OGT: Nov 17 Trail Blazers (7-2) @ Raptors (4-6)

[Legends66NBA7]

Game Links: http://firstrownow.eu/sport/basketball.html

Preview: http://ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/trail-blazers-raptors-preview-214752854--nba.html


After back-to-back losing seasons, the surging Portland Trail Blazers are making plenty of noise in 2013-14.

The Trail Blazers try to extend their winning streak to six for the first time in almost three years when they visit the Toronto Raptors on Sunday.

While Portland went a combined 61-87 over the previous two seasons, coach Terry Stotts' team is looking like a contender in the early going. The Blazers (7-2), who rank near the top of the NBA with a rebounding differential of 4.3, have outrebounded opponents by an average of 12.0 boards during their run.

Portland is also averaging 103.1 points, significantly higher than last season's mark of 97.5. The Blazers haven't won six in a row since Feb. 5-16, 2011.

"From an offensive stand point we are moving the ball well," Stotts said. "I like the way we are coming together as a team."

The Blazers continued their dominance on the glass in Friday's 109-96 win at Boston, pulling down 47 boards to the Celtics' 34. LaMarcus Aldridge recorded his fourth consecutive double-double with 27 points and 12 rebounds while Nicolas Batum and Mo Williams scored 18 apiece.

"We have been great all year about playing inside-outside," said Aldridge, whose team is shooting an impressive 41.3 percent from 3-point range.

"It's just a matter of trying to get wins. It's just one of those years where you know our team is good and you know I've worked hard this year. We are just trying to get better every game."

Friday marked Portland's first win in Boston since March 31, 2004. The Blazers have won three straight away from home by an average of 13.0 points.

"It's been a long time," Batum said. "It's good for our confidence. It's good to keep winning on the road."

Portland had taken eight straight from the Raptors (4-6), including four in a row at Toronto, before getting blown out 102-79 during its last visit Jan. 2. Aldridge, averaging 26.3 points and 12.8 boards over a six-game stretch in the series, had 14 and 10 that night. Raptors guard Terrence Ross, meanwhile, scored a career-high 26 off the bench and DeMar DeRozan added 24.

DeRozan matched a career best with 37 points Friday, but the Raptors were otherwise held in check during a 96-80 loss to Chicago. Rudy Gay, averaging 24.0 points over the last three games, had 20 but was the only other player to score in double figures.

Kyle Lowry had an especially bad night, finishing with six points on 3 of 15 from the field. The Raptors, who put up their fewest points this season, dropped to 1-5 when scoring 95 or fewer.

"There's nothing redeeming about tonight," coach Dwane Casey said. "That wasn't us. We've had stretches like that but not an entire game.

"That's one of the things about the NBA. It's a long season, it's a marathon. And it's how you bounce back from these type of games that identify you."

The Raptors may want to think about getting Amir Johnson and fellow big man Jonas Valanciunas more involved against a Blazers team giving up a whopping 48.2 points per game in the paint -- one of the league's worst marks. The duo managed just seven points on a combined 3-for-8 shooting against the Bulls.

Toronto has taken nine of its last 13 home games against Western Conference foes dating to last season.

I think this will be on NBA TV Canada. Not sure... Game Time 1pm EST.

UPDATE - After looking into it, It will be on Sportsnet after all.

[kaiteng]

Game Links: http://firstrownow.eu/sport/basketball.html

Preview: http://ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/trail-blazers-raptors-preview-214752854--nba.html



I think this will be on NBA TV Canada. Not sure... Game Time 1pm EST.
SportNet can't even carry this!? TSN can't because of CFL Eastern Final and there should be an afternoon NHL game or two. But there is so many second-tier channels around! :confusedshrug: :confusedshrug: :confusedshrug: :confusedshrug: :confusedshrug:

[Clutch]

I'll watch this game because it's one of the few games that's being played at a normal time here in Europe (7 PM).

I don't care who wins,just want to see a good game. Will probably root for the Raptors though.

[kaiteng]

http://i.imgur.com/YeF5P5D.png

[Sakkreth]

I'll watch this game because it's one of the few games that's being played at a normal time here in Europe (7 PM).

I don't care who wins,just want to see a good game. Will probably root for the Raptors though.

