5 things the Portland Trailblazers can do to get back in the series

4. Airbud

Airbud.

The answer to pretty much every question in life is Airbud. If you can’t answer a question by saying “Airbud,” then the question is wrong.

Kick a dog.

Do it.

That felt terrible, right? Well, hopefully you didn’t actually punt a pup and just pictured the horrible moment in your head. This is because you have restraint. You know who doesn’t?

This is Draymond Green. He plays basketball for the Golden State Warriors. He kicks and kicks and kicks. Would he kick Airbud?

Don’t let that question pass. Really think about it. Would Draymond Green kick a fluffy golden retriever basketball player if he thought it would lend an advantage or he could get away with it?

The answer is “Airbud.” No matter if Draymond does or does not, it would help the Trail Blazers. Lack of kicking means that Draymond isn’t playing his full Draymond game. The kicks seem to originate from a misplaced sense of competition. This is the sense that allows him to perform his unique feats of whatever-it-is-he-does. Without it, he’s just Draymond Celadon.

On the other hand, Draymond Green pretty much feels only two emotions: anger and regret at not being more angry earlier. If he flagrants a pooch, it’s possible he might have a little guilt mixed in. That could throw him off his game. If Draymond is playing D against Airbud and the thought goes through his head “I can’t believe I kicked this amazing dog,” that’s an extra moment of hesitation. Those will add up over the course of the season.

Airbud’s basketball talents do not enter into this.