FanPost

Lack of aggressiveness? 'Tone? Anyone?

I will qualify these statements by saying yes, I am a proud homer. I believe my team never fouls and the other team always fouls. Not ashamed to admit it and if you call me that, I wear the moniker with honor.

But, seriously… I am frustrated by the argument that the Blazers’ lack of aggressiveness is causing them to lose games. I can’t even listen to the Fifth Quarter anymore because of Antonio’s love affair with blaming the losses on the Blazers not attacking the rim. I don’t understand why he defends the refs with the passion he does. It actually borders on rude how he deals with callers who voice their opinions. Maybe it’s the L*ker coming out in him. With each game he has become more and more indignant of Blazer nation and refuses to admit that, yes, the officiating MAY have had some impact on this series.

Yes, I understand that there were some bonehead plays at the end of games 3 and 4. Yes, I understand that sometimes the refs missed some calls on the both ends. Yes, I understand that a lot of our normal shots aren’t falling. I get all of that. What I don’t get is the argument of many, including our dear Mr. Harvey, saying that the reason for the disparity is somehow due to lack of aggressiveness in the lane.

If the Blazers weren’t relying so heavily on the jumpers we’d get more calls. OK then, I offer this and wonder how these stats contribute to that argument.  Especially, please to explain the theory for game 1, the lone blowout.

All stats:  (HOU/POR)

Game 1:

Points in the paint - 32/50      Fast break points – 5/5      Fouls – 21/23

Game 2:

PIP – 28/40      FBP – 9/8      Fouls – 28/26

Game 3:

PIP – 40/30      FBP – 9/9      Fouls – 16/25

 Game 4:

PIP – 32/28      FBP – 3/9      Fouls – 18/27

Source: NBA.com