I was looking at the schedule to see who Houston played tomorrow. They play OKC. So I was thinking, good, OKC will beat them and we can gain a game on Houston. But then I thought, Houston could win and we could gain a game on OKC! If they lose and we win, we'll only be three games back. And we have the tiebreaker because we have a better division record. So yeah, I'm ROOTING for Houston tomorrow. Let's win our fucking division. OKC been playing like crap. If they don't want it, let's swoop in and take it.
Before the all star break, I thought they would make a run at OKC and for the top spot in the Northwest afterwards. They for awhile were looking like the team that started the season. I'm not digging their confidence and body language. And really they need to be pulling some of these close games out. Is it possible? Very much so. If I had to give an answer now on whether they will or not. I would say no.
I'm with you here. Winning the division would be cool, but there are still too many games to decide. My expectations are to just get a playoff seed. This team, IMO, could possibly do some magic.
There is a part of me that is still feeding off the idea that this is Paul Allen's year. So it wouldn't surprise me any. The teams chemistry is second to none. As long as you have that, yes they can get hot and get it done. I think they are going to have accept the idea that they are going to have play D and be more physical. Not sure this team is ready for that. I wouldn't have said that a month ago. Another year maybe two. It could sink in.
I hear that. That may be more of a philosophical defensive thing with the coaches, though... However, these are professional basketball players... I would think they know how to play an ounce of defense at the least. Pretty much, the magic is going to have to come from the offense, like it pretty much did in the beginning of the year. Defensively, we're still a year away minimum.
I don't pin the defensive effort on the coaches. It's what the player is willing to give up and give out on that end. Some might say, well that is on Terry for not being able to motivate them. Not necessarily. Sooner than later it's going to sink into these guys that if winning a title is relevant...they are going to have to give themselves up on the defensive side of the court. And like you Stren, I do think each everyone of these guys because they are considered 'professional' have a better idea on how to execute on this end than one might think.
If we could split this road trip that would be huge. With some some odd games left, anything is possible. Aldridge needs to step up. He's supposed to be our veteran leadership.
San Antonio IMO doesn't play it at the same physicality rate Houston plays it at which is why I think we match up better with them. They try to finesse it just like Portland. The next three games will be interesting. I would love to see these guys give me hope that they stand a shot in the playoffs. Just give me hope. Capture the imagination. Show me what you have. Because I believe you have it.
It does not matter where the Blazers end up or what there record is if they get bounced in the first round.
