A couple of thoughts on the Rudy foul...

This is a fast game, and defensive players have very little time to react to what offensive players throw at them. No one but Ariza will ever know what his "intent" was. I, for one, will give him the benefit of the doubt (despite the fact that he's a L*ker) and say he was probably just trying to prevent his team from being embarassed. We would want our own guys to try hard, even when down by a seemingly insurmountable margin.

However, in baseball, if a player gets beaned (regardless of intent) it is understood that the next pitcher on the mound for the team that took the hit, will, at some point seek revenge.

I have heard it said before that these Blazers are soft, which I do not agree with, but after Odom's foul on Roy last year and now this incident with Rudy, I kind of wish that we would "protect the rim" in a way that sends a message to these Lakers that we are here to stay, and in the future these kinds of fouls won't fly.

I know... i am conflicted!! In one paragraph I am almost defending Ariza and then I am crying for blood.

What do you all think?