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00:04ДИНАМИЧНАЯ МУЗЫКА
00:30Because that way, when you move sides, the gaps, the cuts, the lanes, the slots are going to be open.
00:35And I love that play for Green to be able to get an easy one early.
00:41Scoot Henderson picked up the front.
00:43A three-point play.
00:48And the first possession tonight.
00:51Henderson.
00:52Crington.
00:54They'll take it inside hard.
00:55And he'll get it to go.
00:57The ball was tipped.
00:58And they get on the board with Henderson making the move.
01:01Yeah, empty side corner.
01:02A little handoff.
01:03Scoot able to utilize his quickness to get to the basket before the rotation on the back side.
01:09He got to him.
01:12They play Williams up top, as you can see.
01:14Green on the cut.
01:15Screen with Shett.
01:17And a 15-footer.
01:18Here's the play.
01:19And it seems early.
01:21Jordan Ott says we need to get Jamie Green started.
01:24Okay, so now the two consecutive plays went right to him from the beginning.
01:28And he was able to deliver on both.
01:30Clinging got it.
01:31He'll put up a three.
01:33And the rebound is pulled on by the defensive-minded Jordan Goodwin, who gets it right there.
01:41And here's Dylan Brooks.
01:42He'll get the screen, and he'll make a move.
01:46Both coaches have screened into a big part of the game.
01:48He's fade away right there.
01:51Just, I love the fact, too, this is a Phoenix team that's going to look to deliver the mid-range.
01:56They understand that the three-point line can benefit them, but where they make their bread and butter
02:00is just right there with Dylan Brooks there.
02:03Holiday of the miss.
02:04Clinging the offensive rebound.
02:05They do that well.
02:06Optia.
02:07Three.
02:07No.
02:08And Clinging with another rebound.
02:10A foul collected by Holiday, and a foul called on Brooks of Phoenix.
02:15That's an area first.
02:16Kevin, that's an area with Denny Optia.
02:18You want to keep him.
02:19He's been struggling coming in to this game.
02:22He had a good game against the Clippers from behind a three-point line, but he's been struggling
02:25the last month to kind of find his ribbon from behind the R.
02:29So let's keep our eye on that.
02:31Optia down low.
02:32He loves to drive as much as any player in the league.
02:34That's a three-ball shot.
02:36Launched a miss.
02:37Kamara can't get it.
02:38Saved by Clinging with another offensive rebound.
02:40This is a team that leads the league in offensive rebounds.
02:44Here comes Goodwin.
02:45And the point.
02:47And a foul called.
02:48And Henderson was down there defending and just picked up another foul.
02:53He's got two.
02:56Second team now.
03:05So the Blazers clinched the number eight seed with a win over Sacramento on Sunday.
03:14With Goodwin at the line, he's been battling a left ankle that's been tough to get back from.
03:20But he's out there starting tonight, which we see.
03:22Batiste Theibel is going to check.
03:24And now for Scott Henderson, who's got the two early fouls.
03:27Well, right now, Portland, one for five from the field, 0 for four from the three-point line.
03:32The difference.
03:33Phoenix, three for three from the field.
03:35Haven't attempted a three-point shot yet.
03:41And here's Drew Holiday.
03:44Two-time NBA champion.
03:45Clinging on top.
03:47He's a two-time National College basketball champion.
03:51On the win.
03:52This is a three.
03:53And down the hatch it goes.
03:54Tamari Kamara puts it in.
03:59And here comes Booker.
04:02Adjusted and firing.
04:04And here comes Booker.
04:08Utilize your ball-handling ability to create the space and book as good as anybody.
04:12That 15-foot pull-up.
04:14Holiday chipping inside.
04:16Goes right into Williams.
04:17And a foul call.
04:19Booker was there as well.
04:21Let's go back to Kamara Kamara.
04:22Just been on the heater as of late from behind the three-point line.
04:26Right there.
04:27Didn't even think about it.
04:28And Booker doing what he does best.
04:30Get to that pull-up.
04:33Money.
04:36Here's Holiday at the line.
04:38Booker did pick up the first foul for him tonight.
04:44Non-losing season for the first time in five years for this franchise.
04:49But they got in.
04:51Winning ten of their last fourteen to get to that number eight seed.
04:55They were going to be in the plan.
04:57But to get to number eight gives them clearly the better chance.
05:00Two times to make it in to have a playoff.
05:06Tamani Kamara is defending.
05:08There is the foul.
05:10And a shove.
05:12And that goes on the poisons.
05:14And it's Tamani Kamara who picks up his first personal foul for Portland.
