Surreal Scene as #10 Falls
posted: 12/21/2007 at 11:30 PM
I've been with the Trail Blazers since 1999. I covered them before that for KXL, and have only missed a handful of home games since 1992. And, I've been to every single game, home and road, the last 6 years. Perhaps it's just the emotion of the moment, but the memory of Friday night's 99-96 win over Denver has got to rank in the top five of all time for me. I don't care what happens the rest of the way, I'm just soaking up what I've just experienced. It's not always about the destination, it's about the journey.
If there was ever such a thing as a playoff atmosphere in December in the NBA, this was it. There wasn't a ticket to be had. The Rose Garden, sold out, holds 19,980. On Friday night, 20,644 jammed the building. That means 664 people didn't have seats. There was an electricity I simply haven't felt in many years.
This incredibly-unlikely winning streak has reached 10. The last seven wins in the streak have come against playoff teams from a year ago. The Blazers have played the 2nd-toughest schedule in the NBA so far. Before this streak Portland had lost 9 of 10, and in the last 5 of that cold spell had averaged just 81 points per game.
This is now the second-longest winning streak in NBA history by a team that had 50 or more losses in the previous season. This is the longest winning streak in NBA history by a team following drafting the #1 overall pick. He hasn't even played yet.
The Blazers are 12-3 at home, 10 and 1 in December, and 4-1 against the Northwest Division. They are a half-game out of first place in the NW, and three games over .500. And, as I've told you, this is the third-youngest team in NBA history. The top two on that list combined to win 31 games in those seasons. The Blazers are at 15, with 55 games left.
The fourth quarter continues to be magic for this team. The youngest team in the league is not supposed to show this kind of poise, confidence, and control in the final quarters of games (have I used that before?) It's a result of chemistry, the defining of roles, and an incredible belief in the system.
In the last two fourth quarters, the Blazers have outscored their opponents 55-33. On Wednesday, they trailed Toronto by 7 going into the 4th. On Friday, they trailed Denver by 7 going into the 4th. They outscored the Raptors 25-13 in the fourth, and outscored the Nuggets 30 to 20 in the 4th.
Nothing was easy in this ballgame against Denver, and you knew it would be that way. With no Marcus Camby or Kenyon Martin, the Nuggets went small, and that's caused Portland problems this season. In no way did I think the loss of those two players would put the Nuggets at a big disadvantage. It would simply give Allen Iverson and Carmelo Anthony more shots. On this night they combined for 68 points.
With one minute to play, Denver had the ball with the game tied 94-94. Iverson went to the middle, but his shot was off the mark. With :36 seconds left, James Jones, who had only missed one free throw all season, missed the first and made the second. Denver then went to Anthony, who backed Brandon Roy into deep post position. As he elevated, Roy rose and blocked the shot. Travis Outlaw then hit two free throws to give Portland a 3-point lead. Following an Iverson lay in, the Nuggets fouled Jarrett Jack, who hit a pair at the line. With no timeouts left, Denver went the length of the floor and Linus Kleiza had his feet set a let a three pointer go which would have sent the game to overtime. Outlaw elevated and blocked the shot, ending the game.
To listen to Nate McMillan's comments after the game,
click here.
We continue to see new things during this streak. It's taken hard-driving lay ins, rebounds, free throws, three-pointers, last-second shots, and now, two blocked shots to get the win.
Christmas Day the Trail Blazers will try and make it 11-straight wins when they host Seattle. The game is already sold out. It will be nationally televised on ESPN, and we'll also have it on KGW, in HD.
The Blazers had planned on wearing their alternate-red jerseys in this game. They also had red shoes specially made from the various companies for the players to wear (that was going to be a little surprise). But, I know Nate McMillan. He never does anything to jinx a streak. I wouldn't be a bit surprised to see those red shoes and jerseys stay on the shelf, because the white home jerseys have been working. If it aint' broke, don't fix it. We'll have to wait and see what they decide.
December has been an absolute blur, as it seems like we've either had a game, or been on a plane, or had a radio show every single night. I'm way, way behind on Christmas shopping. Now I have the weekend for that. I was in Denver last Sunday on my wife's birthday, but get to be home, with a day off, on our anniversary on Saturday.
I know one thing, my Christmas gift from this team is this 10-game winning streak. The only thing that would make it better would be number 11 on Christmas Day.
