By Joe Becker
Game one was not what the Blazers or their fans expected. However, it is just one game. The Blazers are a young team that is growing...and game one was a learning experience.
The Playoffs are a whole new ballgame. The big question now is, How do the Blazers respond? They can still make this a great series. Very rarely does the home team win every game in a series. It almost never happens. The Blazers will now have to win on the road to advance to the second round.
Climbing to the top takes steps...and sometimes those steps take a year or two or three. Most of the truly great teams take their lumps before reaching the top. That's what makes winning the championship so great when it does happen.
This series is not over. Mental toughness is a major key to the success of winning teams. The Blazers must remain confident and as Coach Nate always says...take it one game at a time.
The NBA Playoffs are great...and I'm looking forward to Game 2.
