griffin: 21/13/2
POR 29 21 28 33 | 111 [5-0] - Lillard: 37/1/7, 12-25 FG, 2-4 3pt, 11-11 FT; Matthews: 22/5/8, 4-5 3pt; Aldridge: 22/9/2, 10-12 FG

Nuggets Held to 83 Points As Blazers Cruise to Sixth Straight
11/9/2013 - Trail Blazers 93 @ Nuggets 83

The Denver Nuggets have a reputation as one of the highest scoring games in the league, and also one of the best homecourt advantages. The #1 Blazers continue to dominate the league by shutting down the Nuggets in Denver for a 93-83 victory. It was an unusually low scoring first half at the Pepsi Center but in the second half, the threes started falling. Portland ultimately led the game from start to finish and the game was never in much danger as they improve to 6-0. After a scoreless first quarter, Damian Lillard out-dueled Danilo Gallinari, 26-25.

POR 19 24 24 26 | 93 [6-0] - Lillard: 26/2/8; Matthews: 14/7/3; Poythress: 9/6/4
DEN 17 17 23 26 | 83 [4-2] - Gallinari: 25/8/4; Faried: 14/10/1; Lawson: 8/2/9

----------

Division Standings

Portland 6-0
Oklahoma City 4-2
Minnesota 4-2
Utah 4-2
Denver 4-3

NBA Headlines

Bucks' F Ersan Ilyasova Out 6-8 Weeks with Broken Arm
Bulls sign F Luol Deng to 4 yr, $22M extension
Mavericks sign F Dirk Nowitzki to 2 year, $14.4M extension
Cavaliers sign C/F Marreese Speights to 4 year, $24.5M extension
Blazers Top Power Rankings With 6-0 Start

[hova-]

Whoot the hell!? Lillars is on fire. Seems like your team can be carried by Lillard and Aldridge on offense and defend well enough to close out these games. Good job.

[Durant35]

Good to see you taking BIG strides by starting out with a streak! Hope it won't end soon!

[Valor]

Doesn't look like the Sophomore wall has any effects on Lillard so far, great stuff to start off the season

[Fresh8]

Nice start from out of the gate but I expect your team to cool down. Looks like Minny ain't doing too bad either.

[Mark.]

Man Lillard is tearing it up. Seems the loss of Batum has only given the chance for others to shine, which they have!!

[Lamrock]

Lillard developed a lot more than I expected to in the offseason. He's practically unstoppable because he can hit shots from every spot on the floor. Our bench has also been a huge upgrade. Poythress is no Batum but for now, he's serviceable for 24-28 MPG. Hopefully the D holds up!

[Lamrock]

November 2013 In Review



Record: 13-4 [12-4 in November]
Ranked #1 in Power Rankings
Ranked #1 in Conference

Averaging nearly 27 points and 8 assists per game, Damian Lillard has been on an unbelievable tear to start the season, and many people (a lot of them from Portland) say that Damian Lillard was robbed of the Western Conference player of the month award (won by Thunder guard Russell Westbrook, who kept the Thunder above .500 with Kevin Durant injured with huge numbers of his own). In addition to posting huge stats, Lillard had led the team to it's best start in years, with a 13-4 record after winning the first six games.

Some expected the Blazers to struggle early on after dealing longtime starting small forward Nicolas Batum for bench players and draft picks. However, those bench players are performing - Ramon Sessions has contributed a lot to the team as a sixth man despite struggling mightily with his shot, while Jason Smith has been solid in limited minutes but has been reportedly shopped around the league. Alex Poythress hasn't exactly been consistent, but has shown promise early on, maintaining his starting spot - for now. Wesley Matthews and J.J. Hickson reprise their roles from last season while LaMarcus Aldridge looks to be headed to his third all-star game with his excellent play.

Ultimately, the team's surprising start can be attributed to Damian Lillard. Whether he can keep up his MVP-caliber play remains to be seen, but according to him, we haven't seen anything yet.





