--G Brandon Roy had been cold in his first two games this season, shooting only .324 from the field. He busted out of the mini-slump Saturday night, making 12 of 20 from the field, including 5 of 7 from 3-point range. That tied his career high for treys made in a game. Roy also made 13 of 13 from the line and is 39 of 42 this season.
Roy wasn't happy, though, that an undermanned Houston team was able to score almost at will against the Blazers. "Our defense was not very good," the All-Star guard said. "Right now, we're not giving much effort at the defensive end of the floor, and that's where it all starts. It doesn't seem like the effort is there. I see a team that's stinking too much right now."
--At least Roy had been scoring the first two games. LaMarcus Aldridge had averaged only 10 points. The power forward broke out of it Saturday by sinking 13 of 16 from the field en route to a 27-point performance.
Coach Nate McMillan wants more performance out of Aldridge on the boards, though. He had only four rebounds in 40 minutes Saturday.
"LaMarcus should average at least eight a game for us," McMillan said.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "Right from the start, we were in trouble, giving up 33 points in the first quarter. We never controlled the (game). We have to play with more of a sense of urgency. As a unit, we have to take more pride in our defense and make stops." -- Coach Nate McMillan after the Blazers fell to 1-2 with the loss at Houston.
Play Basketball Hot Streak and win prizes!
