FanHouse Underthemicroscope

Each week, Under The Microscope looks at a different player and examines him in the context of a game that week. On Thursday, the Blazers fell to the Mavericks, and we focused on LaMarcus Aldridge. Here's a look at how Aldridge fared. This is part two; you can read part one of this week's UtM here.

The Phrase Is: Strength Without Brutality, Finesse Without Bravado

The Story Of One: Do you ask for more?

LaMarcus Aldridge scored 21 points tonight, added 5 rebounds, 1 assist and 3 steals in a loss to the Dallas Mavericks. Dallas survived a furious rally by the Blazers at the end to hold off. But if you want to dissect what LaMarcus Aldridge did, you have to ask yourself what you want from a player like him, in Portland. And it's not an easy question to answer.

Each Wednesday, the second part of our Under The Microscope series looks at a different player in the National Basketball Association and examines them in the context of a game that week. Wednesday night the Indiana Pacers beat the Detroit Pistons in overtime, and we kept track of Danny Granger. Here's a look at how Granger's night ended up. You can read part one of this week's UtM here.

Final Line: 24 points, 6-20 FG, 10-11 FT, 10 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 block

The Phrase Is: Getting it done the hard way.

Each Wednesday, Under The Microscope looks at a different NBA player and where they are in the season, how they're perceived on and off the court, and gives you a look at them in detail. Tonight the Indiana Pacers host the Detroit Pistons. We'll be keeping an eye on Danny Granger who is having a remarkable season and an even more remarkable month. Join us after the jump to see where Granger is and where he might be headed.

Each Wednesday, the second part of our Under The Microscope series looks at a different player in the National Basketball Association and examines them in the context of a game that week. Last night the Miami Heat lost to the Nuggets in Denver, and we kept track of Michael Beasley. Here's a look at how Beasley's night ended up. You can read part one of this week's UtM here.

Final Line: 20 min, 5-12 FG, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 1 TO, 4 PF

The Phrase Is: Tired Panda.

The Story Of One: Man, when Beasley said he'd hit the Rookie Wall, he wasn't kidding. Beasley entered the game early due to a few quick fouls on Joel Anthony. You know how some players have this aura of focus and determination from the first minute they step on the court (say, Derrick Rose, who I thought would not be as good as Beasley)? Yeah, Beasley's not that guy.

He started off with what became a running trend for the night, floating around the 18 foot elbow. For a guy who's earned more playing time due to his rebounding, he wasn't that concerned with it to start the game.

Then he found an opening on the baseline and nailed his first jumper. And it was like a car turning over. Suddenly he's sprinting down the court, hustling on defense, and pops off for 3 4 of 5, 10 points in the first. His jumper motion is a little slow, but man is it sweet when it's flowing.

Each Wednesday, Under The Microscope looks at a different player in the National Basketball Association and where they are in the season, how they're perceived on and off the court, and gives you a look at them in detail. Tonight the Miami Heat take on the Denver Nuggets on national televison, so we thought we'd start with the star rookie for the Heat, Michael Beasley. Join us after the jump to see where Beasley is and where he might be headed tonight.