Drexler Returning ‘Home’

For a week, Clyde Drexler has tried not to think about it, tried to concentrate on matters at hand and not look ahead.

But it was always there in the back of his mind. Occasionally, it would jump to the front, even though Drexler didn’t want it to. Going home - and Portland is like home for Drexler, even though he still calls himself a Houstonian - will do that to a guy.

“I spent 11 seasons in Portland,” Drexler said. “Of course there are going to be some emotions when I go back. It’s going to be tough.”

Tonight, that emotion will come rushing to him. Drexler and the Rockets visit the Portland Trail Blazers for the first time since he was acquired on Feb. 14 for Otis Thorpe.

Drexler led the Blazers to two appearances in the NBA Finals, losing first to Detroit in 1990, then to Chicago in 1992.

“Portland is special in my heart,” he said.