Not to be a Negative Nancy, but...

[maxiep]

...this series isn't over yet. We have them down, but they still have a ray of hope. We need to kill that ray of sunlight like a Pacific Northwest January.

They gave us their best shot out of the blocks with Howard in Game Two. We need to find a way to step on their necks in the first quarter. Kill any hope they had of winning this series, and they'll fold like a cheap suit.

We haven't demonstrated that killer instinct at the beginning of games all season. We have played with teams--both good and turrble--for three quarters, only to pull away in the fourth. This time, we need to come out storming, to let them know that we're not overlooking them for a second.

I know the crowd will be amped, let's hope the Blazers aren't too satisfied with their trip to Houston.

 

[BlazerCaravan]

I don't think they will be. They want this. Dame wants this.

 

[PapaG]

I don't think they will be. They want this. Dame wants this.

LMA wants this. The rest are trying to follow his lead.

 

[The_Lillard_King]

I'm on cloud nine with the Blazers, but not relaxed . . . if that makes any sense

 

[ripcityboy]

Nobody is saying they will win both games. I don't think they will. But I can tell you one thing, no way are they going back to Houston with two losses.
Not in the Moda Center, or Rose Garden.

 

[SlyPokerDog]

No worries, Cmeese is going to send each of the players a letter about how and why to want this.

 

[Schilly]

3 teams have started 0-2 on their own floor and come back to win the series... In the entire history of the NBA.

 

[THE HCP]

I honestly think our crowd will help us win........ the Houston crowd only got loud when the announcer or big scream told them to.

 

[BlazerCaravan]

3 teams have started 0-2 on their own floor and come back to win the series... In the entire history of the NBA.

And Houston was one of them. They will be pumped for Game 3. We must also be ready, and I think we will be.

 

[Schilly]

And Houston was one of them. They will be pumped for Game 3. We must also be ready, and I think we will be.

in 1994... which really isn't very relevant.

 

[Natebishop3]

I know how you feel Max. The snake bitten Blazer fan in me won't let me get TOO excited. Still got a ways to go before it's over.

 

[Hobbesarable]

...this series isn't over yet. We have them down, but they still have a ray of hope. We need to kill that ray of sunlight like a Pacific Northwest January.

They gave us their best shot out of the blocks with Howard in Game Two. We need to find a way to step on their necks in the first quarter. Kill any hope they had of winning this series, and they'll fold like a cheap suit.

We haven't demonstrated that killer instinct at the beginning of games all season. We have played with teams--both good and turrble--for three quarters, only to pull away in the fourth. This time, we need to come out storming, to let them know that we're not overlooking them for a second.

I know the crowd will be amped, let's hope the Blazers aren't too satisfied with their trip to Houston.

I'm enjoying this awesome display of basketball by our boys. LA and Dame stepped up their game to the next level. I've been a critic of LA for some time now and I must say he's kicking ass!

 

[Sedatedfork]

If I am a Rockets fan, I think I lose all faith in McHale to make adjustments. Sure they can try new things to deny the ball to Aldridge, but their team is not exactly a defensive juggernaut. On offense... what the hell can they do? They have tried everything it seems, and the Blazers have come out on top. They just don't seem to sustain anything.

I think the Blazers should go back to the Game 1 plan of making Wes wear out Harden. I expect Harden's going to try to take over game 3 after his horrible game 1 and game 2.

 

[PapaG]

3 teams have started 0-2 on their own floor and come back to win the series... In the entire history of the NBA.

Houston was one of them in 1994, and they ultimately won an NBA title. If Robert Horry or Mario Elie suit up for Game 3, watch out!

 

[PapaG]

I know how you feel Max. The snake bitten Blazer fan in me won't let me get TOO excited. Still got a ways to go before it's over.

It's a lot more fun as a fan being up 2-0 with the next 2 at home than being down 0-2, though!

 

[KingSpeed]

That's not negative at all, maxiep. It's the truth. Gotta stay hungry and humble and we'll be okay.

