“Who is that little guy?” Rob asks. We were watching the game at 6 Corners Sports Bar, and That Little Guy was antagonizing the partisan crowd, as he has all series.

“That’s this little guy Teague,” I say, “Jeff Teague.”

“He’s young.”

“The crazy thing is, he averaged like fifteen minutes a game in the regular season, and then played eight minutes total in the first round. Then Hinrich got hurt, the ex-Bull, and because Atlanta was already low on guards and they wanted to keep Crawford, the other ex-Bull, in his sixth man role, this dude Teague got the call. And now he’s playing 40 minutes a night and killing us,” I said, “just killing us. 16 points on 52% shooting.”

The fourth quarter begins and Teague knifes to the basket and converts. “Whoa!” Rob shouts as the crowd at 6 Corners collectively keels. “He doesn’t stop!”

“Nope,” I say, “but neither does Rose,” and just like that Rose gets a bucket, then dishes out a pair of breathtaking assists, the first a no-looker in the middle of his dribble to a streaking Deng, the second even more brilliant, Rose taking his dribble to the heart of the Atlanta de-fense, pulling up at the foul line in front of Teague, leaping toward the basket as the Hawks surround him and then flipping the ball over his left shoulder to Gibson, who ducks under defenders, lays the ball in, takes the hit, pumps his fist, roars with approval, steps to the line, knocks in the free throw, and returns to his defensive stance.

Rose is at it again on the next possession, this time by himself. The Bulls employ a bench-heavy lineup for the duration of the fourth quarter, Rose and Deng flanked by Gibson, Brewer, and Omer Asik, and now the floor is spread with Rose on top, Deng to his left, Brewer and Gibson in the corners, and Asik trotting up to set the screen on Teague.

Only Asik does not hold the screen. He leaves Teague free to stay with Rose. It’s a ploy: Asik was actually screening the bigger Al Horford, who’d wandered up to trap the Bulls’ wily guard. Rose darts around Teague and flies past the sealed-off Horford, dribbles straight to the middle of the lane, and rises up to face Josh Smith, Atlanta’s acrobatic shot-blocker.

The 6 Corners crowd gasps, and Rob does too, but this is vintage Rose (so young, and already vintage) as the 22-year-old stutter steps ever-so-slightly, just enough to sew doubt in Smith. The Atlanta forward back-pedals, and Rose leaps off his left foot, cups the ball with his right hand, shields Smith with his left arm, and bounces the ball off the backboard and straight through the net.

Jeff Teague has been brilliant for the Hawks. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

The lead is now back to eight; Atlanta would get only to six the rest of the way as Rose, Deng, Brewer, Gibson, and Asik swarmed and attacked, forcing turnovers like Peanut and Danieal Manning. Again and again, the Bulls demonstrate their offensive cunning and defensive brilliance, intercepting passes and storming the rim. At the center of the display is Rose, the team MVP turned league MVP, waves upon waves of fierce lay-ins and nifty passes, and then Gibson channeling his inner-Boozer with an array of baby hooks, mid-range jumpers, driving layups, and the lead is 14 and the deed is done and the Bulls have won Game 5.

As we paid our bill and left, Teague was finished. Another brilliant game – 21 points on 8 of 11 shooting with 7 assists – but nothing compared to Rose, who continues his torrid affair with beauty and greatness. For the series, he is averaging 32 points and 9 assists, and shows no signs of stopping. The power of this Bulls team has been challenged by critics, pundits, and opposing fans – not to mention the Pacers and Hawks – but where there is doubt, so there is Rose. His brilliance with the basketball is unmistakable. Like all great pop performers, he entertains novices while amazing those who know exactly what they are seeing.

Rest well, young Teague. It’s not your time.

Ellsbury led the Beavers to their first College World Series appearance in more than a half-century in 2005. That season, his junior year, he hit .406 as their co-captain. His blazing speed, excellent defense, and offensive ability caught the eye of the Boston Red Sox in that year’s draft. Taken 23rd overall, he quickly moved up the minor league ladder and reached the majors in 2007. He immediately wowed crowds and his teammates, hitting .353 in 33 games after being called up.

