December 30, 1977
OAKLAND — Having an off night the day after missing his only game this year, Bill Walton was feeling pretty good before the Blazers 108-99 victory over the Golden State Warriors. “I feel good, no problem,” said Walton who was able to attend a concert of The Grateful Dead last night in San Francisco as inspiration for the win. The win moves the Blazers to 27-5 on the season but also is their 10th road victory this year. The Blazers record for road victory was set last season with 14. |
The Blazers were hot from the start jumping to an 8-0 lead before calling a timeout. The lead held after the first quarter at 30-22 and halftime at 50-42 before the Warriors were able to chip away, closing the gap to 75-71 after three quarters. 90 seconds into the fourth quarter the Warriors were within a bucket at 79-77 before reserves Lloyd Neal and Larry Steele combined for 11 points to push the Blazers back to a 90-79 lead. “That game had a torrid pace and I think that finally took its toll on them,” said Steele. “We’ll take our chances on a fast-paced game against anyone.” The Blazers were out of danger from that point on. |
The Warriors were led by Phil Smith with 28 points while rookie Ricky Marsh scored a career high 23 points. Sonny Parker added 14 points and nine rebounds with E.C. Coleman adding 12 points and seven rebounds. Clifford Ray led the Warriors with 11 rebounds. Future Hall-Of-Fame player Rick Barry was held to a career-low two points, shooting 1 for 7 from the field, before fouling out with five minutes remaining. “So far as I know I didn’t do anything different against than normal,” said Bob Gross who defended Barry for most of the game. “The shots just wouldn’t go in for him and I think he got discouraged,” said Warrior coach Al Attles.
The Blazers had balanced scoring with six players between 10 and the 18 points that Lionel Hollins had in leading the team in scoring. Hollins dished for seven assists as well as grabbing six rebounds. Gross finished with 17 points and pulled in seven rebounds. Walton showed no signs of his recent fall, finishing with 16 points, 26 rebounds, five assist and four blocked shots. Johnny Davis added 15 points while Maurice Lucas and Lloyd Neal each had 10 points.
The Blazers had balanced scoring with six players between 10 and the 18 points that Lionel Hollins had in leading the team in scoring. Hollins dished for seven assists as well as grabbing six rebounds. Gross finished with 17 points and pulled in seven rebounds. Walton showed no signs of his recent fall, finishing with 16 points, 26 rebounds, five assist and four blocked shots. Johnny Davis added 15 points while Maurice Lucas and Lloyd Neal each had 10 points.
December 28, 1977
DETROIT — The defending NBA champions came away with what coach Jack Ramsey called “our biggest (win) of the season” as the Blazers came from behind to defeat the Detroit Pistons 111-106. Reserves Lloyd Neal and Johnny Davis kept the Blazers in the game before starters Maurice Lucas and Lionel Hollins awoke in the final minutes to give the Blazers a 1-0 record without Bill Walton. “Without a doubt that was our best win,” said Lucas, adding further, “Lloyd killed them inside and Lionel and Johnny killed them outside. The win moves the Blazers to 26-5 and to 1-1 on their current three game road trip. The Blazer move on to Golden State to play the Warriors on Dec. 30 before coming home.