 

[Boise Blazer]

If I am a Rockets fan, I think I lose all faith in McHale to make adjustments. Sure they can try new things to deny the ball to Aldridge, but their team is not exactly a defensive juggernaut. On offense... what the hell can they do? They have tried everything it seems, and the Blazers have come out on top. They just don't seem to sustain anything.

I think the Blazers should go back to the Game 1 plan of making Wes wear out Harden. I expect Harden's going to try to take over game 3 after his horrible game 1 and game 2.

I love would love nothing more than to beat them with Harden getting 40 because then they would really be out of bullshit excuses

 

[KingSpeed]

It's a lot more fun as a fan being up 2-0 with the next 2 at home than being down 0-2, though!

Absolutely.

 

[Natebishop3]

It's a lot more fun as a fan being up 2-0 with the next 2 at home than being down 0-2, though!

I thought Houston was 2 out of the three.

 

[KingSpeed]

If I am a Rockets fan, I think I lose all faith in McHale to make adjustments. Sure they can try new things to deny the ball to Aldridge, but their team is not exactly a defensive juggernaut. On offense... what the hell can they do? They have tried everything it seems, and the Blazers have come out on top. They just don't seem to sustain anything.

I think the Blazers should go back to the Game 1 plan of making Wes wear out Harden. I expect Harden's going to try to take over game 3 after his horrible game 1 and game 2.

The truth is the Rockets haven't been playing well for awhile. They barely beat New Orleans led by Luke Babbitt in Houston. They've lost 7 of their last 12 games.

 

[Eastoff]

I love would love nothing more than to beat them with Harden getting 40 because then they would really be out of bullshit excuses

Yes! Can you imagine their local writers if we beat them despite Ames Haren getting 30+ and DHo getting 30+?

 

[maxiep]

The truth is the Rockets haven't been playing well for awhile. They barely beat New Orleans led by Luke Babbitt in Houston. They've lost 7 of their last 12 games.

When I was still allowed to post on Clutchfans, I had this very discussion with them. They didn't seem at all concerned about their play to end the season, or the fact we had won 9 of 10. I told them it took a while for LA to work his way back into a seamless role on our team, and they assured me that reintegrating Howard and Beverley would cause no adjustment problems.

Oops.

 

[Eastoff]

When I was still allowed to post on Clutchfans, I had this very discussion with them. They didn't seem at all concerned about their play to end the season, or the fact we had won 9 of 10. I told them it took a while for LA to work his way back into a seamless role on our team, and they assured me that reintegrating Howard and Beverley would cause no adjustment problems.

Oops.

Ahhh I understand now! When they get eliminated, they'll blame injuries keeping them from being a cohesive team!

 

[Natebishop3]

Ahhh I understand now! When they get eliminated, they'll blame injuries keeping them from being a cohesive team!

And don't forget the refs. They certainly would have won games one and two if not for the crooked refs.

 

[EL PRESIDENTE]

If being a Blazers fan has taught me anything..It's you haven't won until you've won

hoop fam

 

[BlazerWookee]

We "pantsed" 'em and exposed their flaccid Hardon...

 

[OneLifeToLive]

I honestly think our crowd will help us win........ the Houston crowd only got loud when the announcer or big scream told them to.

Doez TNT have a way of amping up the sound then? I remember them going nut after every dunk in the first quarter.

 

[BBert]

Throw away the history books. We haven't had a team this poised, smart and focused since 1977-78.

It isn't always about talent. It's about team, and who has "it". I think that's the Blazers.

OK, I'm a homer. That's my right.

I believe.

 

[Charcoal Filtered]

I think the team is in the correct mindset and know they have to win four games, not just two.

The line for tomorrow's game is only favoring the Blazers by three. I think betters are just seeing D12 and Harden.

 

[Strenuus]

It's not going to be a sweep.

I also didn't find the OP to be entirely negative.