April 9, 1977 - Blazers Close Out Season With Rout Of Lakers, Record 49 Wins
PORTLAND — The Pacific Division Champions Los Angeles Lakers came into Portland for a “meaningless game to us,’ as Laker coach Jerry West termed it, but the Blazers made sure to make a statement of their own and did so with a 145-116 victory, ending the season with six straight wins and a record 49 wins. “We got a lot of good things done tonight,” said Blazer coach Jack Ramsay. “Our over all play was good and we got some great fast break opportunities.” The Lakers had won all three previous meetings this season. The Blazers jumped out early, leading by 38-28 at the end of the first quarter before the Lakers closed out the half down six, 61-55. Lionel Hollins led the Blazers with 16 points in the third quarter, pushing the Blazers lead to 22 points on four occasions. Midway through the quarter, West removed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, resting him for the rest of the game. “Portland has to stay sharp because it has a playoff coming up.” said West. “We have a layoff coming and we played everyone. We have the MVP (Jabbar) and he deserved to play one game without any pressure.” Both teams had reserves starting the final quarter and the Lakers subs started to make a run. When they closed the gap to 107-98 with 7:52 remaining, Ramsey sent Bill Walton back in to the game. Walton, along with Larry Steele and Herm Gilliam, quickly pushed the lead back to 133-109 and Walton sat out the last three minutes. |
Reserves Bo Lamar and Earl Tatum led the Lakers with 20 points each with another reserve Tom Abernathy right behind with 19 points and eight rebounds. Jabbar, who was named the NBA’s MVP two days ago, finished with eight points and seven rebounds in 23 minutes. The eight points was the first time Jabbar was under 10 points in a game since Feb. 10, 1976, a span of 107 games. Jabbar ended the game with no blocks, almost securing that Bill Walton will lead the NBA when the season is over. Jabbar would need to block nine shots in the Lakers final game tomorrow in Seattle. The Lakers were without their power forward Kermit Washington, who suffered a season ending knee injury in February. All 12 Blazers played, with Hollins leading the team with 27 points and dishing nine assists. Larry Steele came off the bench to add 22 points and was a perfect 8-8 from the free throw line. Walton ending with 19 points, 16 rebounds and three blocks. Walton leads the NBA with an average of 3.25 blocks per game. Maurice Lucas, who scored 18 points, suffered a hamstring pull in the first half and was bothered when he played in the second half. “I don’t know how it happened,” said Lucas, saying also he didn’t think it would bother him for the playoffs. The Blazers will open the playoffs on April 12 when the Chicago Bulls come to town. The Detroit Pistons defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers this evening, clinching the fifth position in the playoffs. The Blazers last played the Bulls on February 18, defeating them 90-87, dropping the Bulls to a record of 24-34 at the time. The Bulls have since gone 19-4 with their final game tomorrow at Buffalo and are currently 43 wins and 38 losses. |
April 8, 1977 - Blazers Defeat Suns, Win Fifth Straight Game
PORTLAND — The Blazers won their fifth straight game, 122-111 over the visiting Phoenix Suns, but in the first half the sellout crowd of 12,536 wondered what they were witnessing. “We were a little sluggish and we weren’t concentrating well,” said Blazer coach Jack Ramsay. It was the fourth time this season the Blazers won five in a row. The Blazers have one more game in the regular season, tomorrow when the Los Angeles Lakers visit Portland. The Blazers have not defeated the Lakers this season.
The Suns, led by rookie Ron Lee who scored eight points, jumped to a 22-10 lead after eight minutes. The Blazers were able to close the gap to 28-21 after the first quarter ended but the Suns, this time led by Paul Westphal, built a 44-30 lead midway through the second quarter. That is when the Blazers finally discovered their game, outscoring the Suns 14-2 to pull within 46-44. The Blazers first lead came at 52-51, with 1:36 remaining on a Bob Gross jumper and settled for a 56-53 halftime lead. The Blazers quickly turned the game around in the third quarter when Gross and Bill Walton pushed the Blazers to an 80-64 lead. “Portland got a hot streak in the third quarter, partially because we turned the ball over a lot,” said Suns coach John MacLeod. “We just weren’t able to make any headway after that.” The Blazers continued to build their lead, eventually getting to 26 points early in the fourth quarter with a 100-74. The Suns were led by Alvin Adams with 26 points with Westphal right behind with 23 points. Westpahl, who was named to the First Team All-NBA yesterday for the first time, also passed for 11 assists. Lee, who scored 17 points, finished second in the Rookie Of The Year votes yesterday behind Adrian Dantley of the Buffalo Braves. |
All 12 Blazers played, with seven of the players scoring in double digits, led by Walton and Herm Gilliam who each scored 18 points. Walton added 11 rebounds with Maurice Lucas grabbing nine rebounds and 10 points.
The Detroit Pistons and the Chicago Bulls each scored a victory this evening. As the Pistons own the tiebreaker, it is looking as the Bulls will be Portland’s opponent when the playoffs start in four days. “It doesn’t matter which team,” said Ramsay. “Whichever team we play, it will be a tough series.”
The Detroit Pistons and the Chicago Bulls each scored a victory this evening. As the Pistons own the tiebreaker, it is looking as the Bulls will be Portland’s opponent when the playoffs start in four days. “It doesn’t matter which team,” said Ramsay. “Whichever team we play, it will be a tough series.”
April 5, 1977 - Blazers Defeat Pistons; Secure the # 3 spot in Western Conference
Neal, who has suffered knee issues all season, came off the bench to lead the Blazers with 18 points, hitting all six field goals and six free throws, and grabbed 11 rebounds. Twardzik missed one field goal but was a perfect 7-7 from the free throw line and finished with 17 points, six rebounds and five assists. Steele and Maurice Lucas each added 14 points while Walton led the Blazers with 15 rebounds, five blocks and added nine points. The Blazers turned the ball over a season high 35 times.
The updated Playoff Standings can be viewed under the Standings & Statistics tab above.
The updated Playoff Standings can be viewed under the Standings & Statistics tab above.
April 3, 1977 - Blazers Beat Sonics; Clinch 2nd Place In Pacific Division
The Blazers have won their last three games and return home for their final three games with the Detroit Pistons the first opponent. With a win, the Blazers will secure the third seed in the coming playoffs. Mathematically the Pistons and the Golden State Warriors, both with a record of 42-36 , are the only teams that could tie the Blazers. Chicago Bulls and Kansas City Kings have more than 37 losses and cannot tie the Blazers. Click the Standings & Statistics tab above to see the overall playoff standings.
April 1, 1977 -
PORTLAND — For the first time in their seven year history, the Portland Trail Blazers have officially clinched a playoff spot with their 109-98 victory over the Golden State Warriors. “This game was a nice achievement,” said Blazer coach Jack Ramsey. “We accomplished two of our goals, 45 wins for the season and a berth in the playoffs.” The win gives the Blazers an inside track to secure the 3rd seed in the playoffs, which would guarantee them the home-court in the first round. The Blazers have a 2 game cushion against the Warriors and 2 1/2 games against the Detroit Pistons. The Blazers have a 4 game lead over the Chicago Bulls, but mathematically could tie the Blazers. Portland has a 4-0 advantage over the Bulls in a tie scenario. The Blazers and Warriors both opened the game with strong bursts until the Blazers struggled in the second quarter, when they fell behind 37-29 five minutes into the second quarter. Then Bill Walton and Lionel Hollins scored all but two points in a 20-3 explosion which pushed the Blazers into a 49-40 lead. Rick Barry, the All-Star forward for the Warriors became so frustrated during this spree, that twice he was seen raising his hand to give an obscene gesture to some heckling fans. The Blazers held a 53-44 lead at the half but the Warriors closed the lead to five halfway through the third quarter before another Blazer run. The Blazers eventually got to a 105-86 lead with 4:40 remaining. Gus Williams led the Warriors with 25 points while Rick Barry added 24 points. Phil Smith and Jamaal Wilkes each added 14 points. Wilkes also added seven rebounds. Robert Parish led the Warriors in rebounding with 10. Warrior coach Al Attles said “This was a game of great magnitude. You have to dig down for something extra. We have no excuses. They just beat us.” Bill Walton led the Blazers with 30 points and 14 rebounds despite a sore left ankle. Lionel Hollins and Dave Twardzik each added 18 points, with Hollins adding eight assists. Maurice Lucas had an off game, as he shot 2 for 10 from the field and only scored five points, though he was able to grab 13 rebounds, despite dizzy spells that were not diagnosed at this time. The Blazers had all 12 players available despite a few nagging injuries. Walton is still bothered by his ankle, Lloyd Neal with his sore knee and Twardzik with back spasms. The Blazers travel to Seattle for their final road game of the season, that will be televised by CBS. The Blazers are 0-3 in games televised on CBS |
Blazers Vs Warriors April 1, 1977 - Blazers Clinch Playoffs - Bill Walton Post Game
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https://soundcloud.com/ooduys951/blazers-vs-warriors-april-1-1977-blazers-clinch-playoffs-bill-walton-post-game
March Results and Recaps Below
Day Date Opponent POR-OPP W-L
Tue Mar 1 Philadelphia 108-107 38-25
Fri Mar 4 Cleveland 101-113 38-26
Sat Mar 5 Seattle 134-104 39-26
Tue Mar 8 @ Buffalo 95-102 39-27
Thur Mar 10 @ New York Knicks 104-108 39-28
Fri Mar 11 @ Kansas City 112-114 39-29
Tue Mar 15 New Orleans 131-104 40-29
Thur Mar 17 @ Golden State 115-106 41-29
Fri Mar 18 Indiana 134-110 42-29
Sun Mar 20 @ Phoenix 106-126 42-30
Tue Mar 22 @ New Orleans 95-106 42-31
Wed Mar 23 @ Houston 104-109 42-32
Fri Mar 25 @ New York Nets 131-103 43-32
Sun Mar 27 @ Philadelphia 116-128 43-33
Tue Mar 29 Buffalo 127-101 44-33
Tue Mar 1 Philadelphia 108-107 38-25
Fri Mar 4 Cleveland 101-113 38-26
Sat Mar 5 Seattle 134-104 39-26
Tue Mar 8 @ Buffalo 95-102 39-27
Thur Mar 10 @ New York Knicks 104-108 39-28
Fri Mar 11 @ Kansas City 112-114 39-29
Tue Mar 15 New Orleans 131-104 40-29
Thur Mar 17 @ Golden State 115-106 41-29
Fri Mar 18 Indiana 134-110 42-29
Sun Mar 20 @ Phoenix 106-126 42-30
Tue Mar 22 @ New Orleans 95-106 42-31
Wed Mar 23 @ Houston 104-109 42-32
Fri Mar 25 @ New York Nets 131-103 43-32
Sun Mar 27 @ Philadelphia 116-128 43-33
Tue Mar 29 Buffalo 127-101 44-33
March 29, 1977 - Blazers Defeat Braves But Lose Division Title To Lakers
PORTLAND — The Buffalo Braves came in to Portland for this evenings game out of the playoffs for the first time in three seasons, while the Blazers with a 127-101 victory, are getting ready for their first potential playoff season ever. “That was a big step in bringing us back to where we want to be,” said Blazer coach Jack Ramsey. “Each win now helps establish us as a playoff team and builds confidence.” Ramsey was the Braves coach during their three seasons of playoffs before being dismissed last May. He was named the Blazers coach on June 1, 1976. The Braves opened the game with quick scoring, jumping to a 31-25 lead after the first quarter and 57-56 at halftime. The Braves held the Blazers to shooting .392 in the first half. In the third quarter, the Blazers came out with a changed tempo and outscored the Braves 30-12 to jump to take an 86-69 lead entering the final quarter. The Blazers opened the quarter with a quick 8-2 start to build a 94-71 lead to get their biggest lead of 23 points. Adrian Dantley, the leading candidate for Rookie Of Year honors, led the Braves with 34 points and 12 rebounds. Dantley shot 10 of 14 from the field and 14-18 from the free throw line. “He’s a scorer, he works hard at it.” said Braves coach Joe Mullaney. Randy Smith scored 23 points and grabbed eight rebounds. John Gianelli scored 13 points off the bench and grabbed eight rebounds. Lionel Hollins led the Blazers with 26 points getting to the free throw line 14 times, converted 12 times, and six steals. “The Train is playing great,” said Bill Walton. Walton, who was questionable prior to opening tip, ended the game with 16 points and rebounds while blocking five shots, despite his ankle hampering some movement. “It was sore, but it got a little better as I went along.” said Walton. Larry Steele added 21 points off the bench and passed for five assists. Maurice Lucas had 18 points and eight rebounds. The win keeps the Blazers 1 1/2 games ahead of Golden State in the race for 2nd place in the Pacific Division. The Warriors come to Portland to play April 1. The Los Angeles Lakers, who visit Portland to close the regular season on April 9, clinched the Pacific Division title this evening with a 100-97 victory against the Seattle Super Sonics. |
March 27, 1977 - Blazers Lose In Phily As Walton Limps Off Court
PHILADELPHIA — The good news is the Blazers maintained their hold on second place in the Pacific Division, despite the 128-116 loss this evening to the Philadelphia 76ers. The bad news is Bill Walton again left a game early, as he re-injured his left ankle with 5:22 remaining in the fourth quarter. “We sent him for treatments right away,” said Blazer coach Jack Ramsey. “There was a little swelling. I don’t know if he’ll be out for any games.” With the playoffs less than three weeks away, the Blazers are concerned about entering any potential playoff series without Walton. The Blazers led in the early portions of the first quarter, jumping to a 6-1 lead and 17-14 with 3:42 remaining in the quarter. Then the Sixers found their game, securing a 25-24 lead at the quarter break. Lionel Hollins scored 12 points in the second quarter to keep the Blazers close but when Maurice Lucas was sent to the bench after being called for his third and fourth foul, Philadelphia was able to get to a 59-54 halftime lead. The Blazers scored the first four points in the third quarter but that was the closest they would get. Julius Erving and George McGinnis first led a 12-2 spurt and then to a 10-0 run to push the Sixers to an 86-66 lead. The Blazers would never get closer until the last two minutes. Erving led the Sixers with 26 points, grabbed seven rebounds and passed for five assists while his front court mate McGinnis had 22 points and 13 rebounds. Lloyd Free came off the Sixer bench to score 18 points. Darryl Dawkins, the 20-year old second year player who is a fan favorite, recorded eight points and rebounds as well as four block shots, three of them against Bill Walton. “When he utilizes his full abilities, he can become a dominating player,” said Philadelphia coach Gene Shue. Portland was led by Lucas with his 30 points and 12 rebounds and eight assists, with Lionel Hollins right behind with 27 points. Dave Twardzik and Herm Gilliam were the only other Blazers in double figures with 10 points each. Bill Walton, who shot 1-9 from the field, had seven points and 10 rebounds before leaving the game late in the game. There was no word after the game as to Walton’s status for the Blazers next game, two days hence against the Buffalo Braves. The Blazers will close out the final six games of the season with five at home. |
March 25, 1977 - Blazers Have Team Meeting Then Snap Losing Streak
UNIONDALE, NY — With a three-game losing streak on the line, Blazer coach Jack Ramsey cancelled practice and called a team meeting instead. Quite possibly the meeting did what it was supposed to do as the Blazers ended the losing streak with a 131-103 victory over the New York Nets. “It was a good meeting and I think it helped us a lot,” said Ramsey. The Blazers hit eight of their first nine shots, jumping to early leads of 8-0 and 18-6, never letting the Nets get into their own game. Portland was able to stay in control as they shot .625 in the first half and .578 for the game. The Nets, meanwhile shot a combined .436 even as they attempted four more shots than the Blazers. Maurice Lucas led the Blazers in the first half as he had 16 points, leading them to a 68-52 halftime lead. Portland picked up in the third quarter, scoring the first eight points, eventually building a 105-81 lead after three quarters. The Blazers largest lead was 32 points at 113-81. The Nets, the ABA Champions last season, have suffered during their inaugural NBA season with 18 different players suiting up for them. The Nets had high hopes entering the season with a roster of Julius Erving (traded to Philadelphia), John Williamson (traded to Indiana) and Nate Archibald (injured). Instead Robert “Bubbles” Hawkins, acquired off of waivers, led the Nets in scoring this evening with 24 points off the bench. Tim Bassett scored 15 points while Al Skinner added 14. Former Blazer Dave Wohl scored 10 points Lucas led the Blazers with 22 points and added nine rebounds. Herm Gilliam scored 20 points off the bench and passed for six assists while bench mate Larry Steele added 16 points. Bill Walton had another double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds. Robin Jones had 10 rebounds off the bench. The win was the 13th road victory for the Blazers in 39 road games. The Blazers travel to Philadelphia to end the current five game road trip. |
March 23, 1977 - Rockets Secure Playoff Spot With Win Against Blazers
HOUSTON — Cast aside by the Blazers before the season started, Moses Malone has filled in quite nicely with the Houston Rockets, leading the NBA in the offensive rebound category with a record 375 rebounds. Malone celebrated his 23rd birthday as the Rockets defeated the Blazers 109-104, securing a playoff position for Houston. “Moses had a fine night,” said Houston coach Tom Nissalke. “His play has been key for this team all season.” Nissalke said after that he felt the game was “played at playoff level” which led to the Rockets securing their 12th win in 13 games. |
Suffering from a bit of a hangover over the last two losses, the Blazers started slow, trailing 32-23 after the first quarter but were able to close the gap to 54-50 at the half, despite foul trouble in the first half for Bill Walton and Maurice Lucas. While Walton sat out most of the third quarter, the Blazers stayed close, trailing only by five going into the final quarter when Walton returned. He was able to score 10 points in the fourth quarter, three times getting the Blazers to within a point before fouling with under a minute to play.
The last time the Blazers were within a point, Bob Gross hit a jumper to cut the score to 102-101, before the Blazers got the ball back, looking to get the lead. Gross and Dave Twardzik were running a two on one fast break against John Lucas, who was able to knock a bounce pass away, retrieved the ball and fed Malone, who made two free throws after being fouled, pushing the Rockets to a 104-101 lead with 1:15 remaining. Mike Newlin made the final two baskets to secure the Rockets victory.
Calvin Murphy, the 5’9’ guard, led the Rockets with 25 points and grabbed five rebounds. Malone was right behind with 23 points and 15 rebounds. Malone was 11 for 13 from the free throw line. Lucas, the first pick in the NBA draft from Maryland, scored 16 points and passed for eight assists. Newlin and Kevin Kunnert added 14 points each, with Kunnert grabing 17 rebounds.
Bill Walton led the Blazers in scoring with 26 points and 11 rebounds before fouling out. “That was the best he has played since he came back,” said Blazer coach Jack Ramsey. Maurice Lucas had 15 points and 10 rebounds. Twardzik and Gross each finished with 13 points. The Blazers will travel to New York to play the Nets in two days.
The last time the Blazers were within a point, Bob Gross hit a jumper to cut the score to 102-101, before the Blazers got the ball back, looking to get the lead. Gross and Dave Twardzik were running a two on one fast break against John Lucas, who was able to knock a bounce pass away, retrieved the ball and fed Malone, who made two free throws after being fouled, pushing the Rockets to a 104-101 lead with 1:15 remaining. Mike Newlin made the final two baskets to secure the Rockets victory.
Calvin Murphy, the 5’9’ guard, led the Rockets with 25 points and grabbed five rebounds. Malone was right behind with 23 points and 15 rebounds. Malone was 11 for 13 from the free throw line. Lucas, the first pick in the NBA draft from Maryland, scored 16 points and passed for eight assists. Newlin and Kevin Kunnert added 14 points each, with Kunnert grabing 17 rebounds.
Bill Walton led the Blazers in scoring with 26 points and 11 rebounds before fouling out. “That was the best he has played since he came back,” said Blazer coach Jack Ramsey. Maurice Lucas had 15 points and 10 rebounds. Twardzik and Gross each finished with 13 points. The Blazers will travel to New York to play the Nets in two days.
March 22, 1977 - Blazers Game Missing A Beat; Fall To Jazz
NEW ORLEANS — Two days ago, after a 20 point loss in Phoenix, Blazer coach Jack Ramsey said, “We can’t play worse than that.” It turns out the Blazers can play worse as Portland dropped a 106-95 contest to the depleted New Orleans Jazz. “All of a sudden, we are playing like a tail-end club that is finishing out the season,” said Ramsey. “It puzzles me because we played exactly the opposite in our three games last week.”
