Portland Trail Blazers: The greatest Opening Day games in franchise history (Pt. 1)

No. 8: Clyde Drexler

Date: November 4th, 1988 vs. Phoenix Suns
Statistics: 29 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists, 14-of-21 from the field

In Clyde Drexler’s first appearance on this list, we look back on one of the moments from the highest-scoring season of his career in 1988-89.

The Blazers weren’t given much time before a litmus test came their way, with an Opening Day duel against the Kevin Johnson and Tom Chambers-led Suns team that went on to win 55 games and make the Western Conference Finals.

This game had a bit of suspense to it, as the Portland Trail Blazers were unsure of if Drexler would even play, thanks to a bout with knee tendonitis.

As it turned out, he had more than enough to play in this game, putting together a game Portland fans would grow accustomed to seeing over the next half-decade.

By this point, Drexler still wasn’t a trustworthy threat from deep, but he was a terror in the open floor in this game, using the Suns’ frenetic pace to his benefit. The legend of Clyde Drexler’s career was building through games against the Suns for that very reason.

Sticking to the theme of what a successful Opening Day game meant, the Blazers used it to get out to a 20-14 start to the season, but went on nasty, lengthy losing streaks in January and February that bled into the post All-Star break schedule.

They found a way to heat up and snag the eighth and final Playoff spot, but proved to be little match for the Los Angeles Lakers. But, it continued to cement Clyde Drexler as a perennial All-NBA force nonetheless.