Please forgive me: I can't get too excited

[chris_in_pdx]

I'm enjoying watching the Blazers and their hot start. I really am. Lillard, Matthews, Alridge, Batum, Lopez... everyone playing at a high level and gelling into a force far sooner than anyone expected.

But....

I'm so damn snakebitten. After all these years of getting hopes up and watching the Blazers dominate for stretches, and then inevitably come crashing back down to earth in some painful, gut-wrenching fashion, I just am finding it hard to get that passionate fire in my belly about this team. In years past I would orient my schedules around watching the team during runs like this... pre-game, post-game, I'd soak it ALL in. I'd call into The Fifth Quarter. I'd read message boards like this religiously. But either I'm just getting too old to be a die-hard, or I've just... lost something over the years.

I think I need this team to win a playoff series before I really believe in them. Otherwise, I'll enjoy the ride from an emotional distance.

 

[Boise Blazer]

I'm enjoying watching the Blazers and their hot start. I really am. Lillard, Matthews, Alridge, Batum, Lopez... everyone playing at a high level and gelling into a force far sooner than anyone expected.

But....

I'm so damn snakebitten. After all these years of getting hopes up and watching the Blazers dominate for stretches, and then inevitably come crashing back down to earth in some painful, gut-wrenching fashion, I just am finding it hard to get that passionate fire in my belly about this team. In years past I would orient my schedules around watching the team during runs like this... pre-game, post-game, I'd soak it ALL in. I'd call into The Fifth Quarter. I'd read message boards like this religiously. But either I'm just getting too old to be a die-hard, or I've just... lost something over the years.

I think I need this team to win a playoff series before I really believe in them. Otherwise, I'll enjoy the ride from an emotional distance.

Although a part of me gets that's when they do win a playoff series that will be a whole season wasted that you could have enjoyed. I just can't do that to myself. So I remain cautiously optimistic.

 

[Strenuus]

I understand the caution - I am that way most of the time.

But this one feels different. And waiting an entire season and then getting into it would almost make me feel artificial.

But, if that's what you want to do, then by all means.

 

[magnifier661]

Don't worry Chris... I got this seat I saved for you. It's got a nintendo64 and porno mags dated back from the 70's (full bush action). I etched chris_pdx. You will believe by this season's end

 

[Strenuus]

Don't worry Chris... I got this seat I saved for you. It's got a nintendo64 and porno mags dated back from the 70's (full bush action). I etched chris_pdx. You will believe by this season's end

It's true. Mags has some pretty sweet stuff in here. Hello Penthouse 1995.

 

[EL PRESIDENTE]

I'm the same way. This year my goal is to win a playoff series. I'm excited but I've learned never to get ahead of myself as a Blazers fan.

I've been watching everything and canceling social activities though. Still gotta be a diehard fan.

hoop fam

 

[rasheedfan2005]

It's called being a fan. I cheer for effort, and heart and the whole team is effort and heart right now. It's how Joel przybilla became one of my all time faves. Even when we won 30 games Joel gave his all. That's all I can ask as a fan. In years past we can certainly blame refs ect for a loss here and there, but when it comes down to it, our guys lacked heart. The team this year is different, they aren't looking for excuses not to win, they are forcing wins with effort and heart

 

[Boob-No-More]

I choose to enjoy every win as it happens. Don't fret about the past, it can't be changed. Don't worry about the future, it will be what it will be. Just enjoy the now. And, I am to the tune of 10 wins in a row!

BNM

 

[Further]

Win or lose, I just don't get über emotional like I did as a kid. But I do really enjoy the heck out of streaks like this.

But I'm well aware that Blazers are playing well above predicted and I don't believe it will last. However it doesn't need to last, just so they don't start laying turds, and I just don't think that's this team. Before the season I predicted 44 wins. One win over my prediction I'll consider a good regular season, and at this point I'm thinking that's very likely.

 

[Draco]

Its all about the journey, not the destination.

 

[Elton]

Why do I hear Celine Dion echoing in my head...? (Whilst perusing Mag's vintage porno stash)

"You're here, there's nothing I fear,
And I know that my heart will go on"

 

[OneLifeToLive]

I'm enjoying watching the Blazers and their hot start. I really am. Lillard, Matthews, Alridge, Batum, Lopez... everyone playing at a high level and gelling into a force far sooner than anyone expected.

But....

I'm so damn snakebitten. After all these years of getting hopes up and watching the Blazers dominate for stretches, and then inevitably come crashing back down to earth in some painful, gut-wrenching fashion, I just am finding it hard to get that passionate fire in my belly about this team. In years past I would orient my schedules around watching the team during runs like this... pre-game, post-game, I'd soak it ALL in. I'd call into The Fifth Quarter. I'd read message boards like this religiously. But either I'm just getting too old to be a die-hard, or I've just... lost something over the years.

