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(For more playoff coverage: 2009 NBA Playoff Coverage: Portland Trail Blazers )

Posted By Andy Popp

Game 2: Blazers vs Rockets Redux

Many experts (the talking heads you see on tWWL) say that if you're going to lose, getting blown out is the best way to do it. With a rout, it's easier for the team to relinquish the loss and move on. Whereas with a nail biter, individuals are more likely to dwell on certain instances throughout the game that could have changed the outcome.

Based on everything I've read over the past 2 days about the Blazers and their current psyche, the experts' theory rings true. The Blazers are eager to get out on the court tonight. They want to get back to playing basketball at the level we all know that they can.

The loss has put the Blazers in a hole. Instead of winning 4 of 7 against the Rockets, they're now in a position where they must win 4 of the next 6 games to advance. A daunting task against a much more experienced Rockets team. It's not impossible. If the Blazers can get back to the way they were playing a week ago; if the supporting cast can shed their nerves and recapture the confidence. The Blazers have all the pieces to get it done.

From a basketball standpoint, they need to do the exact opposite of what they did Saturday night:

• Control the boards. Especially the offensive rebounds.
• Bother Yao Ming. He's huge. It's not easy, but they must create problems for him. Front. Double. Triple. Something to slow him down.
• Attack the basket and get to the free throw line. Do not become complacent. They have to be aggressive.
• Don't dwell on Aaron Brooks. He won't produce like he did in game 1.

The rest of the NBA was watching Saturday night when the Blazers got punched in the mouth. Tonight, they'll all tune in again to see how the Blazers respond. Will they roll over and die? Will they defend home court? Can they play like the championship contenders that everyone has made them out to be?

* Photo by seschloss, full set here

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Andy Popp is a Portland native that loves sports and beer. When he's not at PDX Pipeline, you can find him at lowposts.com. You can contact him at `

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