05:19Yeah, that's the third team foul right now for the Trailblazers.
05:23You think about this.
05:24It's 9-15.
05:25We're barely three minutes into this game.
05:28And already Phoenix has established itself that we're going to attack this Portland team.
05:33Off the dribble.
05:34Forced them to have to guard one-on-one.
05:36And now they're picking up fouls.
05:38Booker at the strike.
05:39So, Jim, when you take a look at the Suns.
05:42And since February 1st, they've gone 15-18.
05:46And they've had no winning months since January.
05:50And, boy, they began the season so well.
05:5230-19.
05:54But they have staggered to the finish line.
05:55Well, they have.
05:56Think about this.
05:57So, February they went 4-7.
05:59March 8-8.
06:00And April 3-3.
06:01So, the defense has also taken a step back.
06:05That could be due to fatigue.
06:07Long season.
06:08That's what they leaned into early in the season.
06:11Defensively locking teams in.
06:13That slipped a little bit the last three months.
06:16Let's see if they can regain some of that in this game here.
06:19Clinging open for three.
06:22With a rebound snared inside.
06:24Williams grabs it.
06:25And out to Devin Booker.
06:32Booker, along with Brooks and Green,
06:34have not played that much this season because of all the injuries.
06:38That's deflected.
06:39Out of bounds.
06:39Shot clocked at nine.
06:41In fact, less than ten games.
06:43Booker, Brooks, and Green have all played more than 15 minutes in a game.
06:47And, Kevin, you've been around this game for a long time.
06:49Injuries have always been a part of it.
06:51But when has it been that your main characters have all gotten injured?
06:56Green takes it in.
06:58And another Portland foul as they are protecting the rim with a look at Grayson Allen.
07:03Come off the bench.
07:04He's been battling a hamstring.
07:078.40 to go on the first.
07:09That's on Clingon.
07:10He's got number one.
07:11And we told you earlier with two quick fouls.
07:14And on the bench, their guard, Scoot Henderson.
07:16It's 14,000 once again attacking the paint by the Suns.
07:23Placing this Portland team kind of on their heels.
07:26And I like that strategy in the timeout right now.
07:29All right.
07:33We'll take a break.
07:358.40 in the first timeout taken.
07:37Suns by six.
07:38Suns by six on prime.
07:42Shoot, it's the little things.
07:44Battle of possessions.
07:45Right now, Portland can't turn the basketball over.
07:47You're on the road.
07:49You average 17 turnovers a game.
07:51That allows this Phoenix team to kind of get out and get active.
07:55More importantly, Kevin, it engages the crowd and gets them active as well.
08:01Some foul problems already for the Portland Trailblazers.
08:05Scoot Henderson, a starter, has already got two fouls.
08:08Here is Drew Holiday over Brooks for three.
08:11With a rebound off the fingertips of Williams off of Phoenix.
08:14It's Portland's ball.
08:16Yeah, but another three-point shot that time slightly contested.
08:20That time the Suns not able to come up with a defensive rebound.
08:23And now Portland has another shot at this on this offensive possession.
08:28Here's Klan, who has been a machine on the glass.
08:32Getting one offensive rebound in this one after another as he's done really since January 1st.
08:37It's a three from outside, and it goes right on down.
08:41Nice shot outside put in.
08:42It's Matisse Thibel who gets his first shot to go through.
08:46Yeah, Thibel is another one of those players known for his defense,
08:49but have found his way from behind the three-point line.
08:54Here's Devin Booker on top, averaging 26 points a game.
08:59His last three games, he's had at least 30 points.
09:03Sat out the last two and comes in red hot into this one.
09:06Holiday, nobody there, and a three is launched.
09:09Drew Holiday.
09:11And that's the strength of this team, too, Portland.
09:14Defensive stuff to get out in transition.
09:16That time, poor communication by the Suns,
09:19leaving a wide-open Drew Holiday who made him pay.
09:22So you just saw a 9-10 with Charlotte and Miami.
09:25This is 7-8, so the winner here is in the playoffs.
09:29And they'll play number two seed, San Antonio.
09:32It's Brooke.
09:33Step back three.
09:39I'll tell you what, when he's healthy,
09:41he provides a different dynamic for this Phoenix Suns team.
09:45His ability to rim protect, run the floor.
09:47As you see, he, an offensive rebound, pays dividends for the Suns.
09:51Holiday puts up the 13-footer, got his own miss,
09:54kicks it on the side.
09:55Three is launched.
09:56Missed right there by Tumani Kamara.
09:59And picked up with Green coming the other way.
10:02He came in the KD trade.