NBA Standings

Western Conference

1 Portland 13-4
2 Denver 12-5
3 Houston 11-5
4 Sacramento 10-5
5 Utah 10-6
6 Golden State 9-6
7 San Antonio 8-6
8 LA Lakers 8-7
Oklahoma City 8-7
New Orleans 7-8
LA Clippers 6-10
Phoenix 6-11
Minnesota 6-11
Memphis 5-12
Dallas 4-10

Eastern Conference

1 Detroit 10-4
2 Brooklyn 10-5
3 Philadelphia 10-6
4 Boston 8-7
5 Miami 8-7
6 Indiana 7-7
7 Orlando 7-7
8 Washington 7-7
Atlanta 7-8
Chicago 7-9
Toronto 7-10
Cleveland 6-10
New York 6-10
Milwaukee 6-11
Charlotte 3-11

Rookie Leaders:

Points Per Game:
1. C. Zeller (MIN): 15.0; 2. J.R. Young (ATL): 13.9; 3. M. Smart (CHA): 12.9
Rebounds Per Game:
1. C. Zeller (MIN): 8.2); 2. J. Withey (PHX): 6.6; 3. N. Noel (CHA): 6.4
Assists Per Game:
1. M. Smart (CHA): 5.9; D. Hughes (ORL): 3.7; M. Carter-Williams (UTA): 3.6

Blazers Among League Leaders:

Damian Lillard: 26.8 PPG (3rd) - Leader: LeBron James (MIA): 28.6 PPG
Damian Lillard: 7.9 APG (10th) - Leader: Jose Calderon (DET): 10.2 APG
Damian Lillard: 25.9 PER (6th) - Leader: LeBron James (MIA): 29.3 PER
Damian Lillard: .640% TS (4th) - Leader: Aaron Brooks (SAC): .676% TS

LaMarcus Aldridge: 9.3 RPG (18th) - Leader: DeMarcus Cousins (SAC): 14.7 RPG

League Headlines



Westbrook, LeBron Named Players of the Month
With Durant out with a strained achilles, Westbrook has kept OKC afloat, being among the league leaders in scoring and assists. LeBron meanwhile has picked up from where he left off last season, this time leading the league in scoring.

Marcus Smart, Cody Zeller Named Rookies of the Month
The rookie of the year race is currently a three-way battle between Marcus Smart, Cody Zeller and J.R. Young, with Zeller the early frontrunner. Smart and Zeller are both having great seasons for bottom-feeding teams.

Raptors sign G Kyle Lowry to 4 year, $38M extension
Raptors commit to point guard Kyle Lowry with a deal that'll top out at eight digits.

Wizards F Trevor Ariza out for season with Torn Patellar Tendon
Their season hasn't fallen apart - yet... but this is a blow.

Grizzlies F Zach Randolph out 4-6 weeks with Strained Oblique
After last season's conference finals run, they sit at 5-12 with their best player out - will they make the playoffs?

Rockets G James Harden Out 6-8 Weeks With Broken Rib
With Lin still out with a knee injury, the Rockets will have to dig deep into their guard rotation.

----------

Game Recaps

Suns Stun Blazers To End Undefeated Streak
11/10/2013 - Suns 95 @ Trail Blazers 92

"I guess it just wasn't our night, man", remarked Damian Lillard, who had 33 points in the surprise home loss. Playing their finest defensive game in perhaps years, the Suns took a fifteen point halftime lead before holding off Portland, 95-92. Shannon Brown and Michael Beasley had 22 apiece for Phoenix, who improve to 4-3 themselves. Portland will hope to bounce back with an Eastern Conference road trip starting in Toronto.

PHX 25 32 23 15 | 95 [4-3] - Beasley: 22/6/3; S. Brown: 22/5/2; Alex Len: 8/13/0
POR 23 19 32 18 | 92 [6-1] - Lillard: 33/7/5; Aldridge: 11/11/4; Jason Smith: 12/6/0, 4-6 FG

Lillard, Aldridge Too Much For Toronto
11/12/2013 - Trail Blazers 105 @ Raptors 98

The Blazers bounced back from their disappointing less to the Suns with a satisfying road win in Toronto. The game was close throughout, but Lillard and Aldridge were the difference as they improve to 7-1 and remain undefeated on the road. The Raptors meanwhile fall to 1-6 on the season, which they probably aren't losing sleep over.

