Rip City is Still Rocking
By Dayton Brown
Despite disappointment and frustration, Blazer fans continue to show unwavering support.
No, not many people expected the Blazers’ season to evolve into a sub-.500 record. Many expected a playoff berth with home court in the first round, and possibly the second. Not many expected Festus Ezeli to miss the entire season due to plaguing injuries. An All-Star appearance by Damian Lillard looked guaranteed, with C.J. McCollum also in that conversation. None of those predictions came true, nor will they at all this year.
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However, disappointment and frustrations aside, this is a fun team to watch. An electrifying back court of Lillard and McCollum continue to impress. Newly acquired Jusuf Nurkić has exploded onto the scene, providing tenacious play the Blazers haven’t had in years. Contributions by Evan Turner, Moe Harkless and Al-Farouq Aminu have showcased how young and athletic this team really is. The playoffs aren’t out of the picture, but even if the Blazers we’re eliminated, cheering would never cease.
I attended Portland’s home game against Oklahoma City Thursday evening. Listening to crowd noise alone, you would have thought this was the best team in the league. The eruption of cheers after every shot, the pre-game introductions, the confetti falling after every win. There’s a reason so many players and personnel call Blazer fans the “best fans in the game.” Constant support and sold-out games no matter the circumstances.
The non-stop, unwavering support provided by fans is embedded into Portland basketball. It is part of the culture as it feeds into the players’ confidence every single home game. The Moda Center. The Rose Garden. Call it whatever you want: the home of the Portland Trail Blazers always embodies fantastic fan support along with the always-refreshing optimism.
Thank you, fellow Blazer fans. Despite a rough season, which is even rougher due to many circumstances, you have all kept your heads high. You have also kept the volume loud, drowning out the sound of the nay-sayers and doubters. The rocking, rambunctious support has sent waves throughout the NBA for years. This further helps the franchise and city as a whole. Keep cheering. Continue to attend games and scream and clap as loud as you can. The Blazers mean so much to Portland, and we so much to them. Here’s to a brighter future, with the same amount of love.