10:03He's been injured a great part of the season.
10:06Obje defends.
10:07And the shot is down.
10:10They can do that when he's healthy.
10:12And it's always been about not his talent, Jalen Green,
10:16about shot selection.
10:17When he really has discernment,
10:21picks and chooses the really good shots,
10:22he's so effective as a player.
10:24Obje, who's been red hot.
10:25Holiday will launch another three and put it down.
10:28True Holiday, who's got seven points.
10:31A guy who's been known for his defense
10:33and a two-time NBA champion,
10:35knocking him in from the perimeter.
10:40Here's Devin Booker.
10:41Williams at high screen of three
10:43by a guy that loves the mid-range shot.
10:47And cobbled up inside by Klingon.
10:49It's Holiday, the stutter step.
10:51And off his foot.
10:54I'll say it was deflected, so the ball is still Portland,
10:58much to the chagrin of the crowd.
10:59Holiday through traffic.
11:01Fiebel on top.
11:02Makes the move.
11:03Green defends.
11:04Knocked away inside.
11:05Williams, the rejection.
11:07It's Booker.
11:09Brooks.
11:10Williams.
11:11They collapse, and he gets it to go.
11:14And that's how you reward your big fella.
11:16On the opposite end, he's going to man up.
11:19When you get beat off the dribble,
11:20he's there to supply the support inside with the block shot,
11:25and you give him an easy one down low in transition.
11:28Holiday, the stutter step into the backpedaling defense
11:31of the big man, Mark Williams,
11:32and a foul call on Phoenix.
11:34The benefit of having a rim protector,
11:36you can push up a little bit more defensively,
11:38knowing that you have support in the background,
11:41and then Williams off two feet, nice touch inside.
11:46Look at him.
11:47Call him for it.
11:47Give it to me.
11:48Let me eat a little bit of the knowing
11:50he's at a height disadvantage.
11:53Love to see when big men run rim to rim.
11:56That's right.
11:56It's a free throw attempt here for Holiday.
12:00Williams picked up his first,
12:03and he will check out.
12:06So, we told you that the seven-seed Phoenix Suns
12:11against the eight-seed Portland Trail Blazers.
12:14The winner is in the playoffs.
12:17They take on San Antonio.
12:19The loser is still alive.
12:20They will host a game, the loser will of this one,
12:24on Friday for a chance to go to the postseason.
12:26Yeah, and they will face the winner,
12:30the Golden State-LA Clippers game,
12:33which is tomorrow in that 9-10 matchup.
12:37And that will be on Prime exclusively.
12:39Colin Gillespie is checked in.
12:41Booker got the screen and launches the two.
12:46Patience.
12:47Knowing when to come off the screen,
12:49utilizing the dribble,
12:50identifying where the defense is,
12:52and then you can step up there like repetition,
12:56Kevin, make them pay.
12:57Brooks was on Kamara.
13:01Trying to get free right here.
13:03Jeremy Grant, the long shot, will not drop,
13:06and it's picked up by Green.
13:08Oso Iguodoro is checked in for the Suns.
13:11Green snakes, sets, and scores.
13:16Green!
13:21The Phoenix Suns have gone 9 of 11 from the floor.
13:26They are red-hot to start this play-in game.
13:29Holiday through traffic.
13:30Reaching in Green, who picks up the Phoenix foul.
13:33Well, even I going to a public university,
13:36I understand 9 of 11 is a high shooting percentage.
13:4081 to be exact.
13:42But it's being decisive in how they want to attack this Portland team.
13:46A lot of times it's in their secondary break before Portland can get set.
13:50But now you've got these gaps and lanes that are open,
13:52and they're able to pull up to their comfort zone,
13:55which are at least 10 to 15 foot pull-ups,
13:57or like we saw with Mark Williams,
13:59run the court and get some paint touches and score it inside.
14:02Brooks and Green will check out for the Suns.
14:05Royce O'Neal will check in.
14:10They go inside the two-point shot.
14:14And a nice one there.
14:15Hit on the play by Dunn, who also checks in.
14:18Ryan Dunn is in the game for the first time.
14:22Booker's got it here.
14:25Royce O'Neal was saying before for our original audience,
14:27he's had three straight games of 30 points or more
14:30to end the regular season for him.
14:32In games he played, offensive rebound, retrieved.
14:36Dunn will drive and take it in.
14:38Can't get it.
14:39Come on, the rebound.
14:40Here comes Holiday the other way.
14:43They go inside.
14:44Is Shaden Sharp a watch on the perimeter?
14:47In the corner, the three is launched.
14:49Grant can't get it.
