A Loss With Fond Memories
posted: Wednesday, April 18, 2007 at 9:39 PM
Golden State came in to the Rose Garden tonight with something they wanted badly and they got it. With tonight’s win over the Trail Blazers they will secure the final seed in the Western conference playoff race.
It’s important to mention that the final score tonight doesn’t accurately reflect the spirits of intense goodwill towards this young, up and coming team, and a fond remembrance for the 1977 Trail Blazers squad.
As the season comes to a close, there are two things to remember from tonight’s game. First, the retiring of Lionel Hollins’ #14. Second, Travis Outlaw’s career-high 36 points and 10 rebounds.
In the end, the determined Warriors ran away with a 120-98 victory.
But it wont dampen the spirits of a city and a team with a rich past and a bright future.
Can’t wait until next season… Can’t wait.
Double-Alley-Oop?
posted: at 9:38 PM
Wow.
And then another amazing alley-oop, again slammed home by Travis Outlaw. He's got 34, by far a new career best.
Timeout Works
posted: at 9:27 PM
The Warriors regroup and have pushed their lead back up to 21. More importantly, they've sucked the air out of this crowd.
5:45 to play. Golden State 105, Trail Blazers 84.
Nelson Calls for Time
posted: at 9:21 PM
Warriors coach Don Nelson must be sensing this crowd's collective will, and he's hoping to dampen it a little bit. Good luck.
Portland's got the ball with 8:23 to play. Down 14.
Jones for THREE!
posted: at 9:17 PM
Warrior lead just 12! That's the smallest it's been in some time!
This crowd is getting charged. Ouch.... and as so many times before, Al Harrington stops the Trail Blazer momentum with a dunk.
But on the other end Raef gets an easy layup to answer.
Impossible?
posted: at 9:12 PM
No. Improbable? Yes.
But despite taking a hard, hard foul, Travis nails a 18-foot jump shot then adds the "and-one."
He's got 28, which is a new career-high. Plus he's pulled down eight rebounds.
Doh! Al Harrington hits a foul-line jumper as the buzzer sounds.
94-77, Warriors, with just one more quarter to play this season. Cross your fingers and who knows...
Travis Scores...
posted: at 9:09 PM
...and is fouled. Beautiful, gravity-defying, acrobatic layup.
Puts the Trail Blazers within 19 with 2:20 to play in the third.
Not a pretty place to be, but if you saw the Rockets game last week, you know there's no deficit too large...
Gold State Standing Tough
posted: at 9:03 PM
It seems pretty clear that the Warriors are on a serious mission tonight -- they're not not going to stop until they reach the playoffs, and they don't want to rely on the Clippers losing.
If only Portland has a couple more of their starters in uniform tonight... they might just dash the hopes of Golden State.
Travis at the Line
posted: at 8:46 PM
Hits the first and the second to bring the Trail Blazers back within 20.
But on the other end Al Harrington quickly converts a dunk. Harrington's mobility for a big man is impressive -- he's been running the break like he has sinewy, lanky frame (like Travis').
Hollering for Hollins!
posted: at 8:32 PM
This crowd is on its feet cheering for the newly retired Trail Blazer number of Lionel Hollins.
Hollins was chosen sixth in the NBA draft by Trail Blazer architect Stu Inman. He looks pretty dang proud, saying that winning the championship is the ultimate moment in his life.
"Blazermania and Rip City forever!"
Dr. Jack
posted: at 8:29 PM
Heartfelt speech from Dr. Jack Ramsey here at the half. And might I just point out the obvious: how beautiful is that NBA trophy, shining under the bright lights of center court?
It's somewhat hypothetical, but in a way there's only a few things that would out-do it -- that would be another by it's side.
Now For Something a Little Different
posted: at 8:17 PM
The 1977 team will be recognized during the break, as well as the retiring of Lionel Hollins' jersey.
If you ask me, it's just what this crowd could use -- a little spring back in it's step.
The lights are dimmed...
Warriors Maintain Early Lead
posted: at 8:16 PM
They figure to keep the double-digit lead as they head into the locker room at the half. In fact, it's going to be 18.
Portland 46, Golden State 64 at the game's midway point.
Needing to Clamp Down
posted: at 8:09 PM
Trail Blazers need to turn up their defensive intensity right here, right now before this half comes to a close. Just under three minutes left, and it would be sweet to see the 17-point lead whittled down to around ten.
Hanging in There
posted: at 7:57 PM
Slowing the Warriors a bit, though the Trail Blazers have yet to make the same adjustments in their offense.
Ouch... but a basket and a foul by Stephen Jackson doesn't help things.
Warriors up 16 with 6:29 to play in the half.
After One
posted: at 7:47 PM
Not exactly the best situation on could hope for, but by no means is this one over.
At the end of one, Trail Blazers 26, Golden State 41. Remarkably, three Golden State players are already in double figures (Stephen Jackson, Al Harrington and Jason Richardson).
Fred Jones leads Portland with seven.
Golden State Running
posted: at 7:37 PM
Even on made baskets the Warriors are breaking towards the basket, and so far the Trail Blazers haven't been out quick enough to stop them.
31-21, Golden State with 2:56 to play in the first.
Right Back in it
posted: at 7:28 PM
Buckets from Martell and Fred Jones close the gap. 19-13, Warriors.
Warriors Hitting...
posted: at 7:24 PM
Three three's so far for the team who needs this win to assure their post season position. Trail Blazers perhaps paid a bit too much attention to the early celebration of the 1977 team, and need to get their heads back in the game.
Fred Jones helps with a three.
Golden State 17, Portland 7.
Martell draws the blocking foul and heads to the line for two...
An Emotional Night
posted: at 7:18 PM
Fans, staff and current team members poured out their support for the 1977 championship team here at the Rose Garden during introductions.
Already this is one of the most emotional nights at the Rose Garden in some time.
Tip-off coming soon.
Tale of the Tape
posted: at 7:06 PM
The Trail Blazers currently have 10 more wins than all of last season with a record of 32-49.
Golden State is one game below .500 at 41-40.
The teams have split two games this season, each winning on their home floor. Most recently, the Trail Blazers prevailed 106-87 here at the Rose Garden.
Counting down... Trail Blazers starting lineup being introduced.
We're Getting Close
posted: at 6:50 PM
And there's a little something special in the air, on this, the final Trail Blazer game of the 2006-07 season. The improvement between this year and next is a total success. There's the three amazing rookies, the local guys, youth growing up, and character on display. It's been great across the board.
Then there's the 30 year anniversary of the Trail Blazers 1st NBA Championship. The players from that team are in the house, and they should be on the court soon. Earlier today there was a parade, which matched the route following the 1977 championship, to commemorate the event.
Add to that Golden State needs a win tonight (or a Clipper loss) to ensure their first playoff appearance in 14 years.
"They know they need this game," says coach McMillan. "They're going to come out very aggressive." After that coach McMillan thanked you, the Portland fans for the supportive season. No doubt he's looking forward to the next...
The teams are out on the floor shooting around. It wont be long now.
RSS FEED
How about this....staring 5
pg-Brandon Roy
SG-Ben Gordon (trade Zach Randolph)
SF-Rashard Lewis (free agent)
PF-LaMarcus Aldridge
C-Greg Oden
Post a Comment
<< Home