Live from the Rose Garden as the Portland Trail Blazers take on the Memphis Grizzlies.

I hope I can blog through the tears, as tonight is the final home game of the season. Ah, so many found memories from this year… that one time Joel Przybilla hid my retainer while spent all night crying about how expensive it was and how I was soooo dead when my parents found out, or that one time Greg Oden and I were playing WWE (I was Ric Flair, he was Dusty Rhodes) and I kicked him in the knee. Hard. Twice. But after that microfracture surgery, he was all better.

Oh, if the Blazers win tonight, they’ll guarantee a .500 season, and will be one win away from their first winning season since 2002-2003.

Pre-Game:
It's fan appreciation night, and goddamnit, I want to be appreciated! I'm hoping my suggestion from the other night comes true. I want to see Greg Oden on that court tonight. He doesn't have to do anything but stand there—would it kill you to smile?—in uniform for 10 seconds. It would generate a ton of national press, and be a nice fan appreciation gift. Then again, I also want Darius Miles on the court, and we all know that ain't happening.

In honor of fan appreciation night, the players are all scattered throughout the crowd. Martell Webster is playing the role of usher right next to us. As is Josh McRoberts, but his entire section just got sent back to the D-League.

No Oden. Unless he gets lowered in from the rafters, maybe it's not going to happen.

FIRST QUARTER:
9:45 - Channing Frye picks up where he has left off, knocking back a quick 14-footer. This is a slow moving game so far. Again, where's Oden? 2-2 tie.

6:22 - As a FAN, I do not APPRECIATE the Blazers lackluster play on MY night. They look sloppy, Memphis looks better (no easy task), and it's 13-8 Grizzzzzz.

1:23 - I think Rudy Gay harbors some resentment towards Brandon Roy, since Roy was drafted ahead of him, and took home the ROY honors last year. He tormented Portland last year, and tonight he plowed through for a layup and now just went up for a reversal dunk. 22-18 Memphis.

0:35 - Even the little shots aren't falling for Portland. Roy misses a pair of layups, but is bailed out when he is fouled, Portland pulls within a respectable, but by no means impressive, four. 25-21 Grizz.

Second Quarter:
9:35 - Brian Cardinal in the house! Let's hear it for the token white guy with a receding hairline. Dad, is that you? 31-27 Memphis.

8:36 - James Jones, number thirty-three, hits three pointer number three. My head hurts just typing that. 36-31 Grizzly Bears. Grrr.

6:57 - Sergio hits a three, but no one notices since the big screen was on Oden. The worst thing Oden could actually do is play. I've never seen someone so popular for sitting on a bench in a suit. In a desperate attempt to be noticed Sergio gets a steal and dishes to Jones for another three. Portland is in the lead. 39-38 Blazers.

2:59 - Steve Blake with a steal and unlike a certain point guard who shall remain nameless—JARRETT JACK—he doesn't turn it over on the other end. But, alas, Memphis still leads, 45-44 Grizzlies.

0:45 - Blake hits a three and Portland is going into the break with a lead. And some nachos. Coach McMillen just ordered them for everyone on the team. 52-47 PDX.

0:08 - Roy knows what the fans want: A dramatic three pointer from the All-Star right before the halftime buzzer, and Portland is up 55-48.

THIRD QUARTER:
9:11 - Mike Conley—best pal to one Greg Oden—has been a nightmare to defend, but take solace in the fact that he might be a Blazer in the near future. 63-56 Blazers.

8:00 - Also, it should be mentioned that tonight might be the final night for many a Blazer in this arena. Von Wafer is as good as gone. Here's hoping he gets some minutes tonight. Josh McRoberts? He might be a goner as well. Jarrett Jack? Channing Frye? I hope they don't get rid of Channing...

6:42 - Sweet Jesus, Brandon Roy gracefully hits another highlight reel layup. He is not gone next year. 70-56 Blazers.

3:29 - Captain Turnover with a trade value increasing three (he has 15 to lead all scorers!), and Portland is running away with this game. 20 point lead! 80-60 Blazers.

0:03 - These past few minutes have been a little rough. A lot of clanking, very little swishing, but Portland is heading into the final quarter with a two touchdown lead. 83-69 Portland.

FOURTH QUARTER:
9:23 - Which Darius Miles discounted jersey should I get? Clippers? Or Cavs? Evidentially Blazers fans care too much to sell theirs. 86-75 Portland.

6:55 - Jones with a three and this thing over except for the chalupas and bench players. I want some Von Wafer. 94-79 Portland.

5:31 - Aw, gee, the final t-shirt gun promotion of the season. I'm getting choked up. I'll miss you Trail Cat. 96-81 Blazers.

4:31 - Roy with a three and this thing is done. Tonight feels like the last day of school. After the final buzzer am I supposed to throw my (mac)book in the air? I wish Canzano would sign my press row yearbook. 102-81 Portland.

3:26 - McBob is in. Now where is Wafer? It looks like Portland is going to sub out each starter in order for them to get a standing ovation. Except, Aldridge, he couldn't wait for the season to end, he just fouled out. 105-85 Blazers.

2:29 - Goodbye Jarrett Jack. Perhaps next year you will return... and sit on the visitor's side? 107-85 Blazers.

1:38 - VON WAFER!!!! A big standing ovation from the crowd, but I assume that is because he is coming in for Roy.

0:34 - OH SHIT! Outlaw with not one, but two, reversal alley-oop dunks. Wow, what a way to end the year. 113-91 PDX

0:00 - Final score: 113-91 Portland Trail Blazers.

No Oden and no points for Wafer, but this was a great way to go out. It was a blast blogging these games, so thanks to all of you who suffer through them. This season was fun, but like much fans, I have the sneaking suspicion that next year will be better...