The Blazers opened this game similar to the Phoenix game as they shot to an early 20-13 lead after only nine minutes before settling to a 26-21 first quarter lead. Maurice Lucas scored 12 points in the opening stanza and seemed to have recovered from some recent shooting woes. The roles reversed quickly as the Jazz rallied to take a 36-34 on a three-point play by Nate Williams with 5:35 remaining in the second quarter. The Blazers never would be as close again. The Jazz stretched their 48-44 halftime to an 84-63 lead as the quarter ended. Pete Maravich scored 12 points and James McElroy added 10 to build that lead. The Blazers outscored the Jazz in the final quarter to make the score more respectable. Pete Maravich led the Jazz with 31 points, grabbed eight rebounds and passed for nine assists. Ron Behagen added 17 points while McElroy finished with 16 points. Otto Moore, one of the five players involved in a car accident on March 18 prior to New Orleans playing in Phoenix, led all rebounders with 16. McElroy and Williams were involved in the accident but have been able to play. Aaron James and Bud Stallworth still have not been cleared to play Lucas finished the game with 29 points to lead the Blazers in scoring. He also had eight rebounds. Herm Gilliam scored 12 points off the bench and Larry Steele added 10 to be the only Blazers in double figures for scoring. Bill Walton was inconsistent, adding six points and seven rebounds, before leaving the game for good midway through the third quarter and the Blazers trailing 60-51. “I didn’t see any sense putting him back in when we were 20 points behind,” said Ramsey. The Blazers were out rebounded 62-38, their worst deficit of the season. |
March 20, 1977 - Lowly Suns Run Blazers Off Court In Second Half
PHOENIX — The Blazers entered the game with the Phoenix Suns, the defending Western Conference Champions, riding a three game winning streak while the Suns had lost 16 of their last 18 games. Odds are the nationally televised game would feature a Blazer win but the Suns pulled off a 126-106 victory. “We can’t play any worse that that,” said Blazer coach Jack Ramsey. “Our whole game was poor.”
The game was close throughout much of the first half as the teams traded leads, with Portland ahead 57-55 at halftime. All that changed in the third quarter as Alvin Adams, Paul Westphal and rookie Ron Lee led the Suns to a 87-78 lead as the Blazers lacked at both ends of the court. |
The Suns defense eliminated the Blazers fast break in the second half causing frustration as Portland committed 41 fouls, allowing the Suns to go to the free throw line 57 times, converting 42 of them.
The Suns needed a win according to coach John MacLeod. “Our guys were ready to play. We have had a lot of injuries and we have been too much and down.” MacLeod was still upset with the Suns loss two days ago to a visiting New Orleans Jazz team that only had seven players available due to five of the Jazz players being injured in a car accident. Pete Maravich played all 48 minutes, scoring 51 points, in leading the Jazz to a 104-100 victory snapping an eight game losing streak for the Jazz.
Phoenix was led by Adams, who ended with 27 points and 10 rebounds while Westphal added 23 points. Ron Lee added 20 points off the bench. Early in the first half, Lee and Blazer guard Lionel Hollins got into a shoving match before being pulled apart. “It was no big deal,” said Lee. “There was a lot of contact. Those things happen.” Lee and Hollins have a history going back to college as Lee played at Oregon and Hollins played at Arizona State.
Bill Walton and Maurice Lucas led the Blazers with 16 points and nine rebounds each. Hollins added 14 points. The Blazers will travel to New Orleans to play in two days against the Jazz. At this time, three of the Jazz players injured in the car accident (James McElroy, Nate Williams, and Otto Moore) are scheduled to play as they played this evening against the Los Angeles Lakers. Aaron James and Bud Stallworth did not attend the Laker game as they went back to New Orleans. They are questionable for the game against the Blazers
The Suns needed a win according to coach John MacLeod. “Our guys were ready to play. We have had a lot of injuries and we have been too much and down.” MacLeod was still upset with the Suns loss two days ago to a visiting New Orleans Jazz team that only had seven players available due to five of the Jazz players being injured in a car accident. Pete Maravich played all 48 minutes, scoring 51 points, in leading the Jazz to a 104-100 victory snapping an eight game losing streak for the Jazz.
Phoenix was led by Adams, who ended with 27 points and 10 rebounds while Westphal added 23 points. Ron Lee added 20 points off the bench. Early in the first half, Lee and Blazer guard Lionel Hollins got into a shoving match before being pulled apart. “It was no big deal,” said Lee. “There was a lot of contact. Those things happen.” Lee and Hollins have a history going back to college as Lee played at Oregon and Hollins played at Arizona State.
Bill Walton and Maurice Lucas led the Blazers with 16 points and nine rebounds each. Hollins added 14 points. The Blazers will travel to New Orleans to play in two days against the Jazz. At this time, three of the Jazz players injured in the car accident (James McElroy, Nate Williams, and Otto Moore) are scheduled to play as they played this evening against the Los Angeles Lakers. Aaron James and Bud Stallworth did not attend the Laker game as they went back to New Orleans. They are questionable for the game against the Blazers
March 18, 1977 - Blazers Play Strong In Second Half; Defeat Pacers
PORTLAND — The friendly confines of Memorial Coliseum helped the Blazers erase a slow start and earn a 134-110 victory over the Indiana Pacers. “There was some sluggishness in the first half,” said Blazer coach Jack Ramsey. “Indiana played its game extremely well in the first half.” Pacer coach Bob Leonard is impressed with the Blazers play. “If they are healthy and strong, they can win it all. There isn’t a team in the league any better than Portland when Bill Walton’s at his game and they’re all together.”
Showing some fatigue in the first half, the Blazers led 63-57 at halftime despite the Pacers shooting over 53% from the field. The Blazers defensive pressure in the second half led to Portland fastbreaks and limited the Pacers to single shots on many occasions, leading the Blazers to a 55-31 rebounding advantage. The Pacers made their last serious run when they closed the Blazers lead to 93-87 with nine minutes remaining. Portland then reeled off seven straight points and Pacers never threatened again. When the score was 110-93 with three minutes remaining, bench players from both teams took over. Billy Knight had 26 points to lead the Pacers in scoring. His front court mates Will Jones, with 18 points and Dave Robish, with 17 points, combined for 35 points and 13 rebounds. John Williamson scored 16 points. Three Blazers scored over 20 points with Lionel Hollins leading all scorers with 28 points, and passing for 10 assists. Maurice Lucas added 24 points and grabbed 13 rebounds. Larry Steele, who scored 27 points in the victory against the Warriors yesterday, scored 21 points off the bench. Bill Walton added 14 points and grabbed 12 rebounds. |
The Blazers travel to Phoenix for a CBS Nationally Televised game in two days. This will be the second CBS game for the Blazers this season. The Blazers lost 123-118 in their first game in San Antonio on January 23.
There are two more game pictures under the Photos section above.
There are two more game pictures under the Photos section above.
March 17, 1977 - Steele Scores 27 Points; Leads Blazers In Win At Oakland
OAKLAND — Starting slow has become a trademark lately for the Blazers on the road and in the first half of tonights game against the Golden State Warriors, they followed suit. But Portland came out strong in the second half to get a 115-106 victory in Oakland behind 27 points by Larry Steele. “Larry was shooting it straight and that opened things up,” said Lionel Hollins who finished with 23 points. “Larry was terrific,” said Bill Walton. “He’s been playing great all along.” |
Trailing 50-53 at halftime, the Blazers came out in the second half scoring nine straight points to take a 59-53 lead. They held the Warriors without a field goal for nearly five minutes and led 81-76 going into the final quarter. Steele led an 8-2 surge turning a three point lead to 95-86 and the Blazers stayed in control the rest of the game, eventually getting to their biggest lead at 105-92 with four minutes remaining. The defense of Steele and Bob Gross held Warrior All-Star Rick Barry to 11 points in 31 minutes. “I try to overplay Barry and keep him from getting the ball so much,” said Steele. “Sometimes I play him the same way and he gets 35. You never know.”
The Warriors were led by Jamaal Wilkes, who scored 24 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. The backcourt of Phil Smith, with 18 points and Gus Williams, with 15 points kept pace with the Blazers backcourt in scoring and rookie Sonny Parker added 14 points off the bench. Rookie Robert Parrish was scoreless but added eight rebounds in 18 minutes.
Steele shot 11 for 16 from the field in getting his 27 points. Steele added nine rebounds and six assists in 34 minutes. Hollins scored 23 points and passed for five assists. Bill Walton, playing in short burst to build his stamina, had 12 points, 12 rebounds, and five assists in 26 minutes. Maurice Lucas added 15 points and grabbed nine rebounds.
The win, number 41, guaranteed the Blazers with their winning season in the teams seven years with 12 games remaining. It was also the 12th road victory which sets a team record for road wins. The Blazers return to action tomorrow at home as the Indiana Pacers come to Portland
The Warriors were led by Jamaal Wilkes, who scored 24 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. The backcourt of Phil Smith, with 18 points and Gus Williams, with 15 points kept pace with the Blazers backcourt in scoring and rookie Sonny Parker added 14 points off the bench. Rookie Robert Parrish was scoreless but added eight rebounds in 18 minutes.
Steele shot 11 for 16 from the field in getting his 27 points. Steele added nine rebounds and six assists in 34 minutes. Hollins scored 23 points and passed for five assists. Bill Walton, playing in short burst to build his stamina, had 12 points, 12 rebounds, and five assists in 26 minutes. Maurice Lucas added 15 points and grabbed nine rebounds.
The win, number 41, guaranteed the Blazers with their winning season in the teams seven years with 12 games remaining. It was also the 12th road victory which sets a team record for road wins. The Blazers return to action tomorrow at home as the Indiana Pacers come to Portland
March 15, 1977 - Blazers Snap Losing Streak As Walton Returns To Action
PORTLAND — Riding a three game losing streak, the Blazers just needed a win to right the ship. Bill Walton playing would be nice too. Enter the New Orleans Jazz with a seven game losing streak to the rescue and the Blazers scored a 131-104 victory as Walton played for the first time in five games. “It is important that we have our game at the optimum and that we have confidence going into the playoffs,” said Blazer coach Jack Ramsey. “Some people call it momentum, but that is an overused word.” Except for an 0-2 deficit, the Blazers were in complete control, jumping to a 23-9 lead seven minutes in to the first quarter before settling to a 35-20 lead at the quarter break and then 66-44 halftime lead. “We got right into our offense at the start,” said Blazer assistant coach Jack McKinney. “Bill had a lot to do with that. When he came out, it just carried over.” Walton played a total of 17 minutes and left the game in the third quarter and the Blazers leading 70-54. Turns out the Blazers didn’t need him after that as they eventually built to a 32 point lead in the fourth quarter. New Orleans was led by the NBA leading scorer Pete Maravich, who tallied 27 points. The Jazz scoring falls after Maravich as bench players Aaron James added 13 points and Andy Walker had 12 points. E. C. Coleman was the only other starter with double digit scoring with 10 points along with eight rebounds. Lionel Hollins led the Blazers with 22 points and passed for six assists in 32 minutes, the most minutes by any starter. Maurice Lucas scored 20 points and grabbed 11 rebounds in 26 minutes. Walton, in 17 minutes, had 12 points and eight rebounds. No starter played in the fourth quarter. Robin Jones scored 16 points and grabbed nine rebounds before fouling out late in the fourth quarter. Herm Gilliam added 12 rebounds. The win was a club record 29th home victory and pulled the Blazers to within 2 1/2 games of the Los Angeles Lakers in the Pacific Division lead. To see the division standings, click the News & Notes tab above. |
March 11, 1977 - Blazers Best Road Effort Still Results In Loss
OMAHA, NEB. — The Blazers played their best game in this three-game road trip but still came away with a loss as the Kansas City Kings squeaked out a 114-112 victory in Omaha, Neb. “If we had played with the kind of intensity we had tonight in our games at Buffalo and New York, we would have won them both,” said Blazer coach Jack Ramsey. “The thing that disturbed me about our losses, was that we played teams which weren’t ready to win. We allowed them to win.” The Blazers opened the game with quick results, jumping to a 29-20 first quarter lead but the Kings regrouped to take a 54-53 halftime lead. Larry Steele, held scoreless in the first half, hit all seven shots in the third quarter, to keep the Blazers in the game. The Kings led 88-85 heading into the final quarter but the Blazers finally regained the lead when Lionel Hollins hit a jumper to put the Portland ahead 101-98 with five minutes remaining. It was a back and forth battle until the final minute played out. Lionel Hollins tied the score at 108-108 when he hit one of the two free throw attempts. The Kings Ollie Johnson, a former Blazer from 1972-74, was called for traveling, giving the ball back to the Blazers. Sam Lacey was able to steal the ball away from Maurice Lucas and fed a streaking Brian Taylor, who was fouled but converted two free throws to give the Kings an 110-108 lead with 40 seconds. Dave Twardzik hit two free throws to tie the game again at 110-110 before Taylor hit a jumper with 25 seconds left putting the Kings up 112-110. After Steele missed a shot, Johnson went to the line to seal the victory at 114-110. |
The Kings let Lucas score to make the score 114-112 but Johnson again went to the line with two-seconds remaining. When he missed both shots, Lucas rebounded but could not get the ball down the court quick enough to score. Blazer coach Ramsey complained after the game of a “quick clock” but to no avail.
The Kings were led by Ron Boone with 26 points while Bill Robinzine scored 18 points. Sam Lacey scored 17 points and grabbed nine rebounds. Ollie Johnson, the former Blazer, scored 12 points off the bench for the Kings.
Lucas and Hollins also scored 26 points in the contest. Lucas added 16 rebounds in the 44 minutes. Hollins added five assists and four rebounds before fouling out. Steele added 18 points off the bench. The Blazers have played five games against the Kings in Omaha over the years, winning only one time, 102-94 last season.
The Kings were led by Ron Boone with 26 points while Bill Robinzine scored 18 points. Sam Lacey scored 17 points and grabbed nine rebounds. Ollie Johnson, the former Blazer, scored 12 points off the bench for the Kings.
Lucas and Hollins also scored 26 points in the contest. Lucas added 16 rebounds in the 44 minutes. Hollins added five assists and four rebounds before fouling out. Steele added 18 points off the bench. The Blazers have played five games against the Kings in Omaha over the years, winning only one time, 102-94 last season.
March 10, 1977 - Fourth Quarter Collapse Denies Blazers Sweep Of Knicks
The Blazers scored the final six points which made the score more respectful, though technically the team only scored four points as Earl Monroe made a shot as time expired in the Portland basket. Larry Steele was credited with the two points as he was the closest Blazer to the basket as time expired.
Bob McAdoo led the Knicks with 25 points overall, but had 13 points in the final quarter to keep the Knicks in the lead. McAdoo also gathered seven rebounds and passed for six assists. Earl Monroe was scoreless in the final quarter but he did score 24 points in the first three quarters. Shelton finished the game with 19 points and six rebounds. Maurice Lucas led all scorers with 29 points and grabbed eight rebounds. Lionel Hollins was a bucket behind, scoring 27 points and Bob Gross added 15 points. Robin Jones led the Blazers in rebounding with nine. The Blazers will end this road trip in Omaha, Nebraska when they play the Kansas City Kings in a game to be televised back to Portland on KPTV-12 |
March 8, 1977 - Blazers Mount Late Rally But Fall Short In Buffalo
BUFFALO — Despite falling behind early, the Blazers rallied to lead in the fourth quarter but eventually fell victim to their cold shooting, finally falling 102-95 to the Buffalo Braves. “We shot badly, no question,” said Blazer coach Jack Ramsey. “Mainly though, Buffalo played better than we did, especially in critical situations.”
The Blazers fell behind quickly 13-2 right away, then 22-6 and finally 29-12 before the Blazers started hitting the shots that didn’t initially fall. Maurice Lucas and Lloyd Neal paced the Blazers to pull the Blazers within 52-46 at the break. With 9:40 remaining in the final quarter the Blazers were leading 75-71 but then the cold shooting Blazer team returned.
The Braves Adrian Dantley scored six free throws to put the Braves back in front 77-76. Lloyd Neal hit a basket to put the Blazers back on top, but the Braves hit for 10 straight points to get to an 87-78 lead with 5:30 remaining. The Blazers would get to within three points on three different, the last at 94-91 when Robin Jones hit a tip in with 2:10 to go. Buffalo was led by Dantley with 29 points and 10 rebounds. Dantley went to the free throw line 12 times and only missed a single throw. Randy Smith, who also went to the free throw line 12 times, added 26 points. Don Adams scored 10 points in the fourth quarter when the Braves mounted their comeback and ended with 15 points and nine rebounds. George Johnson led both teams in rebounding with 14 boards. Maurice Lucas led the Blazers with 26 points and gathered 10 rebounds. Lloyd Neal added 16 points and eight rebounds off the bench. Robin Jones led the Blazers with 11 rebounds but only added six points. The Blazers travel to New York to play the Knicks in two days. The Blazers have won all three games the two teams have played and are looking to sweep the Knicks for the first time in team history. |
Dave Twardzik plays defense against Ernie DiGregorio above.
Below George Johnson scores two points while Maurice Lucas and Lloyd Neal look on. |
March 5, 1977 - Blazers Rout Sonics Behind Twardzik's Career-High 28 Points
PORTLAND — Just over a month ago, SuperSonic guard Slick Watts talked about how the Blazers would eventually slide from atop the Pacific Division and Seattle would pass the team. Turns out the Sonics have slid and the Blazers pounded Seattle to a 134-104 victory behind Dave Twardzik’s career high 28 points. “Our defense was extremely good in the first half, and that set up our offense,” said Twardzik who’s previous high was 27 points when he played in the ABA. The win is the 39th for the season and sets a record for wins for the Blazers. |
The Blazers led from the start, storming ahead 7-0 before the Sonics were able to get on the board. As the first half continued the Blazers kept building their lead. At various points the Blazers lead 25-9, then 55-28 before leading 63-35 at halftime. At the half, Lionel Hollins had 12 points, Twardzik and Larry Steele had 11 and Robin Jones, starting in place of Bill Walton, had eight points, 10 rebounds and three blocked shots.
The Sonics came out of the half a changed team, hitting 17 of 21 shots in the third quarter to close the 28 point halftime deficit to 15 points heading into the final quarter, but the closest the Sonics could get was within 12 points. Forced to foul the Blazers in order to stop the clock and regain possession, the Blazers went to the free throw line 60 times and made a club-record 46 free throws.
The Sonics came out of the half a changed team, hitting 17 of 21 shots in the third quarter to close the 28 point halftime deficit to 15 points heading into the final quarter, but the closest the Sonics could get was within 12 points. Forced to foul the Blazers in order to stop the clock and regain possession, the Blazers went to the free throw line 60 times and made a club-record 46 free throws.
The Sonics were led by Watts as he scored 19 points and dished five assists. Nick Weatherspoon scored 13 points and grabbed 13 rebounds. Tom Burleson, the 7’-4” center for the Sonics, scored 12 points but only grabbed seven rebounds. Fred Brown, the Sonics leading scorer at 17.9 points, was scoreless and did not play after he was removed from the game mid-way through the second quarter.
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and the Sonics already behind by 20 points. Brown was reported to have a grin on his face and ignored Russell.
