Portland Trail Blazers

The Portland Trail Blazers had made the NBA playoffs for eight consecutive years, but that streak was snapped last season.

Portland Trail Blazers: Pioneers of Passion and Perseverance

The Portland Trail Blazers, a storied franchise in the National Basketball Association (NBA), have illuminated the Pacific Northwest with their remarkable journey through the world of professional basketball. With a fiercely dedicated fan base, iconic black and red colors, and a legacy filled with memorable moments, legendary players, and a commitment to excellence, the Trail Blazers stand as a testament to passion and perseverance in the NBA. In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the rich history of the Portland Trail Blazers, exploring their significant achievements, iconic players, community involvement, and their enduring pursuit of an NBA championship.

Foundation and Early Years

The Portland Trail Blazers entered the NBA as an expansion team in 1970, bringing the excitement of professional basketball to the city of Portland, Oregon. The franchise was the brainchild of a group of investors led by Herman Sarkowsky and Larry Weinberg, who believed in the potential of the Portland market.

In their inaugural season, the Trail Blazers showed promise, finishing with a respectable 29-53 record. However, it didn’t take long for the team to make its mark in the league. Just six years after their inception, the Blazers accomplished something truly remarkable: they won the 1977 NBA championship.

The 1976-77 Championship Season

The 1976-77 season will forever be etched in the annals of Portland Trail Blazers history. Led by head coach Jack Ramsay and featuring a roster that included Bill Walton, Maurice Lucas, and Lionel Hollins, the Blazers embarked on a captivating journey through the playoffs.

In the NBA Finals, the Trail Blazers faced the formidable Philadelphia 76ers, led by the legendary Julius Erving. Despite being the underdogs, the Blazers captured the hearts of fans with their tenacity, teamwork, and sheer determination. In a six-game series, the Trail Blazers secured their first-ever NBA championship, with Bill Walton being named the NBA Finals MVP.

The 1977 championship remains one of the defining moments in the franchise’s history, and the passionate fan base in Portland still celebrates it as a crowning achievement.

The Drexler Era

The 1980s ushered in the Clyde Drexler era, a period marked by the excellence of one of the greatest shooting guards in NBA history. Drexler, known as “Clyde the Glide,” was a dynamic scorer, playmaker, and leader on the court.

During this era, the Trail Blazers consistently made deep playoff runs and became perennial contenders in the Western Conference. Their memorable battles with the Los Angeles Lakers, led by Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, were the stuff of NBA lore.

While the Blazers were unable to capture another championship during this time, the Clyde Drexler era solidified the franchise’s reputation as a competitive force in the league. Drexler’s impact on the team and the city of Portland was immeasurable, and he remains one of the most beloved figures in Trail Blazers history.

The “Rip City” Revival

In the early 2000s, the Trail Blazers experienced a resurgence, known as the “Rip City” revival. Led by head coach Nate McMillan and featuring star players like Rasheed Wallace, Damon Stoudamire, and Zach Randolph, the Blazers became a force to be reckoned with in the Western Conference.

The passionate fan base in Portland, affectionately known as “Blazermania,” was rekindled during this era. The Trail Blazers’ deep playoff runs, including an appearance in the 2000 Western Conference Finals, reignited the spirit of Rip City.

Though the Trail Blazers fell short of an NBA championship during this period, the “Rip City” revival breathed new life into the franchise and created lasting memories for fans.

The Damian Lillard Era

The arrival of Damian Lillard in 2012 marked a new era of hope and promise for the Portland Trail Blazers. Lillard, a dynamic point guard with extraordinary scoring ability, quickly became the face of the franchise.

Under Lillard’s leadership, the Trail Blazers consistently made playoff appearances and became known for their “Lillard Time” moments, where Damian Lillard’s clutch shot-making abilities earned him the nickname “Dame Time.”

The 2018-19 season was a standout year for the Trail Blazers, as they advanced to the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 2000. Lillard’s iconic series-winning shot against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the playoffs remains one of the most memorable moments in recent NBA history.

Community Involvement and Impact

The Portland Trail Blazers have been active participants in their community, engaging in various philanthropic efforts and initiatives to make a positive impact on the city of Portland and its residents.

The “Make It Better” initiative, launched by the Blazers, focuses on addressing critical issues such as education, wellness, and social justice. The franchise’s commitment to making a difference extends beyond the basketball court, reinforcing their role as a pillar of the community.

Legendary Players and Iconic Moments

Throughout their history, the Portland Trail Blazers have been blessed with a roster of legendary players who have left an indelible mark on the franchise and the NBA as a whole. From Bill Walton and Clyde Drexler to Damian Lillard, these players have not only elevated the Trail Blazers but have also contributed to the rich tapestry of basketball history.

Bill Walton, a towering presence in the paint, led the Trail Blazers to their first NBA championship in 1977. His unique skill set and basketball IQ made him one of the most dominant centers of his era.

Clyde Drexler, known for his scoring ability and versatility, was the face of the franchise during the 1980s and early 1990s. His impact on the court and his leadership qualities solidified his status as a Trail Blazers legend.

