Some post-game thoughts (Clippers edition)

A solid win to start the stretch run, but . . .

• The fact that Brandon Roy's return was cut short by tightness in his hamstring is very discouraging.  His hamstring does not appear to be getting better, despite all the time off.  I'm beginning to think that Brandon might not be healthy again this season, which of course does not bode well for the Blazers making a playoff push, even with the addition of Camby.   


• Speaking of which, it was nice to see both the warm reception for Camby and the many signs wishing Steve and Travis well.  For the record, I think this was an excellent trade by KP.  Camby is a legit center who will help the team, but I think even more importantly, this trade eases the logjam at the guard and forward positions.  It will help clarify rolls and ensure that the remaining players get the playing time they need to develop.  I liked both Blake and Outlaw as players and as people.  Both were excellent teammates and hard workers.  But there just wasn't enough room for everyone in the rotation and Blake and Outlaw were the guys who it made the most sense to part ways with, both from a basketball and contract perspective.  


• But back to tonight's game, there were several noteworthy performances.  Good Martell showed up tonight and hit a career high seven 3-pointers en route to 28 points.  In addition to his long range shooting, Martell also showed some aggressiveness off the dribble, driving to the hoop and getting fouled on several occasions.  He also made a few nice assists.  


• Andre Miller had a typical Miller game.  10 points, 12 assists, 6 rebounds, 2 steals.  Solid.


• LaMarcus Aldridge was also solid, contributing 22 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 steals.  


• Dante Cunningham did exactly what he's been doing lately, scoring 10 points and grabbing 5 rebounds in 20+ minutes of play, all while playing solid defense. 


• Rudy Fernandez seemed to snap out of his slump as the game went on, finishing with 15 points and hitting three 3-pointers.


• Bayless and Batum had quiet games.  Bayless had 6 points (all on foul shots) and 3 assists in just 11 minutes.  Batum had 6 points in 16 minutes. 


• This was the kind of game the Blazers would have had no excuse for losing, even without Brandon.  But it was still nice to see them more or less control the game from the beginning.  It's a confidence booster for the team as they begin their stretch run.  I think the Blazers have enough talent to make the playoffs, even without Brandon Roy playing a major role, but for that to happen, they're going to take care of business, like they did tonight, against every losing team on the schedule.  There's very little margin for error.