Playoffs Recap: Portland Trail Blazers vs Houston Rockets | Game One
April 19, 2009 — PDXPIPELINEPosted by Andy Popp
(For more playoff coverage: 2009 NBA Playoff Coverage: Portland Trail Blazers )
Blazers vs Rockets — (Aaron) Brooks was here.
Last night the Rockets welcomed the Blazers to the 
playoffs in an embarrassing fashion. The Rockets hit the ground running, going to Yao Ming early and often. As a team, the Rockets shot close to 75% from the field in the first quarter and 58% for the game. No NBA team is going to lose shooting like that. The Blazers (read: Brandon Roy) did enough hang around early, but the Rockets never let up. Silencing the raucous crowd that was ready to explode; waiting for one of the Blazers' trademark comebacks that never came.
The headliner last night was Aaron Brooks, who did whatever he wanted. Much has been made of his presuming comments from a few weeks ago when he claimed that the Blazers were favorable first round match up for the Rockets. Based on last night, Brooks was right. He backed up his statement and then some. Torching the Blazers, going 5-8 from three for 27 points, 7 assists and only two turnovers in 35 minutes.
The Rockets' front court also gave the Blazers fits on both sides of the ball. Defensively, the Blazers had no answer for Ming, who had his way with Joel Przybilla, Greg Oden and LaMarcus Aldridge. Â Luis Scola stopped Aldridge in his tracks, holding him to only 7 points on 3-12 shooting.
The Rockets also racked up 28 free throw attempts, compared to the 16 the Blazers took (1/3 came in garbage time). The disparity not because the refs were out to get the Blazers, because of the Blazers' penchant for hurling jump shots.
Come Tuesday night, the Blazers won't be new at this anymore. The jitters and anxiety will be replaced with focus and steadfast determination. Nate will tweak his game plan. The Blazers will play without restraint, but with a newfound sense of control and authority. Roy will demand excellence. The team will heed his call.  They will match the Rockets physically. The second unit will produce. LaMarcus will score inside.
Expect the Blazers to be en route to Houston tied 1-1, with taking back home court advantage in their sights.
* Photo by seschloss, full set here
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Andy Popp is a Portland native that loves sports and beer. When he's not at PDX Pipeline, you can find him at lowposts.com. You can contact him at `
