Some post-game thoughts (Wizards edition)

Had to work today, so I just finished watching DVR'd game . . .

• The outcome of the game can more or less be explained by the following numbers: 3 for 17.  That's what the Blazers shot from 3 point range.  That's abysmal. If a few more of those go in, the Blazers win.  It was tough watching the replay, knowing that the Blazers only lost by 5, and watching so many shots rattle out.   


• The most intriguing matchup of the game was Miller vs. Miller, as in Andre vs. Mike.  With Brandon out, Andre Miller was forced to guard gargantuan shooting guard Mike Miller, who seemed to be having his way offensively.  He had 13 points on 4 for 4 shooting in 24 minutes.  But while Andre had trouble guarding Mike, the reverse was also true.  Andre had his way offensively, getting to the rim for 6 easy buckets and finishing with 22 points.   Andre also had the best plus/minus of anyone on the team today and it showed. He's been playing as well as any point guard in the league in the month of January.  


• After watching the game, Jerryd Bayless had a better game than the box score indicated.  His 3-9 shooting included a half-court heave at the end of the half and a couple shots that looked good but rattled out.  He had 8 assists, including some nice drive-and-dishes, and was aggressive on both ends of the court.  The alley-oop from Dre was sick.  


• Aldridge had a fantastic offensive game.  He had 22 points and 15 boards, including an astounding 9 offensive rebounds.  He was everywhere on the offensive glass.  The defensive end was another story, but to be fair to Aldridge, he was guarding Antawn Jamison much of the night and Jamison is still an amazing player.  If Jamison gets traded to one of the already super-talented Eastern Conference teams (Cleveland, Boston, Orlando), it just won't even be fair.  


• Martell Webster finished with 18 points, though he took a lot of shots to get those points. No one else really had a game worth commenting on.  


• There's no shame in losing a close road game when you are without the services of Brandon Roy (and Oden, Przybilla, Batum, and Outlaw).  That said, this loss stung a little because it was so winnable.  The Blazers just needed a few breaks to go their way.


• Losses like this may well come back to haunt the team.  Don't look now, but both Oklahoma City and Memphis are just one game back in the loss column.  The Western Conference is brutal this year and the Blazers are going to have a hard time not only staying with the pack, but staying ahead of some of the teams nipping at their heels.  All it will take is a brief losing streak and the Blazers will find themselves outside of the top 8 spots in the West.