14:50And it's retrieved there.
14:54As the Suns will work.
14:57On top.
15:01Booker had it with a lean.
15:05And a foul.
15:07And it goes on Gillespie.
15:08Just off the bench and picked it up.
15:13Timeout taken, Phoenix.
15:153.25 to go.
15:18The Suns at 45 and 37.
15:21The Blazers at 42 and 40.
15:23On prime.
15:27So be ready.
15:28It's coming your way.
15:29Yeah, they may turn that thing around the other way.
15:32You can't see the picture.
15:33Thank you very much, Ali.
15:34That's kind of a cool innovation that we're going to introduce.
15:39So they challenged.
15:40The Suns did.
15:42And the offensive foul on Gillespie is knocked away.
15:46The foul goes on Shaden Sharp.
15:47Let's watch it again.
15:48Yeah, at that time they said that the infraction was caused on Gillespie.
15:53Right away, the Phoenix bench started to twirl those fingers.
15:58And it was the correct assessment that time.
16:00So what a good use that time of the challenge.
16:03Suns now have their biggest lead in the early stages of this one.
16:07With the winner going right to the playoffs.
16:12Holiday will put up another three.
16:15Robert Williams tried to get it.
16:16Couldn't find the handle.
16:17It's picked up by Iguodaro.
16:19And now in the hands of Booker.
16:21Who gets the screen and kicks on the wing.
16:26As the Suns, who had seven players with career-high scoring averages.
16:31On the fly, Booker ramming his way into the defense of Grant.
16:35The foul called on Grant.
16:37And that's the first on him.
16:38It is.
16:39It's just Devin Booker getting more than Grant.
16:42And Grant now, keep in mind, just now getting back from that calf entry.
16:45So you do want to try to attack him defensively when you're Devin Booker or whoever he guards.
16:52Yeah, that right calf strain was something that he's had to deal with.
16:58Looking at the upcoming SoFi play-in schedule tomorrow on Prime.
17:02Lander will be in Philadelphia taking on the Sixers.
17:05Golden State and the Clippers from L.A.
17:0810 Eastern for more on these games.
17:10And the entire look at the play-in.
17:12Go to NBA.com or visit the NBA app.
17:17Holiday, Grant, Williams, Kamara, and Sharp.
17:21The five for the players.
17:23And driving inside is Grant.
17:25Took it hard.
17:26They collapse on him.
17:27Foul on Phoenix.
17:28Yeah, that time Iguodaro, that time anticipating when Grant was going up, but he didn't leave his feet.
17:32Watch Iguodaro right here.
17:33He's already in the air.
17:34Grant smartly stays on two feet.
17:37Able to pick up that foul.
17:41Iguodaro picks up number one.
17:43And Jeremy Grant at the free throw line.
17:47So we mentioned this to our earlier audience, but this Blazer team clinched the number eight seed with a win
17:53on the final day of the regular season against the Sacramento Kings.
17:58It was the 42nd of the year.
18:01They finished Jim 42-40.
18:03It's the first non-losing season they've had in five years.
18:08The Blazers.
18:09Yeah, they locked it in.
18:10They played the Clippers last Thursday.
18:13Both teams split the season series, but it was the Trail Blazers who won the tiebreaker because they had a
18:21better conference record.
18:22It's getting that eighth spot.
18:27Booker on top.
18:29O'Neal on the win to three.
18:32Sharp tries to grab the ball.
18:34Booker knocked it away.
18:35Robert Williams gets it.
18:37And here come the Blazers who had a road record this season of 19-23.
18:43Williams a screen.
18:44Holiday screen roll with Williams inside.
18:46Free defense by the Suns.
18:48Beautiful rotation by Iguodaro on the back side.
18:51And here's where Phoenix is dangerous in transition.
18:54Williams will get that down to three.
18:57And out of bounds it goes.
18:59The Blazers will get it back.
19:03Back line support is important.
19:05This is a beautiful short roll.
19:06But it's two Phoenix Suns players to be able to rotate.
19:11But it was Iguodaro who had, Iguodaro at that time had a chance to get a couple fingertips all on
19:18it.
19:19Holiday out.
19:21Holiday in, got the screen.
19:23One of the great drivers in the NBA and shows you why right there.
19:27I tell you, he just attacks.
19:28I mean, that's the biggest part of his game.
19:30That's the reason why he gives to the free throw line as much as anybody in the league.
19:33It's his relentless effort to get to the basket.
19:37But how he gets there, Kevin, he loves to catch the ball on the move.
19:41Get his defender on his hip.
19:42And then exploit that through the lane.
