Another Loss to the T-Wolves
For the second time in the past week the Minnesota Timberwolves put on an offensive clinic against the Portland Trail Blazers.
Minnesota 106, Portland Trailblazers 94
When: 8:00 PM ET, Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Where: Target Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Officials: #19 James Capers, #36 David Jones, #31 Scott Wall
Attendance: 17118
Minnesota scored 37 points in the first quarter on their way to a comfortable 106-94 win over Portland last night. It wasn’t an impressive way for the Portland Trail Blazers to start off a crucial road trip. Can this team regroup or is this a sinking ship?
Love’ Em
1. Raymond Felton
For a second straight game Raymond Felton was terrific.
He has struggled all year long, but he was the team’s best player last night against Minnesota. He racked up 23 points and nine assists, while turning it over only three times.
If he can continue to be an offensive option, that will take some pressure off the rest of this team.
2. Taking Care of the Ball
Portland turned it over just nine times in this game. The Blazers have had some issues with turnovers throughout the season, but that wasn’t the problem in this one.
He is a very important player for the Blazers, and it was great to see him shine.
Hate’ Em
1. Settling for Long Jumpers
Portland got to the line only four times last night. While some might blame the refs for this, the Blazers are really the ones that deserve the blame.
Portland was constantly settling for long jumpers rather than attacking the rim. The Blazers finished 3 for 23 from three-point range.
This kind of passive play won’t get it done.
2. Jamal Crawford
Jamal Crawford has struggled through most of the year, and last night was one of his worst performances. He put up 13 shots from the floor and only scored six points. He was 0 for 6 from beyond the arc.
Three-Point Defense
For the second time in a week the Blazers let the Timberwolves torch them from beyond the arc. They know what this team could do if they didn’t get out and guard them, and they still didn’t stop it.
Minnesota made 13 out of 23 three-point shots.
The next few days are going to be pivotal for this Blazers team. Are they going to fold up and call it a season or come up with some big wins on the road against tough opponents?
They’ll travel to Boston Friday night for what should be another tough test.
Team Statistics
Portland | Minnesota | ||
Fast Break Points | 9 | Fast Break Points | 9 |
Points in the Paint | 48 | Points in the Paint | 30 |
Biggest Lead | 6 | Biggest Lead | 15 |