So you want Raptors to lose just like me :cheers:

[Clutch]

So you want Raptors to lose just like me :cheers:
Question for you and all Raptors fans,so now that Bargnani is gone,who do you blame for the losses ? :lol

[kurple]

they thank god for every loss they get

[Sakkreth]

Question for you and all Raptors fans,so now that Bargnani is gone,who do you blame for the losses ? :lol

Wow is that a serious question ? Have you checked DeRozan's and Gay's fg% ?

[Qwyjibo]

Question for you and all Raptors fans,so now that Bargnani is gone,who do you blame for the losses ? :lol
All the other shitty players.

[Legends66NBA7]

SportNet can't even carry this!? TSN can't because of CFL Eastern Final and there should be an afternoon NHL game or two. But there is so many second-tier channels around! :confusedshrug: :confusedshrug: :confusedshrug: :confusedshrug: :confusedshrug:

It's for the promotion of sports packaging. Another way for TV companies to make more money.


Question for you and all Raptors fans,so now that Bargnani is gone,who do you blame for the losses ? :lol

I can't speak for the others, but I have NEVER blamed losses on just a sole player or coach, even if it is the case at times.

When you win as a team, you also lose as one. That has been the theme of this season with our players, especially on offense. Not to mention, Amir Johnson has been the most consistent starter, IMO.

Our defense has been pretty good, but we need to be top notch all the time to counter our bad offense. I think by the end of this month or by next month, things should be settled down.

A win today I think puts us on top the division for now.

[Grey Dawn]

Let's go Craps!

[Sakkreth]

Up or under 35% fg from our chucking duo ?

[Legends66NBA7]

SportNet can't even carry this!? TSN can't because of CFL Eastern Final and there should be an afternoon NHL game or two. But there is so many second-tier channels around! :confusedshrug: :confusedshrug: :confusedshrug: :confusedshrug: :confusedshrug:

Just rechecked, it will be on SportsNet and I've put it in the OP.

:cheers:

[Clutch]

Wow is that a serious question ? Have you checked DeRozan's and Gay's fg% ?
I did now. I didn't realize they were shooting THIS bad.

Did Gay seriously took 37 shots to score 29 points ? :roll: :roll: :roll:

Melo and Kobe would be proud :lol

[Shade8780]

I'll watch this game because it's one of the few games that's being played at a normal time here in Europe (7 PM).

I don't care who wins,just want to see a good game. Will probably root for the Raptors though.
This.

Btw, you watch NFL, Clutch?

[Clutch]

This.

Btw, you watch NFL, Clutch?
No. I watched maybe 2-3 games in my life. First of all,I don't even know the rules. To be honest,even if I knew the rules it doesn't look really interesting. Too little action,too much stoppage.
NHL looks fun though but I don't have time to watch it.

[Shade8780]

No. I watched maybe 2-3 games in my life. First of all,I don't even know the rules. To be honest,even if I knew the rules it doesn't look really interesting. Too little action,too much stoppage.
NHL looks fun though but I don't have time to watch it.
Oh ok. Also, do you stay up for NBA games? What's your watching method? I honestly have only got to see like 3 games this season :facepalm

[Sakkreth]

I did now. I didn't realize they were shooting THIS bad.

Did Gay seriously took 37 shots to score 29 points ? :roll: :roll: :roll:

Melo and Kobe would be proud :lol

Yeah in that game DeRozan and Gay combined for 17/61fg and 3assists, Jonas had most assists in that game for raps with 3.

[Clutch]

Oh ok. Also, do you stay up for NBA games? What's your watching method? I honestly have only got to see like 3 games this season :facepalm
Yeah,I stay up. NBA games usually start around 1-2 AM so I go to sleep at like 10 PM,wake up 10 minutes before game is about to start,watch the game and then go to sleep again.
I get enough sleep if I watch only one game,but if I watch a double header then I barely get to sleep at all.

[Bcogswell]

I woke up just in time for this.. :cheers:

[Bcogswell]

All the other shitty players.

And Casey, can't forget Casey.

[Legends66NBA7]

I'd figure we would be off to a hot start.

Portland can't really stop anything in the paint.