Merry Christmas.
MB
RSS FEED
As we've seen in the locker room following these wins, the team is still hungry. I'm thankful that we get the honor of watching them grow up before our eyes and the fans of Portland.
Hey Mike what a game. Our team is amazing. I just can't get over how much they have improved over the pass few weeks. Before the 10 game winning streak we couldn't win on the road. Now look at us. Outlaw makes a big difference. He does so many things. He reminds me a little of Scottie Pippen. Not to take anything from B-Roy I just like the improvement in the (Sheriff). I'm loving the rotation Nate has found. Great job Nate! I see the playoffs coming our way. Martell, like I have said in the past is preparing to explode to the rim. He is a good foul shooter and as long as he drives hard to the rim I know he can sky over anyone who guards him. Fry has a great attitude and he is a team player. I know he feels as though he’s not getting the minutes, but he is putting the team first. He has a great looking shot. LA! Stay humble and grateful the game will come to you! For some reason Joel seemed a little tiered. We're back! people. Signing off with this, Do You Believe?
Have a wonderful anniversary (had mine this Monday) and Christmas. I was at the game tonight, with my son, on his 18th birthday. Needless to say, the experience was priceless - he'll never forget this game, nor will I. At least we all have a few days to catch our breath from this ride!
MB! Thanks man! I can feel that unbelievable emotion as well! The garden was rockin tonight.
I'm a courtside server, had the same section at mid-court for 5 seasons. Thankfully to you all, I could not hear many of the orders being placed Friday night. It was so loud down there at times it was ringing my ears and giving me chills!
RIP City, Thank You for your support, I'm a fan of many teams in sports but I must say, THIS Blazer team is so incredibly likable, I have never felt better about a team's success than this one's. Only the Red Sox breaking the curse was this enjoyable.
This is a group of great young guys who want nothing more than to prove their ability to Nate, us, and this beautiful city. We are so blessed to come from a group of underachieving overpaid troublemakers to pretty much the most likable roster in the game, albeit, SO quickly!
KP and management, thank you for recognizing our needs, realizing it with talent and character.
Blazers thank you for believing in yourselves, I knew you were the right group, keep proving it, you have nothing to lose as such a young roster.
RIP CITY! Keep it up! With your help, this can only get better and become more fun!
Merry Christmas, enjoy your early presents from the Blazers, but demand another on Christmas!
~RRRRIP CITY!!
Happy anniversay, MB! Thanks for all the sacrifices you guys have to make. I know you're fortunate to have the job you do, but still, life is about relationships and when you have to miss something important for your family, that deserves some appreciation from us.
I'm seriously delirious right now with what is going on. I was looking forward to sleeping in this morning, after a long week, but just found myself waking up at 6:30am 'cuz I was thinking about the Blazers. Then I turned on SportsCenter and was VERY happy to see the Blazers be the top story of the show. Not that I care that much about national recognition, but whether I care or not, it's starting to come.
Flying into town on Monday, entering the Rose Garden dressed in red on Tuesday, celebrating number 11 on Wednesday!
Mike,
I was at that game last night and I could just feel the vibes from the moment I walked in the building. In fact it almost got out of hand a few times like when some classless Denver fan yelled "Go Nuggets" during the national anthem, resulting in a loud protest from Blazer fans; or when they had the little kids racing tricycles. One kid was wearing a Nuggets jersey, and the whole crown booed him. The kid was like 4 years old!!!! I'm sure he's scarred for life. I blame the parents. he he
What a place to be last night. I'll be there on Christmas day as well, yelling and screaming my fool head off. Hope you can hear well enough to do your job. My job is to make teams absolutely dread coming to the Rose Garden (or Wells Fargo Stadium, or whatever.)
Very well said.
I was fortunate enough to be seated courtside for our 10 against Den. and I have to say being at this game was so emotionally intense. The crowd was behind this team 1000% and never in my life of Blazer basketball have I seen the game end and people aren't rushing for the doors. There was about 4-5 minutes there where people were just hugging and high-fiving each other and soaking it in. I even saw several people crying... and I got a little misty myself. There is no way to convey the feeling in the arena that night. The crowd wasn't sitting the closing minutes of the game.
