Portland Trail Blazers

1970/71:The Portland Trail Blazers one of three new teams to join the NBA played their first game at home beating the Cleveland Cavaliers a fellow expansion team 115-112 on October 16th. The Blazers would god on to have a typical expansion type season finishing last in the Pacific Division with a record of 29-53. However, it was the best record of the three expansion teams, as they won seven more games than the Buffalo Braves and 143 more than the Cavaliers. Leading the Blazers in scoring that first year was Geoff Petrie with 24.8 ppg while splitting Rookie of the Year honors with Boston Celtics star Dave Cowens.

1971/72:Geoff Petrie misses 22 games due to injury as he and the Trail Blazers both suffer the Sophomore Jinx. Petrie who averaged 24.8 ppg in his rookie season would drop nearly six points per game as the Blazers finished dead last with an NBA worst record of 18-64. However Sidney Wicks would provide a bright spot winning the Rookie of the Year with a team best 24.5 ppg.

1972/73:Geoff Petrie would rebound off his disappointing second season to lead the Trail Blazers in scoring by leading the team with 24.9 ppg as Sidney Wicks adds 23.8 ppg to provide a solid 1-2 punch. However, the Blazers would still finish in last place with a terrible record of 21-61.

1973/74:The Trail Blazers continue to be led in scoring by Geoff Petrie and Sidney Wicks. However, they continued to be out muscled by the rest of the league finishing in last place again with a record of 27-55.

1974/75:To help improve the team’s tough the Trail Blazers draft UCLA Center Bill Walton who was a key ingredient to the Burins NCAA dynasty and 88-game winning streak, winning NCAA player of the year honors three times. However, injuries would limit Walton to just 35 games as the Blazers challenged for a playoff spot for the first time in franchise history falling just two games short with a 38-44 record.

1975/76:Bill Walton continued to be hampered by injuries playing just 51 games. However, when he did play, he was an imposing force in the middle with 13.4 rebounds and 16.1 ppg. However, the Blazers fall back into last place posting a record of 37-45 that had to be deemed disappointing.

1976/77:Under new Coach Jack Ramsay the Trail Blazers were able to vastly improve themselves by picking up Maurice Lucas and Dave Twardzik in the ABA dispersal draft. The revamped Blazers would end up getting off to a terrific start winning 22 of their first 29 games. However, the strain of the regular season would catch up with them as they played mediocre basketball in February and March. However, they would get hot again as the season ended winning their last five games to post a record of 49-33 good enough for second place and the first playoff berth in franchise history. The Blazers would get off to a strong start in the playoffs beating the Chicago Bulls in a three-game series. In the second round, the city of the Blazers raced out to a 3-1 lead before stunning the Denver Nuggets in six games. By now the Blazers were on fire and could not be contained, as they swept through the Los Angeles Lakers in four straight games on the way to the NBA Finals. By the start of the city of Portland was truly in the grips of “Blazermania” as tickets were hard to come by for the finals. However after losing the first two games on the road to the Philadelphia 76ers the Blazers seemed to have run out of fuel. Coming home to Memorial Coliseum for Game 3 and Game 4 was just what the Trail Blazers needed to be rejuvenated as they blew the 76ers off the court twice winning by 22 and 33 points to even the series at two games apiece. The Blazers carried the momentum from their 2 blowout wins at home into Philadelphia for Game 5 as they took a 3-2 series lead with a solid 110-104 win on the road. Needing just one win to win the NBA Title at home the whole city of Portland had their eyes on Memorial Coliseum on June 5th. The Blazers would be scorched by Julius Erving who scored 40 points. However, Bill Walton would score 20 of his own while pulling down 23 rebounds and blocking eight shots as the Blazers won the NBA Championship with a thrilling 109-107 victory.

1977/78:Coming off their first NBA Championship, the Trail Blazers were smoking again winning 50 of their first 60 games as Bill Walton put together an MVP season with 18.9 ppg and 13.2 rpg. However injuries would knock Walton out for the rest of the season as the Blazers won just 8 of their final 22 games. Nonetheless their 58-24 was still the best in the NBA earning them a first-round bye. However, without Bill Walton in the playoffs the Trail Blazers would suffer losing to the Seattle Supersonics in six games.

1978/79:Plagued by injuries already throughout his five-year NBA career, Trail Blazers MVP Bill Walton is lost for the entire season due to a stress fracture in his foot. Without Walton the Blazers would acquire Tom Owens from the Houston Rockets, Owens would fill in nicely scoring 18.5 ppg as the Blazers made the playoffs with a 45-37 record. However, in the playoffs the Blazers would be burnt by the Phoenix Suns in a three-game series. Following the season the Bill Walton era in Portland would end as the Big Redhead signed a free agent deal with the San Diego Clippers.

1979/80:Without Bill Walton the Trail Blazers would struggle all year as Maurice Lucas is traded to the New Jersey Nets during the season for Calvin Natt, as the Blazers decide to start a youth movement. Natt would average 20.4 ppg in just 25 as the Trailblazers snuck into the final playoff spot with mediocre record of 38-44. However, the Blazers would be knocked off by the Seattle Supersonics in a three-game series.

1980/81:With the emergence of Jim Paxson and Mychal Thompson who led the team in scoring the Trail Blazers bounced back nicely off their losing season finishing in third place with a record of 45-37. However, it would be another first round exit as the Trail Blazers are crowned by the Kansas City Kings in a three-game series.

1981/82:Mychal Thompson continued to be a workhorse leading the Trail Blazers in scoring with 20.8 ppg and rebounding with 11.6 rpg. However, in a competitive Western Conference the Blazers 42-40 record is not good enough for a playoff berth as their five-year run of playoff appearances comes to an end.

