May 1977 Remembering the Walton Gang

Part three of Five

May forty years ago

The Denver Nuggets had star power in David Thompson, Dan Issel, and Bobby Jones, and a formidable home court. The Blazers however, were able to steal game one thanks to a line drive shot by an angry Maurice Lucas at the horn (in Issel’s face).  He was returning the favor after Issel converted a three-point play on Lucas, to tie the game moments earlier. From that point, the Blazers defended their home court by winning games three and four (after losing game two). Walton and Lucas overpowered Issel and Jones throughout. Denver tried to counter with size, moving Thompson to the backcourt, but they were unable to slow the Blazer break in Portland. The series ended in six games with Johnny Davis starring in the finale. Now it was off to LA to take on NBA “royalty” – the Los Angeles Lakers.

“Kickin’ your can all over the place” – Queen

The Lakers had the best record, best home record and best player in the league. They beat Portland 3 out of 4 during the regular season and were favorites to win it all. Right from the start however, a familiar pattern emerged. LA power forward Don Ford, was overmatched by Maurice Lucas in the paint and Walton was every bit the match for Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. At a friend’s house on a Friday night in mid-May 1977 we witnessed the unthinkable. The Trail Blazers blew out the Lakers! It was only their second ever win in the fabulous Forum. It was also the night we realized the Blazers could actually win this thing. On Sunday afternoon it got even weirder. Blazer reserve Herm Gilliam got insanely hot in the second half, scoring 14 of his 24 points in the fourth quarter in the comeback 99 – 97 win. “Squirmin’ Herman" knocked down crazy shot after crazy shot and single handedly beat a determined, desperate Laker team! With the Blazers up 2 – 0 and headed back to Portland, the state went red with Blazermania!  I remember the excitement and anticipation between games as if it was yesterday. The Blazers grinded out tough wins on Wednesday and Friday against the resilient Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Bill Walton’s compete game was on full display against Abdul-Jabbar who was clearly the better scorer – maybe the best ever.  Walton however, was more athletic, an equal rebounder, a better defender and superior passer, and in this series, he was better in the big moments. The big red head bested the league’s most valuable player and the Portland Trail Blazers were headed to the NBA Finals with a stunning 4 – 0 sweep of the Los Angeles Lakers. It was the stuff dreams are made of.  It was Friday the 13^th, May 1977.

 

“Blowin’ and burnin’ blinded by thirst” – Eagles