|
Playing their first game of the season without Walton, the Pistons attacked the front court early and often, jumping to early leads before ending the opening quarter ahead 26-19 and leading at halftime 54-46. The only bright spot for the Blazers in the opening half was Neal, who scored 19 points in the half. “When I first went in, I immediately got an offensive rebound,” said Neal. “Then I had a couple of three-point plays on offensive rebounds. That got me going.” The Blazers started to readjust in the second half and slowed the Pistons All-Star center Bob Lanier by fronting him and cutting off the passing lanes. “I thought we had them a couple of times, but we couldn’t put them away,” said the Pistons interim coach Bob Kauffman. “They showed that with or without Walton they are a good team with good personnel.” Twice the Pistons stretched their lead to 11 points in the third quarter but the Blazers were able to surmount that and moved to attack with five minutes remaining in the final quarter. Hollins and Lucas, who were a combined 5 for 29 prior to the last five minutes, scored 14 points together down the stretch after Tom Owens tied the game at 95-95 with 5:35 left. With the Pistons leading 101-99, Lucas hit on a three-point play to give the Blazers their first lead at 102-101. After a Piston free throw, Hollins hit his own three-point play to push the Blazers to a 105-102 lead with 2:08 remaining. After exchanging baskets, the Pistons attempted to push the ball into Lanier but Hollins was able to knock the ball loose and drove in for a dunk to give the Blazers a 109-104 lead with 41 seconds remaining as the Pistons sell-out crowd of 10,995 showed their displeasure by booing the home team The Pistons had three players score over 20 points with Bob Lanier leading the way as he scored 26 points and pulled down 17 rebounds. John Shumate was a bucket behind with 24 points , hitting 12 of 13 free throws, while providing help on the boards with 10 rebounds. Eric Money added 20 points, The only other Piston in double digits was Gus Gerard as he scored 12 points. Kauffman replaced Herb Brown as the Pistons coach on December 15 when the Piston were 9-15. Kauffman, who played seven seasons in the NBA including two under Blazer coach Jack Ramsey at Buffalo, is 5-3 since taking over. |
Neal finished the game with 31 points and 16 rebounds in 32 minutes of action. Hollins and Johnny Davis each ended with 17 points while Lucas finished with 13 points. Larry Steele was another reserve to hit double digits as he ended with 10 points. Tom Owens, who started in place of Walton, finished with six points but was able to pull down 10 rebounds. The Blazers celebration in the locker room after the game was loud enough that those in the halls of the Cobo Arena could hear the shouts of joy.
December 27, 1977
CHICAGO — Wilbur Holland scored a career high 36 points this evening in leading the Chicago Bulls to a 115-106 victory over the Blazers, but the biggest concern for the Blazers happened after the game. When Bill Walton tripped over a rug on his way to the locker room and scrapped his knees and elbows, his status for the game tomorrow against Detroit was put into doubt. “I just fell as I was coming off the ice,” said Walton after the game clearly marked up with scratch, marks and bruises. “I don’t know if I’m hurt badly. I don’t want to talk about it.” The Bulls lay their basketball floor over the ice that the Chicago Black Hawks NHL team play upon. When exiting the court, players and coaches have to walk upon rugs that are on the ice, which is where Walton tripped and landed on his knees and elbows. “I’m going to ask our people to report that situation with the league office,” said Portland trainer Ron Culp. “Obviously it is dangerous.”
|
The teams played before a raucous crowd of 19,999 at Chicago Stadium, reminding many of Game 2 of the mini-series last April when Holland scored his career-playoff high of 26 points in the Bulls 107-104 win. “I think they are wary of us,” said Bulls coach Ed Badger. “This was an important win for us because it establishes that we can beat them.” The Blazers guards Dave Twardzik and Lionel Hollins fell victim to Holland as each player fouled out attempting to guard him. “I don’t know what it is with Holland,” said Twardzik, while Blazer coach Jack Ramsey noted “He is too good a shooter.” The teams played nearly even through the first 24 minutes with the Bulls leading 57-56 before the Bulls pulled to an 88-80 lead after three quarters, which proved to be the difference in the game.
Holland led all scorers with 36 points while passing for seven assists. Holland, a career 12 point a game scorer, has had five games over 20 points against the Blazers in the 10 games he’s played against them. Artis Gilmore, usually on the short end against Bill Walton, outscored and out rebounded Walton getting 25 points, pulled down 10 rebounds and blocked three shots. Gilmore and Holland each attempted 11 free throws, with Gilmore connecting on nine. Mickey Johnson had his usual fine game against the Blazers scoring 22 points and pulled down eight rebounds. Scott May was the only other Bull in double figures as he scored 13 points. Norm Van Lier led both teams as he dished 11 assists while bench player Mark Landsberger pulled down 10 rebounds.
