The Portland Trail Blazers preseason home opener against German club Ratiopharm Ulm Wednesday night at the Moda Center was a battle of contrasting styles.
Underdog Ulm played like a No. 14 seed trying to knock off a blue blood in March Madness, launching an avalanche of 3-pointers. The Blazers, the bigger and stronger NBA team, relentlessly attacked the rim with drives and lob attempts. Despite some second-half difficulties, the Blazers’ brawn won out, 111-100.
“That was one of our emphasis in this game — just attacking,” Portland head coach Chauncey Billups said after the win. “Attack, attack, attack.