Blazers Come Up Short in their Preseason Opener, but Not for Lack of Effort!

Well by all accounts the Portland Trailblazers first preseason home game proved that the youth movement paid off. Oh, yeah, Zach Randolph still took more than his share of the shots, and he still shoots too much from the outside, but he did garner 20 pts in 36 minutes. Zbo also got 7 rebounds to go with his point production. This team did well for its first outing, displaying that overall attitude that Coach Nate McMillan was asking for from the new kids. They showed up to play!
The Seattle SuperSonics defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 99-89 on Wednesday night in the first preseason game for both teams- but those new Blazers, they fought and they hustled. They were just a little more strong on the attitude than the execution!

The Blazers worked hard to build a halftime lead at home 53-45 with the help of a spark from Sergio Rodriguez, known in europe as the "Spanish Chocolate" for all his sweet passes and high assist ratios. The Spanish team leader in the world championships, he played sparingly but well, scoring 6 pts in only 6 minutes. On the downside he showed his youth and inexperience, his team was the victim of two unforced errors. He helped to excite the crowd of over 14,000 that were in attendance at the Rose Garden when he showed his range, hitting consecutive 3 pointers with teamate Jarret Jack, at the close of the half.

Jack was excited, saying "Guys were just out there giving it their all, diving on the ball with no hesitation about it, just putting it all on the line for this team," adding, "It's something this city has been missing the last couple of years." Dan Dickau, a Portland favorite, hit a couple 3's too when he came off the bench scoring 9 total in 20 minutes and dishing 4 assists.

Brandon Roy got his picture in the paper for his debut performance last night. He played 33 minutes, was 3-10 shooting and made 1 of 3 from the line but he made his mark with his pressure defense and outright hustle. Coach Nate McMillan said, "I think he's going to be a player." After the game even Ray Allen said 'the guys got game'.

McMillan was most pleased with the 'in your face' style of play his team showed, using as an example the hometowncrowd giving the team a standing ovation in the second half following a remarkable defensive stop. He is going to expect that kind of effort every night with the youth and the depth the Blazers hold at most positions.


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