POR 25 33 24 23 | 105 [7-1] - Lillard: 27/8/7; Aldridge: 28/6/2; Matthews: 11/5/5 stls
TOR 22 29 25 22 | 98 [1-6] - Gay: 21/10/4; Lowry: 16/7/6; DeRozan: 13/4/2

Blazers Blow Out Knicks At MSG
11/14/2013 - Trail Blazers 109 @ Knicks 89

Portland continues one of its best starts in franchise history with a blowout win over the Knicks, Carmelo Anthony was the only Knick who was able to get it going and the Blazers wreaked havoc on the offensive glass. A third quarter run sealed the deal for the Blazers, who improve to 8-1 on the year. The Knicks, despite their promising off-season additions, are now 4-4.

POR 26 32 30 21 | 109 [8-1] - Matthews: 24/2/6, 10-13 FG; Aldridge: 17/14/4; Poythress: 17/5/2
NY 19 28 16 26 | 89 [4-4] - C. Anthony: 19/10/6; Chandler: 13/6/0, 6-8 FG; Felton: 12/4/9

Blazers Fall Apart In Fourth, Lose In Heartbreaker
11/16/2013 - Trail Blazers 97 @ 76ers 99

The Blazers hoped to improve to an incredible 7-0 road record, but after leading all game, the hometeam Sixers stole it at the end. Without Andrew Bynum, the Sixers managed to stay competitive with a hot hand from behind the arc and solid defense on LaMarcus Aldridge. It wasnt until the third quarter that Portland started to pull away, but Philadelphia always had an answer for their runs.

The Blazer lead swelled to a dozen in the fourth before az crucial timeout led to a 19-7 run that tied the game with two minutes left. A turnover and bricked three later and Philadelphia was up four. Damian Lillard sank two key baskets and the Blazer D stepped up as Portland found itself with another excellent chance to win, tied with nine seconds to go and the ball. Aldridge got the ball in the post, but Jrue Holiday picked it clean for his seventh steal and dunked it on the fastbreak for the lead. With 1.7 seconds left and no timeouts, Lillard was barely able to chuck a hailmary three that bricked. Portland loses its first road game and will finish the four game East Coast road trip in D.C.

POR 27 20 29 21 | 97 [8-2] - Lillard: 32/7/7; Sessions: 13/5/6; Matthews: 13/2/3
PHI 26 18 24 31 | 99 [6-3] - Holiday: 14/7/12/6 stls; N. Young: 27/1/4; T. Young: 16/7/2

Poythress Scores Career High 20 As Blazers Easily Defeat Wizards
11/17/2013 - Trail Blazers 97 @ Wizards 83

The Blazers returned with their winning ways to post a 3-1 mark on their road trip. Damian Lillard and rookie Alex Poythress had twenty points apiece, while John Wall and Bradley Beal shot a combined 8-40 from the field. That's not a typo. Portland improve to 9-2 while the Wizards are now 4-4.

POR 29 34 19 15 | 97 [9-2] - Lillard: 20/4/8; Hickson: 12/16/3 blks; Poythress: 20/3/1, 8-12 FG
WAS 25 22 22 14 | 83 [4-4] - Wall: 14/0/3/5 stls, 4-21 FG; Beal: 9/3/2, 4-19 FG; McLemore: 8/1/2

Lillard Spoils Batum's Return With Career Night In Shootout
11/19/2013 - Hornets 116 @ Trail Blazers 119

In a game in which no defense was played whatsoever, the Portland Trail Blazers came away with 119-116, thanks to Damian Lillard's career high 43 points and a huge performance from LaMarcus. While the fans loved the game, the coachs certainly didn't. Terry Stotts was tearing out his hair and Monty Williams would have if he had any. Portland led for most of the game, but their inability to get stops in the second half kept New Orleans in it. Former Blazer Nicolas Batum had 15 points and 7 rebounds in his first game against his former team, and was met with a positive reception by the crowd.

