Oracle Meltdown Part 10: Eyewitness Observations Via a Bitter and Sarcastic Rant...... Wait what?

As I sat stewing in my seat late in the 3rd quarter while the group of Blazer fans (including the guy with the face paint) across from me continued with their "Let's Go Blazers!" chant, I already had the fanpost written in my mind.  I was going to write about how, yet again, I hopped on the BART and went down to Oracle only to see the Blazers outcoached, outhustled, out executed and outplayed by Monta Ellis, Stephen Curry, Corey Maggette, Anthony Morrow and a bunch of D-Leaguers.  

It was going to be bitter and sarcastic and depressing, even for me.  Hey guys, anyone want to run back on defense?  Anyone want to get a hand up on Morrow (I hear he's a shooter)?  Hey Nic, what are you doing out there-- did you really just follow up a turnover by turning your head and allowing a layup?  LaMarcus, are you really going to let Maggette completely dominate this matchup AGAIN? Brandon, enough of the "heeeeey" followed by not running back on D. Hey Nate, maybe give Dante some run-- you know, they guy who can defend on the perimeter and bring some energy-- instead of Juwan Howard who is just completely overmatched on D?  

At least Roy was playing a great offensive game, keeping the Blazers somewhat in the game.  When Rudy Fernandez hit the 3 at the end of the 3rd to cut the lead to 96-83, I'm sure a number of Blazers fans thought it was the turning point.  I'm sure it won't surprise any of you that I wasn't one of them.

The 4th quarter was bizarre.   The Blazers did play pretty good D, but the Warriors missed a ton of good looks.  There were audible groans in the arena every time Morrow or Curry missed a good look at a 3, or Ellis missed one of his stepbacks.  Meanwhile, the Warriors weren't going to let Roy get the ball easily and he was content to set up his teammates down the stretch.  You know the rest.  I won't bother doing Dave's job and recap the game.  I will say that I didn't feel good about the game until Monta fouled out to put Miller on the line with Portland up 1.  The crowd did not like that call, at all.  I still had faith in Portland's ability to blow it after Curry pulled them within 108-105.  This time, though, there would be no repeat of the Memphis game or any of Portland's other late game meltdowns.

It felt strange to be standing and applauding a Blazer win after I spent the first 3+ quarters stewing about yet another Oracle meltdown, but I liked it.  I do have to say, it was a pretty well executed comeback.  The Blazers are a good team, there's no doubting that, and fun to watch when they are in form.  Maybe next time we can actually play like we care for 2 full quarters and win comfortably?  

Nah, who am I kidding.