Best Games #9 ,10

 I saw a game on TV a couple days ago. Trailblazers behind by 5 with 11.5 seconds to go. No chance, right? Ball is thrown in from out of bounds and Lillard hits a three point shot. Pass in by the Bulls and its a jump ball. The tip is batted around a few times, winds up in Lillard's hands, he shoots and scores another 3 point shot as time expires. Portland wins. One of the best games I've ever seen. I was thinking about games I've seen in person, and thought, "I need to make a list." So here we go. This time its #9 and #10

#10. Not a great game necessarily, but I saw the 10th game Portland ever played. We played the equally hapless Cleveland Cavaliers who were also in their first season. We lost, but I'm pretty sure it was the first professional game of any type I ever saw. Geoff Petrie was our star. He won Rookie of the Year that year. He played a few more seasons, then retired with bad knees. Future Blazer coach Rick Adelman was their point guard. He was on the cover of their program, which if I kept would probably be worth a lot of money now. I got to stand right behind Bill Schonley as his did his post game show. I'm sure that wouldn't be allowed any more. I don't think he had even coined "Rip City" at that time. So as games go, not much, but a fun experience for me.

#9. Laker vs some team I don't remember. It was in the L.A. Forum. One play in particular, Kareem stole the ball dribbled, put the ball behind his back then stuffed it. Somebody next to us said he went to all their games and never saw him do that. The guy that became my future best man took me and we had a great time. Afterward, Kareem was interviewed at half court by former Laker Keith Erickson. I got a great picture which I still have.