Blazers Blow a 25 Point Lead Resulting in a Jazz Win

Last night the Blazers took on the Utah Jazz at the Rose Garden. After an embarrassing match for Portland when the Jazz last came to the RG, the Blazers were looking for a nice division win.

Starting Five:
LaMarcus Aldridge
Brandon Roy
Martell Webster
Marcus Camby
Andre Miller

Brandon Roy played better than we've seen as of late and was the high scorer of the night with 23 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists and 1 blocked shot on 34 minutes of action. He shot 7 - 15 from the field and 7 - 11 from the free throw line. Andre Miller tallied 17 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals in 39 minutes of play. He shot 5- 18 from the field and 7 - 9 from the free throw line. LaMarcus Aldridge was huge for us in the first half but foul trouble caused him to foul out late in the game and he walked away with 15 points, 10 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal and 1 blocked shot.

Here's a look at the rest of the box score:

This game was definitely a frustrating one for Blazer fans everywhere. The Blazer came out with intensity and played a great first half, only allowing the Jazz to lead 8 - 6 at the beginning of the game. The Blazer lead continued, getting to 25 points at one point and things seemed to be in Portland's favor, but the fourth quarter came along and Portland struggled once again. LaMarcus Aldridge got in foul trouble and was forced to watch most of the 3rd on the bench and things continued to go down hill from there. The 25 point lead kept going down, down and down until the Jazz were finally within 2 with less than 10 seconds left. Carlos Boozer tipped in a lay up and we went to overtime. OT has never been very pretty for the Blazers this season and this one was no different. Portland started the OT with missed jumpers and poor defense which allowed the Jazz to cruise to a 93 - 89 win. I love this team and that'll never change but losses like these make me so frustrated! I've never been a Nate McMillan hater but you have to wonder what he was or wasn't telling his team as their lead kept declining. It just seems ridiculous to me that we were ahead by at least 20 for a good 3 quarters and then we just let the Jazz back in. You have to close that door Blazers!! Get a lead and keep it please, for the fans' blood pressure sakes at least.

Photo of the Night:

You better look over your should DWills cause BATUM's BLOCK PARTY is coming for you!

Portland next takes on the New Jersey Nets as they start their last east coast road trip of the season.

•  Portland has won four consecutive games over New Jersey, six of the past seven meetings and 10 of the last 13. The Trail Blazers have won each of the last three games at the IZOD Center, including last year’s 105-99 comeback victory at the Nets on Jan. 15, when Jerryd Bayless scored his rookie season-high 23 points (11 in fourth quarter). 

•  A win Tuesday would give the Trail Blazers consecutive season sweeps over the Nets for the first time since 1992-93 and 1993-94. 

•  The Trail Blazers’ overall winning percentage (51-19, .729) and home winning percentage (30-5, .857) vs. the Nets are their bests among all 29 NBA opponents. 

•  Portland never trailed in knocking off New Jersey, 93-83, at the Rose Garden on Nov 25. Six Trail Blazers scored in double figures, as Portland shot 50.0% (35-70) from the floor and 52.9% (9-17) from downtown. 

•  Portland gained a 33-point advantage from the foul line last season against the Nets by shooting 65 for-78 (83.3%). New Jersey went 32-for-40 (80.0%) from the charity stripe in two games. 

•  The Trail Blazers outrebounded the Nets, 82-66, including a 25-14 advantage on the offensive glass, in two series meetings a season ago. 

•  Portland outscored New Jersey on the fastbreak, 29-15, in its two wins last season. 

•  Devin Harris led New Jersey with 25.0 points and 8.0 assists in two appearances against the Trail Blazers last season. Brook Lopez added 19.5 points (72.7% FG) and 6.0 rebounds in two games. 

•  Trail Blazers assistant coach Maurice Lucas owns a share of the high for rebounds against New Jersey in franchise history with 18 on Oct. 23, 1976. 

•  Brandon Roy’s 30.0 points (28-33 FT) in two games against the Nets last season led all players in the series. LaMarcus Aldridge added 19.5 points and 8.0 rebounds (4.0 offensive) in two contests. 

•  Nets General Manager and interim Head Coach Kiki Vandeweghe played for Portland from 1984-89. His 23.5 scoring average over five seasons is the highest of any Trail Blazers player, all-time. 

Hopefully the Blazers get a nice win to propel them on this 5 game roadie!

(Pictures: Yahoo Sports)