When the season began most of us wanted simply to make the playoffs. The Blazers went a step further and secured HCA by playing over their heads with intensity and heart down the stretch. We got a tough break with a matchup against the Rockets, but let's be honest: if you're thinking of winning a championship, you'd better matchup well against anyone you might face.

The Blazers win or lose will learn and grow enormously from this experience, and in that sense the Rockets may have been the best possible first round matchup. I think the Trail Blazers have played well enough to make us all proud, but I'm lost here at BE in a sea of blame and negativity. If you'd like to show some love below, I'll be here to support you.