Twardzik hit 16 of 17 free throws on his way to 28 points. Herm Gilliam, who played for the Sonics last year, scored 22 points. Steele ended the game with 18 points of the bench while Lloyd Neal scored 14 points and seven rebounds. Robin Jones, replacing Bill Walton for the 12 game this season, scored 14 points and grabbed 14 rebounds. In the 12 games, Jones is averaging 13.2 points and 11.2 rebounds. For the season Jones averages 5.1 points and 4.2 rebounds. Maurice Lucas, who leads the Blazers in scoring with 20.6 per game and grabs 11.9 rebounds, only scored nine points and nine rebounds
Twardzik hit 16 of 17 free throws on his way to 28 points. Herm Gilliam, who played for the Sonics last year, scored 22 points. Steele ended the game with 18 points of the bench while Lloyd Neal scored 14 points and seven rebounds. Robin Jones, replacing Bill Walton for the 12 game this season, scored 14 points and grabbed 14 rebounds. In the 12 games, Jones is averaging 13.2 points and 11.2 rebounds. For the season Jones averages 5.1 points and 4.2 rebounds. Maurice Lucas, who leads the Blazers in scoring with 20.6 per game and grabs 11.9 rebounds, only scored nine points and nine rebounds
March 4, 1977 - Campy Russell Leads Cavaliers Over The Blazers
PORTLAND — The Blazers, even with Bill Walton sidelined with a sprained ankle, started strong against the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers, before losing 113-101 for another home loss. “We started off well, but then we got into a period of taking quick shots,” said Blazer coach Jack Ramsey. “When we start taking quick shots, it hurts us every time.” The Blazers were leading 21-14 late in the first quarter before the onslaught came. Cleveland reeled off seven straight to close out the first quarter in a 21-21 tie and worked their way to a 55-48 halftime lead. The Cavaliers pushed their lead to 68-54 in the first few minutes of the third quarter before Dave Twardzik, who scored 12 points in the third quarter, led the Blazers back to within two points at 74-72 with 3:17 remaining. That was the closest the Blazers would get as the Cavs pushed their lead at the end of the quarter to 85-77. Cleveland then used the first six minutes to outscore the Blazers 16-5, pushing their lead to 101-82. Portland never threatened again. The Cavaliers were led again by forward Campy Russell with 26 points, six rebounds and five assists. Russell had a career-high 36 when the teams last met on February 15. Cleveland displayed balanced scoring as seven players hit for double digits. Besides Russell’s 26, five players scored between 10 to 16 points with reserve Dick Snyder getting 16. Elmore Smith, acquired in January with Gary Brokaw, scored 11 points and grabbed 13 rebounds while Brokaw scored 14 points. As a team, the Cavs shot .533 from the field while the Blazers shot .414 Bob Gross led the Blazers with 17 points while Maurice Lucas added 15 points and 12 rebounds and passed for six assists. Lucas was 6-22 from the field. Robin Jones starting in place of Walton, scored 14 points and grabbed seven rebounds. The Blazers lost an opportunity to gain ground on the Los Angeles Lakers with the loss as the Lakers also lost this evening in Chicago, 114-99 to the Bulls. The Lakers maintain their 1-1/2 game lead. |
March 1, 1977 - Blazers Reverse The Score on Sixers, Get Victory At Home
The Blazers only had three players with double digits with Lucas leading all scorers with 34 points and Hollins added 26 points and passed for 10 assists. Larry Steele added 16 points off the bench. Lucas gathered 12 rebounds and Walton led the Blazers with 15 rebounds in 28 minutes. The home victory was the 27th home victory, one shy of their record 28 wins set in the 1974-75 season
The Blazers only had three players with double digits with Lucas leading all scorers with 34 points and Hollins added 26 points and passed for 10 assists. Larry Steele added 16 points off the bench. Lucas gathered 12 rebounds and Walton led the Blazers with 15 rebounds in 28 minutes. The home victory was the 27th home victory, one shy of their record 28 wins set in the 1974-75 season
February Results and Recaps Below
Day Date Opponent POR-OPP W-L
Wed Feb 2 @ Kansas City 107-119 34-18
Thur Feb 3 @ Indiana 107-98 35-18
Sat Feb 5 Washington 104-116 35-19
Tue Feb 8 Denver 111-119 35-20
Fri Feb 11 Atlanta 108-121 35-21
Sun Feb 13 ALL-GAME @ MILWAUKEE
Tue Feb 15 @ Cleveland 96-117 35-22
Wed Feb 16 @ Detroit 118-125 35-23
Fri Feb 18 @ Chicago 90-87 36-23
Sat Feb 19 @ Denver 124-133 36-24
Tue Feb 22 Boston 113-111 37-24
Fri Feb 25 Houston 106-123 37-25
Wed Feb 2 @ Kansas City 107-119 34-18
Thur Feb 3 @ Indiana 107-98 35-18
Sat Feb 5 Washington 104-116 35-19
Tue Feb 8 Denver 111-119 35-20
Fri Feb 11 Atlanta 108-121 35-21
Sun Feb 13 ALL-GAME @ MILWAUKEE
Tue Feb 15 @ Cleveland 96-117 35-22
Wed Feb 16 @ Detroit 118-125 35-23
Fri Feb 18 @ Chicago 90-87 36-23
Sat Feb 19 @ Denver 124-133 36-24
Tue Feb 22 Boston 113-111 37-24
Fri Feb 25 Houston 106-123 37-25
February 25, 1977 - Blazers Lose Fifth Home Game of Season As Rockets Rule Game
PORTLAND — Days after Bill Walton returned to the lineup, the Blazers had optimistic thoughts going forward but instead came out “flat” as coach Jack Ramsey said in their 123-106 home loss to the Houston Rockets. “We haven’t had many games like that,” said Ramsey. The home loss was the fourth in the last five games for the Blazers and the fifth for the season. Lionel Hollins, fresh off his career high 43 points, scored nine points to lead the Blazers to a 22-18 nine minutes into the first quarter. The Rockets, led by swingman Mike Nelwin, proceeded to score eight straight points, before taking a 28-24 lead at the end of the quarter and 55-48 at the half. The Blazers got to within six points, 65-59, early in the third quarter but never threatened again. Newlin led the Rockets with 29 points but had plenty of help as six of the seven Rockets that played more than one minute scored in double digits. Clavin Murphy added 23 points while Kevin Kunnert had 20 points and 17 rebounds. Moses Malone was the only Rocket who played significant minutes that didn’t score in double digits as he ended with four points and nine rebounds. Maurice Lucas led the Blazers with 27 points and gathered nine rebounds but no other Blazer scored more than 13 points that Hollins and Dave Twardzik did. Bill Walton had 11 points and eight rebounds. Lloyd Neal played his first game in a month and scored a basket in 11 minutes. |
February 22, 1977 - Hollins Gets 43 in Walton Return: Blazers Defeat Celtics
Cowens rebounded the final miss and Boston called time to set their own final play, but a 25-foot jumper by ex-Blazer Sidney Wicks bounced off the rim as time expired. “It was our four play and the ball was supposed to go to Havlicek. Three guys heard the play and two didn’t.” said Boston coach Tom Heinsohn, referencing the shot by Wicks.
Havlicek led Boston with 33 points along with eight rebounds and his back-court mate JoJo White added 25 points. White also passed for seven assists. Cowens had 20 points and 17 rebounds. Wicks, who had 14 points and 10 rebounds off the Boston bench, was still derided by the local fans. After he entered the game for the first time, a banner was unfurled that read, "Hey Sidney, where did you ever get a headband big enough?"
Hollins previous career-high was 28 points prior to scoring 43 points this evening. Maurice Lucas scored 15 points and had 10 rebounds while Johnny Davis scored 17 points off the bench for Portland. Walton played 22 minutes in his return, two more than was anticipated, gathered four points and nine rebounds. Despite the missed free throws at the end of the game, Portland outscored Boston 57-41 in the 22 minutes that Walton played.
Prior to the game, the Blazers announced that Lloyd Neal was being reactivated. Neal has been out for nearly four weeks with a knee injury and should be able to play in the Blazers game against Houston in three days. To make room, Clyde Mayes, who was signed to a 10-day contract and played in five games, was waived.
Havlicek led Boston with 33 points along with eight rebounds and his back-court mate JoJo White added 25 points. White also passed for seven assists. Cowens had 20 points and 17 rebounds. Wicks, who had 14 points and 10 rebounds off the Boston bench, was still derided by the local fans. After he entered the game for the first time, a banner was unfurled that read, "Hey Sidney, where did you ever get a headband big enough?"
Hollins previous career-high was 28 points prior to scoring 43 points this evening. Maurice Lucas scored 15 points and had 10 rebounds while Johnny Davis scored 17 points off the bench for Portland. Walton played 22 minutes in his return, two more than was anticipated, gathered four points and nine rebounds. Despite the missed free throws at the end of the game, Portland outscored Boston 57-41 in the 22 minutes that Walton played.
Prior to the game, the Blazers announced that Lloyd Neal was being reactivated. Neal has been out for nearly four weeks with a knee injury and should be able to play in the Blazers game against Houston in three days. To make room, Clyde Mayes, who was signed to a 10-day contract and played in five games, was waived.
February 19, 1977 - Blazers Lose Twardzik, Hollins To Technicals; Game To Nuggets
DENVER — Missing going into the game were the usual suspects in Bill Walton and Lloyd Neal. Midway through the second quarter, after Blazer guards Dave Twardzik and Lionel Hollins were ejected after each was accessed two technical fouls, the Blazers were down to nine players and the Denver Nuggets took full advantage in the 133-124 victory. “A referee shouldn’t use the technical foul as a weapon,” said Blazer coach Jack Ramsey. “A technical foul is not the way for a referee to keep control of a game.” After taking the lead at the end of the first quarter 33-26, the Nuggets closed within 42-40 when Twardzik was hit with a technical foul by referee Ken Falkner after questioning a loose ball foul. Twardzik, as captain in Walton’s absence, questioned further and was ejected with the second technical, also by Faulkner. “Twardzik got the first technical for not giving the ball up when he was asked for it,” said referee Norm Drucker. “He got the second one for persisting in asking for an explanation. Even the captain can ask for an explanation only during a timeout.” Near the end of the second quarter, Hollins was whistled for a traveling violation and objected to the call. Drucker said the technicals on Hollins were for language, though Hollins denied swearing before the first technical was called. Mack Calvin sank the two free throws to give the Nuggets a 63-58 halftime lead. Despite the missing players, the Blazers were able to keep the game close during the third quarter, even getting the lead back at 72-67. The Nuggets were able to regain the lead at 85-83 when Dan Issel hit a shot from under the backboard. The Nuggets continued to maintain a comfortable lead until and finally pulled further away in the last few minutes. The Nuggets had balanced scoring as four players scored more than 20 points, led by Calvin with 26 points and 10 assists off the bench. Calvin was released by the San Antonio Spurs last week before being signed by the Nuggets just three days ago. Bobby Jones, David Thompson and Issel all ended with 20 points. Paul Silas had 11 rebounds and 13 points off the bench. Maurice Lucas led all scorers with 35 points and pulled down 20 rebounds, becoming the fourth Blazer to have more than 30 points and 20 rebounds in a game. Bob Gross added 25 points and nine rebounds. Larry Steele added 19 points off the bench. |
February 18, 1977 - Blazers Snap Losing Streak At 5 Games
CHICAGO — Finally, playing well paid off for the Blazers as they snapped their five game losing streak and won their 11th road game of the season, 90-87 against the Chicago Bulls. The Blazers were able to play well in a majority of the last two games in Cleveland and Detroit but both game ended in losses. Today, with a little help from the Bulls, the Blazers prevailed. “We’ll take it,” said Blazer coach Jack Ramsey. “I would have been happy with any kind of win tonight. Good team play keeps you close and gives you a chance to win.” The Blazers were able to control the first half of the game, leading 49-41 at the break, and continued their lead in the third quarter. The Blazers biggest lead was 13 points in the third quarter. One advantage the Blazers gained was Artis Gilmore being unable to play in the second half as he was bothered by a bruised thigh. Despite Gilmore’s absence, the Bulls were able to get a lead at 85-82 with 4:33 remaining. Unlike the two previous games, the Blazers were able to hold the Bulls at bay, outscoring them 8-2 to pull out the victory. The Bulls, 24-34 for the season, were led in scoring by center Tom Boerwinkle, who totaled 19 points off the bench. Boerwinkle replaced Gilmore in the for the second half and gathered 16 rebounds as well. Also off the bench, Jack Marin chipped in 14 points. Scott May and Wilbur Holland were the only Bulls starters with double digit scoring as they each got 12 points. Maurice Lucas again led the Blazers in scoring and rebounding as he totaled 23 and 16 respectively. In addition, Lucas recorded six assists, two blocks and a steal. Robin Jones got 16 points and 14 rebounds. “I think we showed a lot of character,” said Jones, referencing the late stages of the fourth quarter. “They put us in a position where we could have given up, and we didn’t.” The win gives the Blazers a 4-0 sweep of the Bulls, the second time in team history they swept a team in a season. Their first sweep was against the Kansas City Kings last season. |
February 16, 1977 - Blazers Skid At 5 Games Despite Career-High From Jones
DETROIT — Starting this evening just as they did last evening in Cleveland, the Blazers played three strong quarters but were unable to get the victory as the fell to the Detroit Pistons 125-118 the fifth loss in a row for the Blazers. “Tonight and last night, we played about as well as we could play,” said Blazer coach Jack Ramsey. “It’s important to remember that we would be having a tough time on this trip even if we’d had all our players.” |
Leading by as many as nine points in the first half, the Blazers and Pistons were tied at the end of each quarter, 28-28 after one and 61-61 after the second quarter ended. In the third quarter, the Pistons pulled ahead by six points before Marvin Barnes, the third pick in last summers ABA Dispersal Draft, took over with a five minute stretch and scored eight points and gathered five rebounds to push the Pistons from a 98-92 lead to 112-100. Ralph Simpson, an ex-ABA player like Barnes, added more scoring to keep the Blazers at bay for the rest of the game.
Bob Lanier led the Pistons with 25 points and 11 rebounds. Barnes finished with 16 points, missing only three shots in 17 minutes of play. Simpson also finished with 16 points and Kevin Porter had 13 points and 15 assists. Porter is third in the NBA with 7.9 assists per game.
Maurice Lucas, selected ahead of Barnes in the ABA Draft, finished with 25 points and gathered 12 rebounds. Robin Jones, starting again in place of Bill Walton, had a career-high 21 points and had 13 rebounds. “Jones has been doing a fine job for us,” said Ramsey. “We couldn’t expect any more from him than he has given us.” Bob Gross added 18 points and eight rebounds.
Dr. Robert Cook, the Blazers physician, is planning to examine Bill Walton tomorrow in Portland. When asked by a reporter that it didn’t seem Walton would be ready soon, Cook replied “That’s probably a reasonable guess at this point.” The Blazers are looking to flying Walton to Chicago for the game in two days, if not to play, at least to cheer on his teammates. Lloyd Neal, on the injured list for a minimum of two more games, will stay in Portland
Bob Lanier led the Pistons with 25 points and 11 rebounds. Barnes finished with 16 points, missing only three shots in 17 minutes of play. Simpson also finished with 16 points and Kevin Porter had 13 points and 15 assists. Porter is third in the NBA with 7.9 assists per game.
Maurice Lucas, selected ahead of Barnes in the ABA Draft, finished with 25 points and gathered 12 rebounds. Robin Jones, starting again in place of Bill Walton, had a career-high 21 points and had 13 rebounds. “Jones has been doing a fine job for us,” said Ramsey. “We couldn’t expect any more from him than he has given us.” Bob Gross added 18 points and eight rebounds.
Dr. Robert Cook, the Blazers physician, is planning to examine Bill Walton tomorrow in Portland. When asked by a reporter that it didn’t seem Walton would be ready soon, Cook replied “That’s probably a reasonable guess at this point.” The Blazers are looking to flying Walton to Chicago for the game in two days, if not to play, at least to cheer on his teammates. Lloyd Neal, on the injured list for a minimum of two more games, will stay in Portland
February 15, 1977 - Blazers Lose To Cavaliers For Fourth Loss In Row
CLEVELAND — Fresh off the All-Star break, the Blazers started their first game in four days picking up where they left off the last time they were in Cleveland, before succumbing 117-96 to the Cavaliers. “Our fatigue became a factor,” said Blazer coach Jack Ramsey. “We’re thinning personnel right now and it showed there at the end.” Ramsey was referring to missing Bill Walton, Lloyd Neal and Wally Walker.
Despite the depletion in the front court, the Blazers led throughout most of the first half with only three ties, the last at 11-11. Leading 20-18 with just over two minutes to go in the first quarter the Blazers went on a nine point streak to jump to 29-18, their largest lead of the half. Cleveland helped the Blazers in the first quarter as the hit on only 4 of their 19 field attempts but they found their range in the second quarter, eventually closing the game to a 53-47 halftime score. Maurice Lucas and Bob Gross combined for 28 points in the half. Portland held an 80-77 lead after three quarters before Campy Russell and Gary Brokaw took over in the fourth quarter, scoring 23 of the Cavs 40 points and holding the Blazers to 16 points in the final period. Brokaw felt vindicated with the win, as he considered himself the reason for the loss in the last game versus the Blazers, a 99-91 loss in January. “I lost the game for us,” said Brokaw after that loss. |
Russell hit for his season high of 36 points in the win, going 10-10 from the free throw line, and added seven rebounds. Austin Carr hit for 19 points and Jim Chones had 14 points and 10 rebounds off the bench. Brokaw scored all nine of his points in the final quarter.
Lucas ended the game with 25 points and seven rebounds for the Blazers. Bob Gross scored 15 points as did Robin Jones in starting for in the injured Walton. Jones also had 16 rebounds for the Blazers who will play the Detroit Pistons tomorrow before moving to Chicago two days later.
Lucas ended the game with 25 points and seven rebounds for the Blazers. Bob Gross scored 15 points as did Robin Jones in starting for in the injured Walton. Jones also had 16 rebounds for the Blazers who will play the Detroit Pistons tomorrow before moving to Chicago two days later.
February 13, 1977 - All-Star Game Recap By The Sporting News
February 11, 1977 - Blazers Lose At Home For Third Straight Game
PORTLAND -- The NBA All-Star is in two days so every team will get some rest and the injured Blazers could sure use some as they lost for the third straight game in the friendly confines of the Memorial Coliseum, 117-109 to the Atlanta Hawks. The Hawks forward John Drew scored 40 points in the win, giving the lowly Atlanta team a 3-1 advantage against the Blazers for the season. “Drew was absolutely unbelievable in the second half,” said Hawk coach Hubie Brown. “But give Armond Hill a lot of the credit. He made some great passes.” While Drew was scoring at will, Hill was dishing 15 assists forcing the Blazers to chase the rookie point guard from Princeton Univ. “Hill was beating their (Blazers) guards off the dribble early in the game,” said Brown. The Hawks jumped out to a quick 4-0 lead as Ken Charles made the first two shots attempted and the Blazers never recovered, though they never trailed by more than nine points in the first half. The Blazers only trailed 61-55 at the half as rookie Wally Walker scored 12 points to keep the game close. With Portland only trailing by a basket in the opening minutes of the third quarter and appeared about to make a move before Drew caught fire, hitting 12 of 15 shots in second half, a majority on jumpers within 10 feet from the basket. “Nobody was able to stop Drew from getting the ball,” said Blazer coach Jack Ramsey. The Blazers, at one time or another, had Larry Steele, Bob Gross, Walker and eventually Maurice Lucas trying to contain Drew. In addition to his scoring, Drew added 10 rebounds in the win. Leonard “Truck” Robinson had 24 points and nine rebounds while Joe Meriweather had nine points and nine rebounds. In addition to his 15 assists, Hill scored 15 points as did Charles. Former Blazer Steve Hawes scored 14 points and gathered eight rebounds before fouling out. |
Lucas hit on 17 of 26 to score a career high 41 points in the loss. Lionel Hollins scored 16 points and Walker finished with 15 points. The loss dropped the Blazers to a full game behind the Los Angeles Lakers in the Pacific Division heading into the break. Bill Walton again sat due to his inflamed Achilles tendon in his right leg. Lloyd Neal was moved to the Injured List and must miss five games. The Blazers officially signed Clyde Mayes, who played three minutes. The home loss, the third straight, is the longest home losing streak since the Blazers lost four in a row last season, December 14 to December 21, 1975.
