The fans got what they came out for, as Portland won a seesaw 117-113 victory over Phoenix. "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."

Phoenix 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 [Phoenix star] Hunt really put on a show for the fans."

Portland was led by Smith (35 points, 5 boards, 13 assists, 3 steals), Vanderveer (9 points, 5 boards, 3 assists, a steal, 4 blocks), Mcneil (20 points, 1 assists, a steal). Phoenix was led by Hunt (10 points, 13 boards, 3 assists, a steal, 3 blocks), Celaya (24 points, 4 assists, a block), Dupree (24 points, a block).

Portland are now 33-27. They stay at #4 in the Northwest and remain at #8 overall in the Western Conference. With today's loss, Phoenix stand at 32-31 and 19-13 at home. They stay at #3 in the Pacific and hold at #9 overall in the Western Conference.

box score Portland roster Phoenix roster