by: Wayne Thompson

Reeling from a disastrous February, the Blazers began the month of March madness healthy and rarin' to roll. First victim: the Philadelphia 76ers, arguably the most talented team in the league.

For three quarters, Portland blitzed the Sixers, 86-71, but then Bill Walton went down in a heap after a loose ball scramble, spraining his left ankle severely.

The Blazers held on for a 108-107 victory, paced by Maurice Lucas's 34 points and 12 rebounds and Lionel Hollins' 26 points and 10 assists.

After that, with Walton on the sidelines, Portland lost four of its next five games. The only win in that stretch -- a 134-104 victory over Seattle March 5 -- featured a career-high 28 points for Dave Twardzik. How's this for shooting?: Twardzik was 6 of 7 from the floor and 16 of 17 from the free throw line against the Sonics.

March also featured a sensational game by Larry Steele in a Blazer win at Golden State. Coming off the Blazer bench, Steele had 27 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists, while holding the great Rick Barry to a season-low 11 points.

Walton returned to the lineup March 15 to lead a 131-104 win over the New Orleans Jazz. That win launched an 18-game home court winning streak that carried the Blazers through the post-season playoffs and to the championship. -- By Wayne Thompson.