A couple days ago, a young girl sang the National Anthem for Portland's Game 3. Near the end of the song, she forgot the words, and stood there alone, close to tears. Maurice Cheeks, the coach for the Trailblazers, walked up to her and helped her finish the song. He then persuaded the rest of the stadium to sing along. He wasn't the best singer, that was obvious, but it took some quick thinking, and a really big heart to go out there and help her out. Things like that just kinda make you're heart smile a little more.

"Perhaps the only positive in the community has been the classy Cheeks, who finally brought some pride to the franchise before Friday's Game 3 when he stepped in to sing and help young Natalie Gilbert, who forgot the words singing the national anthem. The crowd joined in for a rare Blazer moment of pride."

Posted by Yano at April 29, 2003 01:49 PM

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