The Post Up: Rockets drop Blazers
While Larry Hughes gets his against Cleveland.
By: Holly MacKenzie
I had every intention of watching the games last night even though I wasn’t that interested in any of the three. It didn’t happen. I think all of the big games that have been on this week have spoiled me, because I managed to make it through the first three quarters of the Bulls and Cavs before “watching” the entire fourth with my ears rather than my eyes. Even as the game went down to the wire, I could not force my eyes open and had to settle for listening to the game instead. This isn’t always an easy task and it is one that is immediately made much harder when Reggie Miller is announcing.
Even in my semi-lucid state, I was thrilled to hear/see Hughes have a great showing in Cleveland. Yeah, he had his ups and downs while a Cavalier, but the way the crowd turned on him wasn’t cool with me. Maybe I’m too nice, but when guys are on my team they are like family, it doesn’t matter if you like them or not, you are stuck with them and in it together. Even if you can’t stand them you cheer for them while they’ve got the uniform on.
Kwame Brown. Kwame Brown. Kwame Brown.
Although, I didn’t ever mind Kwame as a person, only his basketball skills drove me mad.
I woke up at the half of the Houston/Portland game and all I wanted to do was go back to sleep, but Tracy McGrady simply wouldn’t allow that. After looking jacked up when the Blazers took the lead late in the third, McGrady took over. It’s so much fun to watch him play like that. When he is on, who is going to stop him? No one on Portland’s roster. Draining jumper after jumper and mixing it up with some drives to the basket, McGrady woke me up.
Let’s hope Bron’s back gets back to normal quickly. The weight of carrying his team has got to be wearing him down and we need a LeBron who is at full-strength for the playoffs.
I was surprised to catch the report on Kenyon Martin being suspended for the Nuggets next game as a result of a flagrant foul he had committed on Boris Diaw in the Nuggets game against the Suns, Tuesday night. He will miss the Nuggets next game as well as face suspension for each additional flagrant foul he is assessed.
Yao is in China to consult with doctors about potentially treating his stress fracture with traditional Chinese medicine.
I had a whole lot more written here for you, but somehow, it has disappeared and Firefox will not allow me to “go back” and bring it up. Fantastic.
The photos from DeShawn’s birthday party were one of the highlights of yesterday. Gil and DeShawn were killing those looks and the Wizards remind me more and more of the Eastern Conference’s version of the Warriors crazy. Can you imagine the stories those guys have to tell?
Dallas @ Lakers tonight. Should be good. It had better not be a replay of the Mavs game against Golden State or I may pull my hair out.
Don’t miss the doubleheader on ABC this Sunday. Huge games, everyone.
Are there really only two weeks of the 2007-2008 regular season left?
Sacramento 110 LA Clippers 98
In a game that won’t mean anything come playoffs, the Kings and Clippers found themselves in a battle last night. Thanks to Kevin Martin’s 26 points Sacramento was able to come out on top, 110-98. After trailing 25-20 at the end of the first quarter the Kings outscored the Clippers 30-18 in the second as they took a 50-43 advantage into the break. Things continued to spiral out of control for the Clippers in the third, as the Kings extended their lead to as many as 22 points. The teams went into the fourth with the Kings leading 84-70 and the final quarter was more of the same, with the Sacramento lead never really in doubt as they went on to the victory. In addition to Martin’s 26 points, the Kings had 17 off of the bench from Francisco Garcia, 16 from Mikki Moore, 11 from Spencer Hawes and 10 from Ron Artest. Elton Brand continued to get comfortable on the floor, scoring 15 points and grabbing 9 rebounds in 27 minutes of action for the Clippers. Corey Maggette had 28 points, Nick Fazekas scored 18 and Dan Dickau added 11.