1982/83:With Jim Paxson and Calvin Natt each scoring more than 20 points per game the Trail Blazers would return to the playoffs after a one-year absence posting a record of 46-36 while finishing in fourth place. In the playoffs the Blazers would stun the Seattle Supersonics in the first round sweeping them in two straight games to win their first playoff series since the magical 1977 Finals. However, in the second round the Blazers would be knocked off by the Denver Nuggets in five games.

1983/84:The Trailblazers continued to improve as they posted a solid 48-34 record good enough for second place as Rookie Clyde Drexler provided energy off the bench with 7.7 ppg. However, in the playoffs the Blazers would experience a letdown as they are beaten by the Phoenix Suns in a five-game series. Following the season the Trail Blazers would make one of the biggest draft day blunders of all-time selecting Sam Bowie with the second overall pick over Michael Jordan.

1984/85:Prior to the start of the season, the Trail Blazers worked out a trade with the Denver Nuggets sending Calvin Natt, Wayne Cooper, Fat Lever, and a first-round draft pick for Kiki Vandeweghe. The trade would work out as Vandeweghe led the team in scoring with 22.4 ppg as the Blazers made it to the layoffs with a 42-40 record. In the playoffs the Trail Blazers would overcome a loss in Game 1 to beat the Dallas Mavericks in four games. However, in the second round they would not be able to overcome losing their first three games against the Los Angeles Lakers who went on to beat the Trail Blazers in five games.

1985/86:Kiki Vandeweghe has another solid season leading the Trail Blazers in scoring with 24.8 ppg as Clyde Drexler makes his first All-Star Game with 18.5 ppg. However, the Blazers would play mediocre basketball all season posting a record of 40-42. The highlight of the season came on December 5th when the Blazers became the only road team to win in Boston, with a 121-103 win over the Celtics. In the playoffs the Blazers would make a quick exit as they are beaten by the Denver Nuggets in four games. Following the season the Blazers would fire Coach Jack Ramsay ending a 10-year tenure in which he won 453 games.

1986/87:Under new Coach Mike Schuler the Trail Blazers were the top scoring team in the NBA with 117.9 ppg as Kiki Vandeweghe and Clyde Drexler continued to be a potent force on offense with each averaging more than 20 ppg as the Blazers finished in third place with a 49-33 record. However, in the playoffs the Trail Blazers would be shot down by the Houston Rockets in four games.

1987/88:With Clyde Drexler posting an impressive 27.0 ppg the Trail Blazers continue to establish themselves as a contender posting a solid record of 53-29. However, in the playoffs the Blazers would experience another first round letdown as they are beaten by the Utah Jazz in four games.

1988/89:The Trail Blazers are purchased by computer magnate Paul Allen, a cofounder of Microsoft. However, the Blazers had system crash stumbling along to a record of 39-43, as Coach Mike Schuler is replaced by Rick Adelman. Despite the disappointing record the Blazers would sneak into the playoffs where they would be swept by the Los Angeles Lakers in three straight games.

1989/90:Clyde Drexler continued to be the leading scorer for the Trail Blazers with 23.3 ppg, as the Blazers rebound off their disappointing season to post a solid 59-23 record good enough for second place in the Pacific, as the Blazers were made stronger by acquiring Buck Williams, a 6’8″ rebounding machine from the New Jersey Nets for Sam Bowie. The acquisition of Williams helped make the Blazers stronger for the playoffs and it showed as they won their first playoff series in 7 years by sweeping the Dallas Mavericks in three straight games. In the second round the Blazers would need 7 games to get past the San Antonio Spurs as the home team won all seven games. In the Western Conference Finals the Trail Blazers continued to defend their home court well jumping out to a 2-0 lead over the Phoenix Suns. The Suns would rebound to take the next two games in Phoenix as the Blazers won Game 5 at home 120-114. However, there would be no need for a seventh game as the Blazers knocked off the Suns with a 112-109 win in Game 6 to reach the NBA Finals for the second time in franchise history. In the Finals the Trail Blazers would get off to a solid start splitting the first two games on the road against the defending NBA Champion Detroit Pistons. However, the Blazers would drop all three games at home as the Pistons won the NBA title in five games.

1990/91:After their trip to the NBA Finals the Trail Blazers came flying out of the gate winning their first 11 games on the way to an incredible 19-1 start. The Blazers would play strong basketball all season as they went on to post an NBA best 63-19 as they topped their early season 11–game winning streak with a16-game winning streak in March and April. In the playoff the Blazers stayed hot as they jumped out to a 2-0 lead over the Seattle Supersonics. However, they would need to win a fifth game to advance to the next round after losing Game 3 and Game 4 in Seattle. In the second-round things would be slightly easier as the Blazers cruised past the Utah Jazz in five games. However, in the Western Conference Finals the Trailblazers would be tripped up by the Los Angeles Lakers in six games.

1991/92:The Trail Blazers continued to lead the way in the West posting a 57-25 record for their second straight division title as Clyde Drexler earned his way on to the Dream Team with an impressive 25.0 ppg. In the playoffs the Blazers would avenge their loss in the Western Conference Finals a year earlier by beating the Los Angeles Lakers in four games, as they are forced to play Game 4 in Las Vegas as Los Angeles is overrun by riots after a verdict in a police brutality case involving Rodney King. In the second round the Blazers would fly past the Phoenix Suns in five games to reach the Western Conference Finals for the third year in a row. In the Western Finals the Blazers would beat the Utah Jazz in six games to reach the NBA Finals for the second time in three years. In the finals the Blazers were burned by Michael Jordan who had an incredible night from the three-point line in Game 1 as the Bulls took Game 1 in Chicago 122-89. However, the Trail Blazers would rebound to take Game 2 and send the series back to Portland tied at a game apiece. However, in Portland the Blazers could only manage to win one of three games as the Bulls emerged victorious in six games.

