Will refs let Oden be physical in playoffs?

by Steve The Hedge on Mar 22, 2009 10:48 AM PDT

It's a cliche saying that the playoffs are a different season. Teams step up their games to a new level of intensity with the finish line to the marathon in sight. Physical play is the standard and not the exception, which raises a couple questions:

1. Will the refs be more lax when calling touch fouls on Oden come playoff time?

2. Have the Blazers, as a team, earned enough "toughness credit" from the refs to get neutral rather than unfavorable calls?

I'd hope to see Oden make a positive impact in the playoffs, a part of the season he was brought in to effect. Guard play can get you to the playoffs, but solid post play wins games once you're there. If Oden is able to play without fearing the whistles, we could see the dominant center combination that we glimpsed during the regular season.

I believe the Blazers have developed a bit of demonstratable toughness since the All-Star break. Senior NBA official Dick Bavetta was reffing the LA game where the Blazers as a team made a stand against the evil empire. I believe that we earned a bit of respect from him in how we handled that, and that such respect will spread and pay dividends come playoff time. I don't think we'll see any star treatment, but I think we'll see fewer obvious bad calls.

Poll

Will refs lighten up on Oden's touch fouls?

Yes

57 votes

No

82 votes

139 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

Will he be foul prone?

Imo, part of Greg’s problem in the last two games is being out of shape, and protecting his knee which makes him slow on his feet. I don’t think the refs will be easier on him because he hasn’t earned his stripes yet.

Although at home he gets less fouls called on him. IMO, if he learns to play on the road in the next 25 days he will be alright.

bbk

by BBK on Mar 22, 2009 11:00 AM PDT reply actions

In Shape and Out of Sync, but not to fret too much...

Both of these go hand in hand… It is hard that:
1.) Oden is back from missing 15 games, which is significant to a rookie
2.) Greg is a rookie and has had Rhythm and timing issues on and off all season
3.) Any player back from an injury is going to have some timidness about their rehabed injury

Oden will get his wind back and get into Rhythm probably right at the last few games of the season and be primed to play hard and well during the playoffs. Go big G.O.!!!

by Portland Dynasty on Mar 22, 2009 2:28 PM PDT up reply actions

Chest Bump

by Portland Dynasty on Mar 22, 2009 2:28 PM PDT up reply actions

Stare Down...

by Portland Dynasty on Mar 22, 2009 2:29 PM PDT up reply actions

High Five

The Blazers will play beautiful basketball.

Brandon will shoot the lights out. Blake will run and LMA will finish strong at the hoop. Bayless will play because we’ll be so far ahead in the 4th quarter, giving all the Jerryd fans something to smile about.

But wait, that’s not all. Rudy will go 5 of 5 from distance. Batum will posterize someone. And Channing will NOT lead the team in points.

qoute from ofred

by Kingzilla on Mar 22, 2009 4:57 PM PDT up reply actions

Fist Pump

by Norsktroll on Mar 22, 2009 6:31 PM PDT up reply actions

Shirt Tug

by Norsktroll on Mar 22, 2009 6:31 PM PDT up reply actions

^ bingo

Greg is just out of shape. He has never been in game shape. Injuries and fouls come when you aren’t in the physical condition needed. This is unlikely to change this season, or in this post season.

by ItsMrHarris2u on Mar 22, 2009 11:26 AM PDT reply actions