I think I need this team to win a playoff series before I really believe in them. Otherwise, I'll enjoy the ride from an emotional distance.

You can get excited. The proof is in Paul Allen. His organizations are running more efficiently, successfully than ever before. Just look at the Seahawks. The Blazers are following that same model. I actually think and believe he has turned over the operations to the people that should be running it. And he has done it with both franchises. Outcome: One franchise is probably headed to the Super Bowl. The other? They are 12-2. And getting better.

Besides. Be excited for what you have seen so far. I know I wasn't expecting this. Maybe 6-7, 5-8, 7-6. But never 12-2. Be like the players and take it one game at a time and enjoy each every game as they come. It's a long season. Should be a fun one. It is so far.

 

[BlazerWookee]

I'm enjoying watching the Blazers and their hot start. I really am. Lillard, Matthews, Alridge, Batum, Lopez... everyone playing at a high level and gelling into a force far sooner than anyone expected.

But....

I'm so damn snakebitten. After all these years of getting hopes up and watching the Blazers dominate for stretches, and then inevitably come crashing back down to earth in some painful, gut-wrenching fashion, I just am finding it hard to get that passionate fire in my belly about this team. In years past I would orient my schedules around watching the team during runs like this... pre-game, post-game, I'd soak it ALL in. I'd call into The Fifth Quarter. I'd read message boards like this religiously. But either I'm just getting too old to be a die-hard, or I've just... lost something over the years.

I think I need this team to win a playoff series before I really believe in them. Otherwise, I'll enjoy the ride from an emotional distance.

Chicken...

 

[e_blazer]

Jeez, I can understand you not wanting to take a risk. I guess there's always room on the Heat bandwagon.

 

[KingSpeed]

Its all about the journey, not the destination.

You can get excited. The proof is in Paul Allen. His organizations are running more efficiently, successfully than ever before. Just look at the Seahawks. The Blazers are following that same model. I actually think and believe he has turned over the operations to the people that should be running it. And he has done it with both franchises. Outcome: One franchise is probably headed to the Super Bowl. The other? They are 12-2. And getting better.

Besides. Be excited for what you have seen so far. I know I wasn't expecting this. Maybe 6-7, 5-8, 7-6. But never 12-2. Be like the players and take it one game at a time and enjoy each every game as they come. It's a long season. Should be a fun one. It is so far.

Exactly.

 

[chris_in_pdx]

Jeez, I can understand you not wanting to take a risk. I guess there's always room on the Heat bandwagon.

Of anyone on this board, you say that to me.

Oh no you di'int.

 

[BLAZER PROPHET]

I'll go along for the ride wherever it takes me.

 

[PtldPlatypus]

I remember several years ago, there used to be a sports radio host who was a Red Sox fan, and every time they were brought up, he would shout "THEY WILL BREAK YOUR HEART!" Kinda how I feel about my Blazers now.

But I look at Mags right now, and I will guaran-damn-tee you that he is enjoying the hell out of this season more than the rest of us combined. And I have no doubt that given the choice, he'd much rather keep the joy that comes with the ups than avoids the pain of the downs.

Reminds me of that Garth Brooks song: "I'm glad I didn't know the way it all would end, the way it all would go. Our lives are better left to chance; I could have missed the pain, but I'd have had to miss the dance."

A great season is much more enjoyable when you're all in from the start. They could fall apart; they could break your heart. But maybe--just maybe--they won't. If that happens, you'll bee missing out on so much by not buying in early.

 

[KingSpeed]

Ahem. I'm enjoying this season as much as magnifier. He paid the $200 but I spent the 48 hours on the train!

 

[Strenuus]

I remember several years ago, there used to be a sports radio host who was a Red Sox fan, and every time they were brought up, he would shout "THEY WILL BREAK YOUR HEART!" Kinda how I feel about my Blazers now.

But I look at Mags right now, and I will guaran-damn-tee you that he is enjoying the hell out of this season more than the rest of us combined. And I have no doubt that given the choice, he'd much rather keep the joy that comes with the ups than avoids the pain of the downs.

Reminds me of that Garth Brooks song: "I'm glad I didn't know the way it all would end, the way it all would go. Our lives are better left to chance; I could have missed the pain, but I'd have had to miss the dance."

A great season is much more enjoyable when you're all in from the start. They could fall apart; they could break your heart. But maybe--just maybe--they won't. If that happens, you'll bee missing out on so much by not buying in early.

Those lyrics are so universal! Repped for that.

Well said, as well. I was wading at first... now I'm in the deep end dunking mags underwater for funsies.

 

[Denny Crane]

4 Blazers starters averaging 34.3, 35.8, 36.9, and 37.4. I didn't do an exhaustive query, but the teams I looked at, like Indy, Miami, OKC, LAC, and SAS do not rely on their starters (4 of them) as much.

