Mavericks

Sanguine: Blazers Not There Yet, Drop to Mavs 99-104 by: torridjoe Thu Feb 05, 2009 at 00:51:48 AM PST I chose sanguinity as the theme for tonight's wrapup, because while I also laid down some buzzkilling reality in the title--the Blazers are not as good as the Dallas Mavericks, just as they did not appear to be as good as the New Orleans Hornets, and they should feel good about the split under the circumstances--the truth is I'm not as bummed out about the loss as I have been on other evenings. In fact, I'm actually feeling confident, if not cheerful about the present, and definitely expectant for the future. And as I wade into a bit of a rant on a familiar subject, keep my sanguinity in mind. How soon is now? Not yet, that's tonight's lesson. I saw some good things in certain areas against the Mavs that show me the gap is really not that wide between the two teams (although maybe a little wider than against the Hornets). But there is a major, major deficiency in the team on most nights, and against good teams they remain simply unable to overcome that deficiency without a freak groin injury or a miracle three. We all know what it is, the youthful disease that dare not speak its name. No, not chlamydia. These are the NEW Blazers, people. Pay attention! No, I'm talking about Preventatus Orificious--otherwise known as Craphole Defense. Joel Przybilla, another great night for you in relief, although it seems This Bird Has Flown again on your recent offensive flurries. Don't care, not why you're there--hit the showsrs, buddy. Nice job. The rest of you---ennnh! Stay put, let's chat. {dodge the folding chairs, below}  There's More... :: (0 Comments, 1128 words in story)

The Hard Bigotry of High Expectations: Dallas 102, Blazers 94 by: torridjoe Fri Dec 26, 2008 at 10:11:56 AM PST It was a treat to be able to catch the Blazers on Christmas, since they were the late game on TNT's national broadcast. I settled in amidst the wrapping paper and half-empty mugs of various nog and grog, hoping to see Portland's Dozen work for their 14th straight Xmas win (although lord knows when the last one was). Sure, Dallas is another one of those Tier Two teams in the West, and with Josh Howard back from injury they were on fire. But hey, this was a Rose Garden game, and in that second contest against Denver a light seemed to go on that if they play an aggressive game, they'll get both the calls and the respect of the opponent (and in the NBA respect means giving you the freedom to pick your shot because the defender needs to be ready for anything.) Alas, it was not to be, and afterwards I was significantly frustrated with the execution in key sections of the game--they'd be going along pretty well and then POOF! someone would do something really, really dumb or fail to do something really, really easy. I was mad. I was mad at Oden, I was mad at Travis, and for the first game I was REALLY mad at Nate McMillan. This morning I'm still disappointed by the loss, but I've recalibrated my review of their effort and what it means for judging the team's true level and prospects for the rest of the season. If you had told me in October that Portland would be able to body up on Dallas, frustrate them and take their best players out of their rhythm (and literally the game), but would fall short at the end, I'd have said "Well yeah, that's about what I'd expect--and face it, last year's team might probably have not even stayed competitive throughout." That I'm steamed about the loss and the way they lost, is testament to the team's strong improvement and the new expectations on their season. 41-41 was a great result in 07-08, but for the youngest team in the NBA (if you don't count Raef LaFrenz) suddenly that looks unacceptable and a serious shortchanging of their potential. That doesn't help in the moment, as I watch Steve Blake leap into the air and only begin contemplating what to do with the ball when he's already on the way down--for the third time--but a little perspective does salve some of the wounds. {the deets, below}    There's More... :: (0 Comments, 2486 words in story)

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