As pitchers found weaknesses, his numbers predictably dropped in his first full season, as he reached base only 33.6 percent of the time. He did steal 50 bases, but overall it was a disappointing follow-up performance. He bounced back in 2009, batting an even .300 with 13 more rbi’s, 33 more hits, and 20 more stolen bases in only eight more at-bats. He was the electrifying player Boston had expected, living up to potential.

After suffering a rib injury that shelved him for most of the 2010 season, Ellsbury entered Spring Training this year with his spot in the lineup and in center-field reserved. Now, could he produce and get back to his 2009 form? Boston would certainly need him to.

As good as Ellsbury has been throughout his career statistically, he has been frustratingly inconsistent at times, which partly has to do with his swing and how much drive he generates. He struggled to begin this season because his follow-through wasn’t crisp. He was hitting down on the ball, resulting groundball after groundball and making out after out.

After going 0-4 on April 20th, Ellsbury’s batting average stood at .182. He has hit in all 19 games since, and his average is currently sitting at .300. He’s obviously seeing the ball much better, at his 2009 level, and his swing is no longer chopping down on the ball. Instead, it has an upward trajectory, and as a result he’s lifting pitches and often lacing them into gaps all over the field.

“He’s been on base, he’s been able to run, he can go from first to third, he can steal a base,’’ manager Terry Francona said to the Boston Globe. “We’re a different team. The havoc that you see some other teams do to us, he’s able to do to them. They have to pay attention to him. It makes us a better team.’’

“Just knowing that if you get a hit, the team gets a run, it’s great,” added Adrian Gonzalez, who has been a force in the middle of the lineup. “He’s been doing an incredible job the last three weeks or so of finding ways to get on … drawing walks, getting hits and extra-base hits, and being aggressive on the bases, which just helps everybody.’’

Surely the Chicago Cubs are saying the same thing about Barney, who shot through their system after leading the Beavers to back-to-back College World Series titles in 2006 and 2007. He was on the 2005 team with Ellsbury, and was also prolific at the plate, but unlike the center-fielder he struggled upon being called up to the majors. Appearing in 30 games with the Cubs towards the end of the 2010 season, he went just 17 for 79 with a 29.4 on-base percentage.

He has reversed course in 2011, greatly impressing Chicago as one of their more consistent hitters. He is currently hitting .331, and particularly flourished in April, winning NL Rookie of the Month with a .326 batting average, 14 rbis, and 15 runs.

Not only has he hit well he has fielded well, committing only two errors at second base after making the switch from shortstop. He beat out accomplished veterans Blake Dewitt and Jeff Baker for that starting second base job, with young Starlin Castro the shortstop of the present and future.

“I think we feed off of each other,’’ said Barney to the Chicago Sun Times, regarding his relationship with Castro. “He’s such a smart baseball player, it makes it easy to get along with him out there.’’

Though the team is a mediocre 16-18, they have plenty to be happy about, and it is clear he will be an integral part of any success they have this season. Manager Mike Quade loves his enthusiasm and isn’t altogether shocked at the way he is producing.

“I’m not as surprised as people think,” he told the Times. “He’s probably off to a better start offensively than I thought, but not defensively. The way he meshes with the shortstop [Castro], those things don’t surprise me. I think they’re important to each other, and I think they’ll get better as time goes on.’’

The Phillies think Stutes will continue to improve. The reliever, who closed out games during Oregon State’s magnificent run, has helped save a struggling bullpen, and is turning some heads along the way.

Called up late last month, Philadelphia hasn’t wasted any time seeing what he can do. With a mid-90s fastball and a hard slider approaching 90 on the gun, he has appeared in six games, and only allowed two hits combined in his first four before relinquishing two runs against Atlanta. Prior to that outing against the Braves he record his first career hold, and overall, he has struck out three and walked four in 4 2/3 innings.

A larger role appears on the horizon for Stutes, with the Phillies bullpen depleted. Just as Barney teams up with Castro, Stutes has fellow reliever Antonio Bastardo by his side. Twenty-four and 25 years of age, the duo has impressed manager Charlie Manuel with the ability to hold down the fort despite their inexperience in light of the injuries suffered by Jose Contreras and Brad Lidge.

