A Night for the Fans
posted: 4/16/2008 at 2:14 AM
In one of the more memorable home finales in recent years, the Trail Blazers poured it on in the second half, and blew out the Memphis Grizzlies 113-91, on Fan Appreciation Night at the Rose Garden. The 32nd sellout crowd of the season spent much of the latter part of the fourth quarter on its feet, and gave each of the Trail Blazer regulars a standing ovation as they were taken out of the game, one by one.
With the victory, the Trail Blazers have assured themselves of at least a .500 record on the season, as they improved to 41-40. We're now in Phoenix, as we arrived at about 2am. I'm putting off sleep to get this posted, and I'll update things tomorrow with more. You'd do the same for me, correct?
Plus, there's so much to talk about following this amazing night at the garden. The flight took about two hours, but seemed much shorter, as we spent the entire flight recapping the night and dreaming about the future. That's pretty much what the evening was all about as well.
If only all the teams headed for the playoffs could create atmospheres like we experienced in Portland on Tuesday night. It's been like this really for the final three home games, and were wins- over the Lakers, Mavericks, and last night over the Grizzlies.
We saw Brandon Roy pick up another double-double, as he scored 16 points and dished out 11 assists. Jarrett Jack had 18 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists, and James Jones re-discovered his shooting touch, going 6 for 7 from behind the three-point line. Every Blazer in uniform played, and only Von Wafer didn't get into the scoring column. The night was capped by back-to-back alley-oop passes from Sergio Rodriguez to Travis Outlaw. Outlaw grabbed both passes, from near midcourt, and threw both down behind his head. Even Josh McRoberts had a hard slam dunk in the lane which brought the bench to its feet, late in the fourth quarter.
The Grizzlies got off to a hot start, and led by as many as 7 points early. They looked like they wanted the role of spoiler, as they have on several occasions in the past at the Rose Garden. But, the Blazers took control toward the end of the first half, and built a 25-point lead in the second. They ended up finally winning by 22.
To listen to Nate McMillan's comments after the game,
click here.
The win not only capped a memorable season, in which the team blew away most predictions by getting to 41 wins, but treated the fans to a show that should hold them until the start of next season. It was the kind of night that made next season feel like it's way too far away.
Wednesday night, the Blazers take on the Suns, who have a lot to play for. They're still battling with Utah and Houston in the Western Conference race, and therefore will be going full throttle trying to get the victory.
Win or lose, the Trail Blazers have shown the fans, and themselves, we've got a lot to look forward to. I'll talk to you on Wednesday.
RSS FEED
thank you for a rewarding year, everybody.
that was a fun last home game to watch down here in los angeles; i wish i was there. highlights: james jones finds his stroke again; frye guy on fire; back2back reverse alley oops by TrOut; McBob crashes the boards and dunks; the standing O's. just wish marty could have played and wish we could have witnessed jensen kissing joel's backside during halftime.
cannot wait for 2008-2009. i need to move back to pdx and scoop up some season tix.
thanks, mb. (btw, i think you meant "41-40"). go 'zers, let's take it to shaq and phoenix...mess things up.
cheers,
-tony t
We improved to 41-40. The game was very fun to watch the second half. I had an emotional outburst on that second alley to Travis Outlaw, it was much nicer. I think that was a pretty magical ending to the season at home. I can't wait until the playoffs start.
What a game! So much for Jones's slump.
Dear Mike:
Sorry if you've already heard this one, but a friend of mine noted that, with Miles about to leave the team, does that make the Blazers once again the youngest team ever? Or at least move them up a slot or two? After all, Miles was one of the greybeards at age 26.
And of course, I wish Miles all the best. He's just been deprived of that which he's centered much of his life around - playing professional basketball. I think deep down in our hearts, where our true humanity and common sympathies lie, underneath all the "good riddance he's a money-sucking punk" comments, we all wish him the best.
--Robert
Love the blogs MB. Thank you for all the work you have put in this season!
"With the victory, the Trail Blazers have assured themselves of at least a .500 record on the season, as they improved to 41-41."