19:44Terrific moves.
19:45Here comes Luis O'Neal.
19:47Iguodaro in the paint.
19:48Puts it up and in.
19:49Iguodaro played every game in the regular season.
19:52First time for his son in four years.
19:55And one of 18 players in the league to play all 82 regular season games.
20:00Oh, so Iguodaro here is sharp.
20:03Got the screen.
20:04Pops the J.
20:07It's a three as he puts it down on his first shot tonight.
20:19Nice fake by Booker.
20:21He excels inside.
20:23It's the patience, though.
20:25The pump fake works because he knocks that shot in with regularity.
20:30So now you get the pump fake, stay on two feet, step through.
20:34Easy money for Booker inside.
20:37Obdia once again.
20:38Grant is outside.
20:40Obdia with the three.
20:42Rebound inside by Murray.
20:45A lot of black jerseys.
20:46So he kicks it out.
20:47Grant launches and parries the three.
20:49And how many times have we seen an offensive rebound results in an open three
20:53because now your defense is scrambling.
20:56You don't have the matchups you're looking for.
20:58And smartly, the ball got back out.
21:01And Grant was able to make him pay.
21:03Because Chris Murray kicked it out.
21:04You're right.
21:05Very smart play.
21:07Shot clock here at six.
21:08Booker will make a move.
21:10Working on the aforementioned Murray.
21:12The fadeaway.
21:13Getting out of the reach.
21:14And going down.
21:15He's got 12.
21:17Right now, Fing is 12 for 18.
21:21From the field.
21:22Obdia, there he is.
21:24There he is is right.
21:25I'm telling you, man.
21:26It's amazing you see the transformation in this young man's game.
21:29But it's more so in his mindset that he believes, Kevin, that he can get.
21:33One-year-old Jordan Knott.
21:35He was a student manager at Penn State.
21:37Then went to Michigan State.
21:39And became the video coordinator.
21:42Worked his way to the NBA.
21:43And assist with Cleveland, the Lakers, Brooklyn.
21:46And in his first year, has led them to a 45-win season.
21:50A number seven seed and a chance with the win to make the playoffs.
21:54With Dunn picking up the quick Phoenix foul right there.
21:57He was the Western Conference Coach of the Month in January.
22:02There's his resume.
22:03He's done a lot of great things.
22:05One of the things you mentioned earlier, instilling the defensive note with this team.
22:10And they have played that well, the Sunset, with a three going in by Shaden Sharp.
22:16Well, it's all about the communication.
22:18But once again, I'm going to say this, Kevin, it's a combination of two things.
22:22One, his ability to communicate what he needs to get done and what the team needs to get done.
22:27But when you have your best player that has bought in on both ends of the court, that makes his
22:33job a heck of a lot easier to sell the game planning on what he thinks can best put them
22:39in a situation or position to win.
22:41They just saw some great numbers, but the Suns turn it over.
22:46They've got Murray off that baseline, and Klingon will finish it off.
22:50Nice passing by the Portland Trail Blazers, who don't usually rack up a ton of assists.
22:56And they've got a lead of three, which is tonight their biggest so far.
23:01Portland, by the way, only one turnover so far.
23:03And they turn it over a lot.
23:05But tonight, just one.
23:09Here's Green setting up, and this is over Sharp.
23:12Rebound done, parachutes in.
23:15Fake, O'Neal to the left.
23:16Yeah, able to drive that closeout on that offensive rebound.
23:22But Portland do an excellent job.
23:23And Dirk Lewinsky talked about the weakness of Portland, and you said it about turning the ball over.
23:27When you're on the road, you're not turning the ball over, you can do this.
23:31You can get shots on goal.
23:33And as a result of doing that, Portland has kind of found their rhythm offensively
23:38to put themselves in a position to be up four right now at the beginning of this second quarter.
23:42On the average is 24 points as Green looks for his opening to fire.
23:48And he's surrounded by Reck, but he's still got it up, and it's picked up inside by Murray.
23:53And that's Klingon right there.
23:55He didn't get the blocked shot, but he forced Jalen Green to have to shoot that thing up a little
23:59bit higher.
24:00Speaking of which, that's the secondary break for Portland, empty corner.
24:06Denny Avdia going to work.
24:10Avdia now has put in nine.
24:14Iguodaro picks up his second personal foul.
24:17It's a 12-2 run for the Portland Trailblazers.
24:24So on the year, coming into this game, Denny Avdia has attempted 610 free throws,
24:31the second most in Trailblazer history behind my man Sidney Wicks back in 1971-72.
24:40So, I think it's 31% of his scoring, Avdia does, from the free throw line.
