82-81 with 17.3 seconds left. How about that!

Detroit wins by three. :(

For all the bad press this team has been subjected to, I can't help but reminisce how these players remind me of the pre-Walton (Trail)Blazers; the "expansion" boys. Sure, they stunk up the hardwood most nights, but on the rare occasion they played their hearts out and beat the big powers from the East. This is the first season in many years that I'm inclined to follow them, not for want of a superstar but to see what they can do.

We turned the game off after the first quarter, when the Blazers were hot, ahead...and it left a warm fuzzy feeling. Besides I'd already won a buck from my step-son that LA would lose and end the earlier game with a missed three-pointer from Kobe.

I agree that there was something very positive about this game starting with Nate McMillan’s noble presence on the sidelines and Juan Dixon’s terrific performance on the court. And Detroit has a lot to be proud of in Rick Hamilton. Meanwhile, the number of Blazers that make me slightly sick just looking at them, has dropped to 3 and that’s way down. It’s also nice when the other team has the biggest jerk on the floor for a change, although it’s tough to dislike Rasheed more than our local sex offender. All in all, the game was an encouraging reminder of the good vibes that filled the Rose City when Clyde and Terry ran the show.

I don't know, I'd chalk it up to the end of a long road trip by Detroit. I mean Chauncy Billups (I think he is Detroit's best) missing a free throw at the end?

Portland really needs a reliable 3-pt shooter (and to wake up Darius/Zach on defense.) Too bad, they blew that money on Ratliff's contract.

It's hard to believe no one can shoot the 3, but no one could at the end last night. Was that what that kid Webster was hired for?

Here I thought you had said it was going to be their Last Season and got all excited.

Speed reading has its flaws.

The NBA, bah humbug!

The harm done to many young Black males by the NBA Carrot is immeasurable, as when they realize their life-long dream is impossible to achieve they will ... Never ... Believe ... Again.

Now, what's to be expected from those whose dreams and belief's have been shattered?

Hi, Jack,

I was lucky enough to be at the game. It was very good. Zack worked hard. D-Miles worked hard. That is a lot better than last year. There is a chance that the new coach will be just perfect for the players that the blazers have on the roster.

Now is the time for an open mind.

I was at a bar in DC, flirting with some girl, when I glanced up at the TV screen to see that my beloved Blazers were beating the Detroit Pistons... I promptly ditched the girl sat down at the bar, and set about chearing for my boys. We may not win a lot this year, but its nice to have a team that I can root for.

The best scenes so far have been with Darius Miles wincing and limping all over the court. Coach Nate just stands there and stares past him, as if to say, "You wanted to be the man. Now you're the man. You gotta play hurt." Miles grimaces and keeps going.

I hope they don't overdo that -- I don't want to see one of the few stars get hurt so bad he's out for a long stretch of the season. But we haven't had that kind of chemistry around here for a long time. It's been fun to watch so far.