Chicago 101 Cleveland 98
After these two teams were tied up at 29 at the end of the first quarter, the Cavaliers outscored the Bulls 29-19 in the second to take a 10-point advantage into the break. With the Cavaliers extending their lead to 17 points in the third and LeBron James scoring 32 points through the first three quarters it appeared that Chicago was going to fold and allow Cleveland to walk away with the victory. This was not so, as former Cav Larry Hughes went to work in the third, scoring 15 points in the period as the Bulls used an 11-2 run to cut the Cleveland lead to single digits at the end of three, 85-77. In the fourth, the Bulls continued coming at Cleveland who found themselves in trouble offensively as James had to leave the game for treatment on his tightening back. While the Bulls had found their stride in the final quarter, Cleveland was out of sorts on offense, managing only 13 points in the period. The Bulls took their first lead of the game with 1:42 seconds remaining after Ben Gordon knocked down three free throws and the Cavaliers would not score again. Hughes finished with 25 points, 8 rebounds and 9 assists for Chicago, Ben Gordon dropped in 24 off of the bench as Luol Deng and Andres Nocioni each scored 15 points. James finished with 33 points for Cleveland as Zydrunas Ilgauskas had 23 points, Delonte West scored 11 points and Wally Szczerbiak added 10.
Houston 95 Portland 86
With the Blazers coming off of a disappointing loss against the Lakers the night before, they were ready for a win and the Rockets had their hands full. After the teams battled for the first two and a half quarters, Portland soon became the team with their hands full as Tracy McGrady got hot and stayed hot, propelling Houston to the 95-86 victory in Portland last night. While the Rockets held a 52-43 lead at the break, the Blazers came out strong in the third and cut the lead to briefly take a two-point advantage midway through the quarter. This was where McGrady had seen enough. Leading the Rockets on a 13-0 run to take an 11-point lead into the fourth, McGrady had 14 points in the third quarter and continued his dominance of the Blazers in the final quarter as he dropped in 12 more points in the fourth. A three from Aaron Brooks with 3:05 remaining extended the lead to 91-78 to seal the game for Houston. McGrady finished with 35 points. Aaron Brooks scored 12 points as Dikembe Mutombo, Bobby Jackson and Luther Head all added 11 points apiece. The Blazers were led by LaMarcus Aldridge’s 23 points. Jarrett Jack scored 19 points and Travis Outlaw had 14 points as both Channing Frye and Steve Blake added 12. Joel Przybilla had 15 rebounds for Portland who was without Martell Webster and Brandon Roy.
105 Responses to “The Post Up: Rockets drop Blazers”
Apr.4 at 9:31 am
Eboy says:
Holly, how’d you not have nightmares from hearing Reggie speak?
Apr.4 at 9:32 am
riggs says:
i pretty much slept through the time, i only managed to catch tnt halftime show which was probably the best part of the night
Apr.4 at 9:33 am
Ryne Nelson says:
Holly, I told you I’d be here!
Apr.4 at 9:34 am
Ryne Nelson says:
The worst night of basketball I’ve ever seen. Terrible. Ugly.
Apr.4 at 9:34 am
James aka the artist formerly known As Krayzie Bone says:
Hi Holly or Lang or Sam or anyone. I’ve found that I haven’t been able to post on here the last week or so (i was on hiatus for a week or 2 before). When I try to post as just Krayzie Bone, it doesn’t even post. When I post as another name, it moderates me. Is there anything that can be done to change this? Sorry to post it on a forum, but I wasn’t going to try to track down an email address. Eboy, love the new looking blog.
Apr.4 at 9:38 am
Eboy says:
Rynocerous, you little f*ker, where have you been?
Apr.4 at 9:39 am
Ryne Nelson says:
Two weeks left, huh. It seems like the playoffs should be coming up sooner, with all the seeding talk and all.
Apr.4 at 9:41 am
Logan says:
TMAC!!! Too bad he is inconsistent…
Apr.4 at 9:44 am
Holly MacKenzie says:
hahaa E, I’m not sure. Damn Reggie. I was all sad at his final game, thinking how I loved to hate him, but really, loved watching his late-game heroics and would miss him. I DON’T MISS HIM ANYMORE. Gahhhh!
Apr.4 at 9:48 am
Holly MacKenzie says:
Ryne, this entire season has been fantastic. I’m so happy THIS was the year I got to document each night. It’s only going to get better with playoffs, too.
Apr.4 at 9:49 am
Eboy says:
I ain’t never missed his Ferengi-esque ass.
Apr.4 at 9:52 am
Ryne Nelson says:
Charles was so on-point about the Rockets: they are pretenders. Whoever the Rockets play in the first round will have a free-pass to the next stage.
