Blazers rout Clips behind big effort from Blake

Point guard Steve Blake tied an NBA record with 14 first quarter assists and LaMarcus Aldridge posted a ‘double/double’ as the Portland Trailblazers ripped the hapless Los Angeles Clippers 116-87 at the Rose Garden Arena on Sunday afternoon.  The Blazers were spurred to a 38-16 advantage during Blake’s first quarter onslaught that left the outcome of the contest all but certain after only 12 minutes of play.

With the Clippers down to only 9 players due to injuries and suspensions, Portland used their superior depth and athleticism to wear them down.  They ran early and often, knowing that the Clippers depleted bench couldn’t keep up.  Blake would finish with 17 assists, one shy of his career high.  LaMarcus Aldridge continued his exceptional play of late with 28 points and 10 boards, and Brandon Roy contributed 20 points and 9 assists.   Aldridge commented after the game that with both he and Blake playing at such a high level there was really no hope for the Clippers:

"When I run the floor like that and Blake passes you the ball like that, what can you do?"

Blake also praised his teammates for his first quarter assist explosion:

"I took a peek and saw I was getting up there, so I was happy guys kept making shots for me. When it comes to assists, your teammates have to make shots, and they did that for me."

Blake, who called the first quarter ‘the best I’ve ever played’, has been very sharp since returning from injury just before the All Star break.  Blazers coach Nate McMillan commented on his guard’s excellent form:

"He's been good ever since he's been back. Frankly, I was surprised that Steve had 14 assists in the first quarter, but I knew we had good ball movement and good rhythm and were kind of in a zone."

The Clippers’ only solace was four of their five starters scoring in double figures, a stat rendered less impressive by their depleted bench.  Eric Gordon led the team with 21 points, while Baron Davis and DeAndre Jordan posted 15 each with Jordan also hauling in 12 rebounds.  Ricky Davis added 10 points.  After the game, Baron Davis didn’t mince words when evaluating his team’s performance:

"Once they started running, it was hard for us to get back. We just got dominated out there."

The Blazers improved to 23-5 at the Rose Garden, but now must hit the road for their next three contests.  They’ll play Tuesday in Houston, Wednesday in San Antonio and Friday in Minnesota.  The Clippers will return home for games on Monday against the Golden State Warriors and Wednesday against the defending NBA champion Boston Celtics.  They’ll play in Sacramento against the Kings on Friday night.