Apr 28 2009
Trail: Rockets at Blazers Game 5
We’ve been through this stupid dance way too many times already. We know the Rockets. They will attempt to push and scratch the Blazers as much as they can without getting called for a foul.
Yao Ming will be the focal part of their offense, but they will rely on key outside shooting from power forwards on the kick out in addition to strong play from back court guys like Ron Artest and Aaron Brooks. This is what they will do. They’ve eked out wins in the last two games and they should want to end this thing before it gets any worse.
The Blazers should continue with their same plan, perhaps with a few wrinkles added. There are things that work and don’t work against the Rockets. Having Channing Frye on the floor doesn’t work. Having actual centers does work. Having LaMarcus make shots works. Having him stand around as he gets destroyed on the defensive end doesn’t work. Driving the ball does work; but it doesn’t work when guys start doing the lame-duck jump pass. Three pointers work. Rudy Fernandez works. Travis Outlaw somehow works pretty well on defense, but has been abysmal on offense. Brandon Roy needs to work to win. Steve Blake needs his head on right to work. Basically, there’s work to be done.
The prediction: the Blazers have a lot more to fight for in this game than the Rockets. They’re playing for their lives at this moment and they won’t be beaten on their home floor. The Rockets would probably prefer ending this thing now, but wouldn’t mind ending it in Houston, anyway. Barring another referee-dominated first quarter deficit, the Blazers should win this one handily to send the series back to Texas.