Maurice Lucas led the Blazers with 26 points and 13 rebounds. Dave Twardzik added 16 points, hitting 12 of 13 free throws. Bill Walton and Johnny Davis each scored 15 points with Walton adding nine rebounds and four blocks to his stat sheet. Bob Gross scored 14 points, grabbed eight rebounds and passed for seven assists. Larry Steele added 10 points. The Blazers move on to Detroit to face the Pistons tomorrow evening.
Holland led all scorers with 36 points while passing for seven assists. Holland, a career 12 point a game scorer, has had five games over 20 points against the Blazers in the 10 games he’s played against them. Artis Gilmore, usually on the short end against Bill Walton, outscored and out rebounded Walton getting 25 points, pulled down 10 rebounds and blocked three shots. Gilmore and Holland each attempted 11 free throws, with Gilmore connecting on nine. Mickey Johnson had his usual fine game against the Blazers scoring 22 points and pulled down eight rebounds. Scott May was the only other Bull in double figures as he scored 13 points. Norm Van Lier led both teams as he dished 11 assists while bench player Mark Landsberger pulled down 10 rebounds.
Maurice Lucas led the Blazers with 26 points and 13 rebounds. Dave Twardzik added 16 points, hitting 12 of 13 free throws. Bill Walton and Johnny Davis each scored 15 points with Walton adding nine rebounds and four blocks to his stat sheet. Bob Gross scored 14 points, grabbed eight rebounds and passed for seven assists. Larry Steele added 10 points. The Blazers move on to Detroit to face the Pistons tomorrow evening.
December 25, 1977
PORTLAND — The Christmas season comes but once a year but the Blazers winning a home game has continued for 35 straight times with today’s 109-97 victory over the Golden State Warriors, their 25th overall win in the season. “We played well enough to get No. 25 on Dec. 25, a big day,” said Blazer reserve Lloyd Neal. The win is the Blazers seventh straight and 15th in the last 16th game as they move to a three-game road trip starting in Chicago on Dec. 27th. |
Bob Gross and Maurice Lucas led the Blazers with 19 points, each grabbing nine rebounds as well. Dave Twardzik added 17 points while back court mate Lionel Hollins scored 12 points and passed for nine assists. Bill Walton had his typical game with 11 points, 12 rebounds, six assists and two block shots considering he sat the entire fourth quarter. “Tom Owens did a nice job and that gave me a chance to give Bill a rest, something I wanted to do” said Blazer coach Jack Ramsey referring to Owens stat line of nine points and 10 rebounds in 19 minutes. “We have three tough games coming up in four nights.”
December 23, 1977
PORTLAND — The Los Angeles Lakers came into Portland a changed team since the Blazers last saw them nearly a month ago, but the result was still a Blazer win, this time a 108-98 victory. Playing in his 5th game since being acquired from Indiana, Adrian Dantley had been averaging 26.3 points in the first four games for Los Angeles but Maurice Lucas held him to just six points for the game, which proved to be a deciding factor. “It was a big job by Luke on Dantley,” said Blazer coach Jack Ramsey. “As almost always is the case when we do a good defensive job, it is difficult for us not to win.” The win is the Blazers 34th straight home win and their 30th sellout at the Memorial Coliseum.
|
The Lakers, winners of three of the four games since acquiring Dantley, jumped on the Blazers in the opening quarter getting to an 11-3 lead after four minutes. The Blazers finally found their shooting touch, reversed the deficit and jumped to a 20-15 lead and never looked back. The Blazers bench continued to build on that advantage, getting to 11 points in the second quarter before settling to a 55-50 halftime lead. “When (Bill) Walton is out of the game,” said Laker coach Jerry West, “Portland is still able to get good movement with Tom Owens in the lineup.” Portland continued to build their lead in the second half, twice getting to 16 point leads in the final quarter before settling to the 10-point win.
The Lakers have gone through an overhaul since the exhibition season after standing pat most of the summer. The only significant newcomers to last seasons Pacific Division winners were rookies James Edwards and Norm Nixon. Since their first match up against the Blazers on Nov. 27th though, the Lakers have not only lost Kermit Washington due to a suspension for fighting Houston Rocket forward Rudy Tomjanovich, but they have also traded James Edwards and Earl Tatum to Indiana for Dantley and Dave Robisch. Kareem Abdul-Jabber missed that November matchup, as well as the first 20 games with a broken hand due to a punch that landed on Milwaukee center Kent Benson.
