...we are very fortunate that we no longer have to face Dwight Howard. The man proved he is back to being the best center of this league, defensively and offensively and he was a headache to watch as he dominated every game. RoLo had some great moments in this series, but overall he was being eaten alive. Now we'll face either Tiago Splitter or Samuel Dalembert. Either one of them, I think RoLo has the advantage. I'm feeling very confident in our boys next round. I really believe we beat a Rockets team that could've easily went to the Western Finals if we were not in their way. Edit - Excuse the title typo.
Hear hear! So done with watching Dwight spend 10 seconds in the key and knock our guys out of the way.
One thing is for sure ROLO should perform much better on both defense and offense. Splitter or Dalembert don't exactly strike fear into me. Also if it is Dallas I think Wes/Batum can contain Ellis, afterall they did great on Harden who is better. If it the Spurs, gotta try and limit Parker and Ginobli. Whats scares me most about the Spurs is the wide open 3 point shots they will probably get.
Portland will be facing San Antonio and it reminds me of the 1999 WC Semi-finals facing the Jazz, both great teams (Jazz and the Spurs) but on the downward spiral from stardom. Portland will punch them in the jaw game one and won't look back, they've owned them for years. Oh, and if it's Dallas, it won't even be competitive. Portland would have the best two players, then Dirk, then the rest of the Portland starters. Ensue Confidence!!
I disagree. Howard was a man on the downside of the hill. Less dominant than in the past, and seemingly an entity separate from the team offense. LaMarcus was the dominant player of the series. Howard was just a warmup. Now he faces either Duncan or Dirk.
With both of Duncan and Nowitzki in the lodge after a nice mountainous career on the slopes. Portland's going to the WCF. Period. They've had San Antonio's number for years, and this is a pathetic excuse for a Mavs team.
I'm like 70% confident we make it to the WCF but if we get SA next series we are in for the flopfest of the century between Manu and Parker. Harden is the king of the flop right now but Manu invented it. If we get Dallas... Remember Dirk getting FTAs after phantom calls in 2011? Pepperidge Farm remembers. However, they don't have Jason Kidd, Jason Terry and Peja turning back the clock on their team anymore.
I'm 100 percent behind this team to make it all the way to the Finals. The only thing that can hurt is the bench. Or the fact we don't have one. But the Blazers are playing with house money now and they know it. Put this starting five against ANYBODY in the league and I mean ANYBODY. The Blazers are the best young team in the NBA.
To be honest, I thought Houston was the toughest matchup of all the teams out West. I am SO glad we are done with them. I'm okay facing anyone else at this point.
I agree with the OP. Howard was dominant in every game this series. I think the Rockets could beat any of the other contenders out West, but we took them out. We've got a chance at the Finals ladies and gents, and that's fucking awesome.