Fact or Fiction: Portland’s season is a success regardless of Game 5. Gutierrez: Fact. How many people had Portland in the playoffs at all? They know their weaknesses now, which is depth and maybe adding some athleticism. But the Blazers are further ahead than anyone projected at the start of the season. Harper: Fact. The Blazers were hoping to be a playoff team this season after upgrading the bench and getting a year of experience under Damian Lillard’s belt. Going into the season, there were concerns about LaMarcus Aldridge staying. Months later, they were the 5-seed, made the second round, and have a great future. Nowell: Fact. It would have been a success even if they’d been swept, though the fact that they took Game 4 takes a substantial amount of sting off. The Blazers arrived at this point earlier than even they expected, and now get to focus on the improvements that will let them go deeper. Pelton: Another lopsided San Antonio win would reinforce the gap that still exists between the Blazers and the conference’s best teams, but that’s picking nits, given everything Portland has accomplished this season. Youngmisuk: Fact. LaMarcus Aldridge and Damian Lillard gained valuable playoff experience and confidence. They know what they are capable of in the playoffs now. That should only make them better for next season. http://forwardcenter.net/espn-5-on-5-blazers-season-a-success-regardless-of-game-5/
Of course Pelton is the one who gives a back handed compliment. That guy has always been a Sonics tool and he still holds onto it.
I could imagine us winning the finals and he would say something like this. "It was quite a accomplishment for a team filled with hand me downs and low dollar all-stars. They got a bit of luck and caught lightning in a bottle."
It''s been a HUGE success. We won 54 games - only 4 teams in the entire NBA won more. I'm a huge optimist, but if you told me before the season started that we'd win as many regular season games as the two-time defending champs, I would have asked for some of what you were smoking. We made it past the 1st round of the playoffs. ANY playoff experience is super valuable for the young roster. Playoff basketball is so much different than the regular season. The intensity is ratcheted up several notches and in most games, EVERY possession is critical, pressure immense and mistakes magnified. Getting passed Houston, without HCA was a great experience for our guys - many in the post season for the first time. Winning those first two on the road in Houston proved to our guys that they rightfully belong among the top teams in the very competitive Western Conference. To be a legitimate contender, you need to be able to win on the road in the playoffs. Getting our asses spanked in the first 3 games by the Spurs is also a valuable lesson in post season basketball. They got to learn from the best just how important execution and consistency are in the playoffs. And winning game 4, while facing elimination, was also important or this young team's psyche. This is all part of the growth process from good team to great team to championship contender. Based on where we were a year ago, we are way ahead of schedule, which cannot be viewed as anything but a success. BNM
I wonder if these experts still have Lillard ranked as the 3rd sophomore behind Drummond and Anthony Davis? I can understand Davis, but picking a guy who shoots 40.2% freethrows and is a "defensive beast" for the leagues 25th ranked defense is ridiculous. They still had Lillard ranked behind him a few weeks ago.
Hey guys, great season! I like your team's chances in the next few years. never got to watch much of the blazers before and didn't know many of your players other than LMA and lilliard but looks like you have some nice ones. I like the organisation also, reminds me a-lot of the Spurs. I'm not interested in watching many of the teams out there but i enjoyed the blazers. good luck in the future.
It was mentioned on one of the broadcasts that we were the youngest team to make the 2nd round in the west. Hopefully, that means we're on the rise.