The Lakers were led by Abdul-Jabber who scored 27 points despite shooting 9-26 from the field. “I took some bad shots,” said Abdul-Jabber. “When they (Blazers) collapsed on me, the rest of the team took bad shots too.” Blazer coach Ramsey refused to speak badly about his game. “You’ll never get me to say a bad word about Kareem. I’ve never seen him play a poor game.” Abdul-Jabber also pulled down 12 rebounds and blocked three shots. |
Nixon scored 14 points but admitted “We all shot pretty bad.” Nixon also dished for six assist while Lou Hudson scored 12 points while getting seven rebounds. The Laker forwards struggled with Dantley finishing with 6 points and Jamaal Wilkes scoring only two points while shooting 1-11. Wilkes did provide nine rebounds
The Blazers were led by Lucas who dropped 20 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. “Lucas always causes us a lot of problems,” said Lakers coach Jerry West. “He is a heckuva player and he takes up a lot of space out there.” Bill Walton scored 19 points, gathered 14 rebounds and blocked four shots. “I thought we played a fine game,” said Walton. “They are a good team.” The back court of Lionel Hollins and Dave Twardzik each scored 17 points with each passing for four assists. Johnny Davis scored 12 points off the bench and Bob Gross scored 11
The Blazers were led by Lucas who dropped 20 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. “Lucas always causes us a lot of problems,” said Lakers coach Jerry West. “He is a heckuva player and he takes up a lot of space out there.” Bill Walton scored 19 points, gathered 14 rebounds and blocked four shots. “I thought we played a fine game,” said Walton. “They are a good team.” The back court of Lionel Hollins and Dave Twardzik each scored 17 points with each passing for four assists. Johnny Davis scored 12 points off the bench and Bob Gross scored 11
December 20, 1977
After playing close to even for the first 12 minutes, the Blazers held a slim 27-26 entering the second quarter before the Blazers defense forced eight turnovers on the Celtics and moved to a 61-44 halftime lead. After Lionel Hollins hit back-to-back baskets the Blazers led by 21 points at 73-52 with 7:14 remaining in the third quarter. “We didn’t have ball and player movement after that,” said Ramsey. Boston capitalized on the Blazer mistakes and missed shots to outscore the Blazers 47-29 over the next 18 minutes to close to 102-99 when Jo Jo White hit a long outside jumper with 43 seconds left before Twardzik made the deciding free throws. “We played with a lot of intensity toward the end,” said Boston coach Tom Heinsohn who has come under much scrutiny this season. “In fact, I thought we did a better job of running the fast break than Portland.” Ramsey didn’t disagree much, adding, “Boston played better but we allowed that by not keeping our attack consistent.”
Near the end of the game, Heinsohn became furious when the clock operator inadvertently left the clock running during a dead ball situation, clicking off 20 seconds. “That’s Blazermania, huh, let the clock run,” Heinsohn said. “It’s interesting that he would become so upset by the clock running off a few seconds,” said Ramsey. “That is standard procedure in Boston.” Referees Earl Strom and Bernie Fryer put the missing seconds back on the game clock before resuming play. Fryer played in the NBA for the Blazers during the 1973/74 season.
