Blazers 109, Nets 100

On a night when Brandon Roy did not have a field goal in the first half and the Blazers trailed that entire first half, it seemed as though the Blazers might be in for another devastating home loss to the New Jersey Nets. With Roy only scoring 7 points in the first half and the Blazers playing again without the services of reserve guard Rudy Fernandez, it was apparent someone was going to have to step up.

The guy to fill in and have a career night was Nicolas Batum. The 20 year old rookie out of France, who has only averaged 5.1 points per game this season, scored 20 points on 7 for 8 shooting including a key three pointer at the end of the game to put away New Jersey for good.

Roy, who has been battling his illness as of late, did get his legs in the second half scoring 24 points on his way to a game high 31. Lamarcus Aldridge continued his aggressive play by scoring 19 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Another key contributor tonight was Joel Przybilla and it was, of course, on the defensive end. He had 5 blocks tonight and many coming at key points in the game that halted the momentum of New Jersey. This was the last game of the home stand for Portland and their next game will be the first of a five game road trip, against Atlanta who plays very well at home. They ended Utah's 12 game win streak just recently and it will no doubt be a challenge for the Blazers.


photo courtesy of The Oregonian