The fans got what they came out for, as Portland won a seesaw 96-88 victory over Toronto. "What a great game to have been a part of," said Portland star Smith. "The momentum kept changing and neither team really had a chance to run away with the game. It just came down to having more in the tank at the end, and that was us."

Toronto coach Bob was less enthusiastic about the game. "We had our chances to win the game, but didn't convert them. I'm most bothered that it seemed like we faded down the stretch; I think we may need to spend a little more time working on conditioning in the future. Regardless, it was a great game. Smith and [Toronto star] Wright really put on a show for the fans."

Portland was led by Smith (24 points, 5 assists, 2 steals), Mcneil (20 points, 6 boards, 2 assists, a steal), Vanderveer (10 points, 15 boards, 1 assists, a block). Toronto was led by Wright (7 points, 19 boards, 3 assists), Murray (16 points, 6 boards, 3 assists, a block), Smith (14 points, 5 boards, 1 assists).

With today's win, Portland jump to 31-25 and 17-11 at home. They stay at #4 in the Northwest and remain at #8 overall in the Western Conference. Toronto fall to 31-23 with the defeat. They remain at #2 in the Atlantic and remain at #4 overall in the Eastern Conference.

box score Portland roster Toronto roster