The 11,707 in attendance is the last time that the Blazers will have under 12,000 people at the Memorial Coliseum
The 11,707 in attendance is the last time that the Blazers will have under 12,000 people at the Memorial Coliseum
February 8, 1977 - Thompson Scores 40, Leads Nuggets Over Blazers
The Nuggets came into the Memorial Coliseum and started out fast, jumping to a 36-27 first quarter lead and kept the nine point advantage at half with a 65-56 lead. The Nuggets were ahead 71-58 before the Blazers, pushed by Lionel Hollins 15 points in the quarter, made a 26-11 run to get to the 84-82 lead as the 12,605 home town fans cheered on the depleted Blazers. After Lucas was ejected, teams traded baskets into a 90-90 tie before the Nuggets made a 10-2 run and stayed in control the rest of the game. The front line of the Nuggets, consisting of center Issel and forwards Thompson and Jones, were all voted as starters for the West All-Star team by the fans, combined for 85 points. Thompson led all scorers with 40 while Issel added 27 points and 10 rebounds. Jones added 18 points and 9 rebounds. Ted McClain dished nine assists for the Nuggets. |
PORTLAND — For the second straight home game, Bill Walton and Lloyd Neal watched from the bench as their teammates battled another high-power foe, this time the Denver Nuggets, who defeated the Blazers 119-111 as David Thompson scored a season high 40 points. “We’ll take anything they’ll give us,” said Nugget coach Larry Brown, who will coach the West team in the All-Star game in five days hence. “Portland’s effort was incredible considering the people it had on the floor.” Brown’s reference was not only Walton and Neal but also the loss of Maurice Lucas, who was ejected with his second technical in the third quarter. With the Blazers gaining the lead at 84-82 with 3:45 left in the third quarter, Bob Gross was called for a foul against Nugget forward Bobby Jones. Lucas was nearby and muttered a four-letter response to the call and referee Jess Kersey called the technical. Lucas became enraged and the other referee, Bob Rakel, called the second technical, causing the ejection. “With Bill and Lloyd both out, we just can’t lose Lucas,” said Blazer coach Jack Ramsey, further adding “Rakel probably has thrown more players out of NBA games than any referee. You have to wonder why.” |
With Lucas gone, the Blazers tried to control Nugget center and All-Star Dan Issel with rookie Robin Jones and with Corky Calhoun. “In the fourth quarter, it looked like the red team (second unit) in practice out there.” said Wally Walker. Hollins scored his career high 28 points off the bench and still wearing his face mask. Larry Steele had 20 points starting in Hollins usual guard position. Robin Jones had 16 points and 10 rebounds and played 43 minutes. Lucas amassed 16 points and 10 rebounds before his ejection.
February 5, 1977 - Bullets Hand Blazers Second Home Loss Of Season
PORTLAND --Fresh off a road victory and finally home after a nearly 12 hour trip from Indianapolis, but still missing two important big men, the Blazers did their best before losing to the Washington Bullets 116-104. Eleven Hayes, the All-Star forward for the Bullets had 34 points as the Blazers lost at home for the second time this season. “Right now, Elvin is the best player in the league for what he is doing for his team,” said Bullets coach Dick Motta
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The first half featured a Blazer team that the home crowd of 12,587 was used to seeing, as they shot 60% from the field, out rebounded the Bullets 22-16 and got 12 points from Robin Jones. The Bullets however were only behind 58-54. By the end of the third quarter, the Bullets were able to take a slim 82-80 lead as Hayes scored 15 points in the quarter and newcomer Tom Henderson added eight points. The Blazers secured back the lead at 84-82 before the Bullets proceeded to outscore the home team 19-2 to get to a 103-84 lead. The Blazers never threatened again.
In addition to the 34 points, Hayes added 13 rebounds. Mitch Kupchak added 19 points off the bench while Henderson 14 points. Phil Chenier had 15 points. Motta is intrigued with the Bullets after the recent addition of Henderson. “I’ve got more maneuverability with this team than I’ve had at any time or at any level since I’ve been coaching.”
For the Blazers, Maurice Lucas has 21 points and 12 rebounds while rookie Robin Jones had career highs with 20 points and 15 rebounds. Still sitting on the sideline, nursing injuries, are Bill Walton and Lloyd Neal. Both players are expected to be out for another week.
In addition to the 34 points, Hayes added 13 rebounds. Mitch Kupchak added 19 points off the bench while Henderson 14 points. Phil Chenier had 15 points. Motta is intrigued with the Bullets after the recent addition of Henderson. “I’ve got more maneuverability with this team than I’ve had at any time or at any level since I’ve been coaching.”
For the Blazers, Maurice Lucas has 21 points and 12 rebounds while rookie Robin Jones had career highs with 20 points and 15 rebounds. Still sitting on the sideline, nursing injuries, are Bill Walton and Lloyd Neal. Both players are expected to be out for another week.
February 3, 1977 - Lucas Gets 35 Points, Leads Blazers Past Pacers
INDIANAPOLIS — Maurice Lucas came out with the hot hand, leading the Blazers to a 64-32 halftime lead before eventually earning a 107-98 victory over the Indiana Pacer. “I had the hot hand and the ball was coming my way,” said Lucas regarding his first half as he totaled 26 points, 14 rebounds and six assists. Leading 22-17 after the first quarter, Lucas and the Blazers proceeded to hit 18 of 25 shots in the second quarter and outscored the Pacers 42-15. The Pacers turned to a press when the third quarter started and their leading scorer, Billy Knight, started hitting his shots as he scored 19 points in the quarter. The Blazers entered the fourth quarter leading by 20 points and the Pacer never got closer than the final score. Knight led the Pacers with 28 points,16 rebounds and seven assists. Dan Roundfield added 19 points before fouling out and Darnell Hillman had 18 points and 9 rebounds. Will Jones added 12 rebounds. The Pacers have lost all three meetings with the Blazers. Lucas led the Blazers with 35 points, 22 rebounds and seven assists. Larry Steele and Bob Gross each had 16 points. The win moved the Blazers to within .013% of the idle Los Angeles Lakers in the Pacific Division. |
February 2, 1977 - Kings Gain First Win Against Blazers After 8 Losses
KANSAS CITY — Despite Bill Walton and Lloyd Neal home in Portland, the Blazers started strong against Kansas City but eventually the Kings were able to put away the fading Blazers 119-107. The win snapped an eight-game King losing streak to the Blazers that dated back to the 1974-75 season. “In the NBA, you have to play with players out and you have to win with players out.” said Blazer coach Jack Ramsey. Portland led 25-24 after the first 12 minutes as the team hit 10 of 15 field goals, with Larry Steele scoring 10 points. The Blazers stretched their lead to 39-30 with seven minutes remaining in the second quarter before the Kings turned the game around as the Blazers started getting into foul trouble. Playing with a smaller lineup, the Blazers allowed Scott Wedman and Sam Lacey to score 13 straight points to jump ahead 43-39 before securing a 50-45 halftime lead. In the third quarter, the Kings guard combo of Ron Boone and Brian Taylor, each an All-Star last year in the ABA, combined for 24 points to take over the game. The Kings biggest lead was 23 points at 106-83. A late surge by the Blazers only reduced the lead but was never a serious threat. Boone ended with 28 points and Taylor added 22. Kings rookie forward Richard Washington, a former Benson Tech High School player, scored 15 points, 11 in the second half, but only secured three rebounds. Bill Robinzine had 16 points and 12 rebounds off the bench. Maurice Lucas led all scorers with 24 points and had 11 rebounds. Larry Steele ended with 15 points despite his fast first quarter start. Robin Jones, starting in place of Walton, played 33 minutes and had eight points and nine rebounds despite getting into early foul trouble. Entering the game, the Blazers were in second place in the Pacific Division by .006% after the Los Angeles Lakers victory over the Milwaukee Bucks yesterday. With the loss, Blazers fall to .019% behind the Lakers. |
January Results and Recaps Below
Day Date Opponent POR-OPP W-L
Sat Jan 1 Chicago 89-82 24-12
Sun Jan 2 @ Los Angeles 99-104 24-13
Tue Jan 4 Boston 128-84 25-13
Fri Jan 7 New Orleans 130-118 26-13
Sun Jan 9 San Antonio 150-113 27-13
Tue Jan 11 New York Knicks 131-111 28-13
Fri Jan 14 @ Boston 107-92 29-13
Sat Jan 15 @ Washington 107-113 29-14
Sun Jan 16 @ Atlanta 120-125 29-15
Wed Jan 19 @ New York Nets 109-94 30-15
Thur Jan 20 @ Cleveland 99-91 31-15
Sat Jan 22 @ Houston 107-110 31-16
Sun Jan 23 @ San Antonio 118-123 31-17
Wed Jan 26 @ Denver 107-102 32-17
Thur Jan 27 San Antonio 112-104 33-17
Sun Jan 30 Phoenix 97-91 34-17
Sat Jan 1 Chicago 89-82 24-12
Sun Jan 2 @ Los Angeles 99-104 24-13
Tue Jan 4 Boston 128-84 25-13
Fri Jan 7 New Orleans 130-118 26-13
Sun Jan 9 San Antonio 150-113 27-13
Tue Jan 11 New York Knicks 131-111 28-13
Fri Jan 14 @ Boston 107-92 29-13
Sat Jan 15 @ Washington 107-113 29-14
Sun Jan 16 @ Atlanta 120-125 29-15
Wed Jan 19 @ New York Nets 109-94 30-15
Thur Jan 20 @ Cleveland 99-91 31-15
Sat Jan 22 @ Houston 107-110 31-16
Sun Jan 23 @ San Antonio 118-123 31-17
Wed Jan 26 @ Denver 107-102 32-17
Thur Jan 27 San Antonio 112-104 33-17
Sun Jan 30 Phoenix 97-91 34-17
January 30, 1977 - Blazers Spoil Return Of Ron Lee To Oregon
PORTLAND -- The Blazers started the game slowly, and short-handed, against the visiting Phoenix Suns, falling behind early before Lionel Hollins and Herm Gilliam combined to lead a second half 97-91 comeback victory. “A great win for us, considering the conditions, a great one.” Said Blazer coach Jack Ramsey. “Our offense was sluggish in the first half. On top of that, we didn’t do the things necessary to get our running game going.”
Behind 42-36 at halftime, and with Bill Walton and Lloyd Neal in street clothes, the Blazers suddenly caught fire after the Suns got to a 48-40 lead. Hollins and Maurice Lucas each scored six points as the Blazers scored 14 straight points to get a 54-48 lead with 5:29 remaining in the third quarter. Another run by the Blazers soon stretched the lead to 76-62 early in the fourth quarter before Gilliam caught fire. The veteran guard scored 10 of his 12 points in the final nine minutes of the fourth quarter, matching shots by Suns players Paul Wesphal and Alvin Adams as they tried to mount their own comeback. Westphal scored 24 points and 11 assists for the defending Western Conference Champions while Adams had 20 points and gathered 14 rebounds. Ron Lee, the rookie from the University of Oregon, made his first appearance in Portland as a Sun but only scored eight points. “I think Ron was trying to hard tonight.” said Sun coach John MacLeod. Lucas led the Blazers with 21 points and 14 rebounds and Robin Jones, the rookie center from St. Louis, started in place of Walton gathered 13 rebounds and added seven points. “Robin played well,” said Lucas. “He did a fine job.” With the win, the Blazers maintained a one-half game lead against the Los Angeles Lakers. |
January 27, 1977 - Blazers Return Home With Victory; Retain Division Lead
PORTLAND -- Nothing beats home cooking as the saying goes and the Blazers found that to be true today as they defeated the San Antonio Spurs 112-104 before a home crowd of 12, 524. It has been four days since George Gervin ran around, through and under to score 41 points in a victory over the Blazers while only missing a single shot but tonight, Gervin went scoreless in the first half and scored only 19 for the game, thanks in large part to the defense of Larry Steele. “I mainly tried to keep him out of position.” said Steele, who had six steals in the first half. “We tried to make him go to his left in the game at San Antonio and he seemed to like that. We changed tonight and tried to make him go to his right. That worked better. Everybody helped with double teaming too.”
The Blazers looked a little weary as three players played with various injuries. Bill Walton is bothered with a sore Achilles tendon while Dave Twardzik is bothered by a bruised shoulder muscle. Lionel Hollins is still trying to get used to playing with his face mask to protect his fractured forehead. Despite those injuries and missing Lloyd Neal due to fluid on his knee, the Blazers held strong against the Spurs. Late in the fourth quarter, after Walton and Steele had fouled out, the Spurs battled to get the score to 97-95 before Wally Walker hit a 20-foot jumper to give the Blazers a 99-95 lead. After a Spur miss, Twardzik came through with a basket and a free throw to give the Blazers a 102-95 cushion with 3:32 remaining. For the next two minutes baskets were traded by the teams until Twardzik hit a lay in to give the Blazers a 108-99 lead with just over a minute remaining. Larry Kenon led the Spurs with 20 points and 12 rebounds. Center Billy Paultz tied Gervin with 19 points and also had 8 rebounds. After only missing a single field goal and free throw in the game in San Antonio, Gervin shot 7-17 from the field but did garner 7 rebounds. The Spurs as a team only had 10 assists on their 31 field goals. Maurice Lucas led the all scorers with 23 points and also had 11 rebounds. Twardzik had 20 points while Walker added 16 off the bench. Walton had 18 points and seven rebounds. With the win, the Blazers retain first place in the Pacific Division by a full game. |
January 26, 1977 - Blazers Defeat Nuggets; End 8-Game Road Trip With 4 Wins
DENVER -- The Blazers did their best imitation of what the Houston Rockets did to them just 4 days ago as they were able to overcome a second quarter 19-point deficit in Denver to score a 107-102 victory over the Nuggets. “It was a great win,” said Blazer coach Jack Ramsey. “We played a fine second half. We had much better intensity.” The win moves the Blazers back into first place in the Pacific Division, a half game lead over the Los Angeles Lakers. The win also gives the Blazers a 4-4 record on their 8-game road trip that started 12 days ago. The first quarter ended in a 27-27 tie but the Nuggets came out in the second quarter with more firepower. The Nuggets at one point led 54-35 before the Blazers scored the last six points to be behind 54-41. The fourth quarter started with the Nuggets leading 76-71 and with rookie Robin Jones playing center. Jones scored two baskets and pulled down three rebounds and helped the Blazers get an 85-84 lead. “One of the keys (in the victory) was the play of Jones in relief of Walton,” said Ramsey. “He did a good job and that kind of play from him could be a key for us in the future.” Denver mounted their own comeback to lead 97-92 with just under four minutes to play before the Blazer trio of Maurice Lucas, Larry Steele, and Lionel Hollins. Hollins started the charge when he tied the game at 97-97. Steele scored on a fast break after a Nugget miss to put the Blazers ahead 99-97. Denver tied the game twice, the last time at 101-101 before Steele scored on a pass from Lucas to put the Blazers up 103-101. After Denver hit one free throw, Hollins hit another basket to give the Blazers a 105-102 lead with 23 seconds left and the game was clinched. Dan Issel and David Thompson, voted to the starting line-up to the coming NBA All-Star game, each had 22 points to lead the Nuggets in scoring while Willie Wise had 20 points. Issel added 14 rebounds. Bobby Jones was also voted in to start in the All-Star game had 16 points. The Blazers were led by Lucas with 22 points and 14 rebounds. Larry Steele, named as a starter while Hollins recovers from his injury, scored 18 points while Hollins added 10 off the bench. Bill Walton added 12 points and 11 rebounds. |
January 23, 1977 - Gervin's 41 Leads Spurs Past Blazers On National TV Game
SAN ANTONIO -- You can’t blame the Blazers from having a little hangover from their loss to Houston yesterday but you would hope that they could bounce back. Especially before a nationally televised audience with the game on CBS. But with only 15 hours between the end of the Rocket game and the tip-off with the Spurs they didn’t, falling to San Antonio 123-118 behind Spur guard George Gervin scoring 41 points. “He is a great one,” said Spur coach Doug Moe talking about Gervin. “He does it with finesse and not strength. He has fine moves and he just slips and slides past people.”
Instead of a free run to score after the steal, Gilliam was called for the foul. Gale made the two free throws to quell any other Blazer comeback. “I didn’t touch him,” said Gilliam. “I had such a clear shot at the ball that I even guided it to where I wanted it to go.”
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Gilliam hit a jumper to cut the lead again to three points after the Gale free throws moving the Blazers to 121-118. After a San Antonio turnover the Blazer ran a play into Bill Walton who missed a jumper from the key with 15 seconds remaining. Larry Kenon got the rebound and the Blazers fouled him, His two free throws set the final score.
Gervin scored his 41 points by hitting 14 of his 15 shots from the field and 13 of 14 from the free throw line. For the season, Gervin is averaging 31.7 in the three games against the Blazers. He has only missed 10 shots in the three games (32-42) and only two free throws (31-33). Larry Kenon added 23 points.
The Blazers were led by Bill Walton scoring 28 points with 11 rebounds and 9 assists. Maurice Lucas added 24 points and 9 rebounds. The Blazers end their eight-game road trip in three days when the visit the Denver Nuggets. With the loss today the Blazers are not in sole possession of first place in the Pacific Division, falling .013 percentage points behind the Los Angeles Lakers. The Blazers are 31-17 while the Lakers are 29-15.
Gervin scored his 41 points by hitting 14 of his 15 shots from the field and 13 of 14 from the free throw line. For the season, Gervin is averaging 31.7 in the three games against the Blazers. He has only missed 10 shots in the three games (32-42) and only two free throws (31-33). Larry Kenon added 23 points.
The Blazers were led by Bill Walton scoring 28 points with 11 rebounds and 9 assists. Maurice Lucas added 24 points and 9 rebounds. The Blazers end their eight-game road trip in three days when the visit the Denver Nuggets. With the loss today the Blazers are not in sole possession of first place in the Pacific Division, falling .013 percentage points behind the Los Angeles Lakers. The Blazers are 31-17 while the Lakers are 29-15.
January 22, 1977 - Blazers First Lose 3rd Quarter, Then Lose To Rockets
HOUSTON -- The Blazers started the game against Houston where they left off in Cleveland, jumping to lead of 23 points at one point before the Rockets came back to claim a 110-107 victory. Blazer coach Jack Ramsey noted afterwards, “We played an excellent first half, especially with our defense,” he said. “We didn’t come out the same way after the half.” With the score tied at 12-12, Herm Gilliam took a feed from Bill Walton and the Blazers quickly pulled away. The Blazers got 16 fast break points in the first half and added 10 more off the offensive boards. The Blazers at one point scored 13 straight points. With a 45-25 lead, Rockets coach Tom Nissalke called three straight timeouts to try to stem the Blazers tide. A few minutes later the Blazers led by 23 points, 50-27, before settling to a 56-37 halftime lead. Then came the third quarter where the Rockets outscored the Blazers 45-22, led by Mike Newlin getting 16 points in the third quarter. Within seven minutes the 19 point Blazer halftime lead was chopped to 68-67. Rudy Tomjanovich hit a hook minutes later to put the Rockets ahead at 73-72 and Rockets held the lead to the end. Former Blazer Moses Malone continued the assault in the fourth quarter, scoring nine points and getting six rebounds. The closest the Blazers would get was at 105-103 with 1:17 remaining but Tomjanovich hit two consecutive baskets. Late baskets by Maurice Lucas and Larry Steele got the Blazers to 109-107 but another former Blazer, John Johnson made one of two free throws to provide the final margin. Malone led the Rockets with 24 points, hitting 14 of 16 free throws. He also had 19 rebounds and seven block shots. Newlin added 22 points, shooting 10 of 11 from the free throw line and had six assists. Tomjanovich had 16 points and 10 rebounds. |
Lucas followed up his best game of the season versus the Cavaliers with 22 points and 19 rebounds while Walton had 21 points and 16 rebounds. Steele had 16 points off the bench and Johnny Davis added 15. Lionel Hollins, still wearing a face mask from one injury, played after suffering a strained shoulder in the win against Cleveland, but was obviously bothered as he shot 1-10 from the field. The Blazers will have approximately 15 hours of rest before playing a 10:45 (PST) in San Antonio before a nationally televised game on CBS.
January 20, 1977 - Walton & Lucas Lead Blazers Past Cleveland
CLEVELAND -- Maurice Lucas and Bill Walton combined for 57 points and 24 rebounds leading the Blazers to a 99-91 win against the Cleveland Cavaliers, their third win in five attempts on the current eight game road trip. “Both Luke and Bill had super games,” said Blazer coach Jack Ramsey. “It was our best road game of the year, an excellent game. We simply played too well to lose.”
