Okay...I Can Die Happy This Season.

by prodigalfan on Apr 28, 2009 11:40 PM PDT

As I sit here and drool over the win tonight contemplating when it is I'm going to change my drawers from wetting them, I am thinking to myself, "Self, I've seen enough to be satisfied with whatever happens this season." I'm not done watching Blazer basketball mind you. I'm just okay with whatever happens now. This young team has shown me what I needed to see. I mean, the pipedream can go ahead and just continue on into the NBA Finals, but at some point you have to say, "They did it. They achieved the expectations I had for them." Tonight was that point for me.

Going into the season I:

1) Wondered how 4 new rookies would fit into last year's over-achievemnt. Would they mesh or would all the new chemistry screw with my dreams? It didn't like long for me to see that Nic was hot stuff, Rudy shot Euro-style, Oden, while somewhat under-whelming offensively is VERY gifted at least on the defensive end, and Bayless showed glimpses of greatness courtesy of New Jersey.

2) Wondered how the first 4 or 5 game losing streak would screw with the team's psyche. Well, no big losing streaks. Yippee! But more than that, the only reason we went 41-41 last year was by way of a 13-game bender in the dead of winter last year. This team won a ton of games without the benefit of any huge streaks one way or another. They were stringing together 2, 3, and 4 game win streaks all season long. That has "PLAYOFF TEAM" written all over it.

3) Wondered if this team could close a season. Without all the veteran jibber jabber that the talking heads on TNT want to make love to, would this team fold down the stretch? Um, Hell no. This team closed the season by going 9-1 and slamming their way into the Playoffs. Again, something you want to see.

4) Wondered if they could do much better than the 7 or 8 seed. Um...well, home court in the mighty Western Conference speaks very highly of these young Blazers.

5) Wondered if/when they made the dance, would they bow to the pressure of the big game and Playoffs? I didn't want them to get swept. I wanted them to at least make a showing. And, it looked as if that would be the case. After game 1, I was pretty sure I could live with this season, but thought "I just wish the season could end differently." And now...it has. They have fought and fought hard. They have made every other game close. A few plays here or there, and they would have been up 3-2 for all I know.

And now here we are. Heading to Houston for a Game 6. After getting clobbered in game one, after losing 2 in Houston over the weekend in maddening fashion (not because of the refs, just because the games were so close), and after the excuses started mounting (Refs, LA's Ankle, Roy's Flu, etc) the Blazers showed how much they cared about going out with everything out on the court.

So, should the season end in Houston...I'll have seen enough out of this team to know they have achieved more than just my goals for them this season. I know, who am I to set goals for them? We all do (and did). As for me, they are heading into next year having made more than the strides I expected. They should be proud. They have played hard. They have grown tremendously. They have represented this city well. They have filled the Rose City with Blazermania again. Job well done.

To the Blazers:

The pressure is off now. You have placed it squarely back on the Rockets. They are the Vets. They didn't want to play another game. They wanted you to roll over and hand them a ticket to the 2nd round. Not so fast.

Now, go win game 6. Keep the dream alive.

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Comments

I wanted to rec this

but I just can’t. Don’t get me wrong. I’ve been in full on “as long as we make the playoffs, I’m happy” mode all year and have no intention of waffling on that, but I just can’t support any kind of “OK, we’re far enough” mentality while there is basketball left to be played.

by Gargen on Apr 28, 2009 11:58 PM PDT reply actions

Which is why I said...

I’m not done watching this team. I get that. I’m just saying that at some point you have to agree to allow the team meet some expectations. They have. I’m not done. I’m not “okay” with just going out and rolling over.

by prodigalfan on Apr 29, 2009 12:19 AM PDT up reply actions

I don't think prodigalfan will be playing Thursday...

He can relax a little. I will still be throwing popcorn at Von Wafer’s face everytime I see it on screen (who would think that he would become so irritating? He really needed to be on the Lakers or Nuggets – perfect fit)

"its tough to play with one eye, unless you're a pirate." Delonte West
"una canasta a Pau en la cara" Rudy

by Honka Playboy on Apr 29, 2009 2:41 PM PDT up reply actions

Actually, Von Wafer was drafted by the Lakers, and he spent the majority of last season on the Nuggets . . . I'm sure you're not surprised by this news.

The Dude abides

by noaher on Apr 29, 2009 3:37 PM PDT up reply actions

I didn't feel contempt for then, or when he was with us

in his limited court time, was he spazzing out in PDX ever?

"its tough to play with one eye, unless you're a pirate." Delonte West
"una canasta a Pau en la cara" Rudy

by Honka Playboy on Apr 29, 2009 7:40 PM PDT up reply actions

I won't be relaxed...

I stood basically for the entire game last night. No…I wasn’t at the game. I was in my living room.