Charlie Scott led all scorers with 23 points and dished for eight assists in his 40 minutes of play. Dave Cowens scored 21 points and grabbed 20 rebounds. Jo Jo White scored 10 points in helping the Celtics to come back and ended the game with 16 points and dished for six assists, all in the second half. Former Blazer Sidney Wicks ended the game with 10 points despite much jeering from the Portland fans. “The jeering really didn’t bother me,” said Wicks. “I get more booing at home.” Future Hall-Of-Fame player John Havlecik, who scored eight points, has a theory as to the Celtics 10-18 record. “We’ve got no role players,” said Havlecik. “Our success over the years is because guys sacrificed. They’d play the tough defense, get rebounds, set picks and take charges. I don’t think we have anyone capable of playing those roles on this team. But it’s not their fault. It’s like asking me to get 20 rebounds. It’s just not in their repertoire.” |
Bill Walton led the Blazers with 22 points, 17 rebounds, five assists and a couple blocked shots while Lionel Hollins added 18 points and also dished for five assists. Twardzik was almost perfect for the game, going 5-5 from the field and was 6-7 from the free throw line getting 16 points. “I shouldn’t have missed that free throw,” said Twardzik in mock disgust. “I must not have been concentrating.” By making all five shots, Twardzik raised his league leading field goal percentage to an amazing .707. Only 1 player, Wilt Chamberlain during the 1972/73 season, finished the season above .700 when he ended the season with .723. For the game the Blazers finished with their second worst shooting percentage of the season.415. The worst was when they shot .400 against Phoenix, which was also a win. The Blazers have two more home games in their current home stand, vs the Los Angeles Lakers on Dec. 23 and the Golden State Warriors on Christmas Day.
December 17, 1977
PORTLAND — The top-rated team in the Eastern Conference came into Portland this evening looking for another road win, as they did last night, but instead the Blazers were able to run away in the early stages of the second half and secured their 22nd win with a 117-104 over the Washington Bullets. “A good overall game with good pace and excellent running,” said Blazer coach Jack Ramsey. Ramsey went further mentioning that Washington is “going to be right in the thick of it in the East.” The win is Portland’s 12 in the last 13 games and is their 32nd straight victory at home. |
Washington had balanced scoring as six players scored between 13 to 17 points with Bobby Dandridge leading the way with 17. Starting guard Kevin Grevey and his backup Phil Chenier each added 15 points while Elvin Hayes, Mitch Kupchak and Larry Wright each had 13 points. Hayes pulled down 10 rebounds with Kupcahk helping out with eight boards. Washington attempted 13 more free throws (36 to 23) than the Blazers but missed 14 of their attempts. “We are dead last in the league in free throw shooting,” said Motta. “We were attacking the basket and getting them (free throws) but we missed them. We missed nine when we had a chance to run the game.” When asked what it was going to take to end the Blazers home winning streak, Motta said, “I’m not sure anybody is going to do it.”
The Blazers had similar balanced scoring with six players in double figures as well with Maurice Lucas chipping in 21 points and grabbing eight rebounds. Front court mate Bob Gross scored 16 points, adding six assists and rebounds. “I thought Bobby had an especially good game,” said Ramsey. Lionel Hollins had 14 points and Bill Walton had 13 points as well as 18 rebounds. Johnny Davis had 12 points off the bench and Lloyd Neal added 10 points. The Blazers look to expand their home winning streak when the face the Boston Celtics on Dec. 20.
The Blazers had similar balanced scoring with six players in double figures as well with Maurice Lucas chipping in 21 points and grabbing eight rebounds. Front court mate Bob Gross scored 16 points, adding six assists and rebounds. “I thought Bobby had an especially good game,” said Ramsey. Lionel Hollins had 14 points and Bill Walton had 13 points as well as 18 rebounds. Johnny Davis had 12 points off the bench and Lloyd Neal added 10 points. The Blazers look to expand their home winning streak when the face the Boston Celtics on Dec. 20.
December 13, 1977
PORTLAND — After finishing their most successful five-game road trip with four victories, the Blazers were looking forward to some home cooking but the visiting Buffalo Braves almost ruined everything. The Blazers were able to pull out a 111-108 victory, their 31st straight home victory. “It was a good win for us,” said Blazer coach Jack Ramsey, “but it was a struggle. When you come back after a long road trip, the first game at home almost always is like that.” The win moves the Blazers to 21-4 on the season and face the Washington Bullets in four days hence.
|
Billy Knight led all scorers with 31 points while Randy Smith added 20 points. Smith also gathered seven rebounds, dished for nine assists, and was credited with eight steals. Swen Nater, a college teammate of Bill Walton, nearly matched the Blazer center as he had 16 points and pulled down 13 rebounds . Bill Willoughby had 14 off the bench
Maurice Lucas led Portland with 26 points, hitting 10 of 11 from the free throw line, and pulled down eight rebounds. Ramsey noted afterwards, “Luke had an excellent game.” Dave Twardzik hit 9 of 10 from the field enroute to 20 points. Twardzik, who leads the NBA in shooting percentage, moved his season average to .699. “Dave does that, comes through with big baskets when we need them,” said Ramsey. Bill Walton finished with 16 points, 14 rebounds, five assists and two blocked shots. Larry Steele finished with 12 points and four steals off the bench while Lionel Hollins had 10 points.