NO 27 20 33 26 | 116 [4-7] - E. Gordon: 30/4/1; A. Davis: 18/10/2; Batum: 15/7/3
POR 31 24 35 29 | 119 [10-2] - Lillard: 43/1/11, 15-24 FG, 12-12 FT; Aldridge: 24/14/0; Matthews: 14/3/6

Blazers Outlast Warriors For Third Straight Win
11/22/2013 - Warriors 97 @ Trail Blazers 102

Portland maintains the league's best record with a narrow win over the Warriors. In a match that was close throughout, Blazer big men LaMarcus Aldridge and J.J. Hickson were the difference makers as they dominated Golden State in the paint. The Blazers improve to 11-2 on the season, while the Warriors now sit at 7-5.

GS 20 26 24 27 | 97 [7-5] - S. Curry: 21/10/5; D. Lee: 16/10/1; K. Thompson: 15/1/0
POR 24 23 31 24 | 102 [11-2] - Aldridge: 20/11/5; Hickson: 19/13/0; Lillard: 17/4/11

Warriors Shut Down Blazers In Second Half
11/24/2013 - Trail Blazers 95 @ Warriors 103

Thanks to Damian Lillard and LaMarcus Aldridge, the Blazers were always in this game. However, the Warriors' high-octane offense, and dismal play outside of the team's two stars was their undoing as Golden State pulled out the win. Golden State opened the fourth quarter on a 14-3 run, which was the difference in the game. Klay Thompson led the way with 20 points.

POR 23 25 27 20 | 95 [11-3] - Aldridge: 22/8/1; Lillard: 24/1/6/7 TO's; Crabbe: 9/4/0, 2-3 3pt
GS 25 27 29 22 | 103 [8-5] - K. Thompson : 20/8/2; S. Curry: 14/6/10; Jack: 11/4/12

Lillard Carries Blazers Past Nuggets
11/26/2013 - Nuggets 100 @ Trail Blazers 104

Thanks to 25 points and 9 assists from Damian Lillard, and big games from their swingmen, the Blazers edged out the Nuggets at home. The loss didn't come without a cost however as backup point guard Eric Maynor is expected to miss two weeks with a sprained finger. Portland remains at the top of the conference standings with a 12-3 record.

DEN 25 31 21 23 | 100 [10-5] - W. Chandler: 18/6/3; Iguodala: 12/7/8; Lawson: 13/5/5
POR 28 33 24 19 | 104 [12-3] - Lillard: 25/6/9; Poythress: 16/12/3; Matthews: 14/5/7[/b]

Nando De Colo Steps Up For Shorthanded Spurs
11/28/2013 - Trail Blazers 112 @ Spurs 119

In a high-scoring affair, the Tony Parker-less San Antonio Spurs were able to defeat Portland 119-112. Second year French point guard Nando De Colo had career highs in both scoring (17) and assists (9) in the win. Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili also had big games to pace the Spurs, who held Portland to 20 points in the fourth.

POR 24 33 35 20 | 112 [12-4] - Sessions: 19/5/5; Lillard: 16/3/9; Matthews: 20/3/3 stls
SA 24 36 28 32 | 119 [8-6] - De Colo: 17/2/9, 7-11 FG; Duncan: 19/12/3; Ginobili: 24/6/2

Blazers Close Month With Rout Of Timberwolves
11/30/2013 - Trail Blazers 123 @ Timberwolves 102

Portland finishes the first month of the season with an impressive 13-4 record as they walked all over the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Wolves are in the basement of the Northwest Division thanks to their pathetic defense and this game was a perfect example. J.J. Hickson has been struggling, but had his best game of the year with 19 points and 15 boards.

POR 43 29 22 29 | 123 [13-4] - Lillard: 26/7/8; Hickson: 19/15/0; Aldridge: 17/7/4
MIN 29 26 26 21 | 102 [6-11] - Love: 18/9/2; Shved: 14/4/4; F. Smith: 8/0/2, 8 minutes

[Vespasian92]

The Batum trade looks pretty good right now. Poythress seems to be steady enough, and also letting Batum go frees up the touches and sets the clear pecking order with Lillard and Aldridge on top.

[Phil89]

Always a nice feeling to see that many W's on the calendar. Nice start to the season