I am a very optimistic person, I usually see the best is situations and always see the silver lining. However, I have a sinking feeling that game 5 was a "must win" for the Blazers. Houston is back in it at 3-2 and now have momentum and confidence. We needed to close it out to prevent them from gaining confidence, and we didnt. I fear we lose game 6 at home and Houston takes it in game 7. If we dont close this out in game 6, its over. I hate being pessimistic, its againts my nature.
Aldridge and Batum have played 4 must win games and won 1 (game 5 vs Houston in 09). Wes has played 3 (1 with Utah, 2 with Portland). Tomorrow is not must win.
You are right on the first part. I must have blocked out their previous elimination games. On the second, I really do think the Blazers need to treat Friday's game as an elimination game, as if their backs are against the wall. Without that kind of focus, intensity and determination, Houston is going to be a tough out. We do not want to go back to Houston.
I'm the same way (though obviously I have fandom bipolarism), and I have the same sinking feeling. We did win one more game than any other series since 2004 or whatever.
just going to say it because I want to. The Blazers have overall been the better team throughout this series. If not for the 40ft's in the 2nd half(34 of which weren't hack a howard) That games a blow out. Blazers had control of game 2 throughout, and really outplayed the rockets. Game 3 the Blazers weren't ready for the rose garden(oh sorry moda center) crowd and that got to them earily. Game 4 the Blazers outplayed the rockets again both teams dealt with terrible officiating but the Blazers played through it better. Game 5 was a mistake and the Blazers should have played harder. Game 6? Blazers win advance and holy shit this season has been a greater success than anyone could have ever imagined.
Much better season than most people expected, to lose the series would be heartbreaking though. Just win baby!
The difference is that I'm actually analyzing the play of each team, not just viscerally reacting because I want the Blazers to win and I'm trying to make myself feel better. Playoff games are about moves and countermoves. For the past three games, McHale has made interesting countermoves that Stotts has yet to match quickly enough. There is now a pattern where our second unit goes in and almost immediately loses ground. We then spend the second half trying to catch up, playing uphill. It's time to dictate, not be dictated to. We have the talent to do it. In my mind, it means every single player channeling their inner Wes and RoLo. There is no excuse for Aldridge and Lillard to disappear for stretches on the floor. And Nico? He needs to put a lock down on Parsons from the get-go, not just the second half.
Now you're just being silly. I'll leave you to your own devices, but you should know better. If you don't; that's your problem. I choose not to own it.
Regardless of how this series turns out, this season IMO will have been a real success. My guess is Olshey thinks we're a year or two ahead of schedule.