24:47Green working around the screen and puts up a 14-footer.
24:50Avdia's got it, and he's off to the races with speed.
24:53Hold on!
24:54Down it goes!
24:56Sharp coming through and pounding it home!
24:59What a break and what a finish!
25:02It's all about, for Portland, the defense feeds the offense.
25:07So you get a stop, you get the rebound, you get out and run.
25:10It's the reason why Avdia is one of those players,
25:13attracted the defense and put that thing right on time, on target.
25:18Sharp did the rest.
25:18We know the Blazers take a lot of threes, but they don't make them.
25:22They're 27th in three-point percentage.
25:25Tonight, they've made eight.
25:28Phoenix has made not one single three.
25:31And Phoenix is a top half of the league in three-point percentage.
25:35Goodwin, three.
25:36That's off.
25:37And now, they are 0 of five.
25:39Where is the Portland three-point shooting?
25:42It's 8 of 19, and they're plus 24 points, Jim, in three-point shooting tonight.
25:47But it's the quality of the three-point look,
25:50and that's a tough shot by Denny Addi right there.
25:52But they're not forcing things, allowing bad misses,
25:56so then Phoenix can get out and run.
25:58So that shows a lot of discipline and poise from a young team
26:03of their shot quality and shot selection.
26:08Murray will pick it up 24 for the Portland Trail Blazers.
26:12Henderson is still on the bench with two early fouls.
26:15Here is Devin Booker at the free-throw line.
26:18And Brooks smears the loose ball.
26:21And Brooks has been quiet in this first half.
26:24Oh, one for two.
26:25And Book right there.
26:27Wow!
26:28Feeling the moment, Kevin.
26:30Feeling the moment, knowing that his team needed some kind of boost
26:36offensively, able to get two buckets in a row.
26:39Henderson has come back in after being on the bench for a good part of that first,
26:43or at least the last half of the first quarter.
26:46Beautiful feet.
26:47Obdia.
26:47Klingon.
26:48Shot clock at three.
26:50Corner three.
26:50Launch.
26:51Neal.
26:51Nice shot outside.
26:53That was a beauty.
26:54And put down by Scoot Henderson.
26:56I tell you, the patience and Scoot Henderson, a different player these last seven games coming
27:02off of injury.
27:03More poise, calm, collected, and more discipline.
27:07Mark Williams across the lane with a rebound by Murray.
27:12Portland has made their last four threes.
27:15They've made nine tonight.
27:20Henderson again makes the move.
27:22Booker is there.
27:24That's just tough.
27:25That's what you call making a tough two right there, Kevin.
27:33Green quickly the other way.
27:34He's got ten.
27:35Quick twitch down the lane for two.
27:38Finally able to create some separation right there.
27:42Very similar to how he started the game in Jalen Green,
27:45getting to the basket with that right hand.
27:50Blazers won ten of their last 14 games to get in to this position at number eight.
27:58Abdiah, through traffic, inside, baby hook on the fly.
28:07This kid is amazing.
28:09His dad played pro basketball.
28:11His mom played basketball.
28:13And was terrific in trunk and field.
28:15It's a knockaway by Henderson.
28:17Got tangled up.
28:18And they grapple him and Booker.
28:21And it's a foul.
28:22And it goes on Devin Booker of Phoenix.
28:25Well, the one-on-one matchup in defense that time.
28:27Scoot was able to get his hand in on this ball to knock it away from Devin Booker.
28:33And on the retreat, Devin hooks Scoot Henderson up inside.
28:38So, again, the Blazer defense started to really make its imprint the last three to four minutes on this game.
28:45Abdiah, so important offensively, takes it in.
28:48A nest of defenders awaits, and he puts it in on the fly.
28:55Abdiah has come out sizzling hot.
28:58Six of nine.
28:5913 points.
29:01Back to Wayne.
29:02Henderson with the defense.
29:04And it was knocked out of the dribble that time of Green.
29:06But the quick hands and the exquisite timing of Scoot Henderson, both times able to create those turnovers.
29:15Abdiah again.
29:16Got the screen.
29:18Henderson fielding now.
29:20Into Brooks.
29:20The bump.
29:21The lost.
29:21It's picked up inside by the Suns.
29:24It's Green.
29:25Slashing his way inside.
29:27And knocked out of bounds.
29:29Clock at 19 seconds to shoot.
29:35Terrific pace.
29:37Outstanding individual play.
29:39This game has been terrific so far.
29:41And if you're a Portland Trail Blazer fan, it's kind of what you envision right now, the way this team
29:47has been playing.