The teams played to a nearly even first quarter as the Blazers held a slim 25-24 lead. The Cavaliers led only once in the game, early in the second quarter at 33-31 but the Blazers tied the game 20 seconds later and pushed to a 57-47 halftime lead. Campy Russell kept Cleveland in the game as best he could, leading a minor run to get the Cavaliers to within a point at 65-64. Portland responded with nine points by Walton and Lucas to a 10 point lead at 74-64. The Cavaliers countered soon after, going on their own 15-7 run to get to 81-79 but the Blazers kept the home team at bay despite the encouragement from the 15,688 fans at the Richfield Coliseum . The Cavaliers were led by Russell’s 22 points with Austin Carr adding 16 points. Jim Brewer added 12 points and added 17 rebounds. With the loss, the Cavaliers move into a tie with Houston in the Central Division. When the Blazers and Cavaliers they were tied with 16-6 records. The Blazers have continued their winning ways going 15-9 since then while Cleveland has gone 8-13. Lucas had 32 points for the Blazers while Walton added 25 despite some soreness in his knees. “Bill is playing hurt, “said Ramsey, “But he is playing well enough to help the team win.” Lionel Hollins, again wearing a face mask to protect his fractured forehead, only played four minutes as he suffered a strained shoulder in a second quarter fall. Blazer Trainer Ron Culp will be examined by a doctor tomorrow. Cup added that if Hollins is cleared he might be able to play in a couple of days when the Blazers visit Houston and San Antonio. |
January 19, 1977 - Hollins Returns, Leads Blazers To Victory In New York
NEW YORK -- Lionel Hollins returned to the Blazers, wearing a protective face mask, and helped the Blazers gain their 30th win of the season with a 109-94 victory against the New York Nets. “Hollins simply had an outstanding game for a guy who’s just coming back from that kind of injury,” said coach Jack Ramsey, who also heaped praise on Larry Steele. “Steele gave us steadiness and he hit open shots.”
The Blazers jumped to a quick 25-14 first quarter lead but gave it all back when they missed 13 shot attempts in a row, allowing the Nets to tie the game at the half, 40-40. Late in the third quarter, with the score once again tied at 65-65, Steele and Hollins combined for 10 of the next 11 points and to put the Blazers up 76-67 with 10 minutes remaining. The Nets made a run late, but for the most part, the Blazers were able to play steady defense and hit timely shots to secure the win. |
For the Blazers, Maurice Lucas led the team in scoring with 21 points and pulled down 14 rebounds. Bob Gross added 16 points while Bill Walton had 11 points and 15 rebounds. Hollins with 14, and Steele with 10, combined for 24 second half points.
For the Nets, who have now lost 11 games in a row, Al Skinner and former Blazer Dave Wohl each had 22 points. Skinner also had 10 rebounds and was a perfect 12-12 from the free throw line. Kim Hughes came off the bench to gather 17 rebounds.
For the Nets, who have now lost 11 games in a row, Al Skinner and former Blazer Dave Wohl each had 22 points. Skinner also had 10 rebounds and was a perfect 12-12 from the free throw line. Kim Hughes came off the bench to gather 17 rebounds.
January 16, 1977 - Drew Again Sinks Blazers; Gets 33 Points In Hawk Win
ATLANTA -- John Drew poured in 33 points for the Atlanta Hawks as the Blazers lost their second straight game 125-120. “I kind of get psyched up for teams with good records,” said Drew. Blazer coach Jack Ramsey wasn’t that impressed though, “Drew is a good player but he isn’t that good. We didn’t play well and when you don’t you pay the price.” Drew hit a last second shot to beat the Blazers the last time these teams played in Atlanta. The Blazers started the game well, jumping to a 37-28 lead behind Larry Steele scoring 12 of his team leading 28 points in the first quarter. But the Hawks reversed the roles in the second quarter when they doubled the Blazers output, 32-16, and jumped to a 60-53 halftime advantage. During the late stages of the third quarter, the Blazers rallied from a 91-82 deficit to tie the game at 103-103 on a stuff by Bill Walton with 6:18 remaining in the fourth quarter. But then Drew caught fire, scoring five points in 73 seconds to put the Hawks back up 108-103. The Blazers were unable to tie the game again down the stretch. The teams combined for 79 fouls, with the Blazers committing 42 of them. Four Blazers and three Hawks fouled out and three other players had five fouls. Steele led the Blazers with 28 points and Walton had 26 points and 12 rebounds. Maurice Lucas added 20 points and 14 rebounds. Dave Twardzik had 10 assists, becoming the first Blazer to get 10 or more assists this season. For the Hawks, Drew had 14 rebounds to go along with his 33 points. Lou Hudson had 20 points and Tom Henderson had 16 points and 10 assists. Former Blazer Steve Hawes, who missed 28 games before coming back four games ago, played 1 minute and scored 2 points. Former Blazer Geoff Petrie is still recovering from knee surgery and has not played with the Hawks as yet. |
January 15, 1977 - Blazers Unable To Mount Comeback; Win Streak Ends At 5
Besides the 32 points by Chenier, two other Bullets scored well as Hayes ended with 23 points and Larry Wright added 21 points. Mitch Kupchak came off the bench to add 14 rebounds and 10 points.
For the Blazers, Bill Walton again led the Blazers with 18 points and 18 rebounds. Maurice Lucas added 17 points while Lloyd Neal added 16 points and 8 rebounds off the bench. |
WASHINGTON -- The fast start that the Blazers have put upon the league was turned upon them as the Washington Bullets jumped out quick, applied defensive pressure when needed, and held on late to down the Blazers 113-107 to stop the Blazers five-game winning streak. “We got ourselves into too big of a hole early and it was too much of a struggle for us to get back into it,” said Blazer coach Jack Ramsey. The Blazers were out-scored 42-29 in the first quarter and were unable to contain the Bullets All-Star guard Phil Chenier, who scored 19 of his 32 points in the first half. The Blazers made a couple of runs in the fourth quarter, eventually getting to within a single point with just over four minutes remaining before Elvin Hayes banked in a jumper to push the lead back to three points. The Blazers again got to within a point at 106-105 when Hayes again scored to push the lead back to three points. Wally Walker then drove the lane, scored a lay in, but it was waived off as referee Jim Capers called an offensive foul on the rookie. Ramsey protested and was accessed a technical. Two more free throws by the Bullets pushed the lead to 111-105 and the Blazers were unable to come back. |
January 14, 1977 - Portland Wins In Boston For First Time
BOSTON -- In another first, in a season of firsts, the Blazers defeated the defending NBA Champions in their own building, scoring a 107-92 victory in Boston. Eleven previous attempts in the famed Boston Garden failed, but the Blazers used a balanced attack and ruined the return of the Celtics own redhead center as Dave Cowens returned after a leave of absence, missing the previous 30 games for the Celtics. “there was no question about being a fun win for me,” said Blazer forward Larry Steele, who has played in nine of the previous losses. The Blazers started slow, turning the ball over in their first two possessions and trailed 4-0 before hitting their stride, leading 31-21 after the first quarter, and at one point having a 49-35 lead until Boston closed the gap at halftime 51-50. When three Blazer starters had foul trouble late in the third quarter, the reserves Steele, Lloyd Neal and Johnny Davis continued to keep the lead with clutch shooting and timely steals. Boston closed to within five points at 88-83 before Neal hit three jump shots over former teammate Sidney Wicks, to push the Blazers a 98-85 lead with three minutes remaining. Curtis Rowe, Jo Jo White, and John Havilcek each had 19 points to lead the Celtics. Former Blazer Wicks had 10 points and eight rebounds. Cowens came off the bench to get eight points and six rebounds The Blazers were led by Bill Walton and Maurice Lucas with 16 points each while Bob Gross, Herm Gilliam, and Johnny Davis each had 14 points. Walton added 17 rebounds and 9 assists. As the final seconds ticked away, the Blazers were heckled by a few fans, saying, “Just wait ’til we get you in the playoffs.” Coach Jack Ramsey acknowledged the fans with a smile, noting that would mean a championship series. |
January 11, 1977 - Blazers End Home Stand With Another Win
PORTLAND -- The Blazers ended their four-game home stand with another quick start, jumping to leads 7-0, 11-2 and 26-12 in the first quarter and coasted to a 131-111 victory over the New York Knicks.
Maurice Lucas led the Blazers with 36 points, the highest by a Blazer this season, and pulled down 16 rebounds. “I can’t complain about those numbers,” said Lucas. “The ball was going in for me tonight. Some nights you shoot the same way and the ball won’t drop.” |
The Blazers continued to build their lead in the second quarter, gaining a 64-49 halftime advantage. They put the game out of reach in the third quarter when they jumped to a 91-57 lead late in the third quarter. “We had very good team defense,” said coach Jack Ramsey. “That was the key for us.”
Bill Walton added 20 points and 13 rebounds for the Blazers. Bob Gross also added 19 points and was called a “key man for us against a team like the Knicks,” said Ramsey. “We wanted to run at their big front line and force them to make some changes.” Johnny Davis added 14 points off the bench going 10-10 from the free throw line.
The Knicks were led by Bob McAdoo who scored 31 points and added 12 rebounds. Lonnie Shelton, the rookie from Oregon State, had 12 points and seven rebounds but was plagued with foul trouble.
During this recent four-game homestand, the Blazers avaeraged 134.7 points while their average margin of victory was over 28 points per game. The Blazers start an 8-game road trip in two days at Boston, where they have never won in 11 previous games, and will play their next eight games over a 12 day period. The Blazers road record is 5 wins with 12 losses though they are 5-6 after losing the first six road games.
Bill Walton added 20 points and 13 rebounds for the Blazers. Bob Gross also added 19 points and was called a “key man for us against a team like the Knicks,” said Ramsey. “We wanted to run at their big front line and force them to make some changes.” Johnny Davis added 14 points off the bench going 10-10 from the free throw line.
The Knicks were led by Bob McAdoo who scored 31 points and added 12 rebounds. Lonnie Shelton, the rookie from Oregon State, had 12 points and seven rebounds but was plagued with foul trouble.
During this recent four-game homestand, the Blazers avaeraged 134.7 points while their average margin of victory was over 28 points per game. The Blazers start an 8-game road trip in two days at Boston, where they have never won in 11 previous games, and will play their next eight games over a 12 day period. The Blazers road record is 5 wins with 12 losses though they are 5-6 after losing the first six road games.
January 9, 1977 - Blazers Score Record Point Total in Win
PORTLAND -- The highest scoring team in the NBA came into Portland, scored a basket under their average yet went away with a 37 point loss as the Blazers broke a club record with their 150-113 victory over the San Antonio Spurs. “That was one of our best games,” said Dave Twardzik, who led the Blazers with 22 points. “San Antonio has a talented team, but everything was working for us tonight.” The Blazers previous team high was 146 points, originally set in the expansion season against Atlanta and tied earlier this season versus Philadelphia. For the second game in a row, eight Blazers scored in double-digits. The Blazers jumped to an early lead, leading the first quarter 34-22 before extending the lead to 70-44 at halftime. The Blazers did not take their foot off the pedal as they outscored the Spurs in every quarter. The Blazers came within a point of tying the record for most points when the team scored 48 points in the final quarter. The team record is 49 scored last season. Bill Walton added 21 points and 15 rebounds in the win. With Lionel Hollins missing due to his injury, Walton said, “We knew we had to bear down extra hard to make up for it.” Robin Jones and Wally Walker each came off the bench and scored career-highs of 14 and 19 points respectively. Only Johnny Davis failed to score for the Blazers. George Gervin led the Spurs with 22 points and Allen Bristow added 21 points. Spurs coach Doug Moe was not happy with his teams play, saying the Blazers “… out-hustled us. They were all over the place getting loose balls.” |
January 7, 1977 - Blazers Play Their Own Tune In Win Against Jazz
PORTLAND -- The Blazers played their own tune upon the Jazz, hitting every note and free-lancing when needed in their 130-118 victory over New Orleans. Portland jumped to leads of 10-0 and 18-1 as the Jazz missed their first 12 shots. “Their defense is as good as any in the league.” said Jazz coach Elgin Baylor. The Jazz drought ended when former Oregon State star Fred Boyd made a shot with 5:19 left in the quarter.
The Jazz made a mini-run in the second quarter to close the Blazers lead to 34-30 before Portland pushed to a halftime lead of 56-42. The Blazers were able to build eventual leads of 21 points, once in the third quarter and once in the fourth, before the Jazz made the score respectable with another run at the end. Maurice Lucas and Johnny Davis led the Blazers with 19 points each and Herm Gilliam added 18 of the bench. Lionel Hollins suffered a freak injury in the second quarter when going for a steal, he caught an elbow to the forehead and had to leave the game. He was later taken to the hospital and was diagnosed with a forehead fracture. He will undergo surgery tomorrow and will be unable to play for 10-14 days. “It’s a tough break for us,” said Blazer coach Jack Ramsey. “Everyone else has to dig down a little deeper.” It is expected that with Hollins out Larry Steele will be used more at guard than at the forward position he has been playing. Pete Maravich, who led the Jazz with 28 points, was booed heavily during the pregame introductions, after the NBA admitted yesterday that the All-Star guard should have been ejected the last time these teams met. During that game on November 16, a 100-98 Blazer loss, Maravich punched Blazer guard Dave Twardzik but was not ejected. There were no incidents with Maravich or Twardzik during this evenings game. |
January 4, 1977 - Defending Champs Suffer Record Loss To Blazers
PORTLAND -- The third largest crowd in Trail Blazers history started booing during the pre-game introductions of players. Not at the Blazers of course, their ire was directed at former Blazer Sidney Wicks, who started for the visiting Boston Celtics who were beat down by the Blazers 128-84, the largest loss in the defending NBA champions long history. “That was great basketball,” said coach Jack Ramsey. “The team really was ready for this one. We had an excellent running game and it all started with our defense.” The Blazers started quick, jumping to an 8-0 lead and the Celtics kept the game as close as they could, trailing only by six points at halftime, 58-52. The Blazers then turned up the defense in the third quarter, leading to easy break away baskets and built an 84-69 lead late in the third quarter. The Blazers then found another gear and outscored the Celtics 21-1 over the next six minutes to gain a 105-70 lead. “We didn’t play well at all,” said Boston coach Tom Heinsohn. “We played lousy defense, lousy offense, lousy everything.” Seven Blazers scored in double figures, led by Lionel Hollins who scored 21 points. Larry Steele came off the bench to add 18 points not to mention seven rebounds, five assists, and five steals. “I felt pretty good,” said Steele. “I got into a rhythm with my steals tonight. It happens that way. You get into a certain type of game and the other team gets into it with you.” Corky Calhoun added a season high 16 points off the bench. “Lionel, Larry and Corky were tremendous.” said Bill Walton, who returned after missing two games with a knee injury. Walton played 22 minutes, and was the only starter not to score in double digits, scoring 2 points but gathered 15 rebounds. |
Wicks led the Celtics with 15 points and 11 rebounds. As a team the Celtics shot .337, which was a season low for a Blazer opponent. The Celtics only gathered nine assists and two steals, both franchise record lows for a Blazer opponent. Wicks was booed often in the first half but once the Blazers blew the game open, the boos subsided. One of the loudest cheers in the game was when Bob Gross stole the ball from Wicks and went in uncontested for a dunk.
January 2, 1977 - Blazers Fall To Lakers With Walton, Twardzik On Sidelines
LOS ANGELES -- For the second game in a row, Maurice Lucas started at center for the Blazers against a much taller opponent, but this time the game wasn’t as easy as the Blazers lost to the Los Angeles Lakers 104-99. Yesterday was against the Bulls 7’-2” Artis Gilmore and this evening was against 7’-4” Laker great Kareem Abdul-Jabber, who amassed 25 points, 18 rebounds, five blocked shots and four assists in the victory.
The Blazers were holding their own against the Lakers until Lucas had to go to the bench with foul trouble. The Blazers were leading 38-23 early in the second quarter when Lucas was called for his third foul and headed to the bench. The Lakers went straight to Jabber, cut the lead to 38-30 when Lucas was forced back to the court where he drew his fourth foul within a minute of play. The game was tied 72-72 entering the fourth quarter but the Lakers scored the first six points and the Blazer struggled most of the quarter until they were able to close to 100-97 with 11 seconds remaining. Don Chaney hit two free throws and at that point the game was done save for the final points. Jabber led the Lakers with 25 points and Cazzie Russell added 16 points. Kermit Washington added 13 points and 11 rebounds off the bench. Lucas led all scorers with 31 points and had 10 rebounds. Johnny Davis, who had 25 points starting in place of injured Dave Twardzik, made his first eight shots in the first half. |
January 1, 1977 - Blazers 1-0 Without Walton, Defeat Chicago
PORTLAND -- Bill Walton? Who’s he? The Blazers as a team were able to show they didn’t need their captain for at least one game as Maurice Lucas handled the center position, leading the Blazers to a 89-82 victory over the Chicago Bulls. “It was a great win for us,” said Blazer coach Jack Ramsey. “We worked hard and did a lot of switching on defense. It was a team concept.” Lucas had 16 points and 13 rebounds and had a big hand in holding the Bulls center Artis Gilmore, his former teammate last season in the ABA, to 15 points The close final score was misleading considering how the game started. The Blazers led 51-31 at halftime and maintained the 20 point lead going into the final quarter with a 75-55 lead. Only a 16-2 Chicago spurt in the last four minutes made the score respectable. “I think our reserves got tired at the finish,” Ramsey said jokingly. “They haven’t played that much and they lacked stamina.” The win was the third straight against the Bulls this season and the fifth straight overall. The Blazers were able to capitalize not only on team defense but individual defense as well. Besides Lucas defense on Gilmore, Lloyd Neal started at the big forward position and again held Mickey Johnson to 11 points, the same total Neal held him to in last weeks 84-79 victory in Chicago. Bob Gross held Johnson’s front court running mate, rookie Scott May, to 9 points. Wilbur Holland, who has tallied 35 points in the previous two games against the Blazers, was held to eight points by Lionel Hollins. The Blazers travel to Los Angeles tomorrow to play the Lakers. Walton was hesitant in committing to play against Kareem Abdul-Jabber after tonights game. He said his knee felt better but added “It is hard to tell just how soon I will be ready to play.” |
December Results and Recaps Below
Day Date Opponent POR-OPP W-L
Wed Dec 1 @ Indiana 101-100 13-6
Fri Dec 3 @ Phoenix 113-99 14-6
Sat Dec 4 Milwaukee 112-108 15-6
Sun Dec 5 Cleveland 93-89 16-6
Tue Dec 7 @ New York Knicks 111-94 17-6
Wed Dec 8 @ Boston 95-104 17-7
Fri Dec 10 @ Buffalo 103-102 18-7
Sat Dec 11 @ Philadelphia 107-108 18-8
Tue Dec 14 Houston 104-84 19-8
Fri Dec 17 Denver 127-105 20-8
Sat Dec 18 Los Angeles OT 111-115 20-9
Tue Dec 21 Kansas City 99-94 21-9
Sat Dec 25 Seattle 110-95 22-9
Sun Dec 26 @ Seattle 87-89 22-10
Tue Dec 28 @ Chicago 84-79 23-10
Wed Dec 29 @ Detroit 111-120 23-11
Thur Dec 30 @ Milwaukee 107-127 23-12
Wed Dec 1 @ Indiana 101-100 13-6
Fri Dec 3 @ Phoenix 113-99 14-6
Sat Dec 4 Milwaukee 112-108 15-6
Sun Dec 5 Cleveland 93-89 16-6
Tue Dec 7 @ New York Knicks 111-94 17-6
Wed Dec 8 @ Boston 95-104 17-7
Fri Dec 10 @ Buffalo 103-102 18-7
Sat Dec 11 @ Philadelphia 107-108 18-8
Tue Dec 14 Houston 104-84 19-8
Fri Dec 17 Denver 127-105 20-8
Sat Dec 18 Los Angeles OT 111-115 20-9
Tue Dec 21 Kansas City 99-94 21-9
Sat Dec 25 Seattle 110-95 22-9
Sun Dec 26 @ Seattle 87-89 22-10
Tue Dec 28 @ Chicago 84-79 23-10
Wed Dec 29 @ Detroit 111-120 23-11
Thur Dec 30 @ Milwaukee 107-127 23-12
December 30, 1976 - Blazers Lose Walton, Then Lose Game 107-127
MILWAUKEE -- What every Blazer fan has dreaded happened this evening in Milwaukee and it wasn’t the 107-127 loss. With the score tied at 8-8, Bill Walton drove the lane and came down wrong on his right knee after colliding with Bucks center Swen Nater. Walton tried to play after a 20-second injury timeout, even providing an assists to Lionel Hollins before being removed with 6:45 remaining in the first quarter and the Blazers trailing 15-10. Walton was taken to the local hospital for X-rays which came up negative for any break. The diagnosis was a severely bruised knee. “We put a soft splint on it to make him comfortable,” said the Blazers trainer Ron Culp. Already missing starters Maurice Lucas and Dave Twardzik for the third game in a row, and now with Walton out, the Blazers quickly fell further behind the Bucks, at one point behind 36-21 late in the first quarter. The Blazers eventually were behind 56-48 at halftime before mounting two minor comebacks in the third quarter, the last time getting within 58-54. Soon after the Bucks scored seven straight points and the Blazers were never able to close the gap. All five Bucks starters hit double figures in scoring, led by Junior Bridgman’s 24 points. Nater, who was teammate of Walton’s at UCLA, ended with 15 points and 12 rebounds, while Bob Dandridge added 18 points. The Blazers were led by rookies Johnny Davis 20 points and Wally Walker who added 17 points. Lloyd Neal had 14 points and 12 rebounds as he again started in Lucas’ starting spot. Neal was the only Blazer starter with double digit point total. Walton was plagued with various injuries his first two NBA season, only competing in 78 of the possible 164 games. He has played in all 35 games this season. Lucas has been suffering from a pulled groin muscle while Twardzik has had a strained tendon in his foot. |
December 29, 1976 - Blazers Fall In Detroit As Lanier Hits For 40 Points
DETROIT -- The Blazers, playing their third game in four nights, showed signs of fatigue in the second half as the Detroit Pistons were able to have multiple runs leading to a 111-120 loss to the Pistons behind Bob Lanier’s 40 points. “Lanier had a great performance,” said Blazer coach Jack Ramsey. “The last time we played the Pistons, we capitalized on fat breaks and they had to play catch up. Tonight, that didn’t happen.” The Blazers defeated the Pistons 131-97 on October 30.
