 |
|
 |
The Portland Trail Blazers turned in one of their worst defensive efforts of the season their last time out, and with it went their three-game winning streak. Guarding the Sacramento Kings hasn't proven to be nearly as difficult.
The Trail Blazers look to get back on track Tuesday night when they host the Kings, who have been shut down offensively in losing four straight games against Portland. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 PM on Comcast Channel 37 and 95.5 The Game. Coach Nate McMillan's team had held its opponents to 87.7 points per game in winning three straight before heading to Denver on Sunday night, but the Trail Blazers struggled at both ends against the Nuggets. Denver raced out to a 34-21 lead after one quarter en route to a 118-106 victory in which it shot 58.9 percent. Portland (37-28) was held to 42.7 percent shooting. continue Game Info || Preview || Blazers Celebrate The '90s
The Denver Nuggets knew they wouldn't have Kenyon Martin inside, so they adjusted their defensive game plan. It amounted to double teaming LaMarcus Aldridge every time he touched the ball. It pushed him to the perimeter and took him out of Portland's plans early. They also doubled Brandon Roy, knocked him off his rhythm, and had the Blazers out of sync.
Meanwhile, Denver didn't miss a beat offensively. They scored early and often, and built a 21-point lead over Portland. The Blazers hung tough in the second half, cut the lead to seven points on a few occasions, but couldn't ever get over the hump. In other words, it was a game we've seen many, many times before in Denver. Carmelo Anthony led the way with 30 points, and came up with big buckets every time his team needed one. He was helped by the usual cast of characters. Chauncey Billups had 21, and J.R. Smith added 22 off the bench, hitting timely three pointers, as expected. continue Denver 118, Portland 106 || Box Score || Video: Miller Dunks || Video: Batum Blocks  |
|
TOP STORIES
  
|
|
|
|
|
|
