With LeBron James, Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving in town along with the newly rebuilt Cleveland Cavaliers, this is a perfect game to revisit my dueling reactions to one the most anticipated games of the season.
Overreaction Me: We’re back, baby! Damian Lillard is out of his slump. The defense looked solid. The passing was crisp and unselfish. The refs actually called a travelling violation on LeBron James! These are what dreams are made of. The Blazers are back! I’m breaking open a bottle of Santana DVX right now!
Reasonable Me: This was definitely Portland’s most well rounded game of the season on both ends of the court. However, was it just me, or did LeBron James look like he didn’t really want to play tonight? He usually takes such glee in destroying us in our own building, but he looked disinterested for the most part of this game. James had only 11 points tonight to go along with 7 assists and 7 rebounds for someone known to having lone quarters like that against Portland. Maybe James is taking a more conservative approach to back-to-back games this season. Kevin Love was his usual self, finishing with a double-double of 22 points and 10 rebounds; he was about the only bright spot for Cleveland. However, that shouldn’t overshadow how good the Blazers looked. What was most impressive about this win?
Overreaction Me: You mean, just pick one? Oh, I don’t know … there was Robin Lopez eating Anderson Vareajo for dinner like he was a citizen of Terminus. There was Damian Lillard returning to his old self with 27 points and 7 assists, not to mention his notable defensive effort on Kyrie Irving who finished with just 9 points on 3 of 17 shooting. There was Nicolas Batum running around and filling up the stat sheet with what was close to becoming the bare minimum for a triple double. There was Myers Leonard flashing those pearly whites on the bench as he watched real NBA players play basketball.
Reasonable Me: I agree with you about Damian Lillard, especially the defense part. You could tell he was focused on D and I hope it’s something we continue to see throughout the season. He doesn’t have to become a lock down defender for this team, but I don’t want to see his name mentioned with the likes of James Harden when it comes to his defense, he’s too smart and too quick to be anything less than an average defender. Defense is all about effort and we all know Damian can put in the effort.
Overreaction Me: This game was flawless. Try to find one bad thing about this game, Mr. Reasonable.
Reasonable Me: Still concerned about the bench, besides Chris Kaman of course. Steve Blake was 0 for the field again and I’m desperately trying to see a jump in Thomas Robinson’s game. Someone else needs to start stepping up consistently off the bench.
Overreaction Me: I was trying to be facetious with that question, but thanks for stepping up to the plate. Did you see Cleveland’s bench? Shawn Marion was the only notable bench player I saw and every time I see him shoot a jumper a little piece of me dies watching his form. Portland is Pacific Ocean deep when it comes to the bench when compared to the Cavs. Who’s your MVP tonight?
Reasonable Me: Dame’s defensive effort. He kept Kyrie in check and of course Dame’s offense finally came alive. It was nice seeing the Lillard we all know and love but we all knew it was just a matter of time.
Overreaction Me: You got that right! Dame is back! He just put the NBA on notice. There’s no stopping us now. You mentioned LeBron’s listless performance tonight, maybe he sampled some of our microbrews this afternoon and not only realized we had a better team than Cleveland but that we make better beers as well so even when they win it won’t taste as good as it does here. That’s enough to drain the spirit of any man, to know you’ve been to heaven only to have to go back to Cleveland.
Reasonable Me: I’ll give you that one. OK, Dallas is up next at the Moda Center.
Overreaction Me: Dirk vs. LaMarcus. It’s going to be fun. Blazers by 20.
Reasonable Me: Really?
Overreaction Me: If we can beat Cleveland by nearly 20, then we can beat the Mavs by 20.
Reasonable Me: This will be a good one. I like Portland at home and I like that their confidence is rising a bit. Portland wins, I agree. None the less, it’s always worth the price of admission to watch Aldridge go against Nowitzki. Last question, how did you like the uniforms with sleeves?
Overreaction Me: Is that what those were? I thought it was pajama night.
Reasonable Me: I thought they were OK.
Overreaction Me: Seriously, I think they should have a teddy bear to go along with those uniforms next game.
Reasonable Me: See you all soon for another recap!
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