Lanier, who has averaged over 27 points against the Blazers over his career, hit 17 of 31 shots against the Blazer depleted frontline. In addition to scoring Lanier pulled down 13 rebounds and passed for nine assists. Lanier got help form his front-court mate Howard Porter who added 27 points against the Blazer injured front line. The Blazers led most of the first half and had a 60-58 halftime lead, behind 17 points from rookies Wally Walker, Johnny Davis and Robin Jones. “Our rookies have made an impact,” said Ramsey. But scoring streaks of 10 and 12 points in the third quarter eventually gave the Pistons a 78-91 lead. The Blazers were able to chip away at the lead but couldn’t get closer than four points, the last at 109-113. Bill Walton had his lowest output for the season with 14 points but added 15 rebounds. Lionel Hollins led the Blazers with 20 points while Johnny Davis added 16 points off the bench. |
December 28, 1976 - Blazers Score Victory Before Record Crowd
CHICAGO -- Bill Walton saved his best for the end as he scored six points in the last three minutes to secure the Blazers an 84-79 victory before 19,889, the largest crowd in Chicago Stadium 49-year history. “Bill Walton had a super game.” said Blazer coach Jack Ramsey. “This was a great win for us. I like to feel all our players are ready to play and tonight was an example.”
After Walton hit a free throw to tie the game at 75-75, he scored two additional baskets to give the Blazers a 79-75 lead. Lionel Hollins followed up with a pair of free throws to keep the four-point lead at 81-77 before Bulls guard John Mengelt hit a long jumper to get the Bulls within two points. The Blazers were then helped when referee Darrell Garretson called Bulls center Artis Gilmore for traveling with 14 seconds remaining as he was about to tie the game stuffing the ball through the hoop. Walton led the Blazers with 29 points and 19 rebounds while Hollins added 19 points. No other Blazer scored more than nine points. Scott May, the rookie from Indiana, led the Bulls with 18 points. Norm Van Lier and Mengelt each had 14 points while Mickey Johnson had 15 rebounds and 11 points. |
December 26, 1976 - Blazers First Lose 2nd Quarter, Then The Game
SEATTLE -- What a difference a day can make in the NBA. The Blazers seemed to continue the attack they unleashed in the second half of their win yesterday versus these same SuperSonics before Seattle was able to take control in the second quarter en route to an 87-89 victory. “We have only ourselves to blame for that loss,” said Blazers coach Jack Ramsey. “our poise and execution both got away from us in the second quarter.”
Portland outscored the Sonics 24-12 in the first quarter and the team seemed to believe it would be a repeat of their 110-95 victory just 24 hours before but Seattle had other thoughts. Sonic coach Bill Russell went to his bench to start the second quarter and wasn’t disappointed when Bobby Wilkerson and Dennis Johnson, both rookies, spearheaded an attack that saw the Sonics outscore the Blazers 37-13 to take a 49-37 halftime lead. “Better team defense and better shots got us going in that quarter,” said Russell. Ramsey agreed that Wilkerson and Johnson deserve the credit. “Those two came in and turned the game around. They forced us into errors with the ball” The Blazers made a game of it mid-way through the third quarter when they took a 73-69 lead before the shots stopped falling. The Blazers didn’t get another field goal in the quarter while the Sonics capitalized and regained the lead going in the final quarter but were unable to lead again. Bill Walton led the Blazers with 26 points and 18 rebounds. Herm Gilliam, starting in place of the injured Dave Twardzik, scored 23 points, his highest total as a Blazer. Other than 16 points from Lionel Hollins, no other Blazer scored more than six points. For the Sonics, the starting five tallied 16 points, the same total that Dennis Johnson and newly acquired Nick Weatherspoon each had individually. Wilkerson added 12 points |
December 25, 1976 - Blazers Secure Christmas Victory Vs Sonics In 2nd Half
PORTLAND -- Santa came to Portland but didn’t give the Blazers their gift of shooting until after the halftime break, as the Blazers scored another come-from-behind win, this time a 110-95 victory over the Seattle SuperSonics. “I told the players at halftime that the only way to turn the game around was with our defense,” said Blazers coach Jack Ramsey. “You can’t start a running game by taking the ball out of the net.”
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The Sonics jumped to a quick first quarter lead and continued controlling the game through the second stanza, leading 46-53 at the break. The Blazers took coach Ramsey’s word to heart as the Blazers, outscored the Sonics 12-4 in the first four minutes of the third quarter, taking a 58-57 lead they wouldn’t relinquish. Bill Walton, Maurice Lucas and Bob Gross started the initial scoring before Lloyd Neal and Herm Gilliam picked up the pace. The Blazers scored 37 points in the third quarter and turned a seven point deficit into a nine point advantage.
Walton led the Blazers with 26 points and 17 rebounds with Lucas, who had four points and three rebounds at halftime, finished with 24 points and 14 rebounds. Neal added 14 points off the bench and Gilliam chipped in 12.
Frank Oleynick, the second year guard out of Seattle University, scored 19 points to lead the Sonics. Mike Bantom added 11 rebounds for the Sonics who have dropped six straight games. The Blazers and Sonics play tomorrow in Seattle
Walton led the Blazers with 26 points and 17 rebounds with Lucas, who had four points and three rebounds at halftime, finished with 24 points and 14 rebounds. Neal added 14 points off the bench and Gilliam chipped in 12.
Frank Oleynick, the second year guard out of Seattle University, scored 19 points to lead the Sonics. Mike Bantom added 11 rebounds for the Sonics who have dropped six straight games. The Blazers and Sonics play tomorrow in Seattle
December 21, 1976 - Blazers Mount 2nd Half Comeback vs Kings 99-94
PORTLAND -- Suffering a small hangover from the first home loss of the season, the Blazers struggled to rise to the challenge before finally putting away the visiting Kansas City Kings 99-94. Blazer coach Jack Ramsey had said before the game “We can’t afford to take them (Kings) lightly. At times in recent games they have played extremely well.” The Blazers fell into the methodical way of the Kings, failing to run in the first half as the Kings led 40-42 at intermission.
Trailing 52-60 mid-way thru the third quarter, the Blazers were able to finally mount an offense when Bob Gross and Maurice Lucas each scored four points to tie the game 60-60. Kansas City was able to get back on top 68-70 with just under two minutes remaining before the Blazers closed out the quarter with six points and a 74-70 lead. The Kings wouldn’t tie or lead after that but did pull within a basket three times, the last with 17 seconds remaining when Richard Washington of Benson High School fame, stole an errant Blazer pass and made a break-away lay-up to make the score 96-94. Lionel Hollins was able to break free along the baseline with five-seconds remaining to secure the winning bucket and free throw to provide the final margin. “That was the toughest team for us to run against so far,” said Gross, who only missed four shots as he scored 21 points. Bill Walton led the Blazers scoring with 24 points and gathered 17 rebounds. Lucas added 19 points and 16 rebounds. The Kings, who have now lost eight straight to the Blazers dating back to February 5, 1975, were led by Washington and Ron Boone as each had 21 points. Washington, a rookie from UCLA, added 9 rebounds. “He has improved and shows a lot of poise,” Ramsey said of Washington. “He is a good player.” |
December 18, 1976 - Blazer Lose First Home Game Since March In Overtime
PORTLAND -- The saying goes that all good things must come to an end which is what happened this evening as the Blazers finally suffered a home loss, as the Los Angeles Lakers pulled off a 111-115 overtime victory in front a raucous 12,512 fans. “We were lucky, no question about it,” said Laker coach Jerry West after his team rallied from a four-point deficit in the overtime period. “That’s a helluva team there.” The loss snapped a 22-game win streak at the Memorial Coliseum dating back to last season. The loss moves the Blazers to 17-1 at home this season, leaving only the Denver Nuggets undefeated at home with a 12-0 record
Kareem Abdul-Jabber led the Lakers with 35 points and 16 rebounds but he scored six points in the overtime that secured the Lakers win. With the Blazers leading 107-103, Jabber hit his famous sky-hook from the key, threw down a stuff off a Johnny Neumann feed before hitting on a breakaway after a Laker steal to put the Lakers up 107-109. The Blazers were unable to score until a couple baskets at the end but by that time, the game had been decided. The Blazers suffered from the Lakers hot-shooting in the early stanzas before mounting a comeback in the fourth quarter. With eight minutes remaining and trailing 82-97 the Blazers outscored the Lakers 17-2 to force a 99-99 tie with 1:15 left in regulation. A pair of free throws by both teams forced the overtime. Baskets by Bill Walton, Lionel Hollins and Maurice Lucas gave the Blazers their only lead for the evening before Jabber performed his own heroics. Cazzie Russell had 20 points to go along with Jabber’s 35. Kermit Washington came off the bench to gather 11 rebounds. For the Blazers, Walton had 28 points and 26 rebounds while Lucas had 26 points and 21 rebounds. For Walton it is the fifth time he has amassed over 20 points and rebounds in the same game. For Lucas it is his first NBA game doing the same and the first time in Blazer history that two players accomplished it in the same game |
December 17, 1976 - Blazers Are NBA's Best With 20 Wins
PORTLAND -- The NBA’s two best teams were in Portland this evening and the best is still the Blazers. For the first time in team history, beyond the first week of the season that is, the Blazers continue to be the NBA’s best after a 127-105 victory over the Denver Nuggets in front of 12,672, the third largest crowd in Memorial Coliseum history. Enrollee to their 22nd straight home victory, Johnny Davis, the rookie guard from Dayton, filled in for an ailing Dave Twardzik and had 19 points. “Johnny had a big game and that was important with Twardzik sick,” said Blazer coach Jack Ramsey
The teams played to a near stand-still for the first quarter with the Nuggets holding a 31-30 lead but the Blazers were able to build a 64-53 halftime lead. The Nuggets pulled within five points, 90-85, late in the third quarter with a Marvin Webster hook shot. The Blazers, led by Davis, then reeled off eight straight points. Davis had four points and an assist to Bill Walton to push the lead to 98-85. As the third quarter was ending, Nugget David Thompson drove the lane running into Herm Gilliam, and was called for an offensive foul. Thompson sprained his ankle on the play and that seemed to end any Nugget chance at a comeback. The Blazers lead in the final quarter was never less than 12 points before the final margin. Walton led the Blazers with 22 points and 16 rebounds. Maurice Lucas and Lionel Hollins each had 20 points with Lucas adding 12 rebounds. Thompson had 24 points to lead the Nuggets despite missing the fourth quarter. Willie Wise had 15 points while Bobby Jones and Dan Issel each chipped in 14 points With the win, the Blazers secured 20 wins faster than any other previous team. The earliest had been during the 1974/75 season with a 119-97 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on January 14, 1975. |
December 14, 1976 - Blazers Resume Winning Ways At Home
PORTLAND -- Bob Gross scored 16 points in the opening quarter of the Blazers 104-84 victory over the Houston Rockets but it was his defense on Rockets star Rudy Tomjanovich that caught the attention of others. “Gross’ work against Tomjanovich at both ends of the court was key,” said Blazer coach Jack Ramsey. “Rudy is a great shooter but it is tough for a guy to score when he hasn’t got the ball.” Tomjanovich ended the game with 19 points, five below his average including he shot 6 of 16 from the field.
The Blazers ended the first quarter with a 32-21 lead and the Rockets were never able to recover, eventually falling behind 78-60 entering the final quarter. Ramsey was able to empty his bench so all players but one were able to play double-digit minutes. Gross ended the game with 22 points while Maurice Lucas added 20 points. Bill Walton had 18 points and 12 rebounds. For the Rockets, Kevin Kunnert scored 20 points and gathered 12 rebounds off the bench. Tomjanovich had 19 points, nine in the final quarter when Gross was on the bench. The Rockets have two former Blazers as starters, John Johnson and Moses Malone. Johnson scored 15 points while Malone struggled to three points in 22 minutes. The win is the 21st consecutive victory at Memorial Coliseum and was in front of a sell-out crowd of 12,820. |
December 11, 1976 - Blazers Fall In Final Seconds To Philadelphia 107-108
PHILADELPHIA -- Trying to prove the previous meeting between these two teams wasn’t a fluke, the Blazers continued to assert a dominance until right at the end when Julius Erving hit the winning shot with three-seconds remaining to give the Philadelphia 76ers a 108-107 win. “The plan was to give it to Doc and have him take the best shot he could get,” said Sixers coach Gene Shue. “He got and made a great one. Erving was guarded by the Blazers Corky Calhoun, known for his defense, but was able to break just enough free space over Calhoun’s outstretched arm to get the basket. The Blazers led most of the game and were ahead 79-68 midway through the third quarter before the Sixers were able to make their own run to finally get to a 84-81 lead early in the fourth quarter. The two teams fought back and forth before Bill Walton made a short shot and a free throw to give the Blazers a 107-106 with seven-seconds remaining. After Erving hit his winning basket, the Blazers were unable to get a shot off in the final seconds. The Sixers rookie Mike Dunleavy, playing only his third game, led the team with 32 points. Dunleavy was the 99th player chosen in last summers draft and was almost cut during the pre-season on three different occasions. “I have to admit it, Dunleavy was almost cut about three times,” said Shue. Looking at the boxscore Shue added “I guess I could never tell a superstar.” The Blazers were led by Walton’s 30 points and 19 rebounds. Lionel Hollins added 18 points. The Blazers, who have played 13 games over the last 18 days, finished this recent road trip with 2 wins and 2 losses. |
December 10, 1976 - Blazers Defeat Short-Handed Braves 103-102
The Braves continued to mount another comeback eventually pulling within a point again at 101-100 before Maurice Lucas was fouled. Lucas calmly sank the two shots as the home fans created noise to distract him. Lucas finished with 17 points while Walton had 18 points and 15 rebounds. Steele scored 17 points off the bench.
The Braves are a team in a bit of disarray since the two teams last met last month in Portland. There had been many trade rumors regarding their All-Star center Bob McAdoo, who was finally traded to the New York Knicks. The Braves also traded Tom McMillian and will receive John Gianelli from the Knicks. Gianelli had not arrived and was unavailable, as was rookie Adrian Dantley who was out with an illness. John Shumate, filling in for McAdoo, led the Braves with 19 points and 13 rebounds. DiGregorio and Randy Smith each added 18.
The Braves are a team in a bit of disarray since the two teams last met last month in Portland. There had been many trade rumors regarding their All-Star center Bob McAdoo, who was finally traded to the New York Knicks. The Braves also traded Tom McMillian and will receive John Gianelli from the Knicks. Gianelli had not arrived and was unavailable, as was rookie Adrian Dantley who was out with an illness. John Shumate, filling in for McAdoo, led the Braves with 19 points and 13 rebounds. DiGregorio and Randy Smith each added 18.
December 8, 1976 - Wicks Leads Celtics To 95-104 Win Over Blazers
BOSTON -- The Blazers came in to Boston riding a five game win streak but fell to earth against a former teammate as Sidney Wicks led the Celtics to a 104-95 victory. “Wicks had a fine game after I finally got him to take his shots,” said Boston coach Tom Heinsohn. “He has been having the same problem that Chalie Scott had when he came to us last season. He has been driving and then dishing off instead of going ahead for the shot.” Wicks had two points at halftime but proceed to hit seven of 10 shots in the second half to finish with 19 points and 14 rebounds.
Down by seven points early in the third quarter, the Blazers scored 10 straight points to get a 71-68 lead when Lionel Hollins connected on a long jumper. The two teams continued to push each other off the lead until Wicks hit two free throws with 5:21 left in the final quarter to give the Celtics a 93-91 lead. Portland would never get closer than two points after that with the last time with the score 97-95 with under two minutes to play. The Blazers are 0-11 all-time in Boston. The Blazers were led by Maurice Lucas who had 25 points and 12 rebounds. Bill Walton added 20 points and 11 rebounds. Herm Gilliam replaced Dave Twardzik in the starting lineup and had a sub-par game finishing with 4 points on 1-9. Twardzik was held out of the with the knee injury from yesterday’s game vs the Knicks. The Celtics JoJo White scored 21 points while Jim Ard, starting at center since Dave Cowens took a leave of absence last month, added 11 rebounds. The Celtics out rebounded the Blazers 72-43 |
December 7, 1976 - Blazers Earn First Victory In New York 111-94
NEW YORK -- The first time the Blazers visited the famed Madison Square Garden in New York as an expansion team, they suffered an 18 point defeat to the then defending NBA champions. Today though, after 12 straight losses over the last six years to the New York Knicks, the tables have turned where the Blazers scored their first ever victory here, 111-94. So convincingly was the victory that the home crowd repeatedly booed the Knicks in the second half. “One of our best defensive games of the season,” said Jack Ramsey. “This was a game that proved that winning will take care of itself for this team, if it just does the things it is capable of doing.”
With the score tied late in the second quarter, the Blazers scored the final six points to take a 45-39 halftime lead. The Blazers then started the third quarter in a full-court press and the Knicks couldn’t adjust as they were outscored 36-22 as the local fans started their booing of the home team.
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The only setback for the Blazers came early in the game after Dave Twardzik hit a layup and fell to the floor, which he tends to do. Knick rookie Lonnie Shelton, who was trying to block the shot, fell to the ground with Twardzik and landed on his leg. Twardzik had to be helped off the court. Blazer rookie Johnny Davis replaced Twardzik and played 26 minutes and scored 15 points and added 4 assists. “Our bench was great,” said Bill Walton, who had 16 points and 15 rebounds and five blocked shots. “Lloyd Neal, Johnny Davis and Herm Gilliam were super.”
Maurice Lucas led the Blazers with 22 points, while Neal had 17 off the bench. Lionel Hollins had 20 points. The Knicks were led by Spencer Haywood with 19 points. Former Blazer Mo Layton came off the bench and scored 13 points in 15 minutes.
The win is the fifth in a row for the Blazers which includes a three game road winning streak after starting the season 0-6 on the road. The three game road streak ties a club record that has been accomplished two other times
Maurice Lucas led the Blazers with 22 points, while Neal had 17 off the bench. Lionel Hollins had 20 points. The Knicks were led by Spencer Haywood with 19 points. Former Blazer Mo Layton came off the bench and scored 13 points in 15 minutes.
The win is the fifth in a row for the Blazers which includes a three game road winning streak after starting the season 0-6 on the road. The three game road streak ties a club record that has been accomplished two other times
December 5, 1976 - Blazers Win 93-89; Tied With Cavs As NBA's Best
PORTLAND -- The potential for a break in the term best team was there late in the game. The NBA’s best road team looked to have a chance to beat the best home team when Cleveland was leading by five points with a few minutes to play before the Blazers were able to turn around and pull off another come-from behind victory, this time 93-89 over the Cleveland Cavaliers. “Any team that beats us is good, no matter where the game is played” said Cavs coach Bill Fitch when asked about the Blazers.