1992/93:Despite missing 33 games Clyde Drexler continues to be the top scorer on the Trail Blazers with 19.9 ppg. However, what helped keep the Blazers afloat was the stellar play of Clifford Robinson off the bench as he was named the NBA’s 6th Man, with 19.1 ppg. However, the Blazers would slide to third place as they posted a 51-31 record in a competitive Pacific Division. In the playoffs the Blazers appeared to run out of gas as they are beaten by the San Antonio Spurs in four games.

1993/94:The Trail Blazers began rebuilding for the future, as Rod Strickland replaced Terry Porter as the starting point guard, and Jerome Kersey gave way to Harvey Grant, who came over from the Washington Bullets in an off-season trade for Kevin Duckworth. Meanwhile, Chris Dudley was signed as a free agent to provide rebounding and defense. However, an early ankle injury knocked Dudley out for most of the year, as the Trail Blazers finished in fourth place with a 47-35 record. In the playoffs the Blazers would make a quick exit, as they are beaten by the Houston Rockets in four games.

1994/95:The Trail Blazers 25th season was marked by change as they were playing their final year at the Memorial Coliseum with new Coach P.J. Carlesimo. Along the way the Blazers would deal away Clyde Drexler to the Houston Rockets for Otis Thorpe. Despite the Drexler trade the Trailblazers would still make the playoffs the 13th straight season with a record of 44-38. However, in the playoffs would be another first round exit as the Blazers are beaten by the Phoenix Suns in three straight games.

1995/96:After years of accommodating less than 13,000 fans, suddenly Portland had a facility that ranked among the best in the NBA, as the Rose Garden opened on November 3rd. However, opening night would be spoiled as the Trail Blazers lost to the expansion Vancouver Grizzlies playing in their very first games 92-80. The Blazers would struggle through most of the season posting a record of 26-34 through March 5th. However, the Blazers would end the season on a strong note winning 18 of their last 22 games for their 14th straight playoff appearance a record of 44-38, as 31-year-old rookie. Arvydas Sabonis, who was originally drafted by the Blazers in 1986, out of Lithuanian, then part of the Soviet Union averaged 14.5 ppg and 8.1 rpg. However, in the playoffs the Blazers would be knocked out in the first round again losing a five game series to the Utah Jazz, in which the home team won all five games.

1996/97:The Trail Blazers made three big moves in the off season acquiring three stars, Kenny Anderson, Isaiah Rider, and Rasheed Wallace with bad reputations off the court but solid play on the court. All three would have sold seasons as the Blazers made it to the playoffs with a record of 49-33. However, once again it would be a first round exit as the Blazers are beaten by the Los Angeles Lakers in four games.

1997/98:The Trail Blazers under new Coach Mike Dunleavy continued to accumulate talent signing free agent Brian Grant as a Free Agent before the season and acquiring Damon Stoudamire at the trade deadline as they made the playoffs for the 16th straight season with a record of 46-36. However, for the sixth year in a row the Blazers fail to make it past their first round losing to the Los Angeles Lakers in four games.

1998/99:With a balanced team, that saw nine different players lead the team nine different statistical categories, and five players average double digits in scoring. The Trail Blazers win the Pacific Division posting a record of 35-15 in a season delayed by a four -month lockout. In the playoffs the Trailblazers would end their consecutive string of first round losses by sweeping the Phoenix Suns in three straight games. In the second round the Blazers jumped out to a 3-1 series lead on the way to beating the Utah Jazz in six games to reach the Western Conference Finals. In the Western Finals the Blazers would drop Game 1 on the road against the San Antonio Spurs. However, they appeared to be on the way to evening the series before the Spurs won the game on a miracle shot by Sean Elliot. The Blazers would not recover losing the final two games at home as the Spurs completed the sweep.

1999/00:Despite the occasional bizarre behavior of Rasheed Wallace who set a record for Technical Fouls, and off court legal trouble the Trail Blazers continued to play solid basketball as they finished in second place with a solid 59-23 record. In the playoffs the Blazers would get past the Minnesota Timberwolves in four games, but before the second round started, they would have deal with heartache popular assistant coach Bill Musselman lost a six month battle with a rare disease, primary systemic amyloidosis. The Blazers would handle the loss well as they raced out to a 3-0 lead before beating the Utah Jazz in five games. In the Western Conference Finals for the second year in a row the Trailblazers appeared to be going down quickly again as they fell behind the Los Angeles Lakers three games to one. However, the Blazers would rally to win the next two games and force a seventh game in Los Angeles. In Game 7 the Blazers appeared to be on the way to an improbable upset as they led the Lakers 73-58 in the 4th Quarter. However, the Blazers would collapse as the Lakers came back to with the game 89-84 to advance to the NBA Finals where they went on to win the NBA Championship.

2000/01:Coming off their Game 7 collapse the Trail Blazers continued to be among the top teams in the NBA as the started March with a 42-18 record. However, the Blazers would stumble down the stretch winning just eight of their final 22 games as they finished in fourth place with a 50-32 record. The Blazers struggles continued into the playoffs, as they are swept by the Los Angeles Lakers in three straight games. Following the season Coach Mike Dunleavy is fired and replaced by Maurice Cheeks.

