Trail Blazers' Locker Room Sign Stated 'We Don't Lose to Spanish Players'

The Portland Trail Blazers used some questionable motivational tactics to prepare for their opening-round playoff series against the Memphis Grizzlies.   

On a laminated card in the FedExForum visiting locker room, Portland included a number of phrases, which included "We don't lose to Spanish players," per The Oregonian's John Canzano.    

As ESPN.com's Baxter Holmes pointed out in reporting on the matter, Grizzlies center Marc Gasol is from Spain.

Blazers head coach Terry Stotts weighed in on the situation on Monday, per Holmes: "First of all, that wasn't the only thing that was on that [card]. ... I wouldn't classify that as the only message of the day. But that being said, it was a motivational thing, and I think the Spanish thing was a little lighthearted. It was the things we needed to do to win the series."

Portland lost all four of its meetings with Memphis during the regular season and was smothered on the road during Game 1 on Sunday night, losing by a score of 100-86.

On Tuesday, Nicolas Batum apologized for his role in the message, according to Michael Wallace of ESPN.com: "I apologize if I hurt some people. But I have total respect for Marc Gasol. He knows that. We've talked about it sometimes."

Gasol downplayed the story, per Wallace: "I don't have no take. And if I don't take anything out of it, I don't expect any of you guys [in the media] to take anything out of it. As far as I know, none of you guys are Spanish. So I hope nobody is bothered by that."

If the Blazers were focused on stopping Gasol, it didn't show. Although Gasol scored 15 points on pedestrian 7-of-16 shooting, he made a huge impact in grabbing 11 rebounds, blocking three shots and adding seven assists with just one turnover.

Game 2 is slated for Wednesday. Based on the blowout in the opener and Portland's lack of success in the four prior contests, the Blazers have their work cut out for them to make the Western Conference semifinals.