"Fourth Quarter Most Valuable Player, Travis Outlaw: Since the fourth-quarter performances were such a crucial part of the streak, I think it deserves to have its own MVP recognized. Everyone knows that Travis Outlaw emerged as a go-to player during the streak. But what hasn't been discussed as much is how well
Outlaw played in clutch moments during the fourth quarter. But only James Jones played more fourth-quarter minutes during the streak than Outlaw, who led the team in scoring (6.7 ppg), rebounding (2.0 rpg), steals (six) and blocks (eight) during the final period while burying 53 percent of his shot attempts and committing a total of two turnovers. And his projected value rating of 15.3 was only edged out by Mr. Fourth Quarter — Brandon Roy — who rated at a 15.4."
NBA.com has a piece about Portland's December to Remember. And it is the NBA so they had to get a Greg reference in.
"9. The Biggest Cheerleader in the League – Of course Oden would like to be helping his teammates on the court. The 7-foot centerpiece out of Ohio State has been working out furiously to get ready for next season and is a regular presence on the team’s bench when his rehab schedule allows, clapping it up for his teammates. Despite his progress, Portland officials insist they will not
rush him back to court this season. "
Mike Barrett writes a piece about the Blazers next game and mentions how they spent the new year celebration.
"We rang in the new year somewhere over the frozen tundra that makes up the Midwest. We weren't sure what time zone we were in at the time, so we went ahead and toasted several times. I think we may have even worked in Hawaii Time once we landed."
I hope they were only toasting sparkling cider since there are only a few guys over 21.
Casey over at the Center Court Blog has some audio from McMillan during the shoot around this morning. He also talks about the cold in Minnesota.
Bill Simmons is even jumping on the Blazer bandwagon.
"Now, if you're a Blazers fan, you're thinking, Wait, that sounds familiar! After enduring the debilitating Jail Blazers era, the locals despised the team so much that Portland's suits targeted chemistry guys out of self-preservation. Quite simply, Blazers fans needed to like the team again or the franchise was going to be run out of town. When the Blazers spent a 2005 lottery pick on Martell Webster, then-GM John Nash defended the reach pick by telling ESPN, "We think we took an outstanding young man. He's a terrific character, somebody that the community of Portland can be proud of." Was he drafting a councilman or a shooting guard?"
Wow Simmons says something nice about the Blazers it must be part of his New Years resolution.
DJ at the Wages to Win Journal gives a statistical analysis as to why the Blazers have improved so dramatically.
"Now it’s important to note, Roy was very good his rookie season. He’s
certainly an above average performer and currently leads this team in Wins
Produced. But we are trying to explain why this team improved. And
if Roy hasn’t really improved much, he can’t be the reason this team is winning
so much more."
It's interesting to see how statistics play a role in all of this. I think you can use information like this and what you see to make a good assessment of why the team is better. Last year the Blazers went through Zach for their offense and he would get his numbers. This year the offense is going through Roy who is looking to get other people involved in the game and he still gets his numbers. The other guys on the team have done an excellent job of finishing plays which did not happen last year. These things combined to make this team better.
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