2001/02:Under new Coach Maurice Cheeks the off court troubles continue to embarrass the franchise as several players are involved in off court incidents that lead to the press calling the team the “Jail Blazers.” The off court distractions seemed to affect the team early as the Blazers were struggling along with a record of 13-18 early in January. However, the Trail Blazers would turn it around winning 30 of their next 38 games as they made the playoffs for the 20th straight season with a record of 49-33. However, for the second year in a row the Trail Blazers would be swept by the Los Angeles Lakers in three straight games.

2002/03:The Trailblazers continue to be an embarrassment off the court as Oregon State officials and Owner Paul Allen express displeasure in the continued troubles with Blazers players and the law. All total in six years since 1997, 14 different players had been either arrested or cited for 30 different incidents ranging from sexual assault to marijuana possession. However, on the court the Trail Blazers continued to play strong basketball finishing in third place with a solid 50-32 record. In the playoffs the Blazers would lose three straight games to the Dallas Mavericks. However, with the first round being changed to a best of seven, the Blazers were not done. Instead they won three straight games to force a seventh game. However, a late 4th quarter scoring drought would doom the Blazers in as the Mavs won Game 7 in Dallas 107-95.

2003/04:After years of off the court troubles and playoff underachieving the Trail Blazers under new General Manager John Nash, decided to rebuild. Throughout the season the Trail Blazers dealt away talented, but troubled stars like Bonzi Wells and Rasheed Wallace. Taking up the slack was Zach Randolph who led the team in scoring with 20.1 ppg and rebounding with 10.5 boards per game on the way to being named NBA’s Most Improved Player. However the Blazers 21-year streak of making the playoffs would come to an end as they finished in fourth place with a record of 41-41.

2004/05:It was a year of transition for the Trail Blazers as the team began a youth movement. Giving players like Rookie Sebastian Telfair significant playing time down the stretch as the team focused on the future. When the season started the Blazers were competitive posting a winning record in November. However, as the New Year rolled around the Blazers took their lumps winning just four of 15 games in January as they went on to finish in fourth Place in the Northwest Division with a dreadful 27-55 record, as Coach Maurice Cheeks was replaced the final two months with interim Coach Kevin Pritchard. Following the season the transition continued as veterans like Shareef Abdur-Rahim, Nick Van Exel and Damon Stoudamire could go elsewhere as they signed free agent Coach Nate McMillian to lead the young team into the future.

2005/06:With new Coach Nate McMillian the Trail Blazers were looking more toward the future, as going into the season it was clear there was a lack of talent to compete on a high level, especially in the Western Conference. One player that was a bright spot was Zach Randolph who was the Blazers leading scorer with 18.0 ppg. However, points were not plentiful for the Blazers who were the lowest scoring team in the NBA. Things would go bad to worse after the All-Star Break as the Blazers won just five of their last 39 games which included an 11-game losing streak, and an eight game losing streak in their last 20 games as the Blazers finished with the worst record in the NBA at 21-61. Following the season the Trailblazers were the busiest team on draft day, trading Sebastian Telfair, Theo Ratliff, and the Blazers second round pick in 2008 to the Boston Celtics for Raef LaFrentz, Dan Dickau, and the rights to the #7 pick in the draft Randy Foye, whom was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves for the #6 pick Brandon Roy. They would also trade their #4 pick Tyrus Thomas along with Viktor Khryapa to the Chicago Bulls for the rights to the #2 pick, LaMarcus Aldridge.

2006/07:With players like LaMarcus Aldridge and Brandon Roy it was clear the youth movement was on in Portland, and there were plenty of growing pains early on as the Blazers started out 7-14. In December it was Zach Randolph who helped them start winning, as they had a solid five game winning streak to approach .500. However, the Trail Blazers would not be a factor in the playoffs as so much inexperience in the tough Western Conference had them buried early as they posted a record of 32-50. That did not mean it was a disappointing season in Portland as the young Blazers helped build a solid foundation for the future as Brandon Roy was named Rookie of the Year with a solid 16.8 ppg, while Aldridge averaged 9.0 ppg, with a solid five rebounds per game. Following the season the young Blazers future got even brighter as they won the draft lottery, allowing them to select Greg Oden out of Ohio State, a player with limitless potential. Drafting Oden allowed the Blazers to trade Zach Randolph to the New York Knicks, for Channing Frye, completing the total remake of the Portland Trail Blazers franchise.

2007/08:Sadly for the Trail Blazers the debut of Greg Oden would be delayed as an injury in the preseason, shelved him for the entire season with microfracture surgery. The Blazers would start the season in a hole again as they won just five of their first 18 games. However, in December the Blazers would completely turn things around as they went on a 13-game winning streak led by Brandon Roy who was named Player of the Week on consecutive weeks, as the Blazers were strongly in contention as 2008 began. The Blazers still were playing solid basketball into the middle of January, as they held a 25-16 record at the season’s mid-point on January 21st. However, in a Western Conference that had eight teams win at least 50 games, eventually the young Blazers would be overwhelmed as they struggled in the second half. February would be the harshest month as the Blazers start to slip out of the playoffs with a record of 5-9. The struggles would continue into March and April as they lost seven of their last ten games and finished with a 41-41 record.

