But some times, there are singular issues that define whether or not a team goes home happy, and in Game 1 Monday night in Denver, that issue for the Trail Blazers was turnovers. They shot well enough to win (52 percent from the field and 38 percent from three), made the same number of field goals as the Nuggets (41), scored more points in the paint (56 to 50), more second chance points (15 to 13) and won the rebounding battle (40-34). Usually that’s enough to come away with a win, but not if you turn the ball over 18 times for 23 points, as the Blazers did Monday night at the Pepsi Center. "We had some soft plays, soft turnovers, especially at the end of the half," said Trail Blazers head coach Terry Stotts. "The other ones driving into the lane, there was a couple of offensive fouls. But there’s no question the turnovers hurt us. It was a good offensive game, but I thought the turnovers really made the difference."---Source: Official Blazers site.
Of course, I only live in Denver, so what would I know about the Nuggets? I suppose their 3-1 in-season advantage over us was a fluke, especially considering our only win is when they sat Jokic, Murray and Milsap. Look, I've been a Blazer fan since I knew what basketball was. My dad took me to the very first Blazer regular season game ever in Portland. I was one of the 12,666 on June 5, 1977. I have had NBA League Pass for as long as I've lived in Denver and don't miss watching the Blazers. It's okay to admit another team is better. That's what the evidence says; better regular season record, better head-to-head, better conference record, etc. It doesn't mean they'll win the series. However, to think we played like garbage is to ignore how well they played defense against us. Some teams make you look like s***. Give the Chicken Nuggets their due.
The Blazers defense was real bad. Thats not taking away from Denver, I respect them I think they've got good young talent and coaching. The Blazers could play better defense and still lose. I expect both teams to play better going forward.
Naturally aspirated engines are effected by altitude at 3-5% reductions in hp for every 1000 ft above sea level. At or near 5000 feet many carburated engines have to be re-jetted for proper air fuel mixture. I used to spend time in Denver on a routine basis for nearly 40 years and I was a compulsive runner for years and boy could I feel the diff in stamina in Denver.
All this is true. Doesnt mean the Nuggets are better, because they arent. It was a lot of unforced mistakes on offense and poor defense, not properly executing the defensive gameplan (according to the players). Two of their wins in the regular season were o e possession games. 3 or 4 possessions go differently and we wouldve won 3. Doesnt nake anyone better. Were better than OKC and they swept us in the regular season.
The word choice between "may" and "might" is irrelevant in regards to whatever you were trying to say.
