Blazers are are now back up to 500 with a 28-28 record heading into Orlando. Only a couple of spots back from Denver who have begin to slide. Interesting that Blazers have decided to use Abdur-Rahim off the bench, he is averaging 13 points 6 rebounds off the bench in 29 minutes per game. Is that the best option? I guess It worked for Antawn Jamison.
I think bringing SAR off the bench is the best option. He and Randolph have similar offensive games, and although each one can spread the floor pretty well for the other to work in the paint, it'll be a while before they can develop the chemistry to compliment one another like that. Furthermore, since neither is 7' tall, they can't really work together defensively the way a Twin Towers duo can. Portland's not far out of the playoff race so now's probably not the best time to dedicate their efforts to only developing that pairing.
If Portland can stay consistent with the remainding 25+ games of the season, they can overtake Denver. Maybe we can do them a huge favor if the Lakers can beat them.
I think with Theo blocking all these shots we have a better chance and if the players stay consistant with there play we will have an even better chance.
With that win over Orlando.. We are over 500 now.. We are on a great winning streak, and its just as i thought.. The team is gelled and they are making a huge run.. The nuggets look to be breaking.. But we still have to win..
The Nuggets schedule is brutal, but I think they can pull out a couple of games. Portlands starting to worry me now, though, only 2.5 back. =(
Portland really scares me, as much as I miss Sheed's overall great game, one person who dominates in blocks and another player who is versatile not only adds this to the team but actual spots, so they'd have more players to use and rotate. I think they have a chance to be able to beat some of the good teams, not top tier, if they get someone truly great at the end of the year or in the draft, they'll be as scary as the Nets.
After back-to-back wins against the WC division leaders, Portland is more energized than ever to make the play-offs. Denver and the Jazz also won their games, but Portland stays dangerous. The West is awesome
If Portland doesn't make it to the playoffs for the first time since the early 80's, then I think they have the skills to make it next year, after maybe getting a rest and getting the newer players to know everyone else better, they can possibly create a formula that can perhaps earn them past the first round of the play-offs at least. If they can get some more of Theo's great blocks and Shareef true scoring skills together, then they can be a better team.
After Damon's big buzzer beater earlier today I thought of his buzzer beater 3 against the Bucks 2 years ago. There was 2 seconds left on the clock he pumped, the guy bit and he sidestepped and drained it. I remember jumping off the couch when it went in. Thats besides this topic. The Blazers were up 20 and should have never gotten into a 'must make this shot' scenario. I am dissapointed with tonights late game antics because I know the Blazers are better than that. Though I do think we are the worst 2nd half team in the league, we should not fold from 20 points up that is just uncalled for. After winning tonight we are tied with the Jazz, I don't know who owns the tie breaker because we beat them home and road, and same with them to us. I am glad we are winning and we face the 2nd biggest mistake in Trail Blazers history tomorrow night which is going to be tough. (Jermaine O'Neal is the 2nd biggest mistake in Trail Blazers history, 1st is not drafting MJ.)
Now that you got my Boy Darius Miles scoring 31 points last night, your all set to make the playoffs.. Good Luck, Blazers.. I'm still a Portland fan..
I like the Blazers and I hope they make the playoffs. But sadly it will probably end in another first round exit.
Who cares , they deserve at least they playoffs. I'm not saying Denver or Utah don't but from those 3 teams Portland obviously has more talent. I want Denver to go to the playoffs so Melo wins ROY , even tough he will still win it..look at his team record and he is competing to make the 8th spot in the WILD WILD WEST.
They've proved themselves, obvious talent and potential just inexperience at their side and disposal with mayhaps the exception of Mighty Mouse, plus hell, you guys beat the Lakers.
what a game last night against the Lakers... We gotta keep it up tonight against Golden State who is also playing real good ball... Portland is playing good, so it'll be interesting to see how it ends.. We just gotta shoot as good as we did last night against the Lakers..
Yeah we can't let the Lakers win mess with our focus. We need to come out exactly like we did last night and play killer D and run the break. GSW is a good team and I dont want us to underestimate them like we do a lot of teams.
I have hated Portland for several years now, but it was because of Sheed and Bonzo who are now gone. The Portland GS game the other night was the first Blazer game I have seen in a while, and you guys are stacked with talent. I think your team is much better without Sheed and Bonzo draggin the orginazation down with their off the court "issues". It does not get much better than having Abdur Rahim coming off the bench and Darius Miles is finally starting to show his potential. Good luck getting in the playoffs.
It'll be fun to watch the Blazers run at the end.. Theo is the key I think.. Him blocking shots like crazy is a big key.. Damon and DA are stepping it up as Captains and yes, you got Abdur Rahim coming off the bench you got a pretty deep bench, with Dale Davis, Ruben Patterson, Abdur Rahim, Gill, and it goes on.. It'll be fun to see, I know the 1st seed will be a little nervous playing against the Blazers in the first round..