This group of guys have so many things working against them from experience to injuries and they still game in and game out some how find a way to not only compete but come out on top. I really believe we have the best offensive team in the league and it has nothing to do with our numbers... it has to do with every man we have is capable of rising to the occasion and that's what makes us so hard to guard is our ability to pass it to anyone on our team and know they can take care of the ball.
I could go on for days, probably years about our team this year but I wont I'll just end this with "lets STOP Kevin, and make it eleven"! Go Blazer's!
Mike, I'm glad you share in the enthusiasm of the moment. This is quite fun from a fan from the 80's. I grew up listening to the Blazers on the radio. And because of the Blazer blunder of comcast sports. I will forever be a radio fan and not witness the excitement of this. Thank god, Christmas Day is on KGW. Funny that the one time its on national tv. We get it on local channels.
This in an of itself is something the organization needs to revisit. Comcast CABLE is a price gouger, unfair, pathetic cable network. I left years ago cause they kept increasing their cost for no reason. They do not care about the customer.. Which in turn doesn't help the Blazers image. I know Paul wants his own cable station, but buck it up and change 20% of that schedule and build the fan base first. I will never ever sign up for Comcast. You are penalizing the Large market of Direct TV and Dish network providers.
I know for a fact that when it comes to a small market TV we will never get it on the dish providers because the Blazer FAN BASE will never be the Yankees for any reason.
Beyond my grief of that lack of committment to the fans. KP, and Nate have the team we have all yearned for over the last 15 yrs. We loved the team before the Whitsitt era. You've got that magic back. I believe the biggest reason is because we stopped drafting highschoolers and considered proven college talent. the ones that play through their junior and senior years are players who are committed and love the game. Not ths money gouging athletic hopefuls. Thank god for Outlaw and Webster, who surprising Nash drafted and they really did look at the character of the kid even though we drafted them too early.
Great Job Portland. I'm happy to hear the roaring, chanting, defense defense defense. We didn't see that with the high price vet team from the early 2000's Don't let the corporate money lesson the enthusiastic crowd.
It'll happen but man I'm proud of this team. I feel devoted and committed to the success. Thank you Blazer Management
I have to leave one more post. I just watched the video highlights from the last 2 games. Man this suck, getting all emotionally charged, excited, happy, misty eyed. Its been since 95 I cared this much. I know you're all with me. Go Blazers. I had to watch the draft night all over again on youtube. Chills is all I have to say. I thought we might be another year away, but after watching Roy at UW and how the team rallied around him. Man we are gonna be in for real treat after we make the second round in the playoffs this year and with Oden next year. CHAMPIONSHIP. Who's to say we don't get to the West finals this year like the surprising team did back with JR Rider. too young NAH - this is just the start of a long run fo fun. so much better then the Wallace days.
Nate has really put these guys in positions where they feel comfortable and can flourish. He's done a great job. And full diclosure: I was one of the ones who was questioning some of his decisions earlier in the year. There's still a long way to go, but I think I've been proven wrong and I couldn't be happier.
I'd like to give Nate, and each player on the team my thanks for providing such excitement these last couple of weeks.
We have a great thing going here.
Poetic entry Mike.
Is this real?
Rip City, 10 in a row! We are the feel good story of the year and I am loving every minute of it. We're showing that nice guys don't come in last!
Sure would've been nice to watch this streak in video, rather than read recaps. I would've loved to have actually felt like I was participating in the fervor the town is going through. I'm sure the several hundred thousand fans in the area not subscribed to Comcast feel the same way.
Bravo to the players, coaches, and staff, and a nice big rude gesture to the management structure in place for the organization.
All I want for Christmas is the Blazers Organization to get involved with this broadcast issue, and actually DO SOMETHING.
Shame we can't just enjoy the Blazers progress, but the organization brought this on themselves.
I went to my first blazer game back in 1989 and have been a Blazer FANATIC ever since. Even when they were having the off the court issues, they were still on my blazer team and I had to support them ON the basketball court.
Due to my work schedule, I went to as many games as I could go. For the last five years, I have subscribed to the NBA league pass just so I can watch my Blazers play.
My point...........
I am real frustrated that many of us loyal fans who have stayed true to the Blazers thru thick and thin are missing out on the return of RIp City!
Comcast...Blazers...get this issue resolved so we can ALL be a part of this.