[Shade8780]

Yeah,I stay up. NBA games usually start around 1-2 AM so I go to sleep at like 10 PM,wake up 10 minutes before game is about to start,watch the game and then go to sleep again.
I get enough sleep if I watch only one game,but if I watch a double header then I barely get to sleep at all.
I wish I could do that. **** school :(

[Sakkreth]

Jonas :applause:

[Clutch]

Fun game so far. Jonas looks much better than the last year :cheers:

[Shade8780]

Lol at Cleveland taking Thompson over Val. Hipsters.

[Clutch]

Valanciunas :bowdown:

[Twiens]

Fun game so far. Jonas looks much better than the last year :cheers:
He's probably done for the night, only gets touches in the first.

[alenleomessi]

Lol at Cleveland taking Thompson over Val. Hipsters.
thompson is having a solid season :confusedshrug:
looks like a good pick in a not so good draft

[Bcogswell]

He's probably done for the night, only gets touches in the first.

Yeah this is true, hoping its not the case though.

[Shade8780]

thompson is having a solid season :confusedshrug:
looks like a good pick in a not so good draft
But still, people expected Valanciunas to be better than Thompson and he is. Thompson will be a 10 and 10 guy in the future, but Val can be a 20 and 10 guy.

[Legends66NBA7]

Damn, that looked bad.

Hope he's not done for the rest of the game. That was great help defense by Acy.

[Twiens]

But still, people expected Valanciunas to be better than Thompson and he is. Thompson will be a 10 and 10 guy in the future, but Val can be a 20 and 10 guy.

Thompson is already 13/10

[Clutch]

What's up with Landry Fields and Steve Novak ? Do they get any playing time ?

[Shade8780]

Thompson is already 13/10
And you think he's a better prospect than Valanciunas? Get out of here.

[MP.Trey]

But still, people expected Valanciunas to be better than Thompson and he is. Thompson will be a 10 and 10 guy in the future, but Val can be a 20 and 10 guy.
Thompson was a 13/11 guy in his sophomore season getting 31 mpg, and is putting up practically the exact same numbers so far this year, with a greatly improved mid-range shot. If Val has 20/10 potenital, I don't see how Thompson doesn't as well?

[Qwyjibo]

What's up with Landry Fields and Steve Novak ? Do they get any playing time ?
Novak has had some minor injuries this year but he's awful anyways. Fields is awful.

[Legends66NBA7]

What's up with Landry Fields and Steve Novak ? Do they get any playing time ?

It will depend on the situation. Fields has been decent when he got playing time this year, compared to how awful he was last year.

Novak has some injuries, but I would only use him when the Raptors need some 3 point shooting aka right now.

[Sakkreth]

Iconic raptors possession just been displayed. Jonas in a good position to receive the ball in the paint, DeRozan refuses to pass and goes for tough jumper, airballs, Jonas strips the ball out of opponent and puts it in at the end of the shot clock.

[Bcogswell]

Demarrrr!

[MP.Trey]

Demarrrr!
Reminiscent of VC on that 360 layup. :eek:

[Sakkreth]

Sick layup by Demar

[MP.Trey]

That wraparound pass by Lillard. :applause:

[Fresh Kid]

What's up with Landry Fields and Steve Novak ? Do they get any playing time ?
damn i wish we had Novak back:facepalm but yea i hope tha blazers lose dis game:applause: dem niguhs aint that damn nice :no:

[Clutch]

damn i wish we had Novak back:facepalm but yea i hope tha blazers lose dis game:applause: dem niguhs aint that damn nice :no:
Why ? He wouldn't help us at all. Our biggest problems are defense and rebounding and he's poor at both things.

[Legends66NBA7]

Reminiscent of VC on that 360 layup. :eek:

True, but I think Vince would have done better and slammed it.

[Sakkreth]

True, but I think Vince would have done better and slammed it.

True, but that was still very nice.

[Bcogswell]

Lowry loves to take charges.

[Legends66NBA7]

The defense has picked up in this third quarter. Fits into the Raptors game.


True, but that was still very nice.

Oh yeah, no doubt.

[Sakkreth]

OMG Nooooo, I just saw Casey say "ok let's go small"... WTF.

[MP.Trey]

True, but I think Vince would have done better and slammed it.
Maybe in that situation, I know Vince loved his 360 layups though.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlEZ-d1fYUA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKwFzcnbe08
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXG8dLXKCsI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lIaeo5Bx2o
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4bEO-1wLws

:cheers: Demar didn't quite have that one handed flip scoop that VC had on there but I still immediately thought of VC when I saw it.