The guys on NBA TV mentioned it.

Sprint. Marathon?

 

[magnifier661]

I remember several years ago, there used to be a sports radio host who was a Red Sox fan, and every time they were brought up, he would shout "THEY WILL BREAK YOUR HEART!" Kinda how I feel about my Blazers now.

But I look at Mags right now, and I will guaran-damn-tee you that he is enjoying the hell out of this season more than the rest of us combined. And I have no doubt that given the choice, he'd much rather keep the joy that comes with the ups than avoids the pain of the downs.

Reminds me of that Garth Brooks song: "I'm glad I didn't know the way it all would end, the way it all would go. Our lives are better left to chance; I could have missed the pain, but I'd have had to miss the dance."

A great season is much more enjoyable when you're all in from the start. They could fall apart; they could break your heart. But maybe--just maybe--they won't. If that happens, you'll bee missing out on so much by not buying in early.

That's absolutely correct sir. Don't get me wrong. The downs were the fucking pits, but these ups are worth more than all the downs combined to me.

I look back at my blazer fandom and only remember the miracle minute, 13 game win streak, Roy's miracle 4th, two finals appearances and countless other great feats. The bad years I hardly remember...

 

[EL PRESIDENTE]

Oden's injury took me out of action for a week. Game 7 2000 WCF has fucked me up for life.

 

[e_blazer]

Of anyone on this board, you say that to me.

Oh no you di'int.

Sorry Chris, but if you want guarantees before you go all in with your excitement, maybe the Globe Trotters are more your cup of tea. They always win and the audience always has a good time. Sports always involve chance and, frankly, only one team out of thirty in the NBA has fans celebrating at the end of the year. Unless you can just enjoy the ride you're pretty certain to be disappointed.

 

[KingSpeed]

That's absolutely correct sir. Don't get me wrong. The downs were the fucking pits, but these ups are worth more than all the downs combined to me.

I look back at my blazer fandom and only remember the miracle minute, 13 game win streak, Roy's miracle 4th, two finals appearances and countless other great feats. The bad years I hardly remember...

Exactly. The last time I enjoyed the Blazers this much was the 13 game win streak and we didn't even make the playoffs that season. But it was still very enjoyable to me. Another time was the Steve Kerr Blazers who could light I up when they wanted to. The Laker game where people threw the Bill Walton dolls on the court was hilarious and very entertaining. Didn't win a playoff series that year but it was fun. The last time we won a playoff series was 2000 and for most BlaZer fans they consider that the most painful time as a fan. Enjoy the good times while they last guys. Maybe we'll win the title, maybe they won't. Are you waiting for them to clinch the title before you decide to care? Enjoy this streak and all the fun that comes with it. As for minutes, we're playing to win games. If we can start blowing teams out, we can get rest that way.

 

[KingSpeed]

Oden's injury took me out of action for a week. Game 7 2000 WCF has fucked me up for life.

And we won a playoff series that year!

 

[magnifier661]

Exactly. The last time I enjoyed the Blazers this much was the 13 game win streak and we didn't even make the playoffs that season. But it was still very enjoyable to me. Another time was the Steve Kerr Blazers who could light I up when they wanted to. The Laker game where people threw the Bill Walton dolls on the court was hilarious and very entertaining. Didn't win a playoff series that year but it was fun. The last time we won a playoff series was 2000 and for most BlaZer fans they consider that the most painful time as a fan. Enjoy the good times while they last guys. Maybe we'll win the title, maybe they won't. Are you waiting for them to clinch the title before you decide to care? Enjoy this streak and all the fun that comes with it. As for minutes, we're playing to win games. If we can start blowing teams out, we can get rest that way.

Amen brother

 

[e_blazer]

4 Blazers starters averaging 34.3, 35.8, 36.9, and 37.4. I didn't do an exhaustive query, but the teams I looked at, like Indy, Miami, OKC, LAC, and SAS do not rely on their starters (4 of them) as much.

The guys on NBA TV mentioned it.

Sprint. Marathon?

It's down from last year, IIRC, but it would be nice if the starters could play a few less minutes. Getting CJ back may help. Hopefully, Robinson will get better as the year goes on.

 

[KingSpeed]

By the way chris, you're one of my favorite posters. My favorite moment in sports in the last ten years was watching Dallas finish off the Lakers in a four game sweep. You wrote a fabulous post after it saying how great it was. I'll never forget how entertained I was.

 

[OneLifeToLive]

Oden's injury took me out of action for a week. Game 7 2000 WCF has fucked me up for life.

Yes, he was a harsh reality.

But he has left a spot in our hearts and minds just for Meyers...The kid needs to come to grips and fill it.