…and speaking of Charles, he said the only team in the West that he guarantees will make it out of the first round (as currently configured) is the Denver Nuggets! Does anyone like the Nuggets to beat the Hornets, if they were to be matched up?
Apr.4 at 9:55 am
Squirrel7 says:
Imagine T-Mac’s reaction if/when Houston get disposed off in the 1st round…..
Apr.4 at 9:58 am
Ryne Nelson says:
@Squirrel - *If* is the operative word here.
Apr.4 at 10:01 am
Squirrel7 says:
I know, I’ve just seen someone on here (can’t remember his handle) who is a die-hard Rockets fan, thought I best give him a little hope!
Apr.4 at 10:02 am
Squirrel7 says:
And Holly, you don’t know how lucky you are over in North America. Here in the UK we get one live game a week, so I certainly wouldn’t have luxury of sleeping through any NBA action! (I probably should do though, seeing as they’re on at 2am with the time difference)
Apr.4 at 10:06 am
Holly MacKenzie says:
Squirrel, I feel you! Before league pass and before Canada got on board with the Raps there wasn’t a lot of ball here in Canada either. Do the games start at 2am for you? My pacific games always end a little after 2am, but starting at 2am, is rough!
Apr.4 at 10:07 am
People's Princess says:
What up y’all???
Apr.4 at 10:07 am
Eboy says:
Another Brit in the mix? Pip pip cheerio, Squirrel.
Apr.4 at 10:07 am
Ryne Nelson says:
Squirrel, you could get up at 5 a.m. catch the end of a Lakers game. C’mon now.
Apr.4 at 10:09 am
Eboy says:
What’s up PP?
Apr.4 at 10:12 am
Squirrel7 says:
While I don’t particularly like the Lakers, I wouldn’t mind seeing them a little more than the once that they’ve been on this year (when they beat the Bulls at the Staples Centre). But yeah, all games end at about 4am here, and 9 times out of 10 it’s the Bulls or Heat. I’d give anything for them to actually show CP3 and the rest of the Hornets…..
Apr.4 at 10:14 am
Holly MacKenzie says:
Oh Squirrel.. What’s your email, lets try something here.
Apr.4 at 10:14 am
Ryne Nelson says:
Good luck, Squirrel, we have a hard enough time getting Hornets games in the states as is.
Apr.4 at 10:15 am
People's Princess says:
Gasol’s back and we’re back in the hunt..Though 1.5 games to make up over seven games may be a bit much..
Apr.4 at 10:16 am
Squirrel7 says:
squirrel7@gmail.com
Apr.4 at 10:18 am
Squirrel7 says:
I wouldn’t mind if the games were any good (I guess any NBA coverage is good), but the Bulls have stunk up the joint this year. I think the last game to not involve them or the Heat was Nets-Spurs in San Antonio, when the Spurs shot about 35% for the game and still won! Dear god…..
Apr.4 at 10:20 am
Benoit Benjamin says:
Same problem as you Squirrel over here in france, except they almost only show Spurs game. I haven’t seen a really exciting game all season. have to check the highlights at work. Can’t wait to have franchises in Europe only to catch live games.
Apr.4 at 10:21 am
Holly MacKenzie says:
you’ve been emailed, Sq7
Apr.4 at 10:22 am
Squirrel7 says:
Well, I can imagine it’s old-fashioned patriotism screwing up the TV schedule in France too. You get the Spurs because of TP, and we get Bulls because of Deng. I wonder which team are on most in China…..
Apr.4 at 10:25 am
Squirrel7 says:
Thanks for that Holly, I’ll make sure to pass it on to some of my NBA-starved fellow countrymen!!!
Apr.4 at 10:28 am
Benoit Benjamin says:
We get a few bulls game, because of Noah, who we consider french even though he hasn’t decided yet. I did catch a Memphis-nets game though I don’t why they showed tis particular one. Maybe I should become a soccer fan
Apr.4 at 10:36 am
Squirrel7 says:
Haha, I’m a huge soccer fan, I definitely get my fix of that though. I guess we should thank god we’re not German, not sure I could put up with seeing Dirk and the Mavs every week (or any week!)
