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

March had been a really good month 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 past 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 that the Blazers don’t have to play the Los Angeles Lakers. Even you 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 over 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, 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 been sold out for 3 straight seasons and are set to begin another straight 21 playoff run. In the past, Phil Jackson had made a lot of comments about playing in Portland. Phil has a way of expressing his dislike for the rain. “It’s not like there are living lumberjacks running around with saws.” But Phil would make you feel like Portland is a cloud that won’t go away. No wonder Portland has won 9 of 10 games at the Rose Garden and counting. So, Blazers fans give the advantage to the Portland Trail Blazers.

Also, there is the Kobe Factor. The Portland Trail Blazers don’t have anyone who can protect him. Kobe will become one of the best basketball players in history. So trying to slow down Kobe is like trying to stop “Sara Palin” from talking. You know she’s going to have a say in winning at the Rose Garden. Kobe doesn’t like to lose every time he leaves Portland for Los Angeles. Angeles It’s been a roller coaster for Kobe since he’s been in the league playing the Blazers. Except for the 16-point explosion on “2000” in the fourth quarter. Maybe we’re talking about Portland having 4 championships. But that’s it. 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 “Sunshine against rain.” The current look of the Blazers has changed, and the fans are starting to come back. Around the city you will see black, red and silver. Little boys are starting to wear their favorite player’s 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 team we face in the playoffs. History will show that the Portand Trail Blazers are back and Rip City is ready to explode. The Lakers will be welcome in the Rose Garden. Our fans know how to stand 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 we 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.