Feb 07

  So let me get this straight; the Blazers beat the Spurs and Bulls with LaMarcus Aldridge having 40 point nights and yet they lose to the Pacers and struggle to beat the Cavaliers? That has never made sense to me. In fact, this is a trend I've noticed about this team for many years, including the Clyde, Terry, Jerome days. It has to do with the team's mindset. They get up for the 'big' games but seem to go through the motions against the less successful teams. So this is what I think needs to happen for this team the rest of the year in order to elevate their playoff position:
 Pretend EVERY team is the Lakers, Spurs, or Bulls. Have Nate tell them every night that they are playing the best team in the league, so don't be cocky in your approach to the game. Play hard, dive after every loose ball, attack the rim like a rock going through a window. Tell them that they are better than you; that way the players will get upset and want to prove the coach wrong. Tell them they don't have a chance and see how they respond. I don't know about you, but if someone tells me that I don't stand a chance to do something, I go out of my way to prove them wrong. I get that chip on my shoulder. That is how the Blazers should approach the game.
  Granted they will have bad nights, but those should be few and far in between. They should make every game a statement game. As the second half of the season takes full effect the separation between haves and the have-nots will be noticeable. Let's hope the Blazers HAVE it.