The Portland Trailblazers travel down the road to another NBA championship

While being on top of the world is an incredible feat, getting back there can be challenging. For example, since the Portland Trailblazers won the 1977 NBA Finals, they have failed to win their second basketball championship. Since 1977, the Trailblazers have returned to the playoffs 25 times, played in five conference finals, and advanced to two NBA Finals.

When did the Trailblazers begin their road to the NBA Finals? They were one of three expansion teams added by the NBA during the 1970-1971 season. The franchise chose the name in a “team name” contest, in which people submitted some 10,000 entries. “Trailblazers” pays tribute to the explorers who crossed the Oregon Trail during the 19th century. Here are some interesting facts about the state of Oregon:

o The official colors of the state of Oregon are blue and gold.
o Oregon (and New Jersey) are the only two states in the US without “drive-through” gas stations.
o Oregon is the only US state with an official state nut (hazelnut)
o Oregon has the deepest lake in the United States (Crater Lake)
o Oregon’s state birthday is also Valentine’s Day (February 14).

During their first season in the NBA, the Trailblazers posted a 29-53 record.

By the 1976-1977 season, the Trailblazers had added key ingredients to their team, including Center Bill Walton. They had hot and cold streaks during the regular season, finishing with a 49-33 record. In the playoffs, Portland would crush the Chicago Bulls (3-0), defeat the Denver Nuggets (4-2), and then defeat the Los Angeles Lakers (4-0). The Trailblazers faced the mighty Philadelphia 76ers and “Dr. J.” in the NBA Finals. After falling behind in the series (0-2), the Trailblazers won four straight games and the series. (4-2)

The Trailblazers’ first chance at a second NBA title came in 1990. Clyde Drexler led Portland to a strong 59-23 regular season record. They blanked the Dallas Mavericks (3-0), outscored the San Antonio Spurs (4-3) and then outscored the Phoenix Suns (4-3). However, the Trailblazers lost the NBA Finals to the defending champion Detroit Pistons (4-1).

Just two years later, the Trailblazers had another shot at an NBA title. This time, they posted another solid regular season record: 57-25. In the playoffs, the Trailblazers dominated the Los Angeles Lakers (3-1), trounced the Phoenix Suns (4-1) and eliminated the Utah Jazz (4-2). However, Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls would overcome the Trailblazers in the final (4-2).

Throughout their history, the Portland Trailblazers have retired the jersey numbers of seven players:

Clyde Drexler – #22 (Guard): 1983-1995
Maurice Lucas – #20 (Forward): 1976-1980, 1987-1988
Lloyd Neal – #36 (Forward): 1972-1979
Geoff Petrie – #45 (Forward): 1970-1976
Larry Steele – #15 (Guard): 1971-1980
Dave Twardzik – #13 (Guard): 1976-1980
Bill Walton – #32 (Center): 1974-1979

Repeating a success can be just as difficult as achieving it the first time. For example, the Portland Trailblazers are striving for their second win in the NBA Finals. Wear Portland Trailblazers merchandise to support them on the road to another NBA championship!