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08:10 AM ET 02.14 | The Trail Blazers are feeling the heat, and that includes from their head coach. After dropping five of their last eight games, in which two of three victories came against the two worst teams in the NBA, the Blazers on Monday "got after it" during what players called a "strenuous" and "intense" practice. ... [Nate McMillan] was in "Sarge" mode throughout the two-hour workout, barking at his team in a demonstrative manner that rarely has surfaced in recent seasons. Afterward, that demeanor continued during an interview session as McMillan addressed his lineup, the Blazers' poor play and the cure for their ailments. When first asked whether he would make any changes to his lineup, McMillan replied, 'We change every time I substitute."

Nate McMillan, Getty Images

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February 14, 2012 08:28 AM ET

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they played a heck of a game against Dallas going 2 OT's.

TxHeat

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February 14, 2012 09:02 AM ET

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Started out hot.... Now they aren't looking as such...

Ziggy The Fresh…

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February 14, 2012 09:47 AM ET

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QUOTE(#3):

Originally posted 09:02 AM ET 02.14 by Ziggy The Fresh Prince Of Cali

Started out hot.... Now they aren't looking as such...

Roller coaster season plus a so-so PG like Felton, no wonder this is happening

DR_Universal

Charlotte , NC

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February 14, 2012 09:51 AM ET

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Blaze Much, Bros?

I Love LA

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February 14, 2012 10:54 AM ET

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I guess McMillan sense the importance of focus, the team has done well with all things considered. No Ogden, all the players the other player traded in recent seasons, this team has an opportunity to at least make the playoffs.

mdelaneyd45

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February 14, 2012 12:42 PM ET

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QUOTE(#2):

Originally posted 08:33 AM ET 02.14 by G-B

They're a different team away from home! They don't have the same intensity on the road then at home! Nate has to lead the way and get on their arse.

i wonder if being so isolated from the rest of the nba cities contributes to that. certainly no team is racking up as many frequent flier miles as portland.

Hotpants…

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February 14, 2012 01:16 PM ET

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QUOTE(#6):

Originally posted 10:23 AM ET 02.14 by jgb

blazers can still make some noise in the playoffs

They will be lucky to make the playoffs if they keep starting Crawford...

Lostwill

Natick , MA

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February 14, 2012 01:46 PM ET

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QUOTE(#2):

Originally posted 08:33 AM ET 02.14 by G-B

They're a different team away from home! They don't have the same intensity on the road then at home! Nate has to lead the way and get on their arse.

Apparently, Paul Allen has already gotten on Nate's ****.

darrell4868

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February 14, 2012 01:47 PM ET

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QUOTE(#4):

Originally posted 09:47 AM ET 02.14 by DR_Universal

Roller coaster season plus a so-so PG like Felton, no wonder this is happening

RayRay has been slowed by an injury. Everybody loves Raymond's play. Missed the memo?

darrell4868

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February 14, 2012 02:21 PM ET

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QUOTE(#11):

Originally posted 01:47 PM ET 02.14 by darrell4868

RayRay has been slowed by an injury. Everybody loves Raymond's play. Missed the memo?

I sure hope that was joke...I watched him play up close for 5 years here in Charlotte...trust me when I tell you, I WANTED him to be good but its just not happening...his ceiling is Earl Watson/Jacque Vaughn, decent & reliable but nothing to build around