Blazers vs. Warriors, plus recap vs. Miami

Blazer fans around the globe are most likely still in a state of elation after the comeback victory against the defending champion Miami Heat last night.  Down the stretch, Batum had a couple huge plays, Aldridge controlled the glass, and Matthews hit a pair of 3's to help the team to a big victory.  This team is a contender.  If you missed the game, and the call by Kevin Harlan last night, take a look at this:

 

Aldridge put up All-Star numbers, at 20 and 15, Batum and Wes both scored and defended well, Lillard played well at the point, and Hickson had a non-stop motor most of the night.  The starting unit in Portland is gellin', to quote the old Dr. Scholl's commercials (I know you remember them...).  The bench, as pointed out in the national broadcast last night, scores the least in the league, which is a big concern for the team, especially if/when the team gets into a playoff series.  Ronnie Price looked very good last night, Babbitt is as good of a set shooter as there is in the league (shortcomings elsewhere), Leonard is huge and improving, Freeland can knockdown jumpshots, and Claver is a good defender.  They are all solid role players, but there is no go to guy off of the bench, as many teams have.  It is a conundrum, that needs to be solved, to an extent.  A major trade will not occur.  Maybe Barton can step up.  Maybe a trade with a bad team could happen.  Here are a couple ideas:

1. Rodrigue Beaubois G/Dallas.  Beaubois is a good scorer, though a volume shooter.  He is very long, which helps his defense to a point where he is not a liability.  He is also having a dreadful season.  Maybe, this means he could be had cheaply.  A gamble on the French combo guard could pay off nicely.  Contract Remaining:  This year: 2.3 mil, 3.2 mil QO next year.
2. Sebastian Telfair PG/Phoenix.  He is already known by most Portland fans.  Supposed to be the franchise PG, he was traded to Boston as part of a deal that got us the 7th pick, which was eventually turned into Brandon Roy.  As a backup PG, and one who can score, Telfair would have good value to this team.  Trading him would allow the Suns to see more of recent rd. 1 draft choice Kendall Marshall.  Contract Remaining: This year: 1.6 million, then FA

 As for tonight against the Warriors, there will be some tired legs.  The bench will be very important tonight.  Curry and Thompson, even Barnes to an extent, cannot be left alone on the perimeter.  This means sharper close-outs, and most likely less help defense (though they don't have many solid slashers.)  Here are the keys to tonight's game:

1.  Bench scores 25- The bench will be big.  Of the 5 starters, only Hickson played less than 40 minutes last night (35).  Legs will be tired, which could affect accuracy on jump shots, especially from 3 point range.  Scoring, and lots of energy, from the bench are paramount if the Blazers want to win their 5th consecutive game.
2. Curry scores under 15- If they can hold Lebron to 15, shouldn't Curry be held to a similar standard?  That comparison is most likely unfair, but Curry is having an All-Star caliber year, while scoring 20+ ppg, and shooting  53% from 3 point range over his last 5 games.  Claver did not play much last night, and, if Batum and Matthews are too tired to defend Curry, Claver's length could affect his outside shot.
3. Force 18 turnovers- Golden State averages 15.5 TO's per game.  They do not take care of the ball extraordinarily well.  By upping the pressure on the point guard, including wing entry passes, Portland can get fastbreak looks at easy baskets.

If these keys are met, Portland should take care of business.
 Prediction?  Blazers 94 Warriors 90

Go Blazers!  Follow me on twitter @ZRey12.