Founded in 1970 as an expansion team based in Portland, Oregon, the Portland Trail Blazers play in the western conference and are part of the northwest division of the NBA. The Trailblazers are coached by Chauncey Billups, former NBA champion and an NBA Finals MVP winner in 2004. The Trailblazers are owned by the Allen Estate.
Since their inception in 1970, the Trail Blazers have left an mark on the basketball landscape, boasting a legacy of legendary players like Bill Walton, Terry Porter, Jim Paxson, Clyde Drexler, Arvydas Sabonis, LeMarcus Aldridge, Damien Lillard