All three former Beavers have stepped up and, in the process, have drawn rave reviews. With a winner’s mentality from their college days under manager Pat Casey, it would be surprising if they didn’t continue to.

We are starting a five-season, 30-team league in which every NBA player in history is available in their prime. The league will use modern rules. You are the GM for the team picking second. MJ is off the board. Who do you draft?

I like the way this re-frames and contextualizes the old “Who’s the greatest?” debate, and makes you consider how Wilt would match up with Shaq, Kareem, Olajuwon, Moses, Dwight Howard, or Pettit against Duncan, Malone, Barkley, KG, or Cousy against Magic, Isiah, Stockton, Nash, Payton…

The car debate got me hungry for a wider range of opinions, and while I threw the question out to a handful of my biggest basketball friends, I figured we’d open it up to the SBN community as well.

As such, give me the top 5 on your draft board without the assumption that Jordan is the first pick, since I know that at least one of my friends is going to argue Kobe as #1. And speaking of Kobe, if he’s not in your top 5, I’m specifically interested to hear where he is on your list.

Happy ranking,

JACK

Just over seven minutes remained in the third quarter when he was dragged to the ground by Dwyane Wade, whom he was aggressively guarding. What happened next silenced the Boston Garden. He put out his left arm for protection, but as his hand touched the floor his forearm bent.

He writhed in pain, and his teammates huddled around him, immediately concerned. One in particular, Jermaine O’Neal, thrust his arms into the air, clearly frustrated by Wade’s maneuver and the injury that ensued. It was a nightmarish sight, as the team doctor and coaches knelt beside their all-important point guard. There he lay for a few minutes, just under Miami’s basket, and when he was helped up his arm was cradled motionless.

He headed back to the locker-room, and there it was presumed he would remain. Immediate diagnosis by this fan was a broken arm. ‘He’s done for the series,’ I, and many others, thought. ‘There’s no way he’s coming back from this. He’s out for the rest of this game. He has to be.’ That was the consensus.

Just over seven minutes remained in the third quarter when the injury occurred, with the Celtics up 60-50 but feeling Miami’s heat. They were suddenly without their emotional leader. They may lose their confidence,  in turn, the game, and then the series.

As it turned out, they weren’t completely downtrodden following the gruesome scene. They somehow managed to build upon their lead, keeping it in double-digits due to Kevin Garnett’s offensive surge and the team’s stifling defense. But no matter what was happening on the court, they had a reality to face: Rondo was in the locker-room.

ABC’s announcing crew soon got word that Rondo had dislocated his elbow. Given this unfortunate news, certainly it would be Delonte West running he point for the remainder, right, especially with the Celtics regaining composure and control? There seemed to be no other possibility, but then the unthinkable happened. Rondo walked out of the tunnel, joined his teammates on the bench, asked back into the game, knelt by the scorer’s table to a resounding applause from the stunned fans, and stepped back onto the court, replacing West. With that, he became this generation’s Willis Reed.

The team doctor had popped his elbow back in. With everything in its proper place he evidently had one mindset, and head coach Doc Rivers let him give it a go. Some fans had to think he was crazy. I tend to think he let him play because the team, being down 2-0, needed a motivation lift that, in itself, could potentially sway the series.

Could he perform, though? Upon re-entering at the beginning of the fourth, dangling his limp limb, he played one-armed, and unbelievably did so beautifully. Rivers gamble paid off. It was an unforgettable moment.

There was plenty of time for the Heat to come back and take a 3-0 series, but the emotional impact of Rondo’s return was enough in itself to greatly diminish their chances. And he just happened to dwindle them even more with his play, which was undoubtedly better than when he had two working arms. He stole a pass intended for LeBron James using his injured left arm, sped downcourt, dunked with his right, and didn’t even wince. The crowd erupted. How is he doing this?

He wasn’t done, playing excellent defense, making another inside basket, and feeding Paul Pierce for the exclamation point on an impressive win. All eyes were on him.

