Portland’s LaMarcus Aldridge Continues His Hot Start As Blazers Top Oklahoma City Thunder 103-93
As the Portland Trailblazers all-star guard Brandon Roy struggled with knee injuries last season it was LaMarcus Aldridge that led the Blazers late season charge to the playoffs, and despite being ousted in six games by the eventual champion Mavericks, the Blazers showed promise for the upcoming season.
With the sudden and shocking retirement by Roy this has officially become Aldridge’s team.
Aldridge scored 30 points on 10-19 shooting to go along with 8 rebounds as the Blazers hand the Oklahoma City Thunder their second loss in as many nights 103-93.
What Happened: The Blazers capitalized on a horrible shooting night by Kevin Durant (19 pts.) and a Thunder offense that went cold in the second half (34% fg.) to remain the only Western Conference team with one defeat, stunning the Thunder 103-93. James Harden led the Thunder with 23 points.
Aldridge has put himself on that early “player to watch” list as he has led the Blazers to 4-1 start. Aldridge continues to be an effective scorer, extending his game out to about 20 ft. Last night was no different as the visiting Blazers kept it close through the first half. The Thunder were coming off their first loss of the season the night before to the Dallas Mavericks and were looking to get back on track. Portland survived tough shooting nights from Gerald Wallace (4-13, 13 pts., 10 rebs.) and point man Raymond Felton (4-11, 12 pts., 7 assts.). Newly added swingman Wesley Matthews continues to post solid numbers with 16 points, 6 rebounds and four steals. The Blazers bench got timely three-point shooting from reserves Nicolas Batum (12 pts. 7 rebs.) and new acquisition Jamal Crawford (8 pts.). Center Marcus Camby continues to defy time and injuries adding 7 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists in 18 minutes of action. Aldridge also showed that he wasn’t intimidated by Thunder center Kendrick Perkins, as the two had to be separated near the end of the game.
Kevin Durant was 5-13 in the first half and it only got worse from there as he finished 8 for 26. James Harding in only his sixth career start led the Thunder with 23 points (40 minutes). Russell Westbrook is still struggling with his shot selection but was still able to manage 22 points as well as 6 rebounds and 8 assists. The Thunder’s interior defense disappeared in the 3rd quarter as 16 of the Blazers 27 points came in the pain. Personal fouls also hindered the hosts, as four of the five starters played with three or more fouls. The Thunder starting five were a combined minus 41, compared to a plus 44 for the visitors.
What’s Next: The Blazers are at home against the Lakers on Thursday and the Thunder host the Rockets on Friday.
Other Scores:
Cleveland 115 – Charlotte 101: Kyrie Irving’s 20 points and 6 assist pace Cleveland; DJ Augustin’s 26 points and 9 dimes the same for Charlotte.
Chicago 76 – Atlanta 74: Derrick Rose explodes for 30 and 7 dimes. Hawks’ Josh Smith 15 points and 14 rebounds.
Memphis 113 – Sacramento 96: Rudy Gay leads with 23 points and 8 boards. Kings were lead by Jimmer Fredette’s 17 and Isiah Thomas’ 15 points, 5 boards and 3 dimes.
Utah 85 – Milwaukee 73: Al Jefferson 26 points, 10 rips. Milwaukee’s Drew Gooden puts in 24 and grabs 12 boards.
LA Lakers 108 – Houston 99: Kobe goes for 37 pts., 8 rebounds, 6 assists. Andrew Bynum collects his first 20/20 game. Kyle Lowry one assist shy of triple double (22 pts., 10 boards, 9 dimes, 2 steals) in losing effort.