One View of an Epic Game

When yesterday began, I was looking forward to hanging out with my firends that night, watching the game on some woefully antiquated boob tube, stuck in Eugene.  Then, out of nowhere, I saw SergioFTW's offer for two 300 level tix at face value (how can you turn that down?!?!) in the sidebar and my adventure was set in motion.  I had to hurt some friends' feelings (one isn't talking to me anymore...) but eventually decided on a lucky partner and we set off with little time to spare.  I met up with Sergio in Salem and got the tickets (cool dude and very nice) and battled the 205 traffic to make it to the Gateway Max station.  In the end, the timing worked out perfectly and we sat down in our seats (center court looking at the benches; kind of like TV perspective but up higher) right as the lights dimmed for introductions.  This was the first time I'd been to a Blazer game in six years, the first time I'd seen ANY of this group in real life, and my first time drinking at a sporting event (legally).  Needless to say, I was pumped.  What follows are my observations of events from the game that viewers at home might not have seen.

• At the time of tip-off, there were still A LOT of empty seats all over the arena, especially in the lower level.  Those filled out as the game went on, but there were still tons of empty seats, including my own row which was barely a third full.  Kind of disappointed it turned out that way, but the people who did come made up for the others' absence.
  
• It got LOUD!  I didn't really notice it in the arena to be honest, probably because I was screaming so much myself.  But as soon as I got in the open air, the lack of noise made me appreciate what went on in there. 
  
• Joey Crawford has as big an ego as any player on the court and it's disgraceful.  All game long, Joey strove to make calls that would garner attention and thus put him in the spotlight.  When he had to make a routine call, he would whip his arms around and make a big scene.  What gave you the impression this game was about you Mr. Referee?
• Yao however, understands the game IS about the referee.  At one point in the second quarter while Yao was on the end of the bench, the Blazers scored and the ball kicked over to the Rockets bench.  Crawford came over to collect it, but Yao jumped up from his seat and picked it up to hand over.  It was a classy move and probably bought him a few calls down the line.  Smart guy, that Yao.
• Sergio = Pee Wee?  I don't know if this was a new video last night or if they show it frequently at the RG, but I found it hilarious.  During a timeout, the jumbotron showed footage of the team's reaction to a photo of Pee Wee Herman as they were asked to Identify it.  Rudy's reaction went like this: "What? Is, Is Sergio... Rodriguez?" Followed by him laughing and apologizing as the entire arena laughed.  Bet Sergio felt GREAT during that timeout.
• Sergio and Rudy talk a lot on the court.  Once during a set of Houston free throws in the midst of the GregZilla lineup, they walked all around the half court talking nonstop.  I wonder if they were trying to distract the shooter, as they continued talking right through his attempts.
• Speaking of GregZilla, I want to see more of that line up as I don't think it got fully realized in last night's foul fest.  It's really a great concept:  Put 2 guys who love to shoot out there (Trout and Rudy), 1 guy who can get them the ball (Serge), and 2 Amazing offensive rebounders (Joel and Greg).  Brilliant!
  
• The way Greg and Lamarcus control the ball with one hand is unbelievable.  It's easy to take for granted, but when they snag those post-level entry passes and offensive boards with just one free hand, they're putting on display their considerable talents.  Not many people have hands like they do.
• Aaron Brooks is going to be an all star.  And I'm not saying this because he hit all those late 3's.  On a late drive to the hole, Brooks lost his balance and tipped the ball out of bounds.  It was a crucial possession and you could tell he knew it as he stayed on the floor a moment, lamenting.  But when he popped up, he was confident and cool and looked completely in the game, just like he did for every other one of his playing minutes.  Very impressed.
  
• The defense on Brandon Roy WAS good.  Battier is a master of subtleties and Artest is aggression personified.  But Brandon Roy is a divine wind and he breezed through them with no more regard than a strong gust has for a copse of trees.  He had to work really hard to get where he wanted but he always got there.
• I don't know if it was mentioned on TV, but Deke's final moments were very powerful in the Rose Garden.  There was some initial childish finger wagging taunts from fans, but after the realization set in that we were watching a legend's last moments on the battlefield, the crowd rose up in support.  Also, not to sound callous, but did it not seem a very natural ending to have the young Oden "replacing" the old Master?
• Outlaw's finish on the breakaway struck me in a few ways.  On the one hand, it was very professional and mature in a Scottie Pippen finger roll sort of way.  On the other, where's my super TROUT monster dunk dammit?!
  

I feel really blessed for having been able to experience last night's game.  Many great plays and terrific moments:  A 40 point game from Brandon,  Chalupas,  Good company (even met a few BEdgers outside the Max station but I forget their names :-(  ),  Serenading Roy with MVP during his foul shots, the ridiculously intense opening video were just a few.  But most importantly:  This was the first playoff win for a group which looks to win many many more.  It felt like watching Tiger's first Major win and it was beautifully epic.