Afterward with ESPN’s Lisa Salters, he said his arm was “throbbing,” and added, “it’s definitely tight, it’s an experience I’ve never felt before.” He also mentioned he just wanted to help his team defensively. After all, as he later said, “I only need two legs for that.”

(AP Photo/ Mark Weber)

———————-

(thanks to @ddockett for the title’s inspiration)

They had only a 1.7% chance of getting the top pick in that offseason’s NBA Draft, but they ended up holding the franchise altering selection and hoped Chicago native Derrick Rose could be that guy. The point guard out of the University of Memphis was, and continues to be much more. Forty-four points in Game 3 of their second round playoff series against the Hawks just added to his legend.

Truthful MVP chants were loud and clear as he explosively drove in for layups, drained three-pointers, and pulled up in front of mesmerized defenses for mid-range jumpers. He was being praised loudly, and the game wasn’t even in Chicago.

His point total was a career-high. Flawless basketball was played by the 21-year-old, and he was as explosive as ever, shrugging off an ankle injury suffered in round one. “I think we’re done talking about the ankle,” he said afterward to the Chicago Tribune. He’s as tough as they come, with the mindset of a 10-year veteran. And though this quote may come across as self-aggrandizing, it shouldn’t; he has a humble and unselfish attitude carried by far too few in the league. He’s all about the team, but he knows victories are compiled in large part due to his efforts. He’s not about to say as much, though, which is rare in a sports world consumed with ego.

The amazing performance wasn’t all that surprising. That’s how good he has become. He’s always been one of the more difficult players to guard, and the Hawks backcourt had no chance. Of his 16 made field goals, 10 were jumpers. And, it’s worth noting, his jump-shot is thought to be a weakness.

He has no holes, but he’s not Michael Jordan. No one is MJ but MJ himself. The similarities are there, including the mentality, the ability to torch any defense, and even the same motion on reverse layups. There’s the same excitement over him as was Jordan, meaning he wows the crowd as the greatest ever to play did. And now, he can also be counted on to deliver when it matters most. Leading his team down the stretch is just another day at the office.

I was too young to fully respect Jordan, but it’s hard not the laugh in disbelief watching his highlights. A few times I have watched the same mix over and over with my friend, shaking my head and chuckling during every sitting. It’s the same moves but they continuously captivating, warranting a ‘how did he do that?’ response. More and more, Rose has this quality.

“When (Rose) is not dancing with the ball and he’s attacking, he’s impossible to stop,” head coach Tom Thibodeau said, as documented by the Tribune.

Added small forward Luol Deng, “It was one of those things where you just give Derrick the ball and get out of the way. He was unbelievable.”

It’s safe to assume the third-year 6’3″ guard will continue to, as he continues his quest to bring a championship back to Chicago.

(Photo: Keith Allison/Flickr)

But what has some people doubting how far the Sharks can go is history.

The Sharks fall notoriously short when it comes to pursuing the Stanley Cup in April and May. Year after year we see the Sharks become the favorite to win it all, and then see them falter when it comes to crucial games and series.

The Sharks have never won a Stanley Cup, let alone get to the Stanley Cup Finals.

Remind you of another Bay Area sports team?

The Sharks are drawing a lot of comparison to the 2010 World Series Champion San Francisco Giants, who reside just about an hour up the street from HP Pavilion.

The Sharks tend to play very close games, much like the Giants of 2010, and as a result, the Sharks are four for four in overtime games in these playoffs.

Torture.

Also, The Giants had never won a World Series since their move to San Francisco in 1957, and the Sharks have never won a Stanley Cup since their expansion into the NHL in 1991. Although, there have been several chances.

The Giants played the underdog role in 2010 and shocked the baseball world by defeating heavyweight after heavyweight on their way to a World Series title. And even though the Sharks did finish second in the Western Conference standings, history would still suggest that they are underdogs to win it all this year, despite very good play to this point in the playoffs.

But what may draw even more similarities to the Giants of 2010 is the players that the Sharks have picked up during this season, and who have played huge roles in getting the Sharks to this point.

