Although one might argue that any observation from this game must be conservatively and subjectively  dampened down due to the "Wizards factor", it was apparent from the very start that Portland had a high energy level. I wasn't at the practice facility the last few days, but I guarantee that Nate challenged their manhood when it comes to defense. Don't think that Brandon hasn't heard about people speculating that he basically has been "taking time off" on the defensive end..(actually, that is true, and with the possible exception of JB, I believe the whole team has been basically lazy on defense). Tonight the Blazers were SO focused on locking down the Wizards on D that for the 1st half they had a hard time thinking offensively! Then they just let the game come to them in the 2nd half. Think Nate hasn't been hearing people criticizing him for seemingly ALWAYS having defenders switch on the Pick and Roll? Didn't see much of that tonight, and thank goodness! The extra step the ballhandler gets going towards the basket doesn't seem like such an advantage when you see Greg or Joel waiting there. Help defense was also extra alert tonight. Lets hope that this starts a new trend where we really do only switch on the P&R in, as Nate would say, "an emergency." This will keep Greg in the game, and we all are starting to see that this is indeed, a good thing! Kudos to Sergio for a very solid game on both sides of the ball. And lastly, a Shout out to Dwight Jaynes for bringing the P&R discussion to the table and telling it like it is. .. "with all due respect, Sir, that aint workin!!"