2010 NBA Playoffs: Portland Trail Blazers vs. Los Angeles Lakers?

The month of March had been really good for the Portland Trail Blazers. The Blazers have won 11 of 13 games and are climbing in the playoff race. Looking ahead to the 2009-2010 season, there were high expectations and inspiration for the Championship. If you look beyond Brandon Roy’s right hamstring, Greg Oden’s knee injury and Joel Przybilla, 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 have a really tough time in the Pacific Northwest. I know a lot of people in Portland think we’ve had excellent luck against 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 really tight defense, but Roy was a step stronger and faster. The biggest key to Brandon’s success against Artest is his ability to fight screens and get aggressive. Also, footwork is very important when playing against touch defense players like Artest. Portland would definitely have to put the ball in Roy’s hands to make Artest work harder. So the advantage would go to the Blazers.

Second, the 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 rock red, black and silver. The Rose Garden is the loudest, craziest place on earth. The Blazers have sold out for 3 straight seasons and are poised to start another 21-straight playoff run. In the past, Phil Jackson has made a lot of comments about playing in Portland. Phil has a way of expressing his distaste for the rain. “It’s not like 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 the Blazers fans give the Portland Trail Blazers the lead.

Plus, there’s the Kobe Factor. The Portland Trail Blazers have no one who can protect him. Kobe will become one of the best basketball players in history. So trying to stop Kobe is like trying to stop “Sara Palin” from talking. You know she’s going to have something to say about winning at the Rose Garden. Kobe doesn’t like losing every time he leaves Portland for Los Angeles. “It’s been a roller coaster ride for Kobe since he’s been in the league playing the Blazers. Except for blowing up 16 points on “2000” in the fourth quarter. Maybe we’ll be talking about Portland having 4 championships. But that’s what is said now, the advantage will be for the Lakers.

Last but not least, the rivalry between the Blazers and the Lakers is one of the best in the NBA. It’s like “sun against rain”. The current look of the Blazers has changed and the fans are starting to return. Around the city you will see black, red and silver. Little boys are starting 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 Portland Trail Blazers are back and Rip City is ready to explode. The Lakers will be welcome at the Rose Garden. Our fans know how to get 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 “rain coat” and Kobe one less ring. If the Blazers play hard and make little mistakes … maybe a championship is a possibility.