Kyle Wellwood is to the Sharks as what Pat Burrell was to the Giants.

I’ll do you one better.

Ian White is to the Sharks as what Cody Ross was to the Giants.

It is well-known that Burrell’s sudden resurgence in power since the Giants picked him up mid-season of 2010 helped the Giants reach the playoffs. It is also well-known that Ross’s series against Doc Halladay and the Phillies helped the Giants reach the World Series.

Mid-season pick-ups Wellwood and White have done much of the same for the Sharks, but solely in the playoffs.

The Sharks were locks for the playoffs a long time ago, but it is Wellwood and White’s play in the playoffs that has the Sharks seeking the Stanley Cup Finals in 2011.

Think about it. Wellwood was released by the Vancouver Canucks in 2010 and was forced to play in the Russian KHL only to be picked up by the Sharks to help solidify the four lines.

Remind you of anyone? Maybe Aubrey Huff, who no team wanted in the off-season, or even Cody Ross, who was placed on waivers by the Florida Marlins towards the end of the 2010 season only to be picked up by the Giants for help off the bench.

Wellwood now has one goal and three assists with a +/- of 6 in these Stanley Cup Playoffs.

White, in the same way, has been a huge boost in helping to solidify the lines on defense. He has one goal and five assists, while sporting a +/- of 6, as well, in these playoffs. Not to mention having instant chemistry with fellow line-mate Niclas Wallin.

You can even throw Ben Eager in there as a physical reason as to why the Sharks are playing well right now.

Although the Sharks and Giants draw several similarities, the NHL playoffs may be a much different beast than the MLB playoffs. Things can change at any moment in these NHL playoffs, and the Giants seemed like a team of destiny from the very beginning.

That is not to say the Sharks do not feel like a team of destiny, as well, but the Sharks have been here before, and this year it is time to produce a Stanley Cup. There will be plenty of time to be crowned a “Team of Destiny” later.

First off, Gerald Wallace is deserving of a contract extension. The small forward acquired at the trade deadline proved to be the same tireless worker he was with the Charlotte Bobcats, fitting in rather quickly and giving the Blazers continuous production in every facet of the game. Twenty-nine in late July he has two years remaining on his current contract, and should be around for many years after.

He averaged 15 points on 49 percent shooting in 23 regular season games for Portland, then scored 15 more per game in the playoffs against Dallas, complimenting his nine rebounds and three assists. There isn’t one thing he can’t do, and he’s not someone to be messed with. Tough and continuously aggressive, he gave the Blazers some grit as an immensely talented athlete who plays in only one gear. They need his persona. And, considering he showed up when it seemed others didn’t, they undoubtedly need his effort. This is why owner Paul Allen needs to pony up and give him his due.

Ever Blazer needs to have the mentality of Wallace. He was the only one to consistently bring intensity on offense and defense. Nate McMillan is seen as a defensive-minded coach, but Portland had lapses far too often. I imagine it is difficult to adopt a mentality, which is why General Manager Rich Cho needs to bring in someone with Wallace’s energy and aggressiveness.

Who fits this description? A re-signed Greg Oden. The injury-riddled Blazers center is months away from even playing basketball, so there is no saying how much he will be able to contribute this upcoming season. Some may say the Blazers should let him go. When he was on the court, he was dominant. What’s the harm in taking a risk if there is the chance he can pay immense dividends?

If they do re-sign him, I think they should sign or acquire another center as depth. Marcus Camby is old in NBA years and it showed this season. Chris Johnson performed very well in limited time and is signed for next season, but who knows how he would hold up with an increased role against superior centers. Since there is a lot of question marks surrounding their current frontline depth, signing a bruising free-agent who can blocks shots, rebound in traffic, and play excellent defense is necessary.

They will have to be thrifty, considering they don’t have much cap space to work with. Kurt Thomas is a player who has been suggested, a veteran who could play the role Juwan Howard did in 2009-2010. Kris Humphries is another name to keep an eye on. A third possibility is re-signing Earl Barron, who played sparingly this season but is certainly capable of grabbing rebounds and playing solid defense in a limited role.