Similar to the win last night against the Milwaukee Bucks, the Cavs led 82-79 with five minutes remaining after the Blazers missed 14 of their first 15 shots in the fourth quarter. When Bill Walton hit a jump hook to break the drought, the Cavs couldn’t hold back the tide. Maurice Lucas gave the Blazers the lead for good at 88-87. Cleveland was with two points, 91-89, with a chance to tie but Foots Walker missed an 18-foot which Larry Steele able to retrieve before getting fouled. “Making free throws is like making short putts in golf. It’s all mental,” said Steele. Lucas led the Blazers with 22 points and 12 rebounds with Walton right behind with 19 points and 18 rebounds. Lionel Hollins, mired in a shooting slump for the game, was booed after some misses. Some fans cheered when Jack Ramsey removed him from the game and Hollins responded with a gesture to the crowd. “I was disappointed in the fans’ reaction. Lionel won the game for us (against Milwaukee). This win ties us with Cleveland for the best record in the NBA. I think our fans should be just as proud of all the players as I am,” said Ramsey. “I was also disappointed in Lionel’s reaction and told him so.” Hollins said afterwards “I don’t let it bother me. The Cavaliers were led by Bobby Smith scoring 20 points off the bench. Campy Russell scored 15 with Austin Carr and Walker each adding 14 points. |
December 4, 1976 - Blazers Struggle To Home Win 112-108
PORTLAND -- Trailing by five points late in the fourth quarter, the Blazers were able to outscore the visiting Milwaukee Bucks to pull out a 112-108 for the 13th straight home victory. “It was a hard game for us,” said coach Jack Ramsey. “We got a great effort and showed a lot of poise in the stretch to git it done.” With under 2:59 remaining and the Bucks leading 104-102, Bob Gross made three key plays over the next 79 seconds to turn the game in the Blazers favor. First he hit a jumper to tie the game 104-104, then drew a charging foul on Junior Bridgeman before assisting on Lionel Hollins shot to put Portland into the lead for good, 106-104. Gross finished with eight points, eight assists and 10 rebounds. The Blazers front court of Gross, Bill Walton, Maurice Lucas, and Lloyd Neal out-rebounded the Bucks 45-41 and the Blazers together gathered 66 rebounds. Walton finished with 25 points, Hollins had 24 and Lucas, 23 points. Bob Dandridge led the Bucks with 30 points. Brian Winters, who finished with 43 points five days ago when the Blazers lost in Milwaukee, finished with 24 points this game and Bridgeman added 22. |
December 3, 1976 - Blazers Win Second In Row On Road 113-99
PHOENIX -- Perhaps there was a bit of a hangover from the first road victory as the Blazers struggled in the opening quarter before going on a 21-3 spurt on the way to a 113-99 victory over the Phoenix Suns for the second straight road victory. “This was a big step forward for us,” said coach Jack Ramsey. “Our problem in road games has been that we’ve lost our poise. Tonight we had some problems at times but we never let them bother us.”
Three minutes into the opening quarter the Suns lead 12-4. Over the next six-minutes, the Blazers went on a 21-3 outburst to produce a 25-15 lead and the Suns never got closer than seven points after that. Herm Gilliam came off the bench to fill in for the struggling backcourt, hitting eight of his 14 shots and scored 21 points and dished five assists. “Gilliam had a big night,” said Ramsey. With Lionel Hollins, Dave Twardzik and Johnny Davis in foul trouble, Gilliam was the backcourt player to keep attacking the Suns. “I got some rhythm going tonight,” said Gilliam. “I’ve had some trouble with my shooting but if a good shooter is in the game long enough, he will usually will work his way out of it.” Leading 56-47 at halftime, Gilliam scored seven of the next 11 points to give the Blazers a 67-47 advantage. The Suns cut the lead to 82-75 early in the fourth quarter but again the Blazers were able to hang on scoring a basket when needed. Maurice Lucas scored 20 points and had 15 rebounds and Bob Gross added 16 points and 7 assists. Bill Walton, who led the Blazers with 24 and 17 rebounds, also recorded his first technical foul as a Blazer when he threw the ball back to an official in the second quarter. “I didn’t say anything to him,” said Walton. “The only other technical foul I ever had was in college. I did say something that time.” Phoenix, who lost the NBA Championship last season to the Boston Celtics 4-2, were led by Rickey Sobers who had 21 points. Garfield Heard had 14 points and 13 rebounds. Paul Westphal was held to 11 points, nine below his season average. |
December 1, 1976 - Blazers Finally Win A Road Contest In Indiana 101-100
INDIANAPOLIS -- Dave Twardzik made two free throws with six-seconds remaining to give the Blazers a 101-100 lead, but there was no celebration until the Pacers Will Jones missed a jumper at the buzzer. Once the buzzer sounded, the Blazers celebrated. “There was no way Jones’ shot was going in.” said Bill Walton. “I could tell as soon as he let it go” The victory was the first road victory for the Blazers this season after six previous tries and was the first win after 11 straight losses dating back to last season. “I think she should relax everyone,” said coach Jack Ramsey. “Hopefully, we now can start playing on the road more like we play at home”
After Dan Roundfield hit two free throws to pull the Pacers with a point, Twardzik drove the lane for a layup pushing the Blazers ahead 99-96. “I took the ball in there not knowing whether I would go for the shot or pass off. Usually I pass off, but no one moved to pick me up so I put the ball up,” said Twardzik. Pacer Mike Flynn made the game again a single point before Twardzik stepped to the line pushing the Blazers ahead 101-98. Flynn hit another basket making the score 101-100 with two-seconds left and the Blazers called time. The Pacers would get another chance when Bob Gross was unable to inbound the ball within the allotted five-seconds. “I guess I was trying to play it too safe,” said Gross. The Pacers were able to get the ball into Jones who was unable to score as time ran out. Gross led the Blazers with 23 points and a season-high 12 rebounds while Lionel Hollins added 20 points. Bill Walton finished with 14 points and 18 rebounds. The Pacers were led by Roundfield with his 25 points and 11 rebounds and Jones with 22 points and 11 rebounds. |
November Results and Recaps Below
Day Date Opponent POR-OPP W-L
Tue Nov 2 Atlanta 129-116 4-1
Fri Nov 5 Philadelphia 146-104 5-1
Sun Nov 7 New York Knicks 119-93 6-1
Tue Nov 9 Kansas City 119-102 7-1
Thur Nov 11 @ Atlanta 105-107 7-2
Sat Nov 13 @ San Antonio 101-113 7-3
Tue Nov 16 @ New Orleans 98-100 7-4
Fri Nov 19 Milwaukee 124-111 8-4
Sun Nov 21 Buffalo 121-98 9-4
Wed Nov 24 Chicago OT 117-115 10-4
Fri Nov 26 @ Los Angeles 96-99 10-5
Sat Nov 27 Washington 103-95 11-5
Sun Nov 28 Indiana 145-115 12-5
Tue Nov 30 @ Milwaukee 106-115 12-6
Tue Nov 2 Atlanta 129-116 4-1
Fri Nov 5 Philadelphia 146-104 5-1
Sun Nov 7 New York Knicks 119-93 6-1
Tue Nov 9 Kansas City 119-102 7-1
Thur Nov 11 @ Atlanta 105-107 7-2
Sat Nov 13 @ San Antonio 101-113 7-3
Tue Nov 16 @ New Orleans 98-100 7-4
Fri Nov 19 Milwaukee 124-111 8-4
Sun Nov 21 Buffalo 121-98 9-4
Wed Nov 24 Chicago OT 117-115 10-4
Fri Nov 26 @ Los Angeles 96-99 10-5
Sat Nov 27 Washington 103-95 11-5
Sun Nov 28 Indiana 145-115 12-5
Tue Nov 30 @ Milwaukee 106-115 12-6
November 30, 1976 - Another Road Game, Another Road Loss For Blazers
MILWAUKEE -- The road woes of the season continued as the Blazers again found a way to lose, this time a 106-115 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks behind 43 points by Brian Winters. With the victory, the Bucks break a nine-game losing streak and give new coach Don Nelson his first win after three losses. “I only wish Larry Costello was here with me to celebrate,” said Nelson, who took over 8 days ago when Costello stepped down after a 3-14 record. Nelson brought in K. C. Jones, recently of Washington Bullets, as his assistant. They played with Celtics 1965-68 Winters, who made 18 of his first 20 shots, credits a change in coaching style for his ease in scoring. “We are looking to run a lot more and we are pressing more. That style helps me.” He also praised his teammates, noting “When I got a hot hand, they went to me.” Nelson was happy with the performance of the Bucks and Winters but noted, “We are not where we want to be yet but it’s getting better. Winters had a fine game” The Blazers were led by Bill Walton and Maurice Lucas who combined for 48 points and 26 rebounds but coach Jack Ramsey is perplexed as to the Jekyll and Hyde performance. “It’s ridiculous. We don’t play the same way on the road that we play at home. The difference is night and day” Twice before the Blazers have lost on the road to a team they beat at home and the Bucks became the third team. The Blazers, now 12-6, travel to Indiana. Will they be the fourth team to defeat the Blazers after a previous loss? |
November 28, 1976 - Blazers Control Game After 2nd Quarter; Win 145-115
PORTLAND -- One day after a close game, one in which the Blazers didn’t know if a win was assured until the final minute, came a game the home fans have come to expect, a 145-115 victory over the Indiana Pacers. The Blazers had eight players scoring in double figures, shot .602 from the field and got 77 points off the bench prompting Pacer coach Bob Leonard to say “I think that team has a shot to win it all.”
“This may have been our most consistent performance of the season,” said Blazer coach Jack Ramsey. “We got a good performance from our bench and that is something that will be critical for us this season.” Lloyd Neal led the bench scoring with 19 points and Larry Steele was right behind with 17 points. The Pacers played even with the Blazers, until just after the second quarter started. With the score tied 33-33, the Blazers went on a 20-6 surge led by Neal and took command of the game, eventually getting a 72-51 halftime lead. One encouraging sign for Ramsey was during the 20-6 run, Bill Walton was on the bench. “That was a good sign. Neal did a fine job in that period,” said Ramsey who has marveled at the way Neal has come back from knee surgery. “Some players miss an entire season. Neal had a big game and I have no questioning my mind that he will have others” Billy Knight led the Pacers with 29 points and Dan Roundfield added 15 points. Maurice Lucas led the Blazers with 25 points while Bill Walton had 18 points and 13 rebounds. |
Maurice Lucas scoring 2 of his 25 points
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November 27, 1976 - Blazers Win 17th Straight Home Game 103-95
PORTLAND -- Maurice Lucas scored a season-high 30 points to lead the Blazers to a 103-95 come-from-behind victory over the Washington Bullets. “That was my first look at Lucas,” said Bullet coach Dick Motta. “He is a super player” Lucas not only shot 8 for 8 and scored 18 of his points in the second half, but held Bullet All-Star forward Elvin Hayes to 6 points, shooting 3-10 before fouling out just as the Bullets last lead was being wiped away
Before Lucas took over, rookie Mitch Kupchak and Phil Chenier helped the Bullets outscore the Blazers 32-16 erasing a 14-point lead the Blazers held with under five minutes to go in the third quarter. “They made some tough shots,” said Jack Ramsey but he also noted “We had excellent play at the end of the game.” If we had played that way against Los Angeles (a 96-99 loss) we would have won down there too.” With the Bullets leading 87-85 with 6:28 remaining, Dave Twardzik drove the lane and drew the sixth foul on Hayes. His two free throws tied the score. After a Bullet turnover, Lucas hit a driving jumper to put the Blazers ahead to stay. After Kupchak hit a shot pulling the Bullets to 97-95, Lucas was able to put back a Bill Walton miss. “The ball came off the back of the rim high,” said Lucas. “It was a lucky bounce and the ball was right there for me.” Lucas and Walton combined to shoot 15 of 16 from the field in the second half and for the game totaled 56 points and 31 rebounds. Bullet coach Motta mentioned that when he said “Walton and Lucas are playing like hell. That is the difference from Blazer teams of the past” The Blazers, winners of 17 straight home games dating back to last season, are atop the Pacific Division with an 11-5 record. The home crowd of 12,506 was the fourth largest in Blazer history and is the sixth time this season the Blazers topped the 12,000 mark Dave Twardzik, defended by Bullet guard Phil Chenier, dishes off as he drives the lane
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November 26, 1976 - Blazers Again Find The Wrong End Of A Road Game
LOS ANGELES -- The Blazers looked like they may have finally figured out how to end their road losing streak as twice they had a 13-point lead in Los Angeles before Lucius Allen caught fire. With the Blazers leading 88-87, Allen scored 10 points of the Lakers final 12 points in the remaining 5:26 and carried the Lakers to a 99-96 victory over the Blazers. With the loss the Blazers, 10-5 over all, have a record of 10-0 at home and 0-5 on the road. The Blazers fought back to close the gap to a single point before Allen fit the his last shot to post the final score. Lionel Hollins and Bill Walton each missed a shot in the final seconds before Allen secured the final rebound as time expired. “Portland plays a scattered, pressure style of defense and that’s conducive to my style of play,” Allen said. “My shots went in and we feel fortunate to escape with a win” The Lakers led by a point at the half before the Blazers used a full-court press on defense and worked their fast-break effectively to twice lead by 13 points, the final time at 68-55 before the Lakers slowly started to cut into the deficit. Bo Lamar hit a jumper with 8:49 remaining in the fourth quarter to give the Lakers an 81-80 lead. It was a tight game from that point before Allen took over. Allen finished with 30 points and Kareem Abdul-Jabber had a game high 32 along with 14 rebounds. Walton led the Blazers with 26 points and 21 rebounds, the fourth time in his career to amass more than 20 points and rebounds in the same game. Hollins added 19 points for the Blazers |
November 24, 1976 - Blazers 'Steele' Game vs Bulls In OT 117-115
PORTLAND -- A mere two seasons ago, Larry Steele became the first Blazer to lead the NBA in a statistical category when he led the league in steals. Even though he is now a backup, he still finds his way into the passing lanes like he did this evening, as he stole the ball in the final seconds of overtime then provided the final two free throws to secure the 117-115 overtime victory over the visiting Chicago Bulls. Chicago appeared to have snapped the Blazers home winning streak when Norm Van Lier put the Bulls ahead 107-105 with nine-seconds left in regulation. Lionel Hollins however sank a shot from just outside the key to force the extra period. Neither team was able to build more than a 2-point lead. Three times the Bulls were ahead, the final time when Wilbur Holland, acquired pushed the Bulls ahead 115-113 with 46 seconds left. With a tie score and after a Blazer turnover, the Bulls worked for the winning shot before Steele stole a pass from Bob Love. Love quickly fouled Steele who then calmly hit the two free-throws to win the game. Jack Ramsey praised the Bulls for their play. “Chicago plays a deliberate game and it played it well tonight,” The Bulls have lost nine consecutive games under new coach Ed Badger. There have been high hopes in Chicago after the Bulls drafted Artis Gilmore with the first pick in this past summer ABA dispersal draft. Gilmore is currently averaging 19 points and 13 rebounds, well under his ABA averages of 22 and 17. |
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Maurice Lucas played his best game as a Blazer with 25 points and 16 rebounds. Bill Walton added 18 points and 16 rebounds and Steele finished with 16 points off the bench. Holland, acquired at the start of the season, led the Bulls with 27 points off the bench. Gilmore had 10 points and 10 rebounds.
November 21, 1976 - Blazers Beat Braves 121-98 For 15th Straight Home Victory
Blazer rookie Wally Walker shooting over Braves rookie Adrian Dantley
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PORTLAND -- Dave Twardzik continued his torrid shooting streak, hitting seven of his nine attempts on his way to scoring a team leading 19 points, helping the Blazers break open a close game against the Buffalo Braves to cruise to a 121-98 home victory. The victory is the 15th straight home victory for the Blazers.
The last home loss was a 95-112 loss on March 16 to a Braves team that was coached by current Blazers coach Jack Ramsey. Ramsey was pleased with his current teams performance saying afterwards “Our over-all defense was good. We held a running team under 100 points and that’s significant.” Tates Locke, who was an assistant to Ramsey last season before being named the Braves coach, said that Ramsey has “A good team. You have to remember that I like the guy who put that team together (Stu Inman) and I like the guy coaching it. They had to go out and get the players needed to accomplish what they wanted and they’ve done a great job, and they got that little guy (Twardzik) who makes ‘em go” The Braves, playing their third game in less than 72 hours, stayed with the Blazers for the first 14 minutes before Herm Gilliam hit the go-ahead basket to put Portland up 35-33 and the Braves never caught up. Larry Steele and Lloyd Neal combined to scored all 19 of their points in the second quarter, pushing the Blazers from a 27-27 first quarter tie to a 64-52 halftime lead. Trying to top that effort, the Blazers opened the third quarter scoring eight straight and another nine straight starting the fourth quarter to eventually lead 102-79 before coasting to the final score. The only excitement in the fourth quarter was when Gilliam was ejected for arguing a call, insisting afterwards “I didn’t swear” and a minor fight between Blazer rookie Wally Walker and Braves Fred Foster, with Foster being ejected. Referee Earl Strom noted after the game that Foster was ejected “because I could see his punch was premeditated. Walker only retaliated.” Twardzik is currently .625 from the field (50 for 80) and would be ranked second in the league but currently is two shots short of qualifying. Bill Walton had 19 rebounds along with his 16 points. Maurice Lucas held Bob McAdoo, last seasons NBA leading scorer, to 14 points. Randy Smith led the Braves with 15 points and had nine of the Braves 19 assists. |
November 19, 1976 - Blazers Back To Winning Ways vs Bucks
PORTLAND -- Home cooking was the cure for the Blazers ending their three game losing streak against the Milwaukee Bucks 124-111. The Blazers used pressing defense to get an early jump on the Bucks on the way to their 14th straight home victory, dating back to last season. The win kept the Blazers one game ahead of Seattle in the Pacific Division with an 8-4 record.
“We played well enough,: said Jack Ramsey. “If we had played that way on the road trip, we would have won two of the three games.” Dave Twardzik started the initial scoring with a three-point play 20 seconds in and the Buck were never able to catch up. The Blazers, leading 33-21 after one quarter, piled on in the second eventually getting to a 55-32 lead with 4:08 left. Milwaukee closed the gap to 64-48 at halftime before the Blazers again pushed their leads back to 20 points three times in the third quarter. “The scouting report warned us that Milwaukee was capable of coming back and those guys did that.” said Twardzik, who tallied 23 points, six assists and four steals. “I don’t think it was a great game for us, but when you win it’s always all right.” Bob Dandridge, who led all scorers with 31 points, helped the Bucks close the Blazers lead to seven points on multiple occasions in the fourth quarter. Each time though, the Blazers were able to stop the Bucks from getting closer. The Bucks have had extensive injury issues in the early season with forwards Dave Myers and Kevin Restani unable to play this evening and coach Larry Costello has played rookies more than he has in the past. Blazer assistant coach Jack McKinney, who was an assistant with Milwaukee for the past two seasons, commented that Costello “is a fine coach and a fine person. I don’t think he gets the credit he deserves” Bill Walton again led the Blazers in scoring and rebounding with 27 and 15 respectively. Maurice Lucas added 22 points and 13 rebounds. The Blazers next play the Buffalo Braves who were led last season by Jack Ramsey, though the team has undergone changes since he last coached them. |
November 16, 1976 - Blazers Drop 3rd Straight To Jazz 98-100
NEW ORLEANS -- Pete Maravich got the superstar treatment by the referees this evening when, after decking Dave Twardzik with a single punch, was allowed to stay in the game to lead the New Orleans Jazz to a 100-98 victory over the Blazers. The Blazers were trailing 45-39 when Maravich, upset with the tight defense, suddenly turned and decked Twardzik with a right cross. Then he ran as “I saw the whole Portland team coming after me,” said Maravich after the game. Both benches emptied, but no other punches were thrown. Jack Ramsey wasn’t happy when Maravich was allowed to stay. “That’s the first time I’ve ever seen a guy punch another player like that and not be thrown out. Maravich was the only player in the fight and he initiated it.” Maravich went on the score a game-high 35 points and also had a career-high 15 rebounds. Despite those stats, Maravich mentioned that Fred Boyd, the former Oregon State star player, was the player that saved the Jazz as he scored five of his 9 points late in the fourth quarter to push the lead from two to seven points. “Boyd saved us. If he hadn’t hit those baskets, it would have been a different game.” The Blazers, now with a 7-4 record, wasted another great effort by Bill Walton who finished with 21 points, 10 rebounds and six blocked shots. Maurice Lucas finally broke out of a shooting slump, and scored 15 points and 13 rebounds. For the Jazz, Otto Moore and E.C. Coleman each added 11 rebounds while Aaron James added 15 points. |
November 13, 1976 - Blazers Lose 2nd In Row 113-101 To San Antonio
SAN ANTONIO -- George Gervin, the All-Star guard in the ABA, showed the Blazers why he’s probably going to be an All-Star in the NBA as well as he poured in 32 points to lead the San Antonio Spurs to a 113-101 win over Portland. Gervin scored 14 straight points in the second quarter to eliminate a six-point Blazer lead and turned into a 53-47 Spur lead at the half. The Blazers were able to tie the game five times in the third quarter with the final time at 67-67. The Spurs than ran off eight straight points, twice building an 18 point lead, to secure the win. Blazer rookie Johnny Davis, who grew up in the same neighborhood in Detroit as Gervin said, “He’s a legend around Detroit. What he did tonight didn’t surprise me. I learned what he could do a long time ago.” Gervin wound up making 11 of his 15 shots along with 10 of 11 free throws and added five rebounds, four assists and five blocks. Portland coach Jack Ramsey mentioned other reasons for the loss saying, “We had 22 turnovers in the first half and it’s hard to win when you do that.” The Blazers started quickly, getting to a 20-11 lead with four minutes left in the first quarter, before missing some easy shots and having rebounds fall out of reach, Three offensive fouls added to the turnovers. Once the Blazers started struggling, the Spurs fans, known as the “Baseline Bums” became more vocal in their support. They chide the opponents, blow horns during free throw attempts, clap along to country-western music and generally create an atmosphere that is not common in other NBA arenas. Bill Walton again led the Blazers in scoring and rebounding with 18 and 19 respectively. Maurice Lucas added 11 rebounds but like the Atlanta game, struggled from the field shooting 3 of 11. Herm Gilliam added 16 points off the bench in 13 minutes. |
November 11, 1976 - Blazers Open Road Trip With 105-107 Loss To Hawks
ATLANTA -- The Blazers started a three game road trip rather lethargic, mounted a comeback, only to lose in the final seconds 107-105 to the Atlanta Hawks after John Drew hit a 25-foot jump shot with five-seconds remaining to provide the final margin. After the Blazers called time to set up a final shot, Lionel Hollins was able to get off a driving lay-in only to have center Joe Meriweather provide a game saving block Hawks.
