(For Blazers playoff coverage: 2009 NBA Playoff Coverage: Portland Trail Blazers)
Posted by Andy Popp
Elimination Looms
This is what the NBA playoffs are all about.
Tonight, most of the story stays the same: the Blazers must rebound and help out Brandon Roy offensively. They need to be aggressive. Take the ball inside and get to the freethrow line.
The most interesting dynamic involves Nate McMillan and the referees. McMillan spoke publicly about the (shitty) officiating after game 4. Saying that the referees needed to be more consistent; they cant protect Yao Ming (See Greg Oden/Joel Przybilla's lack of minutes) and allow Shane Battier and Ron Artest to mug Brandon Roy.
Talking points:
* Will we see the LaMarcus Aldridge of game 2 or game 4?
* Can Oden play more than 11.5 minutes?
* What kind of game 5 does Roy have in him?
* How will Travis Outlaw react after his solid game 4?
* How will Coach McMillan handle the minutes in an all or nothing elimination game?
* Will Rudy Fernandez see extended minutes?
* Will the refs not suck?
* Will the Blazers come out nervous?
* Can a Blazer not named Brandon Roy get to the freethrow line more than once?
It's an elimination game, look for the refs to back off and let the teams slug this one out.
Enjoy what might be the last Blazer game of the season.
Las Vegas believes the Blazers are 5.5 points better than the rockets…
Some HOOPS Links….
- Maybe you're a Yao Ming fan… and you want to rap about it
- Nobody told the Hornets they were supposed to play a basketball game last night
- What would be perfect film for Greg Oden to make his acting debut in? How about a Wall Street follow-up?
————————Related Posts—
- From Portland Trail Blazers: Important Playoff Ticket Information
- Playoffs Recap: Blazers vs Rockets | Game 4
- Playoffs Recap: Blazers vs Rockets | Game 3
- Playoffs Recap: Portland Trail Blazers vs Houston Rockets | Game 2
- Playoffs: ‘Ridiculous Foul Called on Greg Oden' | Daily Stank Video Bank
- The Blazer Post Where All Your Questions Are Answered
- NBA Playoffs Commercial Featuring Portland Trail Blazers
- Portland Trail Blazers: Rip City Uprise | Playoff Tickets + Pioneer Square Rally
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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 andypopp@gmail.com
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I’ve heard mention around town that there may be a petition towards the NBA to rid the referee world of Monty after game 4. That was a ridiculous game.
Unfortunately, Stern’s has all the referees under his thumb.