Damian Lillard, with his incredible scoring ability and clutch performances, has become a symbol of hope and determination for the Trail Blazers. His loyalty to the franchise and his dedication to the city of Portland have endeared him to fans.

Looking Ahead

As the Portland Trail Blazers continue their pursuit of an NBA championship, the future is filled with promise and excitement. With the leadership of Damian Lillard and a talented supporting cast, the Blazers remain committed to their goal of bringing a championship to Rip City.

The enduring passion of the Trail Blazers’ fan base, combined with their rich history and commitment to excellence, ensures that the franchise will continue to shine as a beacon of basketball in the Pacific Northwest. Whether it’s the iconic “Rip City” chants echoing through the Moda Center or the resilience displayed by the team on the court, the Portland Trail Blazers embody the spirit of passion and perseverance in the NBA.

Portland Trail Blazers Latest News

Portland Trail Blazers 2024 Schedule

Pre Season

Week	Date	Opponent	Result
Week 1	Date: Thu 12/10/2023	Opponent: Phoenix Suns	Result: L 111-122
Week 1	Date: Sat 14/10/2023	Opponent: Utah Jazz	Result: L 133-138
Week 2	Date: Mon 16/10/2023	Opponent: Phoenix Suns	Result: L 106-117

Regular Season

Week	Date	Opponent	Result
Week 1	Date: Wed 25/10/2023	Opponent: L.A. Clippers	Result: L 111-123
Week 1	Date: Fri 27/10/2023	Opponent: Orlando Magic	Result: L 97-102
Week 1	Date: Sun 29/10/2023	Opponent: Philadelphia 76ers	Result: L 98-126
Week 2	Date: Mon 30/10/2023	Opponent: Toronto Raptors	Result: W 99-91
Week 2	Date: Wed 01/11/2023	Opponent: Detroit Pistons	Result: W 110-101
Week 2	Date: Fri 03/11/2023	Opponent: Memphis Grizzlies	Result: W 115-113
Week 2	Date: Sun 05/11/2023	Opponent: Memphis Grizzlies	Result: L 100-112
Week 3	Date: Wed 08/11/2023	Opponent: Sacramento Kings	Result: L 118-121
Week 3	Date: Sun 12/11/2023	Opponent: L.A. Lakers	Result: L 110-116
Week 4	Date: Tue 14/11/2023	Opponent: Utah Jazz	Result: L 99-115
Week 4	Date: Wed 15/11/2023	Opponent: Cleveland Cavaliers	Result: L 95-109
Week 4	Date: Fri 17/11/2023	Opponent: L.A. Lakers	Result: L 95-107
Week 4	Date: Sun 19/11/2023	Opponent: Oklahoma City Thunder	Result: L 91-134
Week 5	Date: Tue 21/11/2023	Opponent: Phoenix Suns	Result: L 107-120
Week 5	Date: Wed 22/11/2023	Opponent: Utah Jazz	Result: W 121-105
Week 5	Date: Sun 26/11/2023	Opponent: Milwaukee Bucks	Result: L 102-108
Week 6	Date: Mon 27/11/2023	Opponent: Indiana Pacers	Result: W 114-110
Week 6	Date: Thu 30/11/2023	Opponent: Cleveland Cavaliers	Result: W 103-95
Week 6	Date: Sat 02/12/2023	Opponent: Utah Jazz	Result: L 113-118
Week 7	Date: Wed 06/12/2023	Opponent: Golden State Warriors	Result: L 106-110
Week 7	Date: Fri 08/12/2023	Opponent: Dallas Mavericks	Result: L 112-125
Week 8	Date: Mon 11/12/2023	Opponent: L.A. Clippers	Result: L 127-132
Week 8	Date: Thu 14/12/2023	Opponent: Utah Jazz	Result: L 114-122
Week 8	Date: Sat 16/12/2023	Opponent: Dallas Mavericks	Result: L 120-131
Week 8	Date: Sun 17/12/2023	Opponent: Golden State Warriors	Result: L 114-118
Week 9	Date: Tue 19/12/2023	Opponent: Phoenix Suns	Result: W 109-104
Week 9	Date: Thu 21/12/2023	Opponent: Washington Wizards	Result: L 117-118
Week 9	Date: Sat 23/12/2023	Opponent: Golden State Warriors	Result: L 106-126
Week 10	Date: Tue 26/12/2023	Opponent: Sacramento Kings	Result: W 130-113
Week 10	Date: Thu 28/12/2023	Opponent: San Antonio Spurs	Result: L 105-118
Week 10	Date: Fri 29/12/2023	Opponent: San Antonio Spurs	Result: W 134-128
Week 11	Date: Mon 01/01/2024	Opponent: Phoenix Suns	Result: L 88-109
Week 11	Date: Wed 03/01/2024	Opponent: Dallas Mavericks	Result: L 97-126
Week 11	Date: Fri 05/01/2024	Opponent: Dallas Mavericks	Result: L 103-139
