Memphis was a 50 win team in 04

Jason Williams had his best years in Memphis at that time then turned around and started at PG for a title team in 06

Chucky Atkins played 22 min a game for a conference finalist in 2003 that had no one nearly as talented as Gasol, but his 27 mpg contributed to a 1st round sweep for Memphis?

yes, portland was very good and well balanced. that doesnt mean Memphis wasnt good enough to win *A* playoff game over 3 years instead of going 0-12