Barrett and Rice are indisputable homers. I actually like that about them. Tonight, though, I thought they crossed the line when they implied early on that the Blazers were playing poorly because of Maurice Lucas' death. 

The Blazers lost this game tonight because Chicago pounded them on the boards early, and they repeatedly left Luol Deng open for jumpers. There are games where the Blazers lose because the other team outplays them. Barrett and Rice seem to be on a mission in every loss to explain how some outside force has caused the game to turn out that way. The officials are consistent targets, as are late flights, turbulent flights, and whatever else they can concoct. I realize the Blazers cut their checks, but there is no disgrace in honest analysis.

Choosing to cite Lucas' passing as a reason for the poor play was in poor taste. Mo deserves better than to be used as a scapegoat for an outmatched Blazer team. Stop pointing the finger elsewhere, Barrett and Rice. Show some integrity, and call out the team that gave up 60% shooting, not the guy that just passed away.