Maurice Lucas led Portland with 26 points, hitting 10 of 11 from the free throw line, and pulled down eight rebounds. Ramsey noted afterwards, “Luke had an excellent game.” Dave Twardzik hit 9 of 10 from the field enroute to 20 points. Twardzik, who leads the NBA in shooting percentage, moved his season average to .699. “Dave does that, comes through with big baskets when we need them,” said Ramsey. Bill Walton finished with 16 points, 14 rebounds, five assists and two blocked shots. Larry Steele finished with 12 points and four steals off the bench while Lionel Hollins had 10 points.
December 10, 1977
NEW YORK — The Blazers have lost four games this season on the second game of a back to back as Johnny Davis stepped to the line with four-seconds remaining with the Blazers up by a point. When Davis sank both free throws, he secured the 107-106 victory against the New York Knicks. “It was not artistic but it was successful,” said Blazer coach Jack Ramsey. “The second night always have been tough for us, so that makes this victory sweeter.” The Blazers defeated the Boston Celtics last night and now head home for a five-game home stand. The victory also gives the Blazers their fourth win in this five-game road swing, the most successful road swing in team history. The Blazers had never won more than three games in five game road trips in history. Portland opened the first quarter where they left off from their victory in Boston, getting to a 29-18 lead at the quarter break, and looked to get another easy win. New York made a game of it in the second quarter as Portland missed some easy attempts and fell behind 48-47 at halftime. The Blazers, led by Lionel Hollins who scored 12 points in the third quarter, recovered to get to 81-72 lead heading into the final quarter where again the Knicks made the contest interesting. On four separate occasions in the final minutes, the Knicks were able to get to within a point, the last time at 105-104 with 23 seconds remaining, but each time the Blazers were able to get a basket or free throws to get some breathing room. The Knicks were led by Earl Monroe who scored 25 points and passed for six assists. Bob McAdoo and former Oregon State player Lonnie Shelton each scored 15 points with Shelton garnering 11 rebounds. Butch Beard added 13 points while Phil Jackson and Glen Gondrezick each had 10 points. |
Johnny Davis led the Blazers with 20 points off the bench as he hit all eight free throw attempts. Bill Walton and Hollins each had 18 points with Maurice Lucas a bucket behind with 16 points. Lloyd Neal, nicknamed “Ice” by his teammates, hit all eight of his free throws to record 14 points, 10 alone in the final quarter. “JD and Lloyd did great jobs, they bailed us out,” said Lucas who was on the bench at the end with five fouls. “We have different players doing it for us every night.” The victory was only the second time in team history that the Blazers won in New York.
December 9
Dave Cowens led Boston with 27 points and pulled down nine rebounds but was basically the lone scorer for the Celtics. “Cowens is one of the toughest players in the league for me,” said Blazer center Bill Walton. “He does an excellent job of getting position and forcing me away from places where I want to be.” Cedric Maxwell came off the bench to hit for 12 points and Jo Jo White with 10 points was the only other Boston player in double figures. Former Blazer Sidney Wicks, roundly booed by the locals when in the game, started but only played 19 minutes shooting 1-8 from the floor but grabbed eight rebounds but did not play the last 16 minutes of the game. Future Hall Of Fame player John Havlicek struggled in the game, going 3-10 and scored only nine points. When asked about the loss, Havlicek replied, “It was one of my all-time worst.”