2008/09:With the long anticipated debut of Greg Oden bringing extra excitement at the start of the season, the Trail Blazers got off to a strong start, winning 14 of their first 20 games, as Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge continued to develop into stars. Also making an impact was Rudy Fernandez of Spain who made his NBA debut, and had an instant impact on the Blazers fortunes, averaging 10.4 ppg off the bench, while Oden struggled at times, as injuries again limited him to just 61 games, where he averaged just 8.9 ppg, with 7.0 rebounds per game. However, with all young teams there are some growing pains, and the Blazers experienced some rough going in December as they lost four of five games. However, the Trail Blazers continued to play solid basketball most of the season, as they made the playoffs for the first time since 2003. The Blazers would even earn home court in the first round as they won ten of their last 11 games, on the way to posting a 54-28 record. In the playoffs the young Trail Blazers would suffer a big setback as they lost the opener to the Houston Rockets 108-81 at the Rose Garden. With Brandon Roy scoring 42 points in Game 2 the Blazers rebounded to even the series with a 107-103 win in Game 2. However, as the series shifted to Houston, the Blazers dropped two games, and found themselves trailing three games to one. The Trail Blazers would win Game 5 at home, but their inexperience cost them in the playoffs, as the Rockets won the series in six games.

2009/10:After making their first playoff appearance in six years, the Trail Blazers hoped they could take another step forward. Early on things looked good, as the Blazers got off to a solid 12-5 start, one good sign during the early part of the season was the play of Center Greg Oden, who for the first time in his career was show signs of the top pick the Blazers took in the 2007 draft as he was setting career highs for points and rebounds. However, before too long Oden was back on the shelf, as he suffered a fractured left patella during a game against the Houston Rockets on December 5th. Oden would be lost for the rest of the season. Despite the loss of Oden the Trail Blazers went into the New Year with a solid 21-13 record. After threading water over the next two months, the Blazers made their move for the playoffs with an 11-2 March. One factor in the Blazers strong month was the acquisition of Marcus Camby, who they got in a trade with the Los Angeles Clippers for Steve Blake, Travis Outlaw, and cash on February 16th. The Trail Blazers would go on to finish the season with a record of 50-32 to earn the sixth spot in the Western Conference Playoffs. As the playoffs approached the Blazers got some bad news as Brandon Roy suffered a meniscus tear in his right knee on April 11th. He would undergo arthroscopic surgery but would miss the first few games in the playoffs. Despite missing Roy, the Trail Blazers got off to a good start in the playoffs beating the Phoenix Suns 105-100 in Game 1 on the road as Andre Miller posted 31 points. After losing the next two games, the Trail Blazers were given a boost in Game 4 by the return of Brandon Roy. However, it was LaMarcus Aldridge who had the big game, scoring 31 points in a 96-87 win that even the series at two games apiece. However, as the series shifted back to Phoenix the Blazers lost all the momentum as the Suns regained control of the series with a 107-88 win. The Suns would go on to eclipse the Blazers in six games, winning the finally at the Rose Garden 99-90. Following the season, the Trail Blazers would have a front office shake up as General Manager Kevin Pritchard was fired and replaced by Rich Cho.

2010/11:The Trail Blazers got bad news before the season even started, as Greg Oden needed another surgery on his knee, forcing him to miss the entire season. In four seasons, Oden had played just 82 games, while Kevin Durant the second player chosen in the 2007 draft after Oden, was quickly becoming one of the best players in the NBA. The Blazers also dealt with the loss of one of their all-time greats, as Maurice Lucas, a member of the 1977 championship team lost his battle to cancer. The Blazers would devote the entire season to his memory. The Blazers began the season with a 106-92 win over the Phoenix Suns, avenging heir loss in the playoffs. With Brandon Roy beginning the season strong, the Blazers would win their first three games, on the way to an 8-5 start. As November came to an end the Blazers suffered a six game losing streak. They would hover around .500 all through December, as they went into the New Year with a record of 17-16. In January the Trail Blazers would be hit with the injury bug, as Elliot Williams, Marcus Camby and Brandon Roy all underwent knee surgeries. Despite the injury problems the Blazers managed to post a record of 8-6, a LaMarcus Aldridge was during having a career season, with a team high 21.8 ppg. The Blazers would continue to play winning basketball in February as they went into the All-Star Break with a record of 32-24. Looking to improve for the playoff stretch drive the Blazers sent Dante Cunningham, Joel Przybilla, Sean Marks and two draft picks to the Charlotte Bobcats for All-Star and All-Defensive forward Gerald Wallace. The Trail Blazers would finish strong, posting a 15-8 record down the stretch to finish the season with a record of 48-34. In the playoffs, the Blazers would face the Dallas Mavericks, losing the first two games on the road. As the series shifted to Portland, Brandon Roy who had struggled since undergoing surgery on both knees sparked the Blazers off the bench, scoring 16 points as the Blazers won 97-92 in Game 3. Roy again had a big night in Game 4, as the Trail Blazers overcame a 23 point deficit to beat the Mavericks 84-82. Brandon Roy scored 18 of his game high 24 points in the fourth quarter including the go ahead bucket with 39.2 seconds left. However, as the series went back to Dallas, the Mavericks regained control with a 93-82 win in Game 5. Back at the Rose Garden in Game 6, the Blazers would come out strong taking a 27-19 lead after the first period. It would not be enough as Dirk Nowitzki scored a game high 33 points, to lead the Mavs to a 103-96 win on the way to an NBA Championship.

