| 16 April 2009
It’s a night that will stand out more than most when I look back on my second season covering the Blazers: A night to take it all in from the alleyway as Portland co-owns a division title and moves forward into the NBA playoffs.
I wrote about this back in December. Not the division title or postseason part, but the view from the alley – or tunnel – at the Rose Garden. But Wednesday night was different. For much of the season, I’ve often opted for the spot down near the visitor’s bench. But more and more the passage from Portland’s bench and towards the locker room has been prime real estate.
It’s what you hear and see that sticks with you….
That’s where you hear, “We Want Houston” chants, with about three minutes left in the fourth quarter begin to start.
That’s where you see Joel Przybilla and Steve Blake exchange laughs looking up at the “Hustle Board” during a final timeout.
That’s where Brandon Roy, LaMarcus Aldridge and Travis Outlaw yuck it up on the bench while a 28 point pummel of Denver takes place before them.
That’s where Rudy Fernandez gets big hugs from Brandon and Travis once he comes out of the game.
That's where “Rudy-Rudy-Rudy” is the loudest.
It's where the horn sounds and the party is over.
It's where another party has just begun.
That's where Paul Allen and Brandon Roy share a laugh.
That’s where Paul Allen gives out high-fives to fans with security guards and red and silver streamers trailing right behind him.
That’s where Nate McMillan and his staff sport ear-to-ear grins as they congratulate each other along the way.
That’s where assistant coach Kaleb Canales lets out a trademark victory scream.
It's where Kevin Pritchard thanks staff members, security guards and a media relations team for a job well done this season.
It's where Brandon Roy holds his 2-year-old son and gets Brandon Jr. some ESPN postgame face-time.
That’s where players return the favor and thank Portland on fan appreciation night.
That’s where everyone was clamoring for Martell Webster.
That’s where photographers snap money shots.
It's where the Rose Garden is mad hungry for the playoffs to start.
pic via: yahoosports.com
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