We were at the Club level last night and it was PACKED!!! The crowd was loud and electric and the couple of Denver fans in the audience were left slumped in their seats at the end of the game!! That's twice in one week we've put Denver away and we've done it to CO and UT, the leaders in our division. We know when we play hard, play together and play with passion, we can beat any team. Blazers haven't been this fun in a long time (and we've had season tix for a decade) and we love it!!!! Bring on the Sonics and let's take it to them on National TV. Go Blazers! Go Rip City!!!! Wheeeeeeeeeeeee!!!
Mike,
Thanks for all of your hard work and I'm glad you finally get the chance to be with your wife & family over the holidays.
The fans send their best and we'll see you on Xmas Day!
Go Blazers!!!
ELEVEN WOULD BE HEAVEN
Stayed up and watched the game @5am's at night here in The Netherlands and i was loving it. I'm a big fan from overseas and watching the game on the web was a big thrill. For years we were laughed at being a fan of p-town but it all pays off now. It was great getting the 10th. Love to see more coming!
TEN
JUST TURNED
OUR BOYS
INTO
MEN!!!!
Great Blog as usual MB.
I really enjoyed hearing your voice on nba.coms play of the day.
"Outlaw Blocks the Shot!!!"
The excitement in your voice was perfect to represent the return of Rip City.
Not in our house Kevin, Blazers for eleven!
Lets Go Blazers!!!!
hey MB how ya doin buddy? Ya know i really think that the MVP of this team has to go to Josh McRoberts, he's in the PF's (practice facilities) everyday working his tail off, nothing more nothing less. His duke mentality is really rubbing off on grizzled vets such as james jones, rafe, and the Thrilla. Josh has mastered the games intangibles, its pretty easy to tell that when you watch his poise on the bench. His charisma has truly been embraced by the city. He has made B roy and LA so good by competing every day in practice, and showing them what hard work is. O yeah, and, don't disreguard companionship.
all i want from fat santa for Christmas is a comcast/dish deal
Mike;
Happy Holidays to you and your family.
I didn't gett to see the game(it was my bowling night. It sounded like it was breath taking. I got to listen to the fifth qtr show.
I have a concern with The Christmas game. I know we can beat anybody in the league because we have played the best except for Boston. My fear is can we play good when we are not the under-dog. I know you said we could consider being favered in the toranto game. But, not as big a favorite as this one. It seems like every year when the schedule gives us a break we go on break. and loose to a under-dog team.
Thank you for the update. and to all the Bloggers and Mike. I wish you a very Merry Christmas by beating The Sonics.
If we start at 5 we will be at 11 by 7.
hg
Hey Mike! I forgot to mention, I love the guys on Comcast Sports Net channel #37 on cable. I love the fact that they are so upbeat and positive. No! They aren't you or Rice, but it is working. They come across as Sports Guys and I'm loving it. They are part of the new look. Don't change anything. I love growing with this whole thing. It's like having them over in my living room. Let them know would you? 1080 the Fann guys get no love from me! (I wouldn't have them over) Nate is growing in this thing also! You can see him hold his hand from pulling a player that has made a mistake (Sergio). We have here something that is shocking the NBA World! This team now believes they can win every game. Homework is the biggest key. Studying the other team instead of playing XBOX. The fans are back! And the team is riding this streak like West Coast Cowboys. Yeee! Haaw! Take it to Durant and the Sonics. Make them say, WOW! Those Blazers are the hottest team in the NBA! Defense will be a big part of the game, but scoring the way we have these last ten games give us an edge in that department. I can't wait til Christmas! I'm having family over at 3pm. It will be a little challenging, but they all know I'm crazy about my team. National TV. ESPN! What a Christmas. Oh! By the way, it was nice to see Paul Allen high five both the president and the general manager. They are a great team. The world is coming to are living room and halftime is going to be awesome. I can't wait. It's like I'm a kid again waiting to open my presents. I don't know if I'll be able to sleep the night before Christmas. Well it's time to sign out! I'm so happy! I'm so Happy!
I have been a die hard Blazer fan
since year one. Now we finally have
the team we've been longing for
and we the Troglites sit in utter
darkness! Just be thankful fellow
cave dwellers that they will be
pumping ESPN and KGW deep into the
caverns on Christmas day.