2011/12:The Trail Blazers were dealt a double dose of bad news at the start of the season, as once again Greg Oden would be unable to play, while Brandon Roy announced his retirement due to a degenerative knee condition. The Blazers would eventually release Oden, ending a disastrous tenure, as the one number one pick in the 2007 draft played just 82 games in five seasons with the Blazers, while Kevin Durant chosen second overall had become one of the best players in the NBA. Despite the loss of Roy, the Trail Blazers played well early, winning their first three games as they got off to solid 7-2 start. However, in the middle of January the Blazers losses began to catch up with them. Another disappointment was the play of Raymond Felton, who came into the season out of shape, after being acquired in a three team deal from the Denver Nuggets in the offseason. By the time March arrived, the Trail Blazers decided it was time to rebuild, as Marcus Camby was traded to the Houston Rockets for Jonny Flynn, Hashem Thabeet and a second round draft pick, while Gerald Wallace was sent to the New Jersey Nets for Mehmet Okur, Shawne Williams and a first round pick. The Blazers would also fire Coach Nate McMillan as they played the rest of the season with interim Coach Kaleb Canales and finished the season with a record of 28-38.

2012/13:With the sixth overall pick in the NBA Draft, the Portland Trail Blazers chose Guard Damian Lillard out of tiny Weber State from the Big Sky Conference. The pick did not bring much excitement, but Lillard had an immediate impact on the fortunes of the Blazers. Under new Coach Terry Stotts the Blazers won their opener, stunning the Los Angeles Lakers 116-106, with Lillard getting 11 assists in his debut as Nicholas Batum scored a team high 26 points. Though they struggled through November winning just five games they went into the New Year above .500 at 15-14. The Trail Blazers continued to play well into January, as they earned a thrilling 92-90 win over the Miami Heat on January 10th thanks to consecutive three point shots by Wesley Matthews to improve to 20-15 on the season. However, they could not build off the emotion of that win as they dropped their next six games. Despite the losing streak the Blazers remained over .500 until February, when a seven game skid around the All-Star Break all but ended their hopes of a winning season. The second half would see injuries overwhelm the Blazers as they lost Nicholas Batum, Wesley Matthews and LaMarcus Aldridge. The Blazers would drop their final 13 games and finish the season with a record of a 33-49. Despite the poor second half Damian Lillard would be a unanimous choice for Rookie of the Year, scoring 19.0 points per game with 6.5 assists per game as he started all 82 games.

2013/14:After injuries derailed them in the second half, the Trail Blazers entered the new season looking to make a big step forward. The Blazers did not look to make any big moves, as they acquired Robin Lopez, Mo Williams and Earl Watson in the off-season to give some veteran presence and strength. After splitting their first two games on the road, the Trail Blazers showed they were an improved unit in their home opener as they beat the San Antonio Spurs 115-105, with Damian Lillard scoring 25 points, while Nicolas Batum has 12 rebounds and 11 assists. The Blazers would storm through November, posting a record of 13-2 in their first 15 games. The Trail Blazers continued their got start in December, winning 12 games as they went into the New Year with a record 25-7. While Portland could not maintain their early momentum, they remained one of the best teams in the Western Conference all season, as they finished with a solid record of 54-28 to grab the fifth spot in the playoffs. Leading the way for the Trail Blazers to the playoffs was LaMarcus Aldridge who had team highs with 23.2 points per game and 11.1 rebounds per game. The Blazers also got a big season from Damian Lillard, who was followed up his Rookie of the Year, by making his first All-Star team, scoring 20.7 ppg, with a team high 5.6 assists per game. Wesley Matthews also had a fine season with, 16.4 ppg. Nicolas Batum was the Blazers every man, with 13 ppg, 7.5 boards per game and 5.1 assists, while Robin Lopez had 11.1 ppg and 8.5 rebounds per game.

2014 Playoffs:The Trail Blazers would face the Houston Rockets in the opening round, each team had identical records of 54-28 in the regular season, but due to Houston winning three of four regular seasons meeting the Rockets got the fourth seed and home court. The series opener would be an instant classic as the Blazers won 122-120 in overtime, with LaMarcus Aldridge leading the way with 46 points and 18 rebounds. Aldridge was just as strong in Game 2, scoring 43 points as the Blazers took a 2-0 lead by winning 112-105. However, as the series shifted to the Moda Center, the Rockets fired back, winning Game 3 in overtime 121-116 as Nicolas Batum missed a key three point shot with time winding down. The Trail Blazers would with an overtime win of their own in Game 4, using a 9-2 run to win the game 123-120 as Wesley Matthews’ steal sealed the game. Looking to close out the series in Houston, the Trail Blazers shot blanks in Game 5 as LaMarcus Aldridge scored just eight points as the Rockets won 108-98. Back in Portland for Game 6. Aldridge rebounded to with 30 points and 13 boards, but the Rockets appeared on the way to another win after Chandler Parson’s gave them a 98-96 lead with 0.9 seconds left. However, enough time was left for Damian Lillard to get off a three point shot to give the Trail Blazers 99-98 win, nearly blowing the roof of the Moda Center as Portland advanced to the second round for the first time since 2000. In the second round the Trail Blazers would face the top seeded San Antonio Spurs. Despite a big game from LaMarcus Aldridge who had 32 points and 14 rebounds, the Blazers dropped the opener 116-92. It was clear that the Trail Blazers had no answers for the Spurs depth and experience as they easily won the first three games; take Game 2 by a score of 114-97, and Game 3 by a 118-103 score. The Blazers would get big games from Damian Lillard and Nicolas Batum to avoid a sweep with a 103-92 win in Game 4, but the Spurs would not be denied winning the series in five games, with a 104-82 win in the finale. The Spurs would go on the win the NBA Championship as the Trail Blazers set what they hoped would be the foundation for many great playoffs runs to come.

