The month of March had been a very good one for the Portland Trail Blazers. The Blazers have won 11 of 13 games and are climbing in the playoff race. Heading into the 2009-2010 season, there were great expectations and inspiration for the Championship. If you look beyond Brandon Roy’s right hamstring, Greg Oden and Joel Przybilla’s knee injury, the Portland Trail Blazers are where they’d like to be. Especially coming out of eighth place will ensure the Blazers don’t have to play the Los Angeles Lakers. Even you, the Lakers, are having a really hard time in the Pacific Northwest. I know a lot of people in Portland feel like we have an excellent shot at the sun boys. Let’s take a look at why Phil Jackson hates Portland weather and raincoats.
First, Ron Artest is known for playing excellent defense. Ron has the attitude that he can stop anyone he plays against. But during the playoffs with Houston last year, Brandon Roy averaged more than 27 points per game against Mr. Defense. To illustrate this point, Ron commented that Brandon Roy was the best player he ever faced. And that includes LeBron and Kobe. Artest can play a very tight defense, but Roy was a stronger and faster step. The most important key to Brandon’s success against Artest is his ability to fight screens and become aggressive. Also, footwork is really important when playing against tactile defense players like Artest. Portland would definitely have to put the ball in Roy’s hands for Artest to work harder. So the advantage would be for the Blazers.
Second, Portland Trail Blazer fans are the best in the NBA. This season is the 40th anniversary of the Blazers, and Rip City is back! There has been a tribute throughout the season to past players and community leaders. Blazer fans are ready to wear red, black and silver. The Rose Garden is the loudest and craziest place in the world. The Blazers have been sold for 3 straight seasons and are set to start another straight 21 playoff run. In the past, Phil Jackson had made a lot of comments about playing for Portland. Phil has a way of expressing his dislike of the rain. “It’s not that there are live loggers running around with saws.” But Phil would make you feel like Portland is a cloud that won’t go away. It’s no wonder Portland has won 9 of 10 games at the Rose Garden and counting. So Blazers fans give the Portland Trail Blazers the upper hand.
Plus there’s the Kobe factor. The Portland Trail Blazers don’t have anyone who can score him. Kobe will become one of the best basketball players of all time. So trying to stop Kobe is like trying to get “Sara Palin” to stop talking. You know he’s going to have something to say about winning at the Rose Garden. Kobe doesn’t like to lose every time he leaves Portland for Los Angeles. It’s been a roller coaster ride for Kobe since he was in the league playing the Blazers. Except for the 16-point explosion in “2000” in the fourth quarter. We may be talking about Portland having 4 championships. But that’s what I hear now, the advantage will go to the Lakers.
Last but not least, the rivalry between the Blazers and Lakers is one of the best in the NBA. It’s like “Sunshine vs Rain”. The current look of the Blazers has changed and fans are starting to come back. Around the city you will see black, red and silver. Young children are beginning to wear their favorite player uniform. The city of Portland is beginning to believe and embrace the team with open arms. Hopefully we can celebrate against the Lakers or whatever other team we face in the playoffs. History will show that the Portand Trail Blazers are back and Rip City is ready to explode. The Lakers will be a welcome sight at the Rose Garden. Our fans know how to stand up for Kobe and Phil Jackson. Soon there will be a final celebration in the Pink City. I guess Phil and Kobe will have something to say about that party. Maybe Phil can buy you a “raincoat” and Kobe one less ring. If the Blazers play hard and make little mistakes … maybe a championship is a possibility.
