by: Wayne Thompson

The Blazers entered January, 1977, with a 23-12 record and looking like a team of destiny. They had led the Pacific Division since day one. In their six previous seasons, Blazers' fans had never experienced anything like it.

The league got a sample of just how good the young Blazers were in a four-game home stand, Jan. 4-11. It started with a 44-point shellacking of the once-proud Boston Celtics.

Next up, New Orleans. With nine Blazers in double figures, the Jazz fell to the Blazer fastbreak, 130-118.

The San Antonio Spurs of Doug Moe, a very competitive team that season, were crushed by Portland, 150-113. Eight Blazers scored in double figures, led by Dave Twardzik (22), Bill Walton (21) and Wally Walker (19).

Moe expected as much. "They are devastating on their home court," he said. "Any place else we go, I think there is hope for us. When we go to Portland, I have no hope."

The Blazers finished off their greatest week of the season by demolishing the New York Knicks, 131-111, as Maurice Lucas garnered 36 points and 16 rebounds.

In that four-game stretch, Portland outscored its opposition, 134.8 to 106.5.

Yet destiny wasn't too quick to call afterall. The Blazers went out on the road in late January for their toughest trip of the season, lost four of eight games and relinquished their Pacific Division lead to the Lakers.