One quick thing though, aren't the Blazers at 41-40 right now? I know the Suns game isn't going to be easy, but don't write us off yet! ;^)
Thanks again for a great season!
What a great win. Nice job, guys.
Great blogs MB! I really appreciate all the hard work you have put in over the course of the season. I have really appreciated your blogs as a blazers fan/college student in Nowheresville IA. Your blogs really help me get a feel of the game and the Rose Garden experience!
One quick thing though, aren't the Blazers at 41-40 right now? "With the victory, the Trail Blazers have assured themselves of at least a .500 record on the season, as they improved to 41-41." I know the game in Phoenix is going to tough, but don't write us off yet! ;^)
Thanks again for helping make this a great season to remember!
Andrew
I did mean 41-40. Jeeez. I fixed it. I guess I was sleep walking again.
MB
Man, last night was awesome! The whole arena was buzzing with excitement about the future and what a great team we have. It is so easy to be a proud fan with the humble guys on this roster. They are so talented and have the right attitude.
Despite all of the whining of who we should get rid of, what we could do better, and how we should substitute, I would not be upset if no one was traded. If we do I'm sure they'll be the right trades. Because of how young we are, how much we have improved, and the positive attitude each player exhibited this season, there is no easy person to cut, except Von Wafer, McRoberts, and maybe Raef.
I'm just thankful I'm not the guy wheeling and dealing.
Tonight I'm gonna predict that we come out on fire the first quarter, struggle the second, and then we'll be battling the 3rd and 4th to finish on top by 4 points.
Go Blazers!
MB- Nice year! You have really improved with every game you've called, and your slightly biased blazer approach, tempered with your appreciation for good basketball walks a fine line, and you do it well. Now let's get you a REAL analyst next year. Rice is tired. Everyone I know is so fed up with his brain-less comments. Like..."That's what we need to do" whenever we make a shot. And then the classic..."That's what we don't need" when we make a turnover. We blazer fans can only hope that the management gets rid of Rice, or makes him special assistant to the popcorn vendor instead of the on-air (lack of) talent he is.
MB:
Thanks again to Rice and you for a great broadcast, last night.
I especially loved the extended interview with K.P. in the second quarter; seriously the smiles that you gentlemen had as you discussed the future...well, it made my friends and I who were watching the game laugh aloud at the future possibilities.
Only question, I have: Why no love for Jones? He was crazy on fire last night!
RIP CITY!
drsuse. unbelievable! Next time you post something so stupid, Do NOT include us!You are definitely NOT one of us. are you kidding me? WE hope you never post here again. i'm a bit surprised your blog actually got posted. Rice is one of the best in the business and a great coach as well. he's also an ambassador for this team and has been around for a long time. he lives and dies with this team and for you to say something so blatantly ignorant makes me believe that you have no idea about whats going on around here. Absolute garbage! That's as bad as talking smack about anyone one of the players or coaches. i'm sure if one of the players ever heard you say something like that you would get a rude awakening. but that will never happen because morons like you don't get to talk to these guys.
Mike- I have to admit i'm a bit surprised at you letting this clown in the mix considering mike is your good friend but at the same time i commend your commitment to a free and open discussion where even the most sports challenged can have their say. on that note:
THANK YOU SO SO MUCH ON BEHALF OF ALL OF US FOR FOR GIVING US THE OPPORTUNITY TO EXPRESS OURSELVES AND FEEL LIKE WE MATTER AS FANS. TELL RICEY THAT WE LOVE HIM TOO AND WE CAN'T WAIT TO SHARE NEXT SEASON WITH YOU GUYS ONCE AGAIN. YOU ARE THE BEST! Sude
Hey Mike,
Great Blog! I was there, being a season-ticket holder and all, I am really excited for next year! If only the dream of bringing Chris Paul here, that would for sure put us up for oh.... I don't know 10-12 rings!!
Hey Mike,
I was there last night and it will be my last time at the Rose Garden before I move to Southern California for school. However, I am so happy for this team and I will be supporting the Black and Red at the Staples Center next year as Portland makes a run for the Playoffs next year
Mike;
What a game. Those final dunks by McRoberts and Travis was the greatest.
druses you are pathetic. When you say all the fans you must be counting you as the only fan. Rice has more wisdom of basketball in his little finger than you will probably ever have. Because everybody does not use the same canned expressions as you do does not make them bad, just makes them different. And thank God everybody is not like you.
Robertmpeachey; I agree with you about Miles like him or hate him, human compassion for another well being says it all Thanks for that.
Trading Players is part of the progress of improving. But I have to agree with thedanman on this one. We have a great team. I don't know if I would trade off McRoberts, he has not yet had a chance to prove himself, and I think he will be great. He missed much of the training camp because of that ankle. I think we should at least see if he can improve.
I think The Suns have a great team, but if I was on that team I would not want to play The Blazers right now. They are going to have one hell of a time trying to damper the fight and desire to win from The Blazers.
Can't wait until tonight, I get to watch the whole game.
I know I give my opinion passionately against bloggers that bad mouth individual players, but I don't mean any harm by it. If I have hurt anybody, I apologize.
The Blazer Fans comes from all walks of life and from all age group that is why we have so many different opinion but we all Love our Blazers
hg
Mike,
What a great way to end an amazing season. I hope every player on this team and every member of the coaching staff is proud of the way they played this year. My highlights were the big winning streak and B-Roy getting named to the AllStar team. I would have loved to see Mike Rice with a Fohawk....but next year will do. Thanks for the great season.
It was a great win against Memphis. Fun to watch and we looked as sharp as any time during the season. Let's see how we do against the Suns, a real playoff and championship contender. Memphis was for entertainment and PHX will be a litmus test on our capabilities and maturity. Go Blazers!
Just gotta say I think Mike Rice is great. Always have.
Mike; Thanks for a great venue to allow us to make both insightful and ignorant comments. We finally once again have a team that we can be proud of both their play and character. I hope we get the winning season tonight but either way the Blazers can hold their heads high and really look forward to next year.
sude~
You have your opinion and I have mine. Try actually listening to the analysis that Rice provides. Not much there. I never questioned his love of the blazers, nor should you question mine. I was IN the MC when we won the championship...were you? I am a season ticket holder...and was before we got Oden...my heroes growing up were Maurice Lucas and Clude Drexler. I met several Blazers this year, and would not be shaking in my boots to let them in on what I think. Remember when Schonz got the Axe? Nothing upset me more in the history of this organization...thank God the new Managment wised up and brought him back in the capacity they did. Now I don't think that Mike Rice has necessarily earned a bar in the Garden named for him...but I think a Popcorn stand in his honor would be a nice gesture...as long as he's not being a "Master of the Obvious" alongside an up and coming, exciting NBA play-by-play man that we have in MB.
Go Blazers!
Oh, and to the folks who are having heated discussions above, if you want to really have some fun go to a site with Lakers Fans and start talking about #24 not having a chance at MVP and what a bunch of whiny, privileged fair weather fans they are... then sit back and watch the storm clouds!
DrSuse, you are the only person in this galaxy who doesn't like Mike Rice!!!! And if you don't like him don't cry about it on this blog!!!! And you certainly don't have the right to speak on behalf of Blazers fans!!! Keep your ignorant opinions to your self!!!! Mike, I for one think you and Mike are simply the best!!! Thanks for the awesome coverage all season, I'll be looking forward to some Greg Oden videos this summer from you!!!! Regardless of what happens tonight, it was an awesome ride and the future has never been brighter for the Blazers!!! -GOD BLESS
Thanks for all the comments today. I'm just about to wrap up pre-game work and get set to head for the arena.
drsuse,
I don't mind the comments, but I can't say that I agree with you about my partner. I do respect your opinion, as I do all opinions to the blog. It sounds like your mind is pretty made up about Rice, but I think he's among the best. He's a character, and probably the best thing about him is that it's not an act. The Rice you see on the air, is the Rice we get off the air. My dad was a coach, and, as you know, Rice was a coach, and maybe that's why we get along so well. He has an amazing desire to be around the game, and knows it as well as anyone I've been around. It may surprise you, but coach McMillan takes Rice aside at times and gets his opinion on things. He has that kind of respect for Mike. I think all the coaches do. Rice is at most of the practices, and knows our offense and defense. It usually takes him about three trips up and down the floor to also know what an opponent's game plan is. When we were in Cleveland recently, I had several men, one of them who was a president of a huge bank, come up and tell me that Rice was the best coach they ever had, and that he helped shape their lives. The one guy, the president of the bank, even got emotional, and said he wouldn't be where he is if he hadn't played for Rice. That may not help with your feelings about him on the air, but these are the stories that never get told. We talk basketball all the time, and during commercial breaks Rice is constantly debating different issues about the game, and sees things that amaze me. He cracks me up, obviously, at the same time. Fans approach him all the time after games, and just want to talk basketball. He always takes the time, and makes each one feel special. I love the man, and hope he's by my side for a long time.
Again, thanks for the thoughts. I probably can't change your mind, but I can try.
MB
DrSuse,
First of all who is Clude Drexler. Maybe you are just so old that you forgot how to spell. Second of all how can you hate on Mike Rice. Just because he is 15 years younger and a lot better looking than you does not give you the right to hate on the man. He is one of the smartest basketball minds around. Rice and Barrett contrast perfectly and it made for a great season. Please do not listen to BLOW HARDS like DrSuse and think that is how REAL Blazer fans think. You guys kicked butt this year and we as fans appreciate it.
Mike
I thank you for clearing the air about Rice. I of course don't know him, although I would love the chance to shake his hand.
I don't know the whole story about him getting Kicked out of the stadium fighting for The Blazers, but that shows you the passion he has for the game and The Blazers.
I don't know what he did to upset drsuse so badly, but he sure has the hates for Rice. but I don't respect his opionion or his mouth.
His opionion he is intitaled to, but to implicate the rest of The Blazer fans in his feelings is completely out of line.
GO SUCK YOUR SOUR GRAPES SOMEWHERE ELSE. MOST BLAZER FANS LOVES THE DOUBLE MIKES
HG
MB-After Oden went out, this season was about as much as we Blazer fans could have hoped for. I'm proud of Paul Allen for finally making the right decisions to put the right people in management such as Nate, KP, Mike Golub and Larry Miller. They have not only changed the culture of the players, but of the organization as a whole. We fans really wanted to like this team. We were begging to like them-but with guys like Steve Patterson running things, it was really hard. It was more fun to NOT like them!
We have NO thugs on our team, which considering how talented and young they are-is very amazing. What a likeable group of guys from a fan perspective!
Lastly, kudos to all of the Blazer fans for rewarding the players and organization for all of their hard work and dedication by coming back to the Garden! We Blazer fans spent our money and time and poured our guts out for this team...and it felt great! Can't wait to do it again next year!
MB,
I found myself amused as I read your response to DrSuse, not because I disagree with anything you said, but because what you wrote triggered something in my head. I never once associated you with the Mr. Barrett that was the BB coach when I went to WA and who I had as a teacher. Not until you mentioned your father being a coach. And if I remember correctly, you may have been a ballboy too?
Thanks again for great info this season. I have enjoyed the few times that I have actually gotten to hear you and Rice on the TV.
MB--You're a class act. Mike Rice brings a knowledge of the game to the broadcasts that you don't find anywhere else in the NBA. As someone who's seen him on the golf course, I can verify that Mike is Mike all the time.
It's been a great season. These Blazers have become OUR team. They're stand-up members of our community and appreciate and understand the importance of connecting to Oregonians more than any other team since the Adelman years.
Next year is going to be amazing... it's gonna be a long summer!
drsuse. the fact that you were around back in the day doesn't make you a more knowledgeable fan. as a matter of fact its a bit alarming that a fan of your experience would say something like that about such a great and entertaining commentator. I also was a fan of "Clyde" from the moment i moved to this country which was in 1988. and when maurice lucas was playing I was still in my native country of Peru playing for the U-13 National soccer Team competing in international matches. But as MB puts it best: I think Ricey is among the best.
hg- even though we've had our disagreements throughout this emotional season, i do respect your loyalty and i know that you as well as i can't wait for next season.