2014/15:After reaching the second round for the first time since the year 2000, the Portland Trail Blazers entered the season looking to take another step forward. Early on things looked good in Portland as they opened the season with a solid 106-89 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Blazers quickly climbed to the top of the Northwest Division, where they would remain all season. Thanks in part to MVP type numbers from LaMarcus Aldridge, the Blazers were one of the best teams in the West in the season’s first two months posting a record 26-7 heading into the New Year. The Blazers continued to play well in January, but hit a wall near the end of the month, losing eight-of-ten games. One reason perhaps were injuries as Robin Lopez missed 23 games with a broken hand, while Aldridge suffered a torn thumb ligament. two The Blazers would get back on track in February, but March suffered more bad news on the injury front when their leading scorer from downtown Wesley Matthews suffered an Achilles injury. Limping to the playoffs, the Trail Blazers posted a record of 7-11 over their final 18 games after the Matthews injury and finished the season with a record of 51-31. Playing through pain over the second half of the season LaMarcus Aldridge was the Blazers MVP, with a team high 23.4 points and 10.4 rebounds per game. Damian Lillard also had a fine season, with 21.0 points per game with a team best 6.2 assists per game.

2015 Playoffs:Despite winning the Northwest Division, and holding the fourth seed the Trail Blazers started the playoffs on the road as the Memphis Grizzlies had a better record. LaMarcus Aldridge had a terrific start to the playoffs, scoring 32 points with 14 rebounds. However, it was not nearly enough as the Grizzlies won the game 100-86. Aldridge was strong again in Game 2, scoring 24 points with 14 boards, but the Blazers fell short again losing 97-82. Things did not get better in Portland as the Grizzlies took a 3-0 series lead with a 115-109 win. The Blazers would avert a sweep by winning 99-92 in Game 4 with Damian Lillard scoring 32 points and lead a fourth quarter surge. The Blazers stay of execution would be short lived, as the Grizzlies won the series in five games, winning the finale 99-93. Following the season, the news got worse in Portland, as the Trail Blazers were hit hard by free agent defections, with no bigger loss than LaMarcus Aldridge who signed with the San Antonio Spurs.

2015/16:Entering the season, there were not many expectations for the Portland Trail Blazers as they lost four of five starters, after being bounced in the first round. The Blazers would open the season on the right foot, as they beat the New Orleans Pelicans 112-94, with C.J. McCollum scoring 37 points to lead the way. However, wins were rare in the early part of the season for the Trail Blazers, as they posted a 4-9 record in their first 13 games, as they suffered through a seven-game losing streak. The Trail Blazers did not play much better in December, as they had a five-game slump and entered the New Year with a record of 14-21. The Blazers lost three of four to start January, but soon began to put together some wins as they won 12 of 15 heading into the All-Star break to get back to .500. The Blazers would host the defending champion Golden State Warriors in the first game after the break. The Warriors who were on their way to posting the best ever record a 73-9, played perhaps their worst game of the season, losing 137-105 as Damian Lillard was an unstoppable force, scoring a career high 51 points. The win was part of a six-game winning streak for the Trail Blazers, as they got back in playoff contention as they ended March with a record of 32-28. In March the Blazers were strong in the Rose Quarter, winning all six games at Moda Center, but struggled on the road losing eight of ten games on the road. Still battling for the playoffs, the Blazers won seven of their last nine games and finished fifth overall in the Western Conference with a record of 44-38. Damian Lillard had a tremendous season, scoring 25.1 points per game as he ranked sixth in the NBA in scoring. C.J. McCollum meanwhile had a breakout season, scoring 20.8 points per game as he was named the NBA’s Most Improved Player.

2016 NBA Playoffs:The Portland Trail Blazers would face the Los Angeles Clippers in the opening round of the postseason. The Blazers would get off to a poor start as they suffered a 115-95 loss at Staples Center in Game 1. The Blazers struggled again in Game 2, suffering a 102-81 loss. As the series shifted to Portland, the Trail Blazers got a big game from Mason Plumlee who had 21 rebounds, and nine assists, while Damian Lillard had 32 points while C.J. McCollum had 27 points as Portland won 96-88 at Moda Center to get back in the series. The Trail Blazers would go on to even the series with a 98-84 win in Game 4 as Al-Farouq Aminu scored a career high 30 points with ten boards. With momentum now on their side, the Trail Blazers scored a third straight win in Game 5, as they beat the Clippers 108-98 at Staples Center. Mason Plumlee continued to rule the boards, with 15 rebounds as C.J. McCollum scored 27 points. Returning home for Game 6, the Blazers clinched a series victory, with a 106-103 win as McCollum hit a key three-point shot, while Damian Lillard led the way with 28 points. The Trail Blazers would go on to face the Golden State Warriors in the second round and once again found themselves in an 0-2 hole, suffering 118-106 loss in Game 1 and a 110-99 loss in Game 2 in Oakland. As the series shifted to Portland the Blazers got a huge game from Damian Lillard who scored 40 as the Blazers notched a 120-108 win in Game 3. Lillard had another solid night in Game 4, scoring 36 points, but it was not enough as they suffered a 132-125 loss in overtime. Game 5 in Oakland was nearly as close, but the Blazers came up short again, as the Warriors won 125-121 to reach the Western Conference Finals.

