Sigh of relief in Portland, Oregon

By Gregory Crawford, Managing Editor of the East West Hoops

A big sigh of relief went over Portland, Oregon and beyond on Friday night, when the Blazers defeated the New Orleans Pelicans.

Not only was it a great come from behind road win, but it also stopped the Blazers' losing streak, counting four straight on the road. The win comes at the end of the Blazers' five game road trip, they now come home for three straight starting on Sunday. After that, it is no road rest as Portland heads out on their final long road trip of the year, another five game trip

Since we always love to hear from our readers, where do you think Portland will wind up as a seed in the Western Conference and how far will they advance in the playoffs?

Phil Jackson era starts in New York

By Gregory Crawford, Managing Editor of the East West Hoops

Lots of fanfare, lots of plaudits for the New York Knicks hiring of Phil Jackson. Reputation deserved in one area of basketball does not always carry over to the other areas.

My take on Jackson is that after two years, he will become bored with the front office and move onto another area of basketball. You have to give Jackson credit for his competitive fire, but this time around he will not be on many road trips, he will not be at every practice and he will not be in the huddle with his famous glare of players and motivational tactics.

Yes, I give him two and done. In addition, I do not think he will be successful in his new role, being able to translate from the greatest NBA coach of all time to a great front office guy. It is just very hard to do and few people have succeeded at the job.

Per usual, in the East West Hoops, what are your thoughts on this subject? Thank you.

Report: Phil Jackson offered front office role with New York Knicks

It seems like every year the Zen Master himself; Phil Jackson finds his name being called on for head coaching jobs. This time around it's not for a head coaching job instead it's for a front office position.

According to Frank Isola of the New York Daily News, Jackson has been offered a front office position by the Knicks and is expected to give a decision next week.

This news is really interesting to hear because I truly believe that Phil Jackson can turn around the Knicks. Right now, the New York Knicks are in a terrible spot and who better to fix it then Phil Jackson. Remember in his playing days, Jackson was a Knick and won two championships with them. Also as a coach he has 11 rings with the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers.

Also in Isola's piece, an NBA source said "that it would be more than a consulting job." When you think of Jackson taking on this role just imagine what Pat Riley is doing with the Miami Heat.

Riley rebuilt the Heat, signed Chris Bosh and Lebron James in free agency, and so far got two titles out of the Big Three. Finally, he also got a great coach in Erik Spoelstra who he promoted within.

If Jackson decides he wants to take the front office position and if James Dolan gives him control, his first task at hand will be trying to convince Carmelo Anthony to stay in New York.

If the Zen Master can keep Melo in NY and build around him the right way, Madison Square Garden might be the Mecca of basketball again.

Wilt Chamberlain: The NBA's Greatest Game, March 2nd, 1962

By Gregory Crawford, Managing Editor of the East West Hoops

I am not sure you can argue the point with any validity, but would love to hear your readers' thoughts. Was this the greatest one game in NBA history.

Today is the 52nd anniversary of Wilt Chamberlain's 100 point game. No one since has come even close to scoring 100 points in a game. Not sure if there is anyone in the NBA that can accomplish the iconic moment.

For the record, the game was played in Hershey, Pa., in front of 4,124 fans. That attendance has grown by leaps and bounds over the years, with many people who were born in the 80s and 70s, stating boldly they were in attendance.

Of course, I was not there, but I did watch the game on smart phone that memorable day in March, while constantly texting my friends about the history and even after it was over I faxed the box score to many people.

In case you want to know, Wilt's stat line on offense included being 36 field goals made on 63 attempts, as well as being 28 of 32 from the free throw line. Remarkable,  considering Wilt was never a good free throw shooter. FINAL SCORE: Philadelphia Warriors 169 New York Knickerbockers 147.

Reader ??????

1. Was this amazing fete the greatest game ever by one person in the NBA?

2. Was this the NBA's greatest game ever, having one player score 100 points?

3. Is Wilt the greatest player ever in the NBA, as many people think he is ?

My two cents, this is the greatest game ever in the NBA and Magic Johnson without question is the greatest player ever in the NBA, greater than Michael Jordan.

Gregory Crawford @wchoops

Who will represent the East in the NBA Finals?

Paul George is leading the charge for Indiana

With the second half of the NBA season beginning a few weeks ago, the push to the playoffs are beginning. Teams are starting to separate themselves from contender to pretender. This is more prevalent in the NBA's Eastern Conference, where there are two teams fighting for supremacy. Those two teams are the Indiana Pacers and the Miami Heat.