Bill Walton led the Blazers with 21 points, pulled down 15 rebounds, dished for five assists and blocked four shots. Maurice Lucas added 18 points and18 rebounds. “Luke was excellent,” said Ramsey. “He played tonight like he played last season in the playoffs.” Walton added about Lucas, “Luke had a fire game. The kind that is more typical of him. I loved it.” Lucas also blocked two of Wicks’ shots in the first quarter. “He likes to fake a lot,” said Lucas about Wicks. “I just stayed on my feet until he went up to shoot. Lionel Hollins scored 17 points despite shooting 4 for 10 from the field. Lloyd Neal came off the bench and recorded 14 points. |
December 7
PHILADELPHIA — The last time the Blazers visited the Spectrum in Philadelphia, Portland secured a Game 5 victory in the NBA Championship this past June. This evening though, the tables were turned as the Sixers pulled off a 122-100 thumping of the Blazers to stop Portland’s record eight-game winning streak. “This is the best we have run since I’ve been here,” said Philadelphia coach Billy Cunningham. “We started to dominate the defensive board and that got the break going.” Cunningham took over for Gene Shue after the Sixers started the season 2-4. Portland coach Jack Ramsey didn’t disagree much adding, “We simply didn’t play well enough to win. We didn’t get consistent execution with our offense. The Sixers played well, but I think they ran so well because we were so ineffective at the offensive end.”
|
The teams started relatively equal with Philadelphia getting to a 24-21 lead after the first quarter as Portland struggled to run. The struggle continued in the second quarter as Philadelphia held a 55-51 lead. The Blazers found their fast break in the early part of the third quarter eventually getting to a 76-71 lead with 3:51 remaining. The Blazers were starting to look forward to their ninth straight win as well as their sixth straight against the Sixers. However Philadelphia outscored the Blazers 18-2 to close out the quarter with an 89-78 heading into the final quarter. The Sixers bench players Lloyd Free and Steve Mix helped extend the lead to 23 points at 107-84 when Ramsey pulled Bill Walton and Maurice Lucas. “We had it going in the third quarter, but then we quit moving,” said Maurice Lucas. “That is what allowed them to do their thing.”
George McGinnis seemed to have found his shooting touch that escaped him during the NBA Finals, going 9-18 from the field on his way to 24 points and grabbed eight rebounds. Julius Erving added 22 points and had nine rebounds. Bench players Free and Mix combined for 33 points. “We started to get some big rebounds and then the ball came to me,” said Free who had 17 points. “Then the whole thing just fell together.” Caldwell Jones pulled down 10 rebounds in 19 minutes for Philadelphia. The Sixers have won 15 of the 17 games since Cunningham was named head coach. “Basically we are playing the same way as before,” said Sixers guard Doug Collins who finished with 10 points. “We just are making better use of our abilities.” Lucas who has a bad case of bronchitis over the last two weeks. Bill Walton had 25 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists in 34 minutes. “He is unbelievable,” said Cunningham. “He is such a great passer that he makes every one of his teammates that much better.” The only other Blazers to score in double digits were Dave Twardzik and Lionel Hollins who each had 10 points. The Blazers were able to make their way out of Cleveland late this morning due to a snowstorm that closed the Cleveland airport for more than 12 hours yesterday. The Blazers continue their five-game road swing against the Boston Celtics who are currently 8-15, before finishing up in New York against the Knicks |
December 6
CLEVELAND — Unluckily for the Cavaliers, the Blazers arrived in Cleveland ahead of the snowstorm that limited the crowd to a third of the tickets sold. The 6,723 that braved the ice and snow witnessed Portland win a club record eighth straight game with the 116-94 victory this evening. “It was a good performance from everybody,” said Blazer coach Jack Ramsey. “When our game is sharp, it usually is because we are passing the ball well and moving well.” When asked after the game by a Cleveland reporter if the Blazers could keep up their current pace, Ramsey replied, “We are just playing well.” The eighth straight victory breaks the club record set in the 1975/76 and moves the Blazers to 18-3 overall.
|
Bob Gross hit a jumper to break a 2-2 tie and the Blazers were off, getting to a 32-16 lead with 3:27 left before Cleveland ran off 10 straight to close out the first quarter. Portland continued to score and defend getting to a 59-48 halftime lead. Cleveland made a run in the third quarter, getting to within five points before Bill Walton and Gross combined to for 10 points to push Portland back up to a 13 point lead after the third quarter at 89-76. “A couple of times I just held out my hands and Bill hit it with the ball,” said Gross.
