blazers vs. nuggets

Denver just played harder. McMillan said it: Denver is just playing harder. The Blazers are a young team, but with playoff potential. In one hand they are still learning and making a lot of mistakes. Their big man Oden is out again with injuries, so The Thrilla is doing all the big man work with Channing Frye coming in. I think that fans have to stay patient. This may not be their year. We were dry for too long - 2003. 

Here are some things to think about: Brandon Roy is going to be one of the best NBA players ever. Next year perhaps. Lamarcus Alderidge is going to be one of the best NBA players ever. Next year perhaps. Rudy Fernandez is going to be one of the best NBA players ever, but in two to three years. Jared Bayless is going to be one of the best NBA players ever, but also in about two to three years. 

Portland fans got used to the Trailblazers going into the post season, but now it's been a few years. Portland also get a lot of new fans, for Portland is a transient city, so not all the fans who show up to the Rose Garden are blazer fans. Practically all of Beaverton are Kobe LA fans. 

Patience, Portland, patience. We may fall short this year, but so many lessons have been learned. We can win in 'our house', but we can't seem to win the games that matter on the road. These are the lessons we need to learn, and correct. Patience.