Roy Shines in Leading Portland to Opening Night Stunner

The Trail Blazers make their Rose Garden debut Saturday night against Kevin Garnett and the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Photo: trailBlazers.com

SEATTLE, Wash. - Brandon Roy's return to his native Seattle Wednesday night must have left the Emerald City saying goodbye and good riddance.

The Blazers first-round draft choice was impressive in his NBA debut scoring 20 point on 10-of-16 shooting in helping the Trail Blazers upset the Supersonics, 100-106, in both teams NBA season opener.

"We were in a dog fight and I was able to make some shots and get my groove going and after that I just felt like I was going well," said Roy. "I felt like the Sonics really didn't know how they wanted to play me off the pick and roll, so I just kept going with it. I just wanted to do everything I could to help us try and get a win."

Roy's defensive effort was nearly as impressive. The former Washington All-American and Pac-10 Player of the Year drew the dubious task of guarding Sonics All-Star Ray Allen, one of the NBA's most prolific shooters. Allen managed just 3-for-7 shooting in the first half, but went 6-for-13 in the second half to finish with 22 points.

While Roy was outstanding, several other Blazers shined as well. Zach Randolph scored a double-double with 30 points and 10 rebounds, while Juan Dixon added 18 off the bench on 8-of-12 shooting. Two other Blazers scored in double figures. Jack Jack had 13 points to go along with six assists and three steals, and Ime Idoka, making his Portland debut, added 10 points. Jamaal Magloire, who was also making his first appearance for the Blazers, was strong off the bench with six points, five rebounds and three blocks in 19 minutes of action.

"It wasn't one guy; it was a team effort tonight on the defensive end of the floor as well as the offensive end of the floor," said Blazers coach Nate McMillan. "Of course Brandon Roy had a real good game, but so did Zach and so did Dixon and so did Travis (Outlaw). You can go down the line."

The Trail Blazers won the battle of the boards, 40-34. Turnovers, an area that plagued the Blazers in preseason, was no problem Wednesday night with Portland only committing 12 to the Sonics 13. Both teams put on a free throw shooting clinic with Seattle hitting 18-of-19, while Portland was 28-for-35. Randolph hit 14-of-15 from the charity stripe.

"I'm happy with any win," added McMillan. "Especially for this young team to come out tonight against Seattle who is a good team. At the beginning of the game we looked a little shook up there and they got off to a good start. We settled down and started to get something established in the paint. Roy got his game going and got some confidence and then knocked down a few shots. It was a team effort and this is what we need every night. We need everybody to come to play and play together."

Rashard Lewis score 25 points and Luke Ridnour add 22 points and 13 assists for Seattle.

Portland (1-0) now travels to Golden State on Friday to take on the Warriors.

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