The "monkey off our back"

[julius]

I think certain teams have to win certain games to 'arrive', usually road games. Back in the early 2000's, the Kings were an up and coming team. But everytime they'd play Portland, they'd lose. Once they beat Portland (in Sacramento) that said to me that the Kings were turning the corner. They beat a team that had a spell over them.

The Blazers have shown they can win in Utah (although not this year) and Denver (again, not this year), but they need to beat certain teams to show they're a true contender. What teams does Portland have to beat to turn the corner for you?

For me the teams that signify the Blazers have reached that point, are San Antonio, Phoenix and the Lakers. Each of those 3 teams have some kind of hex on us on the road (and until recently, San Antonio and the Suns had a hex in Portland too). Because they're already done playing the Lakers and Phoenix on the road, their only chance this year is to beat the Spurs in San Antonio. We have two chances for that next month and then in April.

If they can beat those guys on the road, it's a "contender" type team. If they can't (and although the Spurs are still really good, Phoenix and San Antonio aren't the top notch teams they used to be), they're just a pretender to the throne.

* I forgot to add New Orleans to the list*

 

[B-Roy]

Cavs?

 

[<-=*PdX*=->]

Umm, I was there at the home opener when we beat SAN ANTONIO. SA, check. PhX, check. Bos, check. LAL, in progress.

 

[BlazerBeliever]

Umm, I was there at the home opener when we beat SAN ANTONIO. SA, check. PhX, check. Bos, check. LAL, in progress.

Those were home wins. He is talking winning on the road. I agree with him. We need to win some road games against good teams.

 

[Natebishop3]

Well, we aren't going to win in LAL this season... unless it's the playoffs

 

[julius]

Umm, I was there at the home opener when we beat SAN ANTONIO. SA, check. PhX, check. Bos, check. LAL, in progress.

I said road games.

 

[MARIS61]

What teams does Portland have to beat to turn the corner for you?

I don't agree with your premise that there are certain games or teams which mean more than others. In this league anyone can beat anyone on any given night.

It's obvious to me they have already turned the corner, and will make the playoffs.

Then they just have to beat whoever they face in the playoffs, and I don't see them having too much trouble with any team, as long as they don't kill their chemistry with some retarded mid-season trade for a "vet".

Bake it!

 

[MIXUM]

the problem is....you cant have 2 starters who average less then 5 points.

 

[julius]

the problem is....you cant have 2 starters who average less then 5 points.

I collect unsharpened pencils.

Oh wait, you weren't making random comments that have nothing to do with the subject at all? Sorry, I misunderstood you.

 

[bigbailes]

also you used the example of sacramento beating portland at home as them arriving but we have to beat a team on the road? not sure i agree but some big road wins would be nice, i don't care who they come against.

 

[roydezlaw]

I think certain teams have to win certain games to 'arrive', usually road games. Back in the early 2000's, the Kings were an up and coming team. But everytime they'd play Portland, they'd lose. Once they beat Portland (in Sacramento) that said to me that the Kings were turning the corner. They beat a team that had a spell over them.

The Blazers have shown they can win in Utah (although not this year) and Denver (again, not this year), but they need to beat certain teams to show they're a true contender. What teams does Portland have to beat to turn the corner for you?

For me the teams that signify the Blazers have reached that point, are San Antonio, Phoenix and the Lakers. Each of those 3 teams have some kind of hex on us on the road (and until recently, San Antonio and the Suns had a hex in Portland too). Because they're already done playing the Lakers and Phoenix on the road, their only chance this year is to beat the Spurs in San Antonio. We have two chances for that next month and then in April.

If they can beat those guys on the road, it's a "contender" type team. If they can't (and although the Spurs are still really good, Phoenix and San Antonio aren't the top notch teams they used to be), they're just a pretender to the throne.

* I forgot to add New Orleans to the list*

I think you are underestimating the Spurs. They were a .500 team without Ginobili and .758 with him. I think they are still an elite team.

Do you have the Lakers going to the finals unopposed?

I guess Greg, Brandon and LaMarcus will have to step it up so the Lakers don't have a cakewalk to another ass whooping in the finals.

 

[julius]

I think you are underestimating the Spurs. They were a .500 team without Ginobili and .758 with him. I think they are still an elite team.

Do you have the Lakers going to the finals unopposed?

I guess Greg, Brandon and LaMarcus will have to step it up so the Lakers don't have a cakewalk to another ass whooping in the finals.

I probably am.