Apr 26

def: A term used in sports to describe when the ball has become available for possession by either opponent after an attempt to put the ball into the goal has been unsuccessful

For the Blazers playing last night in Dallas, offensive second chances were few and far between. Defensive boards were just as scant despite being slightly more prevalent. Sports shows, blogs and other commentators are repeating the same hook regarding the Mavericks v. Blazers Game 5 result, "rebounds make the difference in a game."

Yes. The obvious has been clearly defined once again. What is being glanced over are other meanings of the word "rebound" which the Blazers are also considering.

def: A reaction to a crisis or setback or frustration

The guys have come home knowing that after Thursday evening two options are before them; they will either be 1) making one more trip to Dallas or, 2) staying in Portland upon the conclusion of the season.

Which of these options do you think they're considering most desirable?

Upon tip-off, there's no question as to the intensity that will be felt by those in attendance and among the viewership. Especially the passion from the fans and Blazers themselves. "The pressure's on Portland" is the common sentiment by the Blazer's critics and supporters alike.

That's good, because there must be a return to that condition of urgency the team displayed in Game 3 and late in Game 4. It is the primary need to force a Game 7.

def: To rally: return to a former condition

After last night's loss in Dallas, Patty Mills fired up his Twitter account and sent out a call for a White Out in the Rose Garden.

"RG done a red out against Houston two years ago and we lost. Plus we will be wearing white so we gotta stick together #FANmily #RGwhiteout"

If that doesn't define a "rally", then it's time to reconsider the need for dictionaries.

As a team and a fan base we can stand together on Thursday and rebound, or we can fall together and begin another type of rebounding.

def: A return to health or well-being; a recovery

A loss Thursday night ends this season. Simple as that. It also provides a - welcomed or not - respite for a team that has been decimated by injuries. This season has also witnessed the most stalwart fans waver, something that ebbs from time to time. An end to the season this week would allow new members to become more entrenched in the community and for all loyal to Portland to reflect on just what has been accomplished in the past year.

But it is doubtful that any one of the players, coaches or staff members will qualify a loss on Thursday as a possibility. Coach McMillan clearly defined Game 6's importance while speaking from the post-game podium in Dallas on Monday, "We're still alive."

Their focus is properly fixed upon Thursday night, so that leaves us - as commentators and fans alike - free to muster up any number of possibilities.

I for one can only consider what a loss on Thursday or Saturday or some time in the near future would mean for our team, in terms of needing to rebound.

def: To jump up or get back up again

See also : Uprise