Longest winning streak in league at 5, tied with Memphis and we are the only team in the NBA that has WON 9 of its last 10. Also, we have the best division record in the league at 13-3. I think the division title is a realistic goal next season.
I think Nic Batum makes a major jump next season. In the same manner LA jumped this year. You add that to incremental improvement of Damian Lillard, LaMarcus Aldridge, Robin Lopez, and several key reserves CJ, Will just being a couple. I think they are quite a bit better. I also think their mid level exception will bring back something positive which will really help them. CJ could be trade bait to upgrade the roster.
The future is bright. The national media will consider us a contender going into next season. Especially if we beat Houston.
I know I said two victories the other day and I do think Houston is the stronger, more physica,l better defensive team. But It wouldn't surprise me if this team with all their chemistry plays with a chip on their shoulder and takes this series.
It's been kind of a sneaky win streak. We haven't played great, but we've eeked out wins. Let's hope we can carry this momentum into the playoffs.
What I really liked about this last win is that it got some of our young guys some burn and hopefully built some confidence for Barton, CJ, and TRob. More importantly, it also got Joel back on the floor to shake off some rust.
I really wish this meant something. Recall, we were also the hottest team at the end of 2009, with a 6 game winning streak, having won 9 of 10.
That Houston team was actually much more imposing in my mind. Yao was a fucking headache. We didn't have anyone that could remotely defend him. Also, they had some amazing perimeter defenders in Artest and Battier. That team was physically imposing, and we were soft. They pushed us around. I don't think that's going to be the problem this time. Also, we didn't have much playoff experience in the series, and though we have a lot of young guys on this team, we have LA, Nic, Wes, Mo, and Wright. LA and Nic have three playoff series under their belt now. That makes a huge difference. Mo has been as far as the ECF I think. Wright has a ring from his stint with the Heat. We have guys that are going to prepare the young fellas and stress the importance of bringing the 100% effort every night.
I don't know about the draft but FA will be huge. There are quite a few free agents. Oshay will probably go after some more bargains. Another rebounder, a better replacement for Batum, a backup center..... I don't see us with a ton of options on the trade front, maybe CJ and cough cough, Leonard.
I think we should get Channing back, just so he and Robin do a geek comic book podcast together and tool around downtown on a two-seater fixie.