[Fresh Kid]

Why ? He wouldn't help us at all. Our biggest problems are defense and rebounding and he's poor at both things.
i understand that but we still need a lethal shooter too, thats what help us won many games last season. You right we do need defense very badly and rebounding as well, but we gotta have players that will make those shots too.

[Clutch]

Landry Fields sighting. :bowdown:

[Qwyjibo]

Fields is such a useless player. Having an SG/SF whose only decent skill is rebounding is about as useful as having a C that can't do anything but shoot 3's.

[MP.Trey]

Fields is such a useless player. Having an SG/SF whose only decent skill is rebounding is about as useful as having a C that can't do anything but shoot 3's.
At least Mehmet Okur got an all-star appearance. :lol

[Clutch]

Raptors fans can be happy. This will be a nice loss :rockon:

[MP.Trey]

Lillard can really score. You might want to guard him.

[Qwyjibo]

Excellent so far.

The Raptors need to have a truly awful record when that Dec. 15 (or whatever) date comes around where basically everyone is available to be traded.

[Sakkreth]

Dat small ball again... Val goes 7/10fg 17points 7reb in 27mins, but hey let's go small ball so we can get blown out and don't JV play in 4th again.

Edit: ok he's in but game is lost already, I don't mind that though.

[leMVP]

Gay started the game, 6-8

since then he's 1-8, with only 2 points in the 2nd half.

Man, that's tough.

[Qwyjibo]

Despite this being a boring roster with zero All-Stars, I do like Kyle Lowry. It will suck a little bit to see him traded but he's probably the Raptors best asset that will actually be available. He doesn't have the best jump shot but he's aggressive on offense and a good defensive player.

[Qwyjibo]

:oldlol:

Rudy has been horrible at finishing around the rim this year.

[Twiens]

Jonas drops 20+, raps lose....perfect day for the tank!!:cheers:

[RoseCity07]

Shit, I set my alarm to 10 am but went back to sleep. I forgot I set it for this game.:facepalm

[RRR3]

:oldlol:

Rudy has been horrible this year.
fixed

[MP.Trey]

The Raptors :lebronamazed:

[RoseCity07]

Why did Portland take Lopez out? Also, seems like Portland playing not to lose.

[leMVP]

Flop alert.

Wes Matthews.

[Qwyjibo]

Portland went full retard in these last 5 minutes.

[Qwyjibo]

Another long 2-point jumper by Aldridge. Great decision. :facepalm

[RRR3]

Rudy Gay game winner?

[Sakkreth]

Lol, dat call.

[RoseCity07]

All Toronto is doing is rushing the paint out of control and trying to score. They have done nothing else. This usually doesn't work. Right there we finally got a stop.

[HoopsFanNumero1]

:biggums:

What kind of call was that?

[Legends66NBA7]

Bullshit.

:facepalm

[Kujo]

No foul on DD? :confusedshrug:

This would be an improbable come back win. Raps had no business coming back.

[RRR3]

Quincy Acy gamewinning three plz

[DirkNowitzki41]

lets go raps :applause:

[MP.Trey]

Another long 2-point jumper by Aldridge. Great decision. :facepalm
Lillard was WIDE open off that screen. Surprised he passed it up, I know the play was probably ran for Aldridge.. but he's gotta take that IMO.

[RoseCity07]

Every play going the Raptors way.:facepalm

[Qwyjibo]

Rudy Gay dribbles off his foot out of bounds. Game over. Please?

[RRR3]

Legends, check your pms brother

[Qwyjibo]

****ing pathetic, Portland. Gay isn't even much of a ball-handler and they let him dribble from beyond the 3pt line right to the basket.

[RoseCity07]

Wow Portland :facepalm

[Uncle Drew]

OT it is.

[DirkNowitzki41]

rudy mfin GAY :bowdown: :bowdown: :bowdown:

[RagaZ]

Rudy Gay :applause:

[Sakkreth]

Ahahaha dat choke by portland :roll:

[Legends66NBA7]

Rudy Gay dribbles off his foot out of bounds. Game over. Please?

Exact opposite.

