“I loved it,” Zito said. “Loved every second of it.” Cheeks was on hand as an assistant coach with the New York Knicks, the Blazers' opponent. He could be seen smiling during Zito’s ...

Up stepped Portland's then-head coach Maurice Cheeks, who stood side-by-side with Gilbert to encourage her, saying, "C'mon," before singing "stars last gleaming" with Gilbert. The former ...

PORTLAND, Ore. — When Maurice Cheeks was coach of the Trail Blazers, he had a wonderful approach to dealing with stress, chaos and/or conflict that often intersects with life in the NBA.

A tip of the cap to the Trail Blazers. By inviting Zito to sing the national anthem Wednesday in front of former coach Maurice Cheeks, the Blazers won before the game even tipped off. She belted ...