I have been a die hard Blazer fan
since year one. Now we finally have
the team we've been longing for
and we the Troglites sit in utter
darkness! Just be thankful fellow
cave dwellers that they will be
pumping ESPN and KGW deep into the
caverns on Christmas day.
Hey Mike, my little bro is a huge fan of Brandon Roy, he is only 12 but is on top of all of Brandon's stats, And I think Brandon is a really good person for him to look up to.
I was thinking of something I could get him for Christmas, and I thought something from Brandon himself would really make him happy.
Is there any way I could get something autographed by Brandon to give to him for Christmas? I know it might be a little late at this point but to get to him by the 25th but I am sure he would still really appreciate it.
If there is anyway possible could you please e-mail me at dow.robert@gmail.com.
Much appreciated, Rob
With one game shy of a third of the season complete, the team needs to work hard to stay focussed. It's precisely at these times, when there has been some success, that the temptation is to skate a bit and hope that momentum will continue. Well, momentum won't win games in this real word we live in. I know the guys on this Blazer team have the mental discipline and physical ability to carry this winning tradition forward through the 55 remaining games and the playoffs, but as the new year comes along, we're going to find out if they decided to do it. Thanks to them for a great fall and the hope of a bright future! Merry Christmas!
happy holidays mike! i've enjoyed watching the blazers on league pass this season.
Hi mike the crowd was the loudest its been all year the entire forth quarter was awesome. I've been to five games this year but I don't think this one can ever be topped not only did the blazers win # ten in a row but my 6 year old son got to be in the trike race during a time out. Before the game a lady asked my wife if he would like to be in the race and of course he wanted to. He finished second he said at least the other blazer kid won and not the nugget kid. I'm sure this is something he will never forget I know I won't. They let us order a DVD of the race so we can show friends and family.
Mike,
Excellent work on another Blazer's broadcast. I was only able to watch the first half as I had a Christmas Party to attend on Friday evening. After watching that first half, I must admit that I was a little concerned. The Boys were playing well, but it seemed that the referee's were out to get them. I'm not usually one to complain about officiating, but there was a 3 minute span where 'Melo had four charges in a row, but they were all called blocking fouls by the officials. It reached a point where Carmelo was even chuckling about it. Does the team have any form of recourse with the league during the game (halftime) or after the game? It was pretty tough to watch. Needless to say, I was pleasantly surprised when I arrived home that evening and checked the scores. Nice work team! Good to see!
With that said, can people please quit complaining about the Comcast deal?? The Blazers are a company, with shareholders that require a return on their investment. That return has been small these past few years and the team has made decisions to improve revenues. One of which was selling the broadcasting rights to Comcast. The TrailBlazer organization does not have control over how or to whom Comcast sells its rights. People, please stop complaining to the Blazers or calling Comcast an evil empire. If your satellite providers truly wanted to make a deal, they would. Vote with your dollars, switch over to Comcast and watch your Blazers. For fans outside of the region, you can sign up for league pass and watch all of the games on your computer, which can easily be linked to your home television. So quit complaining, stop blaming management, and support your team! Management has done an EXCELLENT job of turning this around. Please don't ruin it with your whining.
Thanks again Mike, you are the best!!!
I read an article about Darius Miles participating in live practice.
I think I threw up a little in my mouth.
Somebody please tell me that Pritchard is not even thinking about ever letting that piece of *!@# take the floor wearing a Blazer uniform again.
Not after all the smart moves they have made. Trade him to the Knicks for a pair of socks or anything useful for that matter!
Blazers541,
I apologize for all the fans that do not have the means to just switch tv contracts and pay both comcast and Direct. I realize that theres isn't much managment can do now but they did sign the contract knowing that a majority of the fans would be left out. I will continue to complain about this and I hope many others do until something is done. I do apologize to Mike for using his blog to communicate my frustration but I and many others feel it is the best channel of communication we have for this problem. All I ask is someone give updates and not ignore the problem and hope everyone stops talking about it. Anyways lets get 11 today GO BLAZERS RIP CITY BABY.
Wanted to leave this message for you... My dad has an HDTV setup with all the frills in the living room, but I spent my Christmas night on the floor watching the 12" static filled TV so I could watch the local broadcast instead of the national.
It only took 12 minutes to realize no picture can replace the broadcasting job that you and everyone else puts together every night.
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