:lol

[RRR3]

Rudy Gay and Joe Johnson are the ultimate trolls: brick shots all game, nail a gamewinner every time though :roll:

[alenleomessi]

how the hell are the blazers 7-2

[MP.Trey]

Wow Portland :facepalm
I feel bad that you woke up only to see Portland choke it up in the last five minutes. Your team played a terrific game up to that point.

[leMVP]

Lol, Gay drived into the lane instead of pullin' up for a jumper.

That's a first!!

[Clutch]

Fa99ot clutch as always :bowdown:

[RRR3]

http://s8.postimg.org/swyoguu51/Capture.png

[GoRapz]

Ma niqqa Rudy aint cut from the cloth as these niqqaz :pimp: :pimp: :pimp:

[DirkNowitzki41]

how the hell are the blazers 7-2

pretty good team, but they had a really easy schedule

[Kujo]

Horrible D by Portland on the final play. Aldridge wanted no part of taking a potential game winning charge.

[RRR3]

Fa99ot clutch as always :bowdown:
I shouldn't but ....


:roll: :roll: :roll: :roll:

[RoundMoundOfReb]

Holy shit rudy gay fu king up the tank. We better lose.

[RoseCity07]

How did LMA miss that after the foul?:facepalm

[RRR3]

Aldridge choking like a two cent hooker

[Qwyjibo]

Pretty good Rudy Gay imitation by Aldridge in the 4th and so far in OT.

[RoseCity07]

Wesley Matthews is such a f*cking scrub chucker.

[Bcogswell]

Shot clock isn't showing on the sportsnet score box for me.. :coleman:

[RRR3]

Roody Roody Roody

[Qwyjibo]

I hope Ujiri and the rest of the Raptors management remember games like these when they are picking 13th in the upcoming draft.

[Twiens]

how the hell are the blazers 7-2

Tied for 1st in Atlantic if Blazers keep ****in around :oldlol:

[MP.Trey]

Lillard :bowdown:

[no pun intended]

Man, Lillard is Arenas incarnate.

[RRR3]

I hope Ujiri and the rest of the Raptors management remember games like these when they are picking 13th in the upcoming draft.
See you guys can't let the game stay close, you gotta make sure you're getting killed. For some reason, Rudy Gay is incapable of not being clutch, so you have to make sure the game isn't close or he'll win it for you

[RoseCity07]

Toronto ball. Pathetic rebounding and defense. Portland is rattled.

[Clutch]

Lillard :bowdown:

[alenleomessi]

game over

[RoseCity07]

Did anyone notice how close Damian Lillard was to an 8 second violation?:oldlol:

[Young X]

Rudy Gay is an idiot.

[sejoon101]

thats game

[Inferno]

Lillard :bowdown: :bowdown:

[Inferno]

Batum's a nice defender

[Uncle Drew]

Toronto offense is worse than the Cavs one. :lol

[RoseCity07]

I don't mind it being reviewed if they get the call right. It is Toronto's ball.

[Uncle Drew]

Blazer ball.

[MP.Trey]

That's game.

[RoseCity07]

Good call because Gay was out of bounds.

[Uncle Drew]

Batum 3. Game over.

[Inferno]

Batum :bowdown: :bowdown: :bowdown:

[Inferno]

Didn't even notice Batum's statline :eek:

[RoseCity07]

Come on Matthews, make up for your two bricked 3's.

[Inferno]

Game.

[Qwyjibo]

Ok good. I would've preferred the blowout though. I'd like to see the Raptors attendance start to go down or else management/ownership will think this mediocrity shit is actually acceptable.

[Clutch]

Best case scenario for Raptors fans. They were competitive but eventually lost.

[Sakkreth]

Best case scenario for Raptors fans. They were competitive but eventually lost.

Yes, but play JV in OT please...

[Bcogswell]

Yes, but play JV in OT please...

But but small ball wins games!

[red1]

good loss. respect portland :applause:

[RRR3]

good loss. respect portland :applause:
when we getting our avys back doe

[red1]

when we getting our avys back doe
dont even know doe

[RRR3]

dont even know doe
Jeff is a lazy ho doe

[andremiller07]

It amazes me Jonas who only takes quality shots and plays the right way get's so little of the ball while other idiots on the Raps just jack dumb shots all game and don't bother to pass who get more touches.

Another solid win for Portland I really think the way there line up is built it's more suited for the playoffs than regular season they got shooting, size and 3-4 shot creators and they all got a cool calm demanor about them.