You just never know with these Blazers

by mjm6783 on Nov 14, 2009 7:31 PM PST

It may be an unpopular question. Especially amidst the excitement after the Blazers go 4-0 on the road. But I feel it needs to be asked, and is being asked subtly in many of the comments made here. That question is, "Can the Blazers play consistently enough to beat the best teams in the league on a regular basis?" If I try and set my rabid Portland bias aside, I am left unable to answer that question with any thing except "It remains to be seen."

There just haven't been enough games against the best teams in the league. But more importantly, the Blazers have shown weakness against some of the worst teams in the league. The fact that your opponent fails to capitalize on your mistakes diminishes only their short term impact. Better teams will punish you for cold shooting, silly turnovers, and against the clock, stagnant offense.

On the other hand, there is a lot of what the Blazers do on both the offensive and defensive end of the floor that can't be easily dealt with, by any team. Roy, Oden, and Aldridge can now legitimately warrant a double team, every time they touch the ball. Not to mention the number of blocks, offensive boards, and WIDE open jumpers we have been getting. Maybe we just got a lucky schedule, our struggles became victories because of weak opponents, and now we're ready to play even better than before.

The Outlaw injury hurts, can't be denied. But every other injury in the last few years has opened up the door for others to develop. It's one of the benefits of a deep team. As long as the big 3 are okay we should be fine.

Poll

Can the Blazers play consistently enough to beat the best teams in the league on a regular basis?

Of course they can, they can do anything. Go Blazers!

41 votes

Remains to be seen.

55 votes

Not yet, but soon.

18 votes

Free Bayless. Huh? what was the question?

17 votes

131 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

There's a progression in team development...

Some new things the Blazers are showing this year:

1. Not only capable of winning games on the road, they are also handling their business. Winning 4 road games in 5 nights is no small feat in the NBA no matter who you play.

2. The light for Oden has definitely come on. He is demonstrating why he was the #1 pick both with his defense and now dominating on offense. He’ll get his foul stuff figured out soon enough, but the talent is definitely still there which is really exciting to see.

Does this translate into challenging elite teams yet on a regular basis? Probably not. But the team has to go through these intermediary steps before they can challenge for title contender status. Let’s enjoy the ride!

by BootStrapper on Nov 14, 2009 7:45 PM PST reply actions

Couldn't agree more. LOVE to see the Blazers "handling their business."

The real contenders don’t lose to scrubs, the end. This years squad has done a great job going at inferior teams and winning—even when the shots aren’t falling, the refs aren’t helpful, or the ball is old and grimy.

THAT is a good sign.

Now what will happen when the Blazers face the other contenders? We just don’t know yet. Looking forward to seeing how it works out, though!

by Marvin100 on Nov 14, 2009 7:52 PM PST up reply actions

"It remains to be seen."

"And in the end
The love you take
Is equal to the love you make." -The Beatles

by 92wastheyear on Nov 14, 2009 8:15 PM PST reply actions

free bayless

by lurtsman on Nov 14, 2009 8:53 PM PST reply actions

Sure, the Blazers are playing bad teams.

But they’re beating them exactly by the margins you would want. Our Point Differential is the Second highest in the NBA, ahead of the Lakers, Magic, Cavaliers, Nuggets, Hawks and Suns. Perhaps it should be, but this is also a sign that we’re pretty alright in that department.

That said, it’s looked pretty ugly on the floor, but we seem to be winning those ugly games, so it’s hard to complain too much right now.

πάτερ, ἄφες αὐτοῖς, οὐ γὰρ οἴδασιν τί ποιοῦσιν.

Blazersedge.com || New to Blazers' Edge?

by T Darkstar on Nov 14, 2009 8:54 PM PST reply actions

hard to say

the last 5 wins haven’t exactly been the measuring sticks of the NBA. Would like to see how we fare against Atlanta (8-2) before jumping to any conclusions.

Dogs have Owners, Cats have Staff.

by bow4meow on Nov 14, 2009 10:28 PM PST reply actions

Let's not jump the other way of they lose to the Hawks

It seems like a prime “let down” game to me. Sure they have reasons to come out and play hard but they may be a bit out of gas and a bit out of sorts if Bayless and Outlaw are not available. It might be hard to overcome the “4-1 is a great trip” thoughts also. Here’s to not too high, not too low conclusions.

PTB Liberation Day - 2/10/04

by tssbro on Nov 14, 2009 11:16 PM PST up reply actions

Correct

This is the kind of game that everyone loses. A road game against a team that is 8-2. The best team in the league will lose that game more times than they win it.

"Woulda, Coulda, Mighta and Shoulda – the Four Horsemen of the Procrastocalypse" - Red-5

by jscot on Nov 16, 2009 12:20 AM PST up reply actions

it wouldn't have to be a let down game

to be a loss. the hawks are a very good team. the blazers will be playing their 5th game in 7 nights ( i think ) and will be without one of their key rotation guys for the first time in forever.

it will be a victory to stay within 10 points i think.

everyone should be thrilled with a 4 and 1 road trip. the teams may have been bad but you can only play the schedule you’re given.

by colinmarsh on Nov 14, 2009 11:57 PM PST reply actions