Week 11	Date: Sun 07/01/2024	Opponent: Brooklyn Nets	Result: W 134-127
Week 12	Date: Tue 09/01/2024	Opponent: New York Knicks	Result: L 84-112
Week 12	Date: Thu 11/01/2024	Opponent: Oklahoma City Thunder	Result: L 77-139
Week 12	Date: Fri 12/01/2024	Opponent: Minnesota Timberwolves	Result: L 93-116
Week 12	Date: Sun 14/01/2024	Opponent: Phoenix Suns	Result: L 116-127
Week 13	Date: Wed 17/01/2024	Opponent: Brooklyn Nets	Result: W 105-103
Week 13	Date: Fri 19/01/2024	Opponent: Indiana Pacers	Result: W 118-115
Week 13	Date: Sun 21/01/2024	Opponent: L.A. Lakers	Result: L 110-134
Week 14	Date: Tue 23/01/2024	Opponent: Oklahoma City Thunder	Result: L 109-111
Week 14	Date: Wed 24/01/2024	Opponent: Houston Rockets	Result: W 137-131
Week 14	Date: Fri 26/01/2024	Opponent: San Antonio Spurs	Result: L 100-116
Week 14	Date: Sun 28/01/2024	Opponent: Chicago Bulls	Result: L 96-104
Week 15	Date: Mon 29/01/2024	Opponent: Philadelphia 76ers	Result: W 130-104
Week 15	Date: Wed 31/01/2024	Opponent: Milwaukee Bucks	Result: W 119-116
Week 15	Date: Fri 02/02/2024	Opponent: Denver Nuggets	Result: L 108-120
Week 15	Date: Sun 04/02/2024	Opponent: Denver Nuggets	Result: L 103-112
Week 16	Date: Thu 08/02/2024	Opponent: Detroit Pistons	Result: L 122-128
Week 16	Date: Sat 10/02/2024	Opponent: New Orleans Pelicans	Result: L 84-93
Week 17	Date: Tue 13/02/2024	Opponent: Minnesota Timberwolves	Result: L 109-121
Week 17	Date: Thu 15/02/2024	Opponent: Minnesota Timberwolves	Result: L 91-128
Week 18	Date: Fri 23/02/2024	Opponent: Denver Nuggets	Result: L 112-127
Week 18	Date: Sun 25/02/2024	Opponent: Charlotte Hornets	Result: L 80-93
Week 19	Date: Tue 27/02/2024	Opponent: Miami Heat	Result: L 96-106
Week 19	Date: Fri 01/03/2024	Opponent: Memphis Grizzlies	Result: W 122-92
Week 19	Date: Sat 02/03/2024	Opponent: Memphis Grizzlies	Result: W 107-100
Week 20	Date: Mon 04/03/2024	Opponent: Minnesota Timberwolves	Result: L 114-119
Week 20	Date: Wed 06/03/2024	Opponent: Oklahoma City Thunder	Result: L 120-128
Week 20	Date: Fri 08/03/2024	Opponent: Houston Rockets	Result: L 107-123
Week 20	Date: Sat 09/03/2024	Opponent: Toronto Raptors	Result: W 128-118
Week 21	Date: Mon 11/03/2024	Opponent: Boston Celtics	Result: L 99-121
Week 21	Date: Wed 13/03/2024	Opponent: Atlanta Hawks	Result: W 106-102
Week 21	Date: Thu 14/03/2024	Opponent: New York Knicks	Result: L 93-105
Week 21	Date: Sat 16/03/2024	Opponent: New Orleans Pelicans	Result: L 107-126
Week 22	Date: Mon 18/03/2024	Opponent: Chicago Bulls	Result: L 107-110
Week 22	Date: Wed 20/03/2024	Opponent: L.A. Clippers	Result: L 103-116
Week 22	Date: Fri 22/03/2024	Opponent: L.A. Clippers	Result: L 117-125
Week 22	Date: Sat 23/03/2024	Opponent: Denver Nuggets	Result: L 111-114
Week 23	Date: Mon 25/03/2024	Opponent: Houston Rockets	Result: L 92-110
Week 23	Date: Wed 27/03/2024	Opponent: Atlanta Hawks	Result: L 106-120
Week 23	Date: Fri 29/03/2024	Opponent: Miami Heat	Result: L 82-142
Week 24	Date: Mon 01/04/2024	Opponent: Orlando Magic	Result: L 103-104
Week 24	Date: Wed 03/04/2024	Opponent: Charlotte Hornets	Result: W 89-86
Week 24	Date: Fri 05/04/2024	Opponent: Washington Wizards	Result: W 108-102
Week 24	Date: Sun 07/04/2024	Opponent: Boston Celtics	Result: L 107-124
Week 25	Date: Tue 09/04/2024	Opponent: New Orleans Pelicans	Result: L 100-110
Week 25	Date: Thu 11/04/2024	Opponent: Golden State Warriors	Result: L 92-100
Week 25	Date: Fri 12/04/2024	Opponent: Houston Rockets	Result: L 107-116
Week 25	Date: Sun 14/04/2024	Opponent: Sacramento Kings	Result: L 82-121

Portland Trail Blazers 2024 Odds

Odds to Win
NBA Finals

+50000

Odds to Win
Western Conference

+25000

Odds to Win
Division

+15000

Seasons Win

28.5- 110 Over
28.5- 110 Under