29:48Look at the defense leading the charge.
29:50Getting blocks.
29:51Getting out in transition.
29:52And then the three ball, Kevin.
29:54Being able to be an asset for you as well.
29:58Blazers have hit nine threes.
30:00The Suns have hit none.
30:03Abdiah.
30:03Cuts.
30:04Drives.
30:05Fires.
30:05Fouled.
30:08And guess who?
30:10That's Dylan Brooks' understanding where Abdiah wanted to get to.
30:19Good play by Brooks.
30:20He took the charge.
30:22Abdiah picks up the foul.
30:23Now it is the first on him.
30:31I really think, too, not having Collin Gillespie with those two fouls, Kevin, has impacted the three-point shooting,
30:39but also some of the pick-and-roll game for the Suns.
30:45Devin Brooks.
30:47Booker is putting it up and no good.
30:50It's picked up inside by Klingin.
30:53And it's Drew Holiday taking it the other way.
30:56Holiday now in his 17th season.
30:59Around the horn.
31:00Cramp in the corner.
31:01That will fly in.
31:03It's another three.
31:04Ten made threes by the Portland Trail Blazers.
31:08And they've got their first and biggest lead in this second quarter.
31:12Now up by 14 over the Phoenix Suns.
31:16But it's the points per game allowed where his impact is felt the most.
31:21And you can see that here in this first half, how valuable he is on the defensive end of the
31:26court.
31:27It's Goodwin in right now.
31:29Henderson is on him.
31:33And Williams.
31:34Shot clock at six.
31:37Devin Booker.
31:38Cramp.
31:39Nice defense.
31:40Green will take his way from a 17-footer into that circle and put it down.
31:47It's a 26-10 Portland run over the last seven minutes.
31:52The Blazers began the game six of 19.
31:55Henderson again to the hole.
31:57No.
31:57Klingin tries to dive.
31:59Williams in the way.
32:00It is off of Portland, and it's Phoenix's ball.
32:04But the Blazers have gone 14 of their last 18 from the floor shooting.
32:09They've got ten threes.
32:12Phoenix, 0 of 6 from three.
32:14What?
32:14Another stat line?
32:1620 main field goals, Kevin, off of 14 assists.
32:19So the ball is hopping around the court, forcing Phoenix to have to go up multiple positions in a lot
32:25of real estate.
32:27Green over Holliday.
32:28Green.
32:31Green's got 16.
32:34Portland's bench has been terrific tonight, plus 13 points so far.
32:38Holliday, a move on Brooks.
32:41The buff, the grind, the fadeaway.
32:44No.
32:45Klingin trying to tip it to himself.
32:47Oh, grappling inside with Williams.
32:50No call.
32:51Here comes Booker.
32:54It's Goodwin with a fake and a drive and a feed, and Booker on top.
33:01It's Green for three.
33:040 of 7.
33:05Three-point shooting for the Suns tonight.
33:07And that's excellent defensive rotation that time by the Trail Blazers to contest, get out and contest that shot.
33:14Henderson's three is off.
33:17And here comes Phoenix with a dive and a save there by Booker.
33:21That game, that play almost saw them lose the ball.
33:26Holliday, the defense on Brooks.
33:30Fighting hard with a foul.
33:34Grant was there, and Grant will pick it up.
33:39Grant picks up his second.
33:43Let's take a look at the live update presented by FanDuel.
33:47Here's some of our numbers right there for this one.
33:50Two teams not expected to be in this position.
33:53Both terrific seasons in their own right.
33:56Different circumstances.
33:58Two first-year coaches.
34:00In the corner, Goodwin three.
34:02The first tonight.
34:04And maybe that gets the ball rolling a little bit more for this Phoenix Suns team,
34:09who offensively, they shoot it at 36%.
34:12That puts them at 11th in the NBA.
34:15Oh, boy.
34:16Grant had that swatted away inside by Williams.
34:20Grant was going across the lane.
34:26And Mark Williams there once again in prime-time position.
34:30Able to get those claws right on that and knock that into the first row.
34:36Blazers shooting 42% for the game.
34:40Suns at...
34:42Right now, 37%.
34:45That shot, Rob Williams, his first two since coming off the bench.
34:48And the bench continues to produce for the Blazers tonight.
34:52Step back, 3-3.
34:55Rebound snared by Williams.
34:57Quick outlet.
35:01Kamara, Holiday, through traffic.
35:05A 3-0.
35:07Williams, the offensive rebound with a whistle and a foul.
35:11And it's on the Blazers and on Rob Williams.
35:17He's got his first.
35:30He's got his first.
