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McMillan A Winner In Return To Seattle
Returning to where he played and coached for 19 seasons, McMillan was greeted by a standing ovation before the game, then watched his team snap a four-game road losing streak. Portland had not won on the road since Dec. 26 at Sacramento. Considered "Mr. Sonic," McMillan said he was eager to get through Monday's game. While most fans applauded McMillan's return, there were a few boos and one fan behind the Blazers' bench who displayed a cardboard sign with "Mr. Sonic" crossed out and "TRAITOR" written below in black marker. McMillan's contract expired with Seattle on July 1 and he agreed to a reported six-year, $30-million contract with the Blazers on July 6. Oklahoma City, Portland Trail Blazers Read the Full Story Discuss Send Feedback Carter Sits At Portland With Sore Back
Carter, who averages 24.1 points per game, hurt his lower back Monday in an 89-78 loss to Utah. He reaggravated it in a 90-77 loss Wednesday to the Los Angeles Clippers. Against the Clippers, Carter hit just one shot from the field to finish with a season-low three points. He left the game with 2:25 to go in the third quarter. New Jersey Nets, Portland Trail Blazers Read the Full Story Discuss Send Feedback Buy Tickets Center Tandem Working Nicely In Portland
With Ratliff beginning a four-year, $46 million contract last season, Nash brought in the lowly regarded Przybilla with a two-year, $3.36 million deal to compete with Vladimir Stepania as Ratliff’s backup. Przybilla quickly accomplished that, then flourished in a starting role when Ratliff went down to injuries. Read the Full Story Discuss Send Feedback Buy Tickets Trail Blazers Jan 2006 Archive
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Zach Randolph scored 32 points, and Nate McMillan was a winner in his return to Seattle as the Portland Trail Blazers beat the SuperSonics 116-111 on Monday night.
Vince Carter did not suit up for the New Jersey Nets on Friday night against the Portland Trail Blazers because of a sore back. 
Trail Blazer centers Joel Przybilla and Theo Ratliff have shown it is possible to split time at a position and not be at war with each other — or the coach.
“We make a great one-two punch,” says Ratliff, 32, who comes off the bench after having been a starter most of his 11-year career.
“We both know what we have to do for the team,” says Przybilla, 26, a six-year veteran who had a breakout second half of last season while Ratliff was on the mend from a pair of injured shoulders. “And both of us are doing it pretty well.”