Bryant Reeves

Keeping a tight grip on a fourth period lead despite the Vancouver Grizzlies’ best efforts, the Portland Trail Blazers appeared to be well-positioned in their goal of leaving the trip to Canada with a victory. That is, until Vancouver called on its second country — a man by the name of “Big Country” — for a heroic sequence. Faced with an ultimatum that required a bucket to force overtime, Bryant Reeves situates himself to handle the task, hustling in to gather his teammate’s go-ahead layup attempt for a game-saving putback. Drawing the delight of the crowd, Reeves’ hustle play helped the Grizzlies carve out a much-needed victory over a postseason-bound team on December 15, 1995. Later deeming the bucket the highlight of a Year One that included an All-Rookie Second Team selection, Reeves packaged it with a brilliant performance throughout, turning in 25 points (on 10-of-20 shooting), 17 rebounds, one steal, and one block. The overtime win marked Vancouver’s second of the regular season against Portland — whom they also defeated in their franchise’s debut game just weeks before — with their inaugural first round pick playing an invaluable role.

Rookie Year

Top Shot Debut