Portland also needs a dependable shooter, specifically one who has mastered the three-pointer. Many of the playoff teams have these guys: Chicago has Kyle Korver, Boston has Ray Allen, Miami has James Jones, San Antonio has Matt Bonner, and Memphis has Shane Battier.

Last year, the Blazers shot three-pointers at a 30 percent clip. Wesley Matthews made 38 percent, which is very respectable, but Brandon Roy, Nicolas Batum, and Wallace all bricked at least 72 percent of their three-pointers. Clearly, they need someone who defenses have to be fully aware of on the wings.

Who will be available? Possible targets include Battier, Peja Stojakovic, who helped Dallas win by hitting 13 three-pointers, and Milwaukee’s Michael Redd. For Portland to sign a front-line player and a shooter the mid-level exception would have to be split among them. This exception is equal to the average NBA salary, which should be in the $5-6 million range. With Rudy Gay returning next year for Memphis, the chances are probably slim that Battier re-signs with the Grizzlies. If he would be willing to take a couple of years at $3-4 million annually, Portland has to pounce.

It is important to remember that Elliot Williams, a 2010 first-round pick who missed this past season with a knee injury, enters the mix. If he responds from the injury well, he should give Portland consistent jump-shot with deep range. Put him in the second unit along with one of the aforementioned players and Portland would greatly improve.

To make room for Thomas, Battier, and Williams, trades would need to be made. I like Patty Mills, Armon Johnson, and Fernandez, but if Portland wants to win now they will need to make some moves. They didn’t want to move Dante Cunningham and Joel Przybilla for Wallace, but they saw a way to get better. Proven players are better at this stage of Portland’s franchise than fan favorites and potential.

Portland can be a championship contender, and giving Wallace a long deal, re-signing Oden, bringing in a bruising big, and upgrading on the wing is a start. They need to do much more, though. Head coach Nate McMillan has to instill a tougher defense. Too often, the Blazers didn’t close out on shooters, while also allowing opponents to cruise in for scores. On top of this, the offense needs to settle for less jumpers and be more aggressive, Roy has to accept a backup role, and Aldridge must continue to be the team’s glue.

Wallace can score, Matthews can score, Batum can score, Aldridge can score, and Miller can lead the team, but if moves aren’t made, and if McMillan’s philosophy doesn’t change, Portland will have a difficult time getting out of the first round once more. Cho isn’t about to stand around this offseason, which is why the Blazers will undoubtedly be aggressive. I’m sure he knows that if they do get Oden back, sign a big and a shooter, they can make some serious noise next year and beyond.

(Photo: Flickr)

Wallace, who was deeply affected by the recent tornadoes to hit Alabama, was playing with a heavy heart. Making matters worse a bad back followed after suffering an early injury. He had 13 early points prior to the spasm, and when he wasn’t in the lineup, which spanned the entire second quarter, Portland was lost. They lacked energy, cohesiveness, and were incapable of running an offense featuring high-percentage looks. As a result, an enjoyable lead turned into nine-point halftime deficit at intermission.

There was some doubt as to whether he would come back, and, coinciding, to whether the team would. At least to his return, that doubt was minimal; after all, this was Crash, who takes countless bumps and bruises with no worry in the world. He gutted it out and sometimes appeared to be the only Portland player leaving everything he had on the court. He attacked the rim as he has always done, with the drive and focus so few Blazers seemed to have in Game 6.

Dallas maintained a healthy advantage, deepening the Blazers wound in spite of Wallace’s third quarter production to take a 13-point lead into the fourth. Portland had come back from a deficit much larger than this only two games earlier. Wallace did all he could, trying to be this night’s version of Brandon Roy.

Everyone contributed for Portland early in the fourth, even Rudy Fernandez. They had new life, cutting into the Mavericks lead and undoubtedly forcing Game 4′s comeback into the Dallas’s mind. Where was this energy earlier? This is what was so frustrating, and what has been many times this season. The Blazers have been at their best when down. It’s a dangerous way to play, and it ultimately showed.