After committing 16 turnovers in the first half, the Blazers found themselves in a 59-43 deficit at half. “I think it is important to remember that we didn’t lose this game at the end,” Jack Ramsey said. “We lost it with our poor play in the first half.” The Blazers only committed 5 turnovers in the second half. Herm Gilliam started the charge in the third quarter and Bill Walton added to the comeback before the final seconds. Bill Walton led Portland with 28 points and 18 rebounds but no other Blazer tallied more than the 14 points Gilliam and Bob Gross had. Maurice Lucas added 10 rebounds but was held to 3-12 shooting and 6 points. Lloyd Neal saw his first action this season following knee surgery in early October. “I feel OK,” said Neal who played 6 minutes. With the loss the Blazer fall to 7-2 Lou Hudson was the high scorer for the game with 33 points on 15-21 shooting. John Drew, who only scored 9 points in the Hawk loss in Portland, scored 25 points this evening. Tom Henderson had a career high 17 assists for the Hawks who move to a 5-6 record. |
November 9, 1976 - Blazers Pull Away In 2nd Quarter To Rout Kings 119-102
PORTLAND -- For the first time this season, the Blazers were outscored in the first quarter. After a quick regroup late in the second quarter, the Blazers were able to eventually pull away for a 119-102 victory over the Kansas City Kings. “The key tonight was we kept after them” said coach Jack Ramsey. “That’s our style of play. If you keep after them, it takes its toll.” Twice the Kings jumped to an eight-point lead before Herm Gilliam hit a jumper to tie the game at 40-40 with 5:38 left in the second quarter. Portland would eventually hold a 57-49 halftime lead. Kansas City stayed even with Portland early behind the play of Bill Robinzine and ex-Benson High School graduate Richard Washington. The Blazers depth at the guard position was a key point once the game turned in Portland’s favor. Rookie Johnny Davis had 10 points in the third quarter while veteran Herm Gilliam had 11 points in the fourth quarter and combined for 31 points off the bench for the game. Bill Walton had another stellar game with 21 points, 18 rebounds and 7 assists, despite tough defense by Kings center Sam Lacey. Lionel Hollins also had seven assists to go along with his game-high 22 points. The win moves the Blazers to a 7-1 record with a 5 game winning streak. |
November 7, 1976 - Blazers Defeat Knicks 119-93 For Fourth Straight Victory
PORTLAND -- Employing a trapping defense in the third quarter, the Blazers broke open a close game to pull away and secure their fourth straight game against the visiting New York Knicks 119-93. “Our defense created a lot of running situations for us” said Dave Twardzik. The win, Portland’s twelve straight home victory, improves their record to 6-1 The Blazers scored 10 straight points to start the third quarter, jumping their seven point lead to 17 points. “Our defense in the third quarter gave us some spurts and got us going” said Lionel Hollins who scored 22 points in 26 minutes. Bob Gross, who also added 22 points, noted the change in the second half. “We got with it in the third quarter” The Blazers ended the game with a club record 23 steals, four above the previous high. Gross had six, Twardzik with five and Hollins four. Portland scored 42 points off the Knicks 33 turnovers. |
Earl Monroe scored 20 for the Knicks and Lonnie Shelton, the rookie from Oregon St., scored 15 points, garnered 14 rebounds and blocked 7 shots. Shelton also played well in holding Bill Walton to 14 points and 12 rebounds prompting Jack Ramsey to note he was a fine player. Former Blazer Mo Layton scored 16 points for the Knicks. |
November 5, 1976 - Blazers Jump Out Early And Add On In 146-104 Victory
PORTLAND -- A record Memorial Coliseum crowd of 12,823 serenaded Bill Walton with “Happy Birthday” during the fourth quarter of the Blazers 146-104 victory over the star-laden Philadelphia 76ers. Walton, who was smiling and relaxing on the bench after scoring 26 points and 16 rebounds in 32 minutes, noted after the game “We played well. All The fellows did a fine job.” Maurice Lucas said, “We started out running extremely well and everything fell into place.” Even Jack Ramsey was happy with what he saw, “Everybody played well. You can’t have an effort like that with one man doing it.” |
The Blazers started the scoring early when Lionel Hollins hit a jumper only 33 seconds into the game. Lucas then scored the next seven points to stake the Blazers to a 9-0 lead. After a Sixer basket, the Blazers continued to dominate on the offensive end moving their lead first to 20-4, then 36-16 before closing out the first quarter with a 41-24 lead. Coach Ramsey said, “We took advantage of their mistakes by having an awareness. When a guy was open, we got him the ball.”
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The Blazers shot .591 from the field for the game as seven of the 11 Blazers scored in double digits, with no Blazer playing less than 12 minutes. Lucas joined Walton with double digits of 21 points and 11 rebounds. Johnny Davis and Larry Steele combined for 29 points off the bench. The 146 points equaled the Blazers record high, set in the inaugural season against Atlanta (146-131 on Nov. 18, 1970) and the win was the 11th straight home victory for the Blazers, dating back to last season. The 42 point victory is the second highest in franchise history, behind the 133-86 (47 point) victory over the New York Knicks on March 18, 1972
For the Sixers, only George McGinnis, Julius Erving and Doug Collins scored in double digits with 28, 21 and 20 respectively. McGinnis shook his head afterwards noting the Blazers “were awesome. Awesome.” Philadelphia coach Gene Shue stated the obvious when he said “We got killed tonight”
For the Sixers, only George McGinnis, Julius Erving and Doug Collins scored in double digits with 28, 21 and 20 respectively. McGinnis shook his head afterwards noting the Blazers “were awesome. Awesome.” Philadelphia coach Gene Shue stated the obvious when he said “We got killed tonight”
November 2, 1976 - Blazers Have Record First Quarter In Election Night Win
PORTLAND --The Blazers used a record setting first quarter to secure an easy 129-116 election night victory over the Atlanta Hawks. “That was a pretty good quarter” said Jack Ramsey referencing the 45 points. It was the highest first-quarter point total in the club’s seven year history. After Bob Gross scored five of the first six Blazer baskets staking the team to a 13-7 lead, the Blazers then scored the next 16 points and eventually lead 80-54 at halftime, making Hawk coach Hubie Brown to exclaim "What is this? A track meet?"
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The Blazers seemed bored at times in the second half but the closest the Hawks would get would be 121-110 with just under three minutes remaining, prompting Ramsey to note in his post-game comments “That was the only disappointing area. We didn’t sustain our effort.” Bill Walton expressed the same concern “Our execution wasn’t as good in the second half. Give them (the Hawks) some credit though. They played better in the second half.” Walton led the Blazers with 22 points and 22 rebounds, four assists and three blocked shots. This is the twelfth time Walton has had more than 20 rebounds in his career and the third time he’s had more than 20 points and rebounds in the same game.
Hawk coach Brown noted that the Blazers “Really are something. They are quick and the luxury of a guy who is playing great ball in the pivot. He allows them to release a third man on the break. When that third man is as tough as (Bob) Gross, the other team is in trouble” Gross ended with 20 points in 25 minutes and helped hold John Drew to 9 points on only seven shots.
Hawk coach Brown noted that the Blazers “Really are something. They are quick and the luxury of a guy who is playing great ball in the pivot. He allows them to release a third man on the break. When that third man is as tough as (Bob) Gross, the other team is in trouble” Gross ended with 20 points in 25 minutes and helped hold John Drew to 9 points on only seven shots.
October Results and Recaps Below
Day Date Opponent POR-OPP W-L
Sat Oct 23 New York Nets 114-104 1-0
Tues Oct 26 Golden State 110-96 2-0
Thur Oct 28 @ Golden State 112-92 2-1
Sat Oct 30 Detroit 131-97 3-1
Sat Oct 23 New York Nets 114-104 1-0
Tues Oct 26 Golden State 110-96 2-0
Thur Oct 28 @ Golden State 112-92 2-1
Sat Oct 30 Detroit 131-97 3-1
October 30, 1976 - Blazers Trounce Pistons
PORTLAND -- The Blazers scored on five of their first six baskets, jumped to a 10-0 lead before finally coasting to a 131-97 victory over the Detroit Pistons to improve their record to 3-1. “We started out running and we never stopped.” said Maurice Lucas, who lead the Blazers with 24 points, while holding Piston leading scorer Howard Porter to zero points in the first half and 10 points for the game. |
All eleven Blazers played and nearly all made an imprint on the game. Johnny Davis came off the bench for 17 points while Herm Gilliam scored all 14 points in the fourth quarter. Bill Walton had 14 rebounds to go along with 17 points. The Blazers scored the last 12 points in the second quarter off two steals each by Bob Gross and Dave Twardzik and one by Lionel Hollins to get the Blazers to a solid 63-40 lead. That trio finished with 11 steals for the game. “ We were collapsing, mostly to get those steals,” said Twardzik.
Detroit coach Herb Brown, ejected in the second half after receiving his 2nd technical, thought “Portland played a great game.” Bob Lanier lead the Pistons with 16 points and 9 rebounds who are still without Marvin Barnes whom the Pistons drafted with the third pick in this summers ABA Dispersal Draft. Barnes was suspended during the preseason but hurt his ankle after he returned before the Pistons first game. |
October 28, 1976 - Blazers Fall To Warriors On Road
OAKLAND -- A day after a questioning his teammates “dedication and determination” Rick Barry scored 34 points and the Golden State Warriors avenged their fourteen point loss, handing the Blazers a 112-92 defeat, their first of the new season. “I was pleased that we decided to go out and play tonight” said Barry who shot 15 for 30 from field, many of them being the old set shot that was mainly done in the 1940’s and 50’s. “I haven’t used the set shot for about 20 years” he said after the game “but I needed to do something.” For Portland, Jack Ramsey was quick to note that the Blazers “didn’t stay with the things that have won for us” They were more intense than we were. It was the other way” in Portland two nights ago. The Blazers led at halftime 54-52 behind Lionel Hollins 19 points, yet fell behind quickly in the third quarter. Though only behind by four points entering the fourth, the Warriors broke the game open, outscoring the Blazers 27-10 over the next nine minutes to secure the game. Bill Walton led the Blazers with 21 points and 17 rebounds, Hollins finished with 19 and Herm Gilliam scored 13 points off the bench. For the Warriors, Phil Smith added 20 points and Charles Dudley had 19 off the bench. |
October 26, 1976 - Blazers 2-0 With Victory Over Warriors
PORTLAND -- The Blazers secured their second victory of the new season with a convincing 110-96 over the defending Pacific Division Champion Golden State Warriors, led by Bill Walton’s 21 points and 19 rebounds and 6 blocks. Seven of the 11 Blazers scored in double digits showcasing the Blazers depth, especially in the 3rd quarter when the Warriors closed what was an eleven point halftime lead to five points. When Maurice Lucas, Bob Gross and Lionel Hollins were forced to bench with foul trouble, in stepped Corky Calhoun, Herm Gilliam, scoring 12 points between them to push the Blazers back to an 85-70 lead and the Warriors never threatened again.
Lionel Hollins had 11 points and 8 assists for the Blazers, saying afterwards “I need to go back to the way I played when I was at Arizona State. That style fits the way the coach wants us to play here.” Jack Ramsey added “We had a fine game. I want us to have 80 more games like that” Phil Smith led the Warriors with 27 points while Rick Barry added 17 points. |
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October 23, 1976 - Blazers Open Season With 114-104 Victory Over Nets
PORTLAND -- A record crowd of 12,626 watched the Blazers struggle in the first half before finally cruising to a 114-104 victory over the visiting New York Nets. After getting to a 49-48 halftime lead, rookie guard Johnny Davis scored 10 of his 19 points in the first 3:05 of the third quarter, pushing the Blazers to a 63-52 lead. Maurice Lucas, who lead the Blazers with 24 points, picked up when Davis left the game late in the third frame. When Bill Walton, Lionel Hollins and Bob Gross started the fourth quarter, they stretched the nine point lead to fourteen with only few minutes remaining and killed off any hopes the Nets had. Seventy-two fouls were whistled resulting in 80 attempts between the teams, which disrupted the Blazers game-plan. "This is a running team" said Coach Jack Ramsey, "If we continue to play defense as we did tonight, our offense will catch up." Six Blazers scored in double figures with Walton adding 17 points and 15 rebounds while Hollins added 16 points and 6 assists. Lucas added 18 rebounds to his 24 points. The Blazers are 1-0 John Williamson led all scorers with 27 points, 23 in the second half alone. Nate Archibald added 22 points. The Nets fall to 1-1 |
1976/77 Portland Trail Blazers Schedule
Month and Blazers record during past seasons
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Day Date Opponent Score W-L
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October
1970/71 - 4-5 1971/72 - 1-5 1972/73 - 1-8 1973/74 - 5-4 1974/75 - 3-4 1975/76 - 0-4 Total 14-30 |
Sat Oct 23 New York Nets 114-104 1-0
Tues Oct 26 Golden State 110-96 2-0 Thur Oct 28 @ Golden State 112-92 2-1 Sat Oct 30 Detroit 131-97 3-1 |
November
1970/71 - 5-13 1971/72 - 2-14 1972/73 - 5-8 1973/74 - 5-9 1974/75 - 9-6 1975/76 - 8-7 Total 34-57 |
Day Date Opponent Score W-L
Tue Nov 2 Atlanta 129-116 4-1
Fri Nov 5 Philadelphia 146-104 5-1 Sun Nov 7 New York Knicks 119-93 6-1 Tue Nov 9 Kansas City 119-102 7-1 Thur Nov 11 @ Atlanta 105-107 7-2 Sat Nov 13 @ San Antonio 101-113 7-3 Tue Nov 16 @ New Orleans 98-100 7-4 Fri Nov 19 Milwaukee 124-111 8-4 Sun Nov 21 Buffalo 121-98 9-4 Wed Nov 24 Chicago OT 117-115 10-4 Fri Nov 26 @ Los Angeles 96-99 10-5 Sat Nov 27 Washington 103-95 11-5 Sun Nov 28 Indiana 145-115 12-5 Tue Nov 30 @ Milwaukee 106-115 12-6 |
December
1970/71 - 3-10 1971/72 - 5-13 1972/73 - 3-14 1973/74 - 7-8 1974/75 - 3-9 1975/76 - 4-10 |
Day Date Opponent Score W-L
Wed Dec 1 @ Indiana 101-100 13-6
Fri Dec 3 @ Phoenix 113-99 14-6 Sat Dec 4 Milwaukee 112-108 15-6 Sun Dec 5 Cleveland 93-89 16-6 Tue Dec 7 @ New York Knicks 111-94 17-6 Wed Dec 8 @ Boston 95-104 17-7 Fri Dec 10 @ Buffalo 103-102 18-7 Sat Dec 11 @ Philadelphia 107-108 18-8 Tue Dec 14 Houston 104-84 19-8 Fri Dec 17 Denver 127-105 20-8 Sat Dec 18 Los Angeles OT 111-115 20-9 Tue Dec 21 Kansas City 99-94 21-9 Sat Dec 25 Seattle 110-95 22-9 Sun Dec 26 @ Seattle 87-89 22-10 Tue Dec 28 @ Chicago 84-79 23-10 Wed Dec 29 @ Detroit 111-120 23-11 Thur Dec 30 @ Milwaukee 107-127 23-12 |
January
1970/71 - 5-11 1971/72 - 4-11 1972/73 - 4-10 1973/74 - 2-11 1974/75 - 7-8 1975/76 - 9-6 Total 31-57 |
Day Date Opponent Score W-L
Sat Jan 1 Chicago 89-82 24-12
Sun Jan 2 @ Los Angeles 99-104 24-13 Tue Jan 4 Boston 128-84 25-13 Fri Jan 7 New Orleans 130-118 26-13 Sun Jan 9 San Antonio 150-113 27-13 Tue Jan 11 New York Knicks 131-111 28-13 Fri Jan 14 @ Boston 107-92 29-13 Sat Jan 15 @ Washington 107-113 29-14 Sun Jan 16 @ Atlanta 120-125 29-15 Wed Jan 19 @ New York Nets 109-94 30-15 Thur Jan 20 @ Cleveland 99-91 31-15 Sat Jan 22 @ Houston 107-110 31-16 Sun Jan 23 @ San Antonio 118-123 31-17 Wed Jan 26 @ Denver 107-102 32-17 Thur Jan 27 San Antonio 112-104 33-17 Sun Jan 30 Phoenix 97-91 34-17 |
February
1970/71 - 6-8 1971/72 - 3-14 1972/73 - 3-11 1973/74 - 2-14 1974/75 - 4-10 1975/76 - 6-8 Total 24-65 |
Day Date Opponent Score W-L
Wed Feb 2 @ Kansas City 107-119 34-18
Thur Feb 3 @ Indiana 107-98 35-18 Sat Feb 5 Washington 104-116 35-19 Tue Feb 8 Denver 111-119 35-20 Fri Feb 11 Atlanta 108-121 35-21 Sun Feb 13 ALL-GAME @ MILWAUKEE Tue Feb 15 @ Cleveland 96-117 35-22 Wed Feb 16 @ Detroit 118-125 35-23 Fri Feb 18 @ Chicago 90-87 36-23 Sat Feb 19 @ Denver 124-133 36-24 Tue Feb 22 Boston 113-111 37-24 Fri Feb 25 Houston 106-123 37-25 |
March
1970/71 - 6-6 1971/72 - 3-7 1972/73 - 5-10 1973/74 - 6-9 1974/75 - 9-7 1975/76 - 7-7 Total 36-44 |
Day Date Opponent Score W-L
Tue Mar 1 Philadelphia
Fri Mar 4 Cleveland Sat Mar 5 Seattle Tue Mar 8 @ Buffalo Thur Mar 10 @ New York Knicks Fri Mar 11 @ Kansas City Tue Mar 15 New Orleans Thur Mar 17 @ Golden State Fri Mar 18 Indiana Sun Mar 20 @ Phoenix Tue Mar 22 @ New Orleans Wed Mar 23 @ Houston Fri Mar 25 @ New York Nets Sun Mar 27 @ Philadelphia Tue Mar 29 Buffalo |
April
1970/71 - 1971/72 - 1972/73 - 1973/74 - 1974/75 - 3-0 1975/76 - 3-3 Total 6-3 |
Day Date Opponent Score W-L
Fri Apr 1 Golden State
Sun Apr 3 @ Seattle Tue Apr 5 Detroit Fri Apr 8 Phoenix Sat Apr 9 Los Angeles |