Doesn’t everyone do this? Pump the fists, scream out loud, yell “YES!”, or accidentally hit the ceiling fan with their arms?

by prodigalfan on Apr 29, 2009 3:42 PM PDT up reply actions

Some of us do

and some of us jump out of our chairs at Buffalo Wild Wings and high five people we’ve never met before. Blazermania is a state of being, a sensation that sweeps though us like a spirit.

by KraigEriginal on Apr 29, 2009 3:46 PM PDT up reply actions

you can replace your ceiling fan at Home Depot.

The only good things happening on Wall Street are the dogs that piss on it daily.

by vavoom on Apr 29, 2009 10:35 PM PDT up reply actions

lol

My cat runs from the room the minute she hears the opening trumpets on the TV…

Rudy!!!!!

by blazergrl on Apr 30, 2009 7:55 AM PDT up reply actions

All day

I was thinking I would be really happy and this would be an easy summer if the Blazers could win this game, but now I want more. I want this series.

Life is exhausting when you are this stupid.

by jonestr on Apr 29, 2009 12:00 AM PDT reply actions

absolutely

and I think we have a heckuva chance :)

"Death is not final," Gita says. "If any man thinks that he slays, and if another thinks that he is slain, neither knows the truth. The Eternal in man cannot kill: the Eternal in man cannot die. The soul in man is neither born nor does it die. Weapons cannot cut it; fire cannot burn it; water cannot drown it.

The Bhagavad Gita

by Idog1976 on Apr 29, 2009 12:01 AM PDT up reply actions

Fantastic post

I agree with Gargen though. Blazers in 7. This was my prediction after game 1.

The Bhagavad Gita

by Idog1976 on Apr 29, 2009 12:00 AM PDT reply actions

my prediction after game 1

was Rockets in 2 as there would be some sort of mercy rule instituted.

Life is exhausting when you are this stupid.

by jonestr on Apr 29, 2009 12:17 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs

I'm really excited for game 6

If the Blazers can win in Houston (it will be tough, the Rockets are going to throw it all at us), it would be very hard to see the Rockets coming into Portland and winning game 7. One more big game coming up for now.

by KitIsh on Apr 29, 2009 12:10 AM PDT reply actions

Rec -- Blazers FTW!

My personal dream is to see this new Blazers team oust the Leakers!

Then Kobe blows their team up with his uber-cancer, trying to land in Orlando or somewhere sick.

The Leakers then drip through a decade of mediocrity that sees Phil Jackson retire and our foes in the lottery.

That is my dream and I am sticking to it!

But this year??? Bonus!

by LaoTzu on Apr 29, 2009 12:39 AM PDT reply actions

"Be careful what you water your dreams with.

Water them with worry and fear and you will produce weeds that choke the life from your dream. Water them with optimism and solutions and you will cultivate success. Always be on the lookout for ways to turn a problem into an opportunity for success. Always be on the lookout for ways to nurture your dream."

Lao Tzu
6th Century BCE

"The match in Los Angeles is a good opportunity to begin to demonstrate that we want to make war." Rudy Fernández (translated)

by G_dubs on Apr 29, 2009 3:57 AM PDT up reply actions 3 recs

one rec for you

one rec for Lao Tzu – Elgin

Tonight felt like the day you open the mail and receive an acceptance letter to your dream school: the University of Playoffs. - Ben Golliver, Apr 15 2009

by 22baylor on Apr 29, 2009 11:16 AM PDT up reply actions

-1

Lao Tzu stole that quote from Nate McMillan. Pay your homage to Coach, for he is wise.

by T$ 225 on Apr 29, 2009 11:50 AM PDT up reply actions

Beautiful quote

from one of the ancient enlightened masters. Thank you for posting this G-Dubs. Also “IRONY” lol.

p.s. When I say +1 I mean it and hit the Rec button under actions.

The Bhagavad Gita

by Idog1976 on Apr 29, 2009 12:47 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs

as do I

the one true Rec. – Elgin

Tonight felt like the day you open the mail and receive an acceptance letter to your dream school: the University of Playoffs. - Ben Golliver, Apr 15 2009

by 22baylor on Apr 29, 2009 2:25 PM PDT up reply actions

I totally agree with this post

you know, at the start of the season i thought the blazers could make the playoffs in possibly a 6-8 seed, and then be totally overmatched in the playoffs but never the less gain some experience while being eliminated in the first round.

but they have been much much more than that.

in fact the whole season and now the playoffs have been such engrossing watching for blazers fans that we know the blazers can match it with anyone in the league, and that they have a good chance in a 7 game series against anyone.

by Yawnie on Apr 29, 2009 1:12 AM PDT reply actions

I agree 100%

I also agree that I am not done watching the games for this postseason. There is no “Ok, we did great, it’s fine if we lose”

This series has been a rollercoaster, but, above all else, it’s been amazing to see the Blazers learn and evolve right before my eyes. From game 1 where they were deer in the headlights, to game 2 where they rode the atmosphere in the rose garden to victory, to game 3 where they found out what it was like to play an incredibly good team in their own town, to game 4 where they found out what you have to do to close out a playoff game when it comes down to it, to game 5 where everything seemed to click.