Their defense didn’t help the comeback effort. LaMarcus Aldridge caught fire to compliment Wallace and others, but the Mavericks continuously answered. They primarily did this through the pick-and-roll, a set that has done in Portland throughout this series.

Nowitzki and Terry hit jumper after jumper, keeping a slimmed margin between them and Portland, but Wallace made sure it was far from comfortable. He skied for an offensive rebound and powered his way up for a put-back, bringing the crowd to their feet and dwindling the deficit, to three, 86-83, with just under six minutes remaining. Then the lead was one, as Wallace intercepted the passing lanes, came up with the steal, and streaked down-court for a dunk. The crowd was wild. He was pumped up. Portland’s sideline was energetic. The Blazers were so close, but they would get no closer.

Summing up their season, they still fought until the end. Wallace created contact for a pair of trips to the free-throw line, while others connected, too, but his frustration entering that timeout said it all. He did everything he could, scoring a playoff career-high 32 points while snatching 12 rebounds, including five offensive. It wasn’t enough, but it deserved to be.

Portland ended yet another trip to the playoffs without reaching the second round. First it was the Houston Rockets, then it was the Phoenix Suns, and now the Dallas Mavericks.

This time around, there are many bright spots as the season’s conclusion is processed by Wallace, the other Blazers, their coaches, and their fans. Aldridge became the franchise’s anchor this season, Brandon Roy showed he can still play, Wesley Matthews was a fan-favorite and a welcoming surprise offensively, and Gerald Wallace proved he was one of the better acquisitions in team history. The latter Blazer single-handily changed the makeup of the team midseason, giving them the toughness and never-give-up attitude they needed to clinch the playoff’s sixth seed, go toe-to-toe with the Mavericks, and contend in what was the season’s finale.

Photo: Reuters/Steve Dipaola

The Blazers were hit, thrown to the floor, and pushed in the back repeatedly. The refs took no notice. The Mavericks took 35 free-throws to the Blazers 19. Seven of the Blazers free-throws came over the final seven minutes, with a loss already in the cards, so the discrepancy was far more than the box-score would show. This is all true, but the foul-shooting doesn’t entirely explain the defeat Portland suffered.

I’m not confident they could have prevailed even if it was called evenly. Offensively, they were flat throughout, unable to put together one successful quarter. They couldn’t make a shot, particularly in the fourth, as Brandon Roy didn’t have another magical comeback in him. LaMarcus Aldridge wasn’t much of a factor, nor were Nicolas Batum, Wesley Matthews, or Gerald Wallace. Andre Miller was the lone bright spot. The team shot 43 percent and assisted on only 13 of their 29 field goals

Complimenting their ineffective offense, the Blazers struggled on the glass. Dallas center Tyson Chandler haunted their big men by grabbing 20 rebounds, 13 on the offensive end. Some were corralled by pushing many Blazers in the back, but even still there wasn’t much aggressiveness on Portland’s part. Good calls or bad calls by the refs, Portland didn’t deserve to win.

Particularly in the game-changing third quarter, this rebounding advantage helped fuel a Mavericks offense surrounding Dirk Nowitzki and an abundance of free-throws. Dallas took 15 free-throws in that quarter, compared to Portland’s six, allowing them to turn a one-point halftime lead into a 13-point one entering the fourth.

The Mavericks were routinely being aggressive, and they were rewarded. This is how it goes in the NBA. The more energetic team gets the benefit of the doubt. Yet, the lack of consistency in calls had a suspicious feel to it. That said, Portland didn’t hustle and couldn’t hit an outside shot. The loss is on them. Now, Game 5 must be put in the rear-view mirror. It doesn’t help to complain about the officials.

All they should be focused on is Game 6, which has win-or-stay-home ramifications. The Rose Garden will be as crazy as it was in Game’s 3 and 4, both victories. The refs may have called Game 5 unfairly, but the Blazers have the chance to learn from a disappointing offensive and defensive display and force a do-or-die Game 7. That would be in Dallas. When they play that game, hopefully they will let the players completely decide the outcome and hold back on the calls. Let the cards fall where they may.

