Portland Trail Blazers honour Maurice Lucas
The Portland Trail Blazers honoured former star Maurice Lucas, who died last Sunday due to a long battle with bladder cancer. Lucas, a hard-nosed power forward who earned the nickname the "Enforcer," died at the age of 58.
Lucas, who led the Trail Blazers to the 1977 NBA title, averaged 14.4 points and 8.8 rebounds in 12 seasons as a pro. During his championship season with the Trail Blazers, he led the team with per game averages of 20.2 points, 36.2 minutes played, 2.4 offensive rebounds, 8.0 field goals made and 4.2 free throws made. The former Marquette stand-out had stints with the Trail Blazers, the New York Knicks, the New Jersey Nets, the Los Angeles Lakers and the Phoenix Suns.
Luuuuuuuke!
The Blazers were on the road when they heard the news of Lucas's passing. Lucas worked as an assistant coach for the team for six seasons. Last year, he left his post to undergo surgery.
In a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Rose Garden crowd participated in a moment of silence for the former Blazers forward. Then the crowd shouted "Luuuuuke!," which was a battle cry for Lucas during his pro career.
The team also showed a video tribute of Lucas with 6:40 left in the first quarter, prompting a long standing ovation from the Trail Blazers faithful.
A spotlight in the Rose Garden also projected giant letters that spelled "Enforcer" and showed an outline of Lucas' number 20 jersey. The game had Lucas's family members in attendance.
As a tribute to Lucas, Trail Blazers players will wear number 20 on their uniforms for the rest of the season.
A private funeral will be held in Portland on Friday. The Trail Blazers will hold a public memorial for Lucas on Monday; it will take place at Memorial Coliseum, where the Trail Blazers used to play. Lucas is survived by his sons David and Maurice II, daughter Kristin and wife Pamela.
Tags: