Playoffs Recap: Portland Trail Blazers vs Houston Rockets | Game 2
April 22, 2009 — PDXPIPELINE(For more playoff coverage: 2009 NBA Playoff Coverage: Portland Trail Blazers )
Posted by Andy Popp
The Blazers Just Might Be Who We Thought They Were.
The Blazers couldn't afford to lose last night, 
going back to Houston down 0-2 was not an option. Brandon Roy knew it, and decided early that he'd carry the Blazers to victory. He sliced and diced through two of the NBA's premier back court defenders–Ron Artest and Shane Battier–for 42 points, 7 assists and 0 turnovers.
Roy shot over 50% from the field (15 – 27) and hit 10 of 12 free throws. Roy also found the help he so desperately needed in game one from a likely candidate, LaMarcus Aldrige. Even though Luis Scola still gave Alrdige problems, often forcing him to receive the ball clear out at the three point line. Aldridge emerged from obscurity, putting up 27 points, 12 rebounds and 3 blocks.
The duo of Aldridge and Roy combined for a blistering 69 points in last night's win. A mark that won't be easy for Roy and Aldridge to replicate in the upcoming games. They're going to need more help from the supporting cast. Luckily the rest of the Blazers showed signs of life, most notably Rudy Fernandez, who hit a big three in the 4th quarter and ended the game with 11 points.
Defensively, the Blazers woke up. In an effort spearheaded by Joel Przybilla, they held Yao Ming to 11 points on 6 shots. Give credit to Przybilla for getting physical with Ming, fronting him in the post.
Unfortunately for the Rockets and the NBA, Dikembe Mutombo went down last night with what turned out to be a career ender. I implore all of you to watch this youtube.com/watch?v=POkyWhh3Ihw and this youtube.com/watch?v=gfjuweiJ2L8
Mutombo, you will be missed.
The Rockets' regrettable loss gives the Blazers the upper hand. Yao Ming, who's notorious for running out of gas late in games, will have to play more minutes than he'd prefer. They have nobody on their bench that can hang with Greg Oden. Subject to Oden staying out of foul trouble, I like him to average a double double from here on out.
With the win last night, game 5 is now guaranteed. The Blazers have 2 chances to steal one from the Rockets, taking home court advantage back.
Game 3 is Friday night at 6:30 on ESPN. Vegas opened with the Blazers as 5.5 point underdogs.
*Photo: Portland Trailblazers guard Brandon Roy gets around the defense of Yao Ming for a layin during the 2nd quarter of the Portland Trail Blazers vs. Houston rockets at the Rose Garden. Bruce Ely/The Oregonian
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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 `
