The Phoenix Suns’ opening night loss to the Portland Trail Blazers was bad in every sense imaginable: The home team had more turnovers than assists, they were out-rebounded 57-33 and the 124-76 loss was the worst in franchise history.
Most of the 18,000 in attendance left early. But not Peter Quarequio.
“We didn’t lose by 50 points,” he said after the final buzzer sounded. “It’s our 50th anniversary season, but we didn’t lose by 50 points.”
That type of enthusiasm -- zealous devotion? gallows humor?-- mixed with good will, mixed with fond memories, mixed with looking ahead, might be what it takes to get through this season with the Valley’s original franchise.