Game Thread GAME# 36: HEAT @ BLAZERS - JANUARY 8, 2015 - THURSDAY, 7:30 PM (PST), TNT

Those were some tough calls. But I think part of the problem is basketball is a very tough game to officiate. The refs know Wade and LaMarcus and Damian and know all the starters playing the game. They know what they look like when they get fouled or foul. They don't know anything about Meyers so its more difficult to tell if he's initiating the contact or receiving it. Plus the guy is big and has to receive a ton of contact to be moved. This applies to the majority of end of the bench big men in the league.

But another big part of the problem is Meyers own doing. The bogus call on Wade was wrong; but Meyers wasn't going totally straight up so when his arms are bent it looks like you might be swiping at the guard. No need for him to have his hands down. There was another play Bosh got a quick layin because Meyers had his hands below his waist and couldn't raise them in time to contest the shot. Just some tough learning mistakes; overall he had a good game.

 

I don't care what sort of talk the Blazers make I want them to focus on kicking ass on the court and let the results do the talking. The team has plenty of confidence. They've gotten out of the first round so they don't have to worry about that monkey on their back. They can just focus on getting better.

I really like where the mindset of the Blazers team is you don't hear any of the celebrating of last year its more about how tough the west is going to be and even with a great regular season nothing is guaranteed. I think having a PG in Lillard that is so cool, calm and collected in crunch time gives the whole team confidence because they can follow his lead. There is no panic or worry or fear of failure. I think the players all know nothing is handed to them so saying they will be champions serves no purpose. If anything it sounds arrogant and unrealistic as the team hasn't proven much of anything in the playoffs. The Blazers enjoy proving the doubters wrong. Tonight Charles Barkley named the top 4 backcourts in the league and made no mention of us. And he's one of our biggest supporters.

 

TNT and nbaTV are replaying the HOU NYK game, not the POR MIA game..

 

Well, it is 2 of the top 4 cities by population in the US. Can't say I'm shocked.

 

Loved the switch flip in the second half.

Defense was consistent throughout the game, but it went up a notch and the O caught up. Miami being so awful didn't hurt either.

Need 2 more of these blowout wins this weekend before LAC/@SAS/ @MEM in 5 nights next week.

 

Sly should have dunked more, and they'd play the Blazers.... fucking Sly.

 

I heard you get drunk faster if you drink through a straw. It's worth a shot!

 

Me too! I saw that and went WTF? Who is that? Mo?!?

 

I thought at one point in the second half it looked like Wade got pissed at Spoelstra and mailed it in on a bunch of plays and took some aweful shots.

 

Miami really do suck in 2nd halfs

 

Yesterday was Elvis's birthday?

 

It had the NBA logo on it. We should start some conspiracy rumor that he was pledging His allegiance and will soon be getting superstar calls.