Memphis are ahead of Portland in the Western Conference First Round 1-0 after squeezing out a 97-95 win today against Portland. Both teams came out of the gates strong but a late game push by Memphis was just enough to hold off Portland. Coach Bob said, "This game is really a sign of things to come. We come out and play hard every night. Things are looking up, and the fans of Memphis have a lot to look forward to after this victory."

In the Portland locker room after the game, players were in a somber mood. Even after the great team performance led by King, they still come up short. "We deserved to win. That was our game - we just need to be able to put our opposition away when we have them down. We really were the better team." said King after the game.

Memphis was led by Whitfield (28 points, 16 boards, 0 assists, 2 blocks), Chatman (6 points, 7 boards, 12 assists, a block), Hall (19 points, 0 assists, a block). Portland was led by King (23 points, 7 boards, 5 assists), Palacios (18 points, 8 boards, 1 assists), Hume (5 points, a steal).

box score Memphis roster Portland roster