The Steve Nash Show
Vancouver sees hometown hero
By HOSEA CHEUNG, SUN MEDIA
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  Phoenix Suns' Steve Nash thrills the crowd at G.M. place Thursday night. (Sun Media/Jessica Rolli) |
There was something special about Steve Nash playing at G.M. Place Thursday night.
It wasn't just about the fact that he logged 23:33, recorded 14 points and collected seven assists.
It wasn't just about his intensity, like in the third quarter when he went off on the referees for missing a goaltending call.
And it wasn't just about the score, a 113-93 win by the Portland Trail Blazers over the Phoenix Suns, ending preseason play for both teams.
No, the fans were just glad to see their hometown NBA hero in action, no matter what happened.
And he was glad to be there.
"It's amazing to come back home and play, to bring my teammates back home it's a special feeling," said Nash. "Really really a pleasure and honour to be able to come home and play under these circumstances. I just want to say thanks to the fans."
After a 'We want Nash' chant with him sitting on the bench late in the game, Nash took off his shoes, autographed them and threw them into the crowd.
"It's amazing, it really feels like we have a ton of support out there," he said. "If this is the last time I play here, it's pretty amazing to have a sold out G.M. Place but I have a hunch we'll be back, and let's get the campaign in motion for next year."
When it came to the game itself, Portland's Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge led the way with 22 and 17 points respectively, while Travis Outlaw also put up 17. At one point, the Trail Blazers were up by 18.
Amar'e Stoudemire and Jared Dudley had 13 points for Phoenix, while they shot for 46.2 per cent from the field.
The crowd at G.M. place was listed at a sold out 19,699.
Meanwhile, a good contingent of the Canucks made an appearance to the game, including Ryan Kesler, Alex Burrows, Alex Edler, Willie Mitchell, Mason Raymond, Darcy Hordichuk, Mikael Samuelsson, and Shane O'Brien.
