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The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Portland Trail Blazers in Game 7 of the 2000 Western Conference Finals via a thrilling and famous fourth-quarter comeback. Almost two decades later, one of the starters for the Trail Blazers in that game has not forgotten it, nor the “assistance” that Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant appeared to get in their quest for the NBA Finals. When asked by Ben Golliver of SI.com which past game he would like to view using virtual reality technology, Steve Smith, former Blazers shooting guard, picked that fateful series-clincher...and for fascinating reasons.
Steve Smith, former Blazer, explains why 2000 West finals Game 7 loss to Lakers would be his pick if he could re-watch any game from his 14-year career in Virtual Reality @blazersedge pic.twitter.com/uPg0gEyiTW
— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) February 21, 2018
Smith’s answer is interesting, considering most Trail Blazers fans click the power button like they were killing a Diablo boss whenever that game is re-broadcast. Then again, Smith apparently feels justified in the claim that Portland should have won it, while fans are left with regret and reflexive shudders.