Portland Trail Blazers' Rudy Fernandez Will Rise To Fight again

An emotional 111-94 victory over the league-leading Los Angeles Lakers should have dominated the headlines.

Instead, the real story for Portland fans was the frightening image of their beloved Spanish rookie, Rudy Fernandez, being wheeled out of the Rose Garden in a neck brace on a gurney.

With the hometown Trail Blazers leading by 30 with seconds left in the third quarter, Fernandez was flying toward the basket on a fast-break dunk attempt. Laker Trevor Ariza apparently swiped at the ball from behind and locked wrists with Fernandez, sending the Spaniard tumbling to an awkward landing.

Twenty thousand fans simultaneously felt the pain of the impact and wondered in horror as Fernandez lay in a heap under the basket.

Concerned and furious Blazers players rushed to the defense of their fallen compadre and a punch-less standoff ensued as several Lakers players joined the fracas.

It took several minutes to quiet the testosterone overload on the court and sort out the various fouls and related free throws. Meanwhile, the sense of urgency surrounding Fernandez by doctors and paramedics was all too visible to the angered fans.

Riots have erupted over less provocation.

Fortunately, the fans kept their cool—and even better—the latest reports (as of this morning) say Fernandez is very sore but will recover from what has been described as "soft tissue trauma" to his chest and neck. MRI and CAT scans have proven negative. He will be questionable for Wednesday's game against Dallas.

To add damage to humiliation for the Lakers, the loss of up to three players in their next game, due to suspensions from activity in the melee, is probable.

With the positive news concerning Fernandez, Blazer Nation may now bask in the afterglow of their seventh straight victory over the Lakers at the Garden.

Suspense is already building for another showdown in Portland as the Blue and Gold return once more on Apr. 10.