35:32Devin Booker so far, 16.
35:35Green with 16.
35:37Yeah, but it's Brooks who's been MIA in this first half.
35:43And also, once again, I'll re-emphasize, not having Colin Gillespie on the court
35:50is a huge absence for this Phoenix offense.
35:55Up to a 3.
35:56Got it!
35:58He's got 16.
36:01And he's got 5 assists on top of that.
36:04He's still in every category.
36:07He's top 15 in scoring and assists this season in the league.
36:11Brooks, 3.
36:12There it is.
36:13They exchange triples.
36:161, 2, 3.
36:20Holiday will take it, bumping into Brooks.
36:22Fires as he was going on the move.
36:24Brooks will pick up the foul.
36:27And Brooks picks up his second for Phoenix.
36:29Yeah, Brooks wanted that foul as he bodied Drew Holiday basically up the court
36:36using his chest right there.
36:37And he pushes him right there before Drew gets into his gather.
36:42Of course, Portland and the bench of Drew disagree that it's not shots.
36:50And he goes in the corner and the three-point launch right there by Grant.
36:56And a Mark Williams rebound.
36:58And a chance for Phoenix to really gain some momentum,
37:01keeping his lead under double digits going into halftime.
37:05Brooks with a drive.
37:07That basketball count.
37:09There was a foul called.
37:11It was inside, and Holiday will pick up his first in his 98th career postseason game.
37:21And at the free-throw line is Brooks.
37:24Get the Brooks to the left free-throw line.
37:263-2.
37:32Got it to go.
37:33Make your playoff picks now with NBA Pick'em Bracket Challenge.
37:38Presented by Castro for a chance to win $1 million.
37:42Play free at NBA.com backslash bracket or on the NBA app.
37:47Brooks again.
37:49So he fractured his left wrist.
37:51He was out five weeks.
37:53He missed 18 games.
37:55This is the seventh game back.
37:57He has struggled scoring since.
37:59Yeah, but it throws off your rhythm.
38:00I don't care how long you've been playing this game in particular.
38:04When you're not in basketball shape anymore, your legs are not in two.
38:08Your shot comes up short.
38:12But defensively, he's trying to be as active as he can.
38:15I like the fact that Kevin, he's not trying to force his offense, though.
38:20Which a lot of players would try to do to get themselves back involved in the game.
38:25They were going into Kamara.
38:27With nine seconds on the shot clock on the inbound.
38:30Here's Brooks on the side.
38:32Brooks on the holiday.
38:34Goodwin open for three.
38:37Now they're beginning to fall.
38:38Yeah, but that's in transition, Kevin.
38:41To be able to get out, suck in the defense, move it a little bit to Brooks that time
38:46with the smart, intelligent play to get it out to Goodwin.
38:49Holiday triple, book it.
38:53That stops at 8-0 Phoenix Suns run.
38:57Holiday with 14.
39:0016.
39:0216.
39:02Obdia and a whistle at the other end.
39:05With 31 seconds to go in the first half.
39:10Grant picked up the foul.
39:15And they're looking at that replay.
39:21Here's Green at the free throw line.
39:24Grant picks up his third.
39:27Jalen Green shoots two.
39:28Let it go.
39:30Let's go.
39:32Let's go.
39:32Let's go.
39:34Let's go.
39:35Let's go.
39:36Let's go.
39:36Let's go.
39:37Let's go.
39:46And Green will get another try.
39:48Here's Shaden Sharp coming in.
39:51With a 31 and a .2 to go in the first half.
39:57Winner here will face the number two seed, San Antonio Spurs.
40:03Ran that 62-win season in the first round.
40:06That will begin this weekend.
40:0920 seconds to go.
40:10The difference is seven seconds.
40:11Game clock and shot clock.
40:13Havdia and Booker there.
40:16With tricks again.
40:18Inside.
40:19Kamara.
40:20Got it.
40:24Final seconds.
40:27The lead is seven for the visiting Portland Trailblazers.
40:31Green three.
40:33Oh!
40:33As he fired.
40:35Count it.
40:36With one second to go in the first half.
40:42Foul win.
40:45On the Blazers and Kamara.
40:47Number two.
40:50And, Kevin, we may have to bookmark this play.
40:54From a momentum perspective, going into halftime, if he completes this four-point opportunity,
41:01you find yourself only down by three points when you, a couple minutes ago, were down double digits.
41:08It's momentum in Portland's way.
41:10Just to shift everything.
41:13Gene Green.
41:16It's a four-point play.
41:17He's got 22 points.
41:18And the buzzer sounds.
41:20And that ends.
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