Apr.4 at 10:41 am
Joel O's says:
Reggie was really bad last night. I recall him trying to wax lyrical about how amazing it was for “a guy like Lebron James who’s 6-8, 6-9 to be able to take contact” like he does. I think he meant that it should be amazing for a guy of his size to MOVE like he does, because 6′9 guys are SUPPOSED to be able to take contact.
Apr.4 at 10:45 am
Russ Bengtson says:
Reggie Miller is to TNT what Isiah Thomas is to the Knicks. He HAS to go.
Apr.4 at 10:46 am
Andy says:
The main problem, besides lack of games, that we have here in the UK is that they pick certain games based on teams’ past reputations. Hence we do get a lot of Bulls and Heat games, because they assume Jordan and Shaq are still playing. Roll on the playoffs, when we get at least slightly better coverage.
Apr.4 at 11:03 am
Holly MacKenzie says:
Joel, the Magic Johnson comparison? Yeah, Reggie needs to goooooo.
Apr.4 at 11:11 am
Joel O's says:
Yeahhhh that one, Holly. I miss Reggie the player. It would be worth it if he actually did suit up and play for Dallas or something… just to shut him up. Its silly how he throws these big words about which don’t really fit, like saying turnovers were the “nemesis” of Chicago when he meant “weakness”; at least use “Achilles’ heel” or another proper metaphor. “Ooh, laziness is the nemesis of my GPA”.
Apr.4 at 11:12 am
DP says:
let’s pep it up guys…………it is dead on this wonderful thursday……………..
Apr.4 at 11:20 am
Tariq says:
Holly: What did you give Squirrel? Hook me up. It’s not as bad for me, but I still miss a ton of games I want to see. Oh, anf the games START at 4 or 5 A.M. over here.
Apr.4 at 11:22 am
Tariq says:
And Squirrel: The Sky analysts make one fantasize about the sweet release of death.
Apr.4 at 11:27 am
Tariq says:
A random soundbite from the Sky Sports NBA halftime show: Trevor: It seems, Reginald, that the objective in this athletic endeavor is the complete insertion of this orange-hued orb into the slightly larger red plastic orb, or “rim”, from which strands of cloth dangle in a net-like formation. Reginald: Yes, quite, Trevor. Indubitably. Quite perceptive. Crisps? Trevor: Whilst.
Apr.4 at 11:33 am
Holly MacKenzie says:
Riq, I’m pretty sure I facebooked you the info?/ Might have been Izzo. Go check your fb inbox. Joel, he is the WORST. Can he and his sister not trade places? Seriously.
Apr.4 at 11:42 am
Tariq says:
Holly: Oh. Raptorsnation? Unfortunately, my connection is too slow. Thanks anyway.
Apr.4 at 11:50 am
Lz - Cphfinest3 says:
Holly, please hit me with that fix you injected into Squirrel’s e-mail. cphfinest3@hotmail.com is my address. I only get two games live on ESPN a week (Wednesday and Friday) + NBA action, and a sorry-azz Brazilian program called “the book is on the table”. So could use the extra coverage.
Apr.4 at 11:53 am
DP says:
I miss dusty baker.
Apr.4 at 11:56 am
DP says:
Lakers and ole Mavs tonight. who yall got?
Apr.4 at 12:12 pm
Lz - Cphfinest3 says:
As in the Warriors’ game I’m going with the Mavs, DP.
Apr.4 at 12:17 pm
RV says:
Ryne, the rockets aren’t title contenders, but they aren’t guaranteed to be an easy opponent. The fact that he only said the nuggest have a sure win says something about the rockets right there, and that’s that they’re definitely capable of upsetting someone in the first round.
Apr.4 at 12:20 pm
RV says:
Artest needs to go to a contender, i think if he was added to any of the top contenders they’d be a lock to win the title, the guy can motivate (or scare people to death, either way, it works) and he never coasts, never throws in the towel early
Apr.4 at 12:22 pm
Holly MacKenzie says:
man its dead around here. I’m going with LA, because I’d be a loser fan if I didnt.
