The games vs. Chicago and Memphis showed a Blazer team that seems to have its swagger back and a nose for winning. Have they flipped the proverbial switch?
Previous chris_in_pdx post/thread. Just 5 days ago http://sportstwo.com/threads/259663-Stick-a-fork-in-em?p=3292939#post3292939
Two straight wins against winning teams. Both of them pretty decisive. Memphis was at full strength, too. Yeah, this is good.
They're back. And I disagree with HCP. They were definitely gone. Blown out by Charlotte and Orlando and sliding down the standings en route to possibly missing the playoffs. But Aldridge changed all that. Plus, I think the players, especially Mo, realized we were in dire straights and needed to pick up their games pronto. I think we can win out now. Everyone has their confidence back and our magic number for the playoffs is 5. Blazers no longer have that "what if they don't make the playoffs" cloud hanging over them anymore. I was never worried about tonight's game against Memphis. The Atlanta win changed everything. I know my team and they are BACK.
Yep. At the time, they look like a team destined for a first round sweep exit AT BEST. Now with the L-Train back, they look like a team that doesn't want to go quietly into the night.
Especially a team that relies on the outside shot like the Blazers. Lamarcus's presence opens up the court in ways that Lopez, Robinson, Wright can't match. He really is the key.
That's exactly it! He opens the game for other players to do their thing. He demands doubles, and he can score inside. Memphis tried playing him one on one and got burned.