Bob Gross ended the game leading Portland with 27 points, going 8 for 8 from the field in the second half while Bill Walton scored a triple double with 22 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. Dave Twardzik continued his torrid shooting streak, hitting five of his 6 shots on his way to 15 points. The Blazers move to Philadelphia tomorrow to play the 76ers.
Cleveland was led guard Austin Carr who scored 20 points and had eight assists while center Jim Chones a bucket behind with 18 points with seven rebounds. Bobby Smith added 16 points from the bench while bench mate Dick Snyder had 14 points. The Cavaliers have now lost four straight games and have been a team of streaks this season. In the last 17 games, Cleveland has had a four and seven game winning streak while losing two straight before the recent four game streak. They play at the Washington Bullets tomorrow, the team that tied the Cavs for the Central Division lead two days ago. |
December 2
PHOENIX — The Blazers tied their club record with seven straight victories this evening against the Phoenix Suns with a dramatic 106-103 victory despite their worst shooting game of the season. “We can play a lot better,” said Blazer coach Jack Ramsey. “But we are winning and I don’t want to knock winning.” The win gives the Blazers an NBA best 17-3 record, tying the 1971/72 Los Angeles Lakers with the third best record after 20 games. The 1969/70 New York Knicks hold the NBA record with a 19-1 record, with the 1966/67 Philadelphia 76ers second with an 18-2 record. All three previous teams won the NBA championship in the their respective seasons. |
Having just played three nights previous with Blazers winning 108-96, Portland continued where they left off jumping to a 12-0 lead before the Suns found their own touch on the offensive end and the Blazers lost theirs. The Suns outscored the Blazers 25-6 the rest of the quarter to lead 25-18 after the first 12 minutes. Portland was able to comeback to tie the game by halftime, 48-48, as Lionel Hollins had one of his best games ever against Phoenix. “It is special to come back here and play,” said Hollins who played at Arizona State, “and this was the first time I’ve been able to play well against them, either here or in Portland.” The teams started the final quarter with Phoenix ahead 76-73 but the Blazers eventually were able to regain the lead as the teams played neck and neck in the final minutes. With Portland leading 100-96, the Suns rookie Walter Davis hit a three point play to pull within 100-99 before Hollins hit two free throws and a 12-foot jumper to move the Blazers back up 104-99 with 1:06 left. Bill Walton hit two more free throws before Davis and Paul Westphal each hit a bucket to get to the final score.
Westphal and Davis again were top scorers for Phoenix as they were in Portland with 32 and 31 points respectively. Westphal was 12-14 from the free throw line and passed for six assists. Garfield Heard led the Suns with four blocked shots and 15 rebounds while Davis and Alvin Adams each pulled down eight rebounds.
Hollins finished with 22 points with Walton adding 20 points and 18 rebounds. Dave Twardzik continued to hit at a tremendous shooting percentage, making five of his six shots and totaled 13 points. Johnny Davis, Maurice Lucas, Tom Owens and Larry Steele scored 10 points each as a reserve player. The Blazers previous record winning streak of seven games was during the 1975/76 season.
Westphal and Davis again were top scorers for Phoenix as they were in Portland with 32 and 31 points respectively. Westphal was 12-14 from the free throw line and passed for six assists. Garfield Heard led the Suns with four blocked shots and 15 rebounds while Davis and Alvin Adams each pulled down eight rebounds.
Hollins finished with 22 points with Walton adding 20 points and 18 rebounds. Dave Twardzik continued to hit at a tremendous shooting percentage, making five of his six shots and totaled 13 points. Johnny Davis, Maurice Lucas, Tom Owens and Larry Steele scored 10 points each as a reserve player. The Blazers previous record winning streak of seven games was during the 1975/76 season.