As long as we don’t get completely and utterly blown out in game 6, 7, or even later on in the playoffs, I am a happy man. This post season has been just a rush.

I was dreading the rocket’s first round and cursing our incredible luck to get them at getting them (Only because Houston blew a double digit halftime lead and the spurs won a game where they were behind in on the only day in the season it really mattered!). I thought that we were screwed. But looking back, this was the luckiest team we could have possibly faced. Getting to the second round easily would have been a travesty that taught us nothing.

Being a quality team, being a playoff team, trying to become a dynasty is not about what round you make it to in the playoffs, it is all about overcoming teams that have advantages over your own. By getting Houston in the first round we have a bundle of hard lessons given to us earlier rather than later. Instead of doing well on luck, we stand a chance to grow, win or lose.

by TheGreatMon on Apr 29, 2009 1:44 AM PDT reply actions 3 recs

Rec'd

For the last two paragraphs. Spot on there.

by portlandpete on Apr 29, 2009 10:55 AM PDT up reply actions

I would have said the same before the season

Now I want the next win and the next win since this Houston team while maybe the toughest draw for us in the first round seemed very beatable when the young Blazers play to their abilities. And I don’t want to die, even if we beat the Lakers.

by Norsktroll on Apr 29, 2009 4:30 AM PDT reply actions

I dream'd this post all night

Nice.

The Oden Era, Day 678

by Heymoe on Apr 29, 2009 7:06 AM PDT reply actions

I am with you..

Rec

by Roadblazer on Apr 29, 2009 8:03 AM PDT reply actions

it's easy...

Game 6 = Game 7.

If houston loses game 6, they know they are done.

"Awesome! Totally awesome! All right, Hamilton!"

by Slickrex on Apr 29, 2009 8:03 AM PDT reply actions

Just no 4th Qrt MELTDOWN

and keep rudy in, when its CRUNCH TIME.

"Awesome! Totally awesome! All right, Hamilton!"

by Slickrex on Apr 29, 2009 8:08 AM PDT reply actions

I may be a n00b, but here's what's up

Apparently we had similar expectations, dreams about this season. Except I was confident all along they could get the 4 seed. I saw pre-season that they should be in the hunt for 5 seed just playing like they showed they could last year.

Who knew that they’d have a backup rookie center who developed his game and became an integral part of the team? Who knew they’d have a (albeit streaky) Spanish swingman who had the same cold-bloodedness of Joel and Steve, and the unconsciousness of Brandon and Travis to knock down potential game-winners?

Who knew that Nate would instill the will to win (if it wasn’t there from birth) the games they were supposed to lose? Young teams DO NOT come back from 5 down, let along 18, 19, 20 down in the 2nd half…. Read More

My expectations were met around the all-star break, to be honest. My dreams rest on the next couple games. I never imagined a playoff series victory because I didn’t think they could carry the swagger into the unknown postseason jungle.

by KraigEriginal on Apr 29, 2009 8:24 AM PDT reply actions

good post

I had the same feeling last night. Of course we want them to keep going, but was just so relieved to see one more victory, to see them overcome all that momentum Houston had and get the home crowd that amazing victory. It was what I needed to feel that the season ended well. We were not one of the teams that went 0-4 or 1-4. It seems a lot better to win at least two.
Now I hope they just play loose and with no pressure and have fun, that could get them the series. I could see Houston being tight and blowing it.
I also think that the fact that the L*kers finished their series really made Houston want to finish us off. I know people on their blog were talking about their hope that the rockets would finish first and be better rested for the next series. They wanted it bad last night so that the L*kers didn’t get that extra recovery time. Too bad. Love this Blazer team, they are amazing and I cannot wait for the next game, and the next year. Go Blazers, Rock the Rockets into dust on Thursday!

by twggyy on Apr 29, 2009 8:34 AM PDT reply actions

You took the words right out of my mouth.

Can I have them back please? ;-)

by antediluvian on Apr 29, 2009 9:03 AM PDT reply actions

Exactly my feelings

It’s all gravy from here…

by levelhed on Apr 29, 2009 9:12 AM PDT reply actions

Off topic: Is anyone listening to Coach K (Duke) on the Jim Rome show?

I dont get the “greatest coach in the world” vibe from him at all.

by TrentEdwardsHoF2018 on Apr 29, 2009 9:39 AM PDT reply actions

I missed it

What does that vibe sound like? I mean, in your opinion, who does have it?

by T$ 225 on Apr 29, 2009 11:53 AM PDT up reply actions

I also didn't catch it

I don’t claim to know Coach K, but have met him twice briefly (he also does trainings with non-sport people). He might not be not the most brilliant X and O coach in my opinion and has transcended himself a bit, but a good strong leader who can get the best out of the players he has (presumably his early army background also contributes to that). He can create unity, a team that works towards a common goal and puts individual desires on the back burner. That goes a long way, and his pretty consistent track record of successes shows it.

by Norsktroll on Apr 29, 2009 12:50 PM PDT up reply actions