Apr.4 at 12:22 pm
Tim Donaghy says:
Lakers 98-96 in regulation. Kobe 2 free throws with 3.7 left. Mavs fail to score.
Apr.4 at 12:24 pm
DP says:
LZ, I feel like agreeing with you but I don’t. I just don’t see the Mavs stopping Jelly bean Bryant and Pau. People please get ready for the playoffs because if you didn’t know, Andrew Bynum will be back in action. I know, you all are trembleming with fear. me too.
Apr.4 at 12:24 pm
RV says:
Lakers-mavs, home team wins
Apr.4 at 12:26 pm
DP says:
If the post up is dead then I am the respiratory fluid! Man I have been in Human A and P too damn long and I am just out of it today. I got UTA against SA tonight. D-will too much of a trouble maker.
Apr.4 at 12:27 pm
Allen says:
Hurry and watch this goosebump-inducing Kobe-Shaq ad for this year’s playoffs (before it gets taken down?) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j3vmpM2FGzU
Apr.4 at 12:27 pm
RV says:
DP, but it looks like it’ll be some time before Bynum does his usual damage, maybe a week or two into the playoffs
Apr.4 at 12:29 pm
RV says:
utah-SA, home team wins
Apr.4 at 12:33 pm
RV says:
so i guess thats Lakers and utah, but for some reason now i like the spurs and Mavs, forgot the Spurs are rolling right now and Dallas is fighting to stay alive
Apr.4 at 12:35 pm
Lz - Cphfinest3 says:
Thx Holly, you’re a darling. Spurs win tonight - that game poses a dilemma for me; Live NBA action or getting wasted sorounded by beautifull women.. IF ESPN showed LA-Dallas the choice would be easy, but a pick and roll marathon with the Spurs/Jazz? I’m leaning towards drinks and girls..
Apr.4 at 12:36 pm
RV says:
the craziest thing yet would be Denver cstching utah to stir up the seedings, that 4th spot really bothers me, rule needs to be changed
Apr.4 at 12:36 pm
Lz - Cphfinest3 says:
But there is off course the Ginobili factor?! Arghh what to do?!?!?!?!
Apr.4 at 12:37 pm
Holly MacKenzie says:
I’m going with SA
Apr.4 at 12:39 pm
DP says:
Ginobili, GET ON THESE HANDS! I don’t like that character.
Apr.4 at 12:42 pm
DP says:
I’m about to change my name. I have to around playoff time because I got to get in the right mind.
Apr.4 at 12:42 pm
DRPend says:
see you guys next week. I’m out like Marion.
Apr.4 at 12:44 pm
DP says:
peace peoples. have a great basketball filled weekend. DARREN COLLISON, GET READY FOR EXPOSURE BUDDY! Derrick Rose is going to kill tomorrow. Memphis II trill.
Apr.4 at 12:46 pm
DRPend says:
please change my name people!!
Apr.4 at 1:14 pm
James aka the artist formerly known As Krayzie Bone says:
Test again (lets see if this gets moderated as well)
Apr.4 at 1:14 pm
James aka the artist formerly known As Krayzie Bone says:
Success! Now I’ll try to post as just my old monicker
Apr.4 at 1:15 pm
James aka the artist formerly known As Krayzie Bone says:
Well that didn’t work. I guess i’ll just leave it like this then.
Apr.4 at 1:16 pm
H to the izzo says:
James:Why the change?
Apr.4 at 1:27 pm
namik says:
The Lakers suck at defense right now. Pau’s return had them hyped against Potland but they were playing like a bunch of idiots who had never played the game before. It’s lucky that they were at home, or there would have been a lot more calls. When the Bulls play like they did yesterday, Bulls fans must be pissed. Noah stuffing Bronnie’s s*** was great.
Apr.4 at 1:31 pm
Eboy says:
The screen name change is now the en vogue thing to do. That’s SO early March.
Apr.4 at 1:37 pm
ciolkstar says:
Personality-wise The Warriors and Wizards sre for sure my two favorite teams in the L. Of course, I’m from SA and lived there for almost 19 years so, I still, and will forever, bleed silver and black.
Apr.4 at 1:38 pm
ciolkstar says:
PS the Lakers are falling off. The Hornets , Spurs and Celtics are all much better teams right now. And as far as I’m concerned Pau AND Bynum are still huge question marks.