2016/17:After a surprise trip to the second round of the playoffs, the Portland Trail Blazers looked to continue to improve as they sign Evan Turner in the off-season. After threading water over the month, with a 10-10 record in their first 20 games, the wheels appeared to fall off the Blazers wagon in December, as went 4-11, playing most of the month on the road, where they lost eight-of-nine away from the Moda Center. Despite strong play from their backcourt tandem of Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum, Portland just could not get their season on track, as they lost seven of nine in February and appeared to be hopeless out of the playoff race at 24-35 as March began. That is when things finally came into place, as the Blazers caught fire posting a record of 13-3 to get back into playoff contention. Battling the Memphis Grizzlies and Denver Nuggets for the last two spots, Portland was just one below .500 as April began. On April 1st, the Blazers reached .500 for the first time of December as their remarkable turnaround continued. Despite losing their next two games, the Trail Blazers climbed over .500 and secured the eighth seed with a 99-98 win over the San Antonio Spurs in the next to last game of the season. The Blazers would finish the season with a loss and finished 41-41. Lillard and McCollum again were the Blazers big stars, as Damian Lillard was among the top scorers in the NBA with a team best 27 points per game, while C.J. McCollum averaged 23.0 ppg.

2017 Playoffs:The Portland Trail Blazers faced overwhelming odds as the playoffs began against the Golden State Warriors, who posted the best record in the NBA. In Game 1 C.J, McCollum had a great individual effort, scoring 41 points. It was not nearly enough as the Warriors won the opener 121-109. The Warriors also took Game 2 in Oakland 110-81. As the series shifted to the Rose City, the Blazers built a 13-point halftime lead, but the Warriors were once again too strong, rallying in the second half behind Stephen Curry to take a 3-0 series lead with a 119-113 win. Damian Lillard had 34 points in Game 4, but the Warriors rolled to a 128-103 win to complete the four game sweep. Golden State would win 15 straight games in the playoffs, as they won second NBA Championship in three years, losing just one postseason game.

2017/18:The Portland Trail Blazers continued to be streaky as they went into the New Year with a record of 18-17. In January, Portland began to string more wins together, as they won nine straight games at Moda Center. After a brief slump in February, the Blazers again had another surge at the All Break as the carried a 13-game winning streak into March, which equaled the longest winning streak in franchise history. This streak took the Trail Blazers from the playoff bubble to the top three of the Western Conference. Damian Lillard continued to become an NBA star, leading Portland in scoring with 26.9 points per game, as he was a first-team All-NBA All-Star. The Blazers would finish third in the West with a record of 49-33.

2018 Present:As the playoffs began, the Portland Trail Blazers were hobbling, as Evan Turner and Jusuf Nurkic were both struggling through aches and pains. While Maurice Harkless, who missed the last nine games of the regular season, missed the playoff opener against the New Orleans Pelicans. With the injury bug taking full effect, the Pelicans won Game 1 by a score of 97-95, as their fourth-quarter comeback fell short. The Pelicans also took Game 2 in Portland 111-102 as the Blazers were breaking down in every aspect of the game. The struggles continued as the series shifted to New Orleans, as the Pelicans won 119-102 to take a 3-0 series lead. The Blazers season would end with a whimper as the Pelicans completed the sweep with a 131-123 win in Game 4.

2018/19:As the season was getting underway, the Portland Trail Blazers suffered a major loss, as owner Paul Allen after a long bout with cancer. The Trail Blazers played well early in the season and went into the New Year, holding a record of 21-16. January would bring good tidings for Portland, as won 11 games and found themselves locked in a battle with the Denver Nuggets for first place in the Northwest Division. The Blazers would again have a strong second half, before Marc 25th, when they lost Jusuf Nurkic to a torn ACL. Without Nurkic, Portland as forced to rely on small ball, as they finished the season, third overall in the Western Conference with a record of 53-29, finishing one game behind Denver.

2019 Playoffs:Determined to not repeat the postseason letdown of a year earlier, the Portland Trail Blazers won their opener against the Oklahoma City Thunder 104-99, as Damian Lillard scored 30 points to lead the way. In Game 2, it was C.J. McCollum scoring 33 points, as the Blazers won 114-94. After a 120-108 loss in Game 3, the Trail Blazers recorded a 111-98 win in Game 4, as McCollum led the way with 27 points. Back in Portland for Game 5, Damian Lillard had the game of his life, scoring 50 points as the Blazers finished off the Thunder with a 118-115 win. Lillard won the series with a 37-foot shot at the buzzer and stared a dagger into the camera during the celebration. Facing the Denver Nuggets in the second round, the Trail Blazers got 39 points from Damian Lillard in Game 1, but suffered a 121-113 loss. The Blazers bounced back to win Game 2, by a score of 97-90 as McCollum scored 27 to lead the way. Game 3 at the Moda Center, would be a classic marathon as it was the first playoff game to go to quadruple overtime since 1953. The Blazers would outlast the Nuggets 140-137, with C.J. McCollum scoring 41 points. The Nuggets would win the next two games, evening the series with a 116-112 win in Game 4 before taking the series lead, with a 124-98 win in Game 5 in Denver. Facing elimination, the Blazers got 32 points from Lillard to win Game 6 by a score of 119-108. In Game 7 at Denver, the Blazers found themselves in an early hole, trailing 29-17 after the first quarter. The rest of the Portland, methodically chipped away, taking control of the game in the fourth quarter as C.J. McCollum had a game-high 37 points to lead the Blazers to a 100-96 win. In the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 2000, the Trail Blazers stood between the Golden State Warriors and a fifth straight trip to the NBA Finals. The Warriors set the tone for the series in Game 1, winning 116-94. In Game 2, the Warriors slipped by with a 114-111 win. As the series shifted to Portland, the Warriors remained in control as they had a 110-99 win in Game 3. With Meyers Leonard scoring 30 points, the Blazers pushed Game 4 to overtime but were unable to win as the Warriors completed the sweep with a 119-117 win.