Offensively, they were the NBA version of the Butler Bulldogs’ NCAA championship game performance. A lid was continuously on the basket. But then they came alive. Brandon Roy turned back the clock.

The guard, playing on two surgically repaired knees, began by nailing a three-pointer to end the third, giving Portland a shred of confidence entering the fourth. The deficit was still 18. They would need an implosion by Dallas and an amazing offensive display. It just didn’t seem likely.

“They won’t score 40 in the fourth,” I said to my friend. That’s what they would need to win, I thought.

Dallas went away from everything that had worked. This was due in part to Portland’s heightened defensive intensity and the constant energy from the crowd. Dirk Nowitzki, who had tormented the Blazers with an array of baskets, wasn’t looked for by his teammates. To face such a deficit, Portland was jump-shot happy. This was now the Mavericks.

The tables were starting to turn, but the Blazers would need to be nearly flawless. The on-switch couldn’t just be turned on, could it?

Roy did his part to make sure it would, and he received plenty of help to chip away. Five different Blazers scored over the first three and a half minutes of the fourth, with Roy hitting a jumper in the lane to cap the 13-6 run. Down 11 with over eight minutes to go. Coming back suddenly wasn’t out of the question. The crowd was on their feet, sensing what moments earlier was thought unimaginable.

After Nowitzki hit his patented rainbow leaner, LaMarcus Aldridge took Roy’s pass in the pick-and-roll and made a jumper. Still down eleven with seven minutes left. And they were still down by that amount with under five to go. Roy connected on a mid-range two to pull within seven, but then Terry nailed a three-pointer. Three and a half remained, Portland down 80-70. The crowd groaned. There was still enough time. Everything had to go just right.

This is when Roy became the player he was prior to his knee problems. He transformed back into Mr. Fourth Quarter. No specific plays were drawn up by head coach Nate McMillan. The plan was to give the ball to Roy and watch him work. What transpired was hard to fathom.

Roy fed Aldridge for a basket. Dallas missed. Roy made a basket. Dallas missed. This was a recurring theme. Roy did everything for the Blazers and the Mavericks couldn’t stop him.

Favored Dallas, looking to go up 3-1 in the series, had no offensive flow. They were stunned. A six-point deficit turned to four. Now, with two minutes left, too much time remained for their opponent. That opponent was Roy and Roy alone. Five against one, and they were overmatched. The resurgent former All-Star was in the zone, flashing back to seasons past and taking his team on a wild ride.

The most pivotal of his many fourth quarter shots came with just over a minute left. The lanky and taller Shawn Marion drew his assignment, and proceeded to fail miserably. Roy pulled up from beyond the three-point line at the top, released, took a hack from Marion, and watched the ball kiss off the window and through. One-point game, as he was hugged by Wesley Matthews. The crowd was going ballistic. The Blazers could sense it. The Mavericks were terrified. Roy made the free-throw. Tie game. The comeback from 23 points down was almost complete. Then it was.

Terry missed a heavily contested three-pointer battling the shot-clock, and Roy followed by capping his remarkable final quarter. He shook off his defender and calmly swished a mid-range jumper, a shot that will haunt Dallas’s nightmares. The Blazers held the lead. His teammates standing on the bench could hardly contain themselves. Andre Miller, sitting because of Roy, was head cheerleader, running up and down the baseline in a euphoric state. It was remarkable, and difficult to comprehend.

Dallas had one last chance, and it went array. Down three Jason Kidd launched a pass downcourt to Terry, who was guarded by a lunging Roy. The Mavericks guard watched his attempt clang off the rim and depressingly to the floor. The game was over. Portland, scoring 35 fourth-quarter points to Dallas’s 15, had won.

Roy outscored the Mavericks by himself, tallying 18. The team made 15 of their 20 field goals, scoring 18 points in the paint to Dallas’s none.

Mobbed by his teammates with the emotions flowing out of every Portland player and Blazers fan, Roy tried to put into words what had just happened. “We scrapped,” he said. “Everybody scrapped. Rudy [Fernandez] and Nic [Batum]…we cut that lead from 23 to nine because of their defense.

“What happened was special. I will remember this for the rest of my life.”