Rob Mahoney of the New York Times Off The Dribble Blog looks at Portland Trail Blazers forward Gerald Wallace... ------------------------------ A change of scenery has made all the difference. The deadline deal that sent Wallace from the water-treading Bobcats to a legitimate playoff club has seemingly re-energized him, as he has been spectacularly productive and efficient as a Portland Trail Blazer. But Wallace’s stylistic return to form has been just as palpable. Sunday’s game provides a convenient example. Although he picked up just a single steal and block in 45 minutes, he attacked Kevin Durant on defense. Wallace held one of the league’s most productive scorers to 5-of-18 shooting and almost single-handedly prevented him from making a field goal in the game’s final 28 minutes. When at his best, Wallace’s defense is its own offense. It’s not merely smothering or limiting, but a pointed assault on a given target. Wallace locked in and destroyed Sunday, even if his team was narrowly defeated. ------------------------------ ed: bumped to front page