In a ceremony that is becoming commonplace but never gets old, the San Antonio Spurs received their 2007 NBA Championship rings and the banner was raised to the rafters at the AT&T Center tonight.

Commissioner David Stern was on hand to congratulate the team and present them with the jewelry.  The video montage that was played on The Lighthouse before the ceremony began was a terrific representation of the Spurs playoff run last season.  It got the crowd pumped up and prepared for what's ahead.

Now that the ceremony is over, the Spurs get back to the business at hand - defending their title. After four NBA Championships, they are on their quest to repeat for the first time in franchise history.

The game is tipping off now as the Spurs face the Oden-less Trail Blazers. With Beno Udrih traded and Jacque Vaughn injured, we may see a little bit of newcomer Darius Washington backing up Tony Parker at the point tonight.  Washington impressed the Spurs brass in preseason, bringing energy and composure on both ends of the court.

Tim just hit the first basket on the season for San Antonio - let the quest begin.

--Kori