Apr.4 at 1:45 pm
namik says:
I dont know about the Lakers falling off. They did fall apart though. Pau Gasol has played 20 games for us. Bynum 30 something games. We’re 3rd in the West basically playing with the same team as last year. Seeing as this team wasn’t even supposed to make the playoffs with all the Kobe team, they sure would be called failures by any shot. And once they get thier defense back to where it was 5-6 games back, they’ll be fine.
Apr.4 at 2:19 pm
James aka the artist formerly known As Krayzie Bone says:
Izzo. I had to. When I would post as Krayzie it just would move to the next screen, and not post anything. I noticed about a week or two ago someone posted using the name and it hadn’t been me who did it (the comment itself was innocuous). Maybe someone posted as me but said something that moderated that ID off the board for good. Anyway not to worry, I’m still me. Plus it brings my two monikers together from last year and this. Its a tad long. Anyway, since i know next to nothing about the filtering software used here (or anywhere) I am content to just post like this.
Apr.4 at 2:25 pm
Eboy says:
So what are you then, plain James? How about Big Brain James to play off the greatness of James Worthy and to notate your remarkable brain power. Holly can usually get your comments pushed through if she’s lurking. Big Brain James, use it! It’s WAY better than the other one or just plain James.
Apr.4 at 2:30 pm
James aka the artist formerly known As Krayzie Bone says:
Its too much of a braggartly thing to do so I can’t do that. Thanks though Eboy. And Holly fixed it for me today i believe (I tip my cap towards the east coast).
Apr.4 at 2:36 pm
Eboy says:
Killjoy.
Apr.4 at 2:40 pm
James aka the artist formerly known As Krayzie Bone says:
Lol. I always appreciate the compliments though. I should post up my photograph on your blog showing my nate robinsoness in high school (its a trick but the illusion still looks nice).
Apr.4 at 2:43 pm
Eboy says:
Please do. Matter of fact James…….e-mail when you are able. cct231070@gmail.com.
Apr.4 at 3:49 pm
Eboy says:
I am eat-a-di%k Eboy.
Apr.5 at 12:06 am
Dre Baldwin says:
Larry Hughes’ comments about being more concerned about “playing (his) game” rather than “sacraficing to win” earned the boos he got in Cleveland. I wanted to see LBJ go at Hughes, though, since those ’sacrafice’ comments were concerning LBJ’s presence. And I watched the Houston game; even with Yao, how is it possible the TMac doesn’t average at least 28 per?
Apr.5 at 1:01 am
hursty says:
TMAC again!
Apr.5 at 1:01 am
hursty says:
87
Apr.5 at 1:02 am
hursty says:
88
Apr.5 at 1:11 am
hursty says:
89
Apr.5 at 1:14 am
hursty says:
90
Apr.5 at 1:15 am
hursty says:
91
Apr.5 at 1:16 am
hursty says:
92
Apr.5 at 1:17 am
hursty says:
93
Apr.5 at 1:18 am
hursty says:
94… im just waiting for bet to have a smart @rse comment
Apr.5 at 1:21 am
hursty says:
yes i know its 1 20 but thats ok. Ill wait another day or so.
Apr.5 at 1:21 am
hursty says:
96
Apr.5 at 1:22 am
hursty says:
someone else should do this…. 97
Apr.5 at 1:25 am
hursty says:
98…. im gonna lest someone else create….
Apr.5 at 1:26 am
hursty says:
NOT! 99…. its my time
Apr.5 at 1:26 am
hursty says:
100. my work here is done.
Apr.5 at 1:48 am
hursty says:
anything is better than that, eg JKB or whatever.
the last eboy comment was not eboy. thats all f*cked up. sucks to be james…. dude just change it to something else
Apr.5 at 11:56 am
Eboy says:
Hi hursty.
Apr.5 at 8:22 pm
Eboy says:
i
Apr.6 at 4:39 am
hursty says:
sup eboy. LeBron was awful last night. Kobe wouldvs had 30, while lying on a stretcher.
Apr.7 at 6:38 am
hursty says:
durant and Green machine, with flair!