Maybe we'll meet at the game and have a beer sometime. maybe if we're lucky we can tell Mike and Mike how much we appreciate them in person.
Let's put it on the Suns!
MB,
Classy defense of your partner. Thanks for calling the games this year. Not always fun and not always easy, I bet. And thanks for the great blog- it's nice to be able to shoot the breeze here, and you do a great moderating job. You set a rational example, and most of us follow it most of the time!
Rudy- I agree with what you say. It's been a very good year, and I hope Paul Allen appreciates how quickly the city responded to his great efforts (although it might not feel quick for him). Paul- thanks for not pulling the team out of Portland and behaving like the Oklahoma City Carpetbaggers. I get the feeling you're just a fan like the rest of us, and I respect your refusal to become a Steinbrenner-type owner. I hope the Blazers bring you a championship ring soon, but even if they don't, I hope you have as much fun watching these guys as we do.
drsuse, unlike mike barrett i have zero respect for your opinion. mike rice is the man. he knows his stuff and he's hilarious. your "brainless" comment about rice deserves to go in the hall of shame for dumb remarks.
MB,
Thanks for all the in-depth coverage of our favorite team this year. If I ever missed a game, I'd always come on to read your blog to fill me in. It is great to have you and Mike Rice doing all the announcing in the games, you both definitely know your stuff.
Keep doing what you do and can't wait to see both you and Rice next year!
"TRAVIS HAS WON IT!"
hahaha, yes!!!
Manny
I don't care what anyone says about Mike Rice, I love the guy. I think his basketball IQ is incredible and his love of the game and the team is un-parallel. His personality is different but that's what makes him great and really fun to listen to. I hope to see Mike and Mike together for a long time. You guys are a great team and Blazer fans appreciate your hard work.
I remember during the game Mike Rice called out exactly what the Suns were going to do with 3 or so seconds on the shot clock. Amare faking a screen and then cutting the the basket. That's exactly what happened and he got fouled on the play. I'm so sick of people who think if a Blazer fan argues a call they are a "homer". It gets old and it has lost it's meaning. There are some forums I've gone to where they accuse me of not being a true fan. It's a true slap in the face to care about a team so much and someone say that. To say what you say about Rice just isn't right. You need to grow up.
TO all who now hate me~
Wow...I'm sorry. I had no idea. What seemed obvious to me has been thrown right back in my face. Sorry for the one typo of Clyde...but I think you all knew who I meant, and I'm not 65...I'm only 38.
To MB...Yes that was a classy reply, and due to it and the overwhelming support for Rice, I now feel obligated to look deeper into the game comments Rice makes.
I think I have only now sparked a groundswell of support for Rice. I am not so close-minded and set in my ways not to see this. To you fans and MB, with your solid rebuttal, I will re-assess and give Rice another chance.
What a great season...
Go PING PONG BALLS!
The Portland Trail Blazers are lucky to have 2 of the best announcers in NBA basketball. Our Mike and Mike team does a great job covering each game and giving us information on each of our players. Mike Rice has a great sense of humor, fantastic knowledge of basketball and an ability to quickly analyse a game's progress and each teams game plan.
I have been a fan since the beginning of the franchise. I was excited about the players the Blazers got in the expansion draft (including Danny Manning's father). They did not win many games but Stu Inman was able to put together many talented players to fairly quickly win a championship. Our team has been to the finals 3 times with that one great championship. Now we have the core of talented players to challenge for another championship -- but I think fans have to be patient. Injuries and events can derail the best plans. Kevin Pritchard has been magical in his trading moves to the point we expect more of the impossible in this year's draft. He reminds me of Stu Inman especially in seeking young men of good character.
Keep up the good work Mike. I see that Mike Rice keeps you on your toes and he provides excellent and timely commentary which nicely supplements your great game calling. I will be listening to your radio shows this summer and look forward to your blogging as well. What a great time to be a Blazer fan.
Rod
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