Saddest part about this is that for most of this game the Blazers were obviously the better team. More talent and more depth overall. They just didn't play the way they need to get a win on the road.
Maybe getting the "advancing past the first round" monkey off their backs has caused them to let down a little bit? I'm not too concerned, because ultimately it's a very long season two games don't add up to a trend, but it's worth keeping an eye on I guess.
Opponent forwards want to rebound. Our forwards want to shoot or pass off if the shot's not there. Which it isn't, because the opponent forwards also prioritize tough defense. Our forwards follow the lead of Aldridge's priority hierarchy. This forces us to have to work twice as hard as opponents to win games.