FanPost

Lesson from tonight's game

Portland Trail Blazers roster

Tonight's game against Detriot provided a valuable lesson to the Blazers, that hopefully they will apply in the playoffs.

It was clear what the game plan was for Detroit, coming out of the halftime locker. Be physical with Portland. Push them. Grab them. Do whatever you can physically to stop them from scoring.

And Detroit was very successful in executing this plan. The refs allowed the Pistons to play physical with the Blazers, and the Blazers allowed themselves to be pushed around. That is until Howard decided he'd had enough and pushed back. At that point the refs realized that Portland wasn't going to sit quietly and take Detroit's physicality. So, the refs out of fear of letting the game get out of hand, started calling fouls, which essentially made Detroit back off or risk putting Portland at the line....and consequently, Portland was able to turn the tide back in their favor.

Portland will have to take this same approach in the playoffs, if they are going to be successful. Teams like to play physical in the playoffs. And the refs will let other teams push Portland around, if Portland doesn't push back.