Blazers' Winning Streak Comes to an End in Atlanta, Blazer Owner Paul Allen Diagnosed with Cancer

On Monday night, the Blazers ended their five game road trip in Atlanta against the Hawks. The Blazers were looking to come away with a perfect road trip 5-0 and get some revenge on a team that was able to take the win at the Rose Garden. With injuries beginning to plague the team all eyes were on the Blazers to see if all this talk about depth was accurate.

Starters:

Brandon Roy
LaMarcus Aldridge
Andre Miller
Steve Blake
Greg Oden




Ruuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuudy Fernandez was king of the court Monday night! After Outlaw's injury we knew it would be up to players like Rudy and Martell to step up to the plate and ease the transition of that loss and Rudy definitely proved he was ready. Rudy scored 19 points  with 2 assists and 4 rebounds. He shot 7-12 from the field and 4- 6 from the 3 point range. He definitely kept the Blazers in this game by making 3, count them THREE buzzer beater baskets. One at the end of the 1st to give the Blazers the lead going into the 2nd quarter. The BIG one came at the end of the 4th quarter when the Blazers were down by 3, Rudy got the ball and shot it completely off balance and SWISH nothin but net to tie the game! His final buzzer beater was at the end of overtime but unfortunately it only lessened ATL's lead. Rudy was spectacular and it's definitely exciting to see in a time when we need our bench to step it up now more than ever.

LaMarcus Aldridge took the silver prize once again with 18 points, 2 assists and 9 rebounds. So close to another double-double. He shot 8 - 17 from the field and 2 - 2 from the free throw line. Brandon Roy took the bronze with 17 points, 4 assists and 9 rebounds. Brandon proved he was an All-Star once again stepping it up when his team needed it most and going on a hot streak to keep the game close.

On a more serious note,  it was recently announced that Portland Trail Blazer's owner, Paul Allen, was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. Allen has beaten this cancer in the past but it has come back. Blazer Nation Blog, along with all Blazer fans out there I'm sure, sends our well wishes and prayers to Allen and his family. We know you can beat this again Mr. Allen and we appreciate everything you've done for Portland and the Blazers!

Statement taken from Trail Blazers Official Site:

On November 16, The Portland Trail Blazers received word that owner Paul Allen is currently undergoing treatment for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. While saddened by the news, we also know Mr. Allen remains upbeat, active in his business endeavors and as passionate about the Trail Blazers as ever.

Our organization extends its thoughts and prayers to Mr. Allen, and pledges to assist his recovery by making him proud by furthering his mission to build a winning team and a first-class organization for the fans in Portland and throughout the region.

We have had several requests from fans to send get well wishes. You can send to our attention at the following address:

Portland Trail Blazers
One Center Court, Suite 200
Portland OR 97227

You can also follow that link above to submit a message on the site as well.


The Blazers are currently playing the Detroit Pistons. Hopefully this game will be a good one and the guys will be able to come away with the win seeing as how Detroit is missing Tayshaun Prince AND Rip Hamilton. Game review to come later tonight or tomorrow afternoon!

(Pictures Yahoo Sports & Blazers Official Site)