Talk about wingspans. Did you see the play in the second half of tonight's game where apparently three guys blocked one of the Knick's shots, all cleanly? Of course, this was the woeful Knicks. Denver tomorrow will be the big test.

Oh, and one other thing -- there aren't too many big guys better off the bench than Juwan Howard.

Jack, to think we saw the Knicks in their glory days with Zach. That was fun. Especially meeting Walt Frazier. Wow, who did he tick off that he has to endure watching this team night after night?
Incidentally I read in the NYTimes that Utah owns the Knicks first round pick for next year.
That's a problem.
I have high hopes for this Blazers team.
It's sort of sad when you know it won't last for 10 more years so enjoy it now.
Those heart/struggle wins are fun, but I'd rather watch these wily old veterans dealing on the other team. It's good basketball.
The bench needs to get hot but that could still happen.
I feel a lot of gratitude towards Marcus Camby. I believe he's having a real impact on these players as people. Doesn't he sort of look like he could be related to Batum? A wise uncle helping his young nephew grow in the NBA. It's beautiful.
Go Blazers.

Totally agree with you, Jack.

The problem is the West is just so tough. There are no easy match-ups. I'll be happy if the Blazers win one playoff series.

I wish we could freeze the standings. I think the Mavs are fraudulent, and we've owned them this season.

On the other hand, the Jazz and Suns are playing their best hoops of the year by far. Yikes.

Tonight's game in Denver will be a good snapshot of where they are at potential wise as a playoff contender against a good team. They were sure running on all cylinders last night, and they don't appear to be getting the late season burn out like a lot of teams. Hopefully we draw Dallas in the first round because we have matched up well against them all season.

Thanks for remembering Howard. He brings the Gravitas baby! So stoked for playoffs this year. (Anyone but the Lakers in Round 1!)

I think this team is built for a deep run into the playoffs. You almost have to disregard their record, they're much better than it indicates... this new-ish starting five is as formidable and wily as any out there. The only concern is the fluctuating roles and inconsistent play of the bench. Bayless and Webster will either lift us or kill us...

The question is, will they get a fair shake from refs against teams the league needs to succeed?

The West is loaded but that just means they'll have to kill each other off. We won't have to play all of them.
Wouldn't it be the most awesome thing ever if this team got on a serious roll and ended this brutal season by hoisting a championship trophy?
Marcus Camby mentioned the possibility last night and he certainly looked genuine about it.
Go Blazers.

Tonight's game in Denver will be a good snapshot of where they are at potential wise as a playoff contender against a good team. They were sure running on all cylinders last night, and they don't appear to be getting the late season burn out like a lot of teams

What? The Nuggets are 4-6 in their last 10 games, they've dropped to the 5th seed, they've lost two in a row, they've lost in a debacle to the Knicks recently, and both KMart and George Karl are out? Not good tidings if you're a Thuggets fan.

If we're in playoff form, we should wax them tonight and continue their death spiral.

Jack -

It has been fun the past few weeks to watch this line-up get better and better - who knew that Camby would add so much to the team - there were a lot of detractors back in February.

And, don't forget Portland's other play-off team - the Winterhawks - in the most bizarre play-off series I've seen in 20+ years of watching hockey, the visiting team won all seven games - Hawks last night scored the winning goal near the end of the first overtime period. And, for folks who don't want to drop big $$$ on Blazers play-off tickets, Winterhawks tickets run about $15 - $28 per game. I think they even sell some group packages for the play-offs. Games this Saturday and Sunday at home.

Jack...This is the most gushingly positive thing you've written about...well, anything. And yeah, this team certainly deserves it.

Flynn,
The Nuggets at home are always a challenge. I don't care if they're only 4 out of the last 10. They have given us lots of trouble this year (with the exception of Christmas Day on our home court), and they are a physical athletic team that can beat anyone in the league...especially when they're at home. They will rise to the challenge of the playoffs. In my opinion it will be a good barometer of where the Blazers are at if they show up and take care of business tonight. BTW...the Knicks might have sucked last night, but they almost took one from Utah at home a few nights back just because Nuggets lost to them doesn't mean they're in a "death spiral".

"who knew that Camby would add so much to the team"

UH- anybody who has seen him play over the past 10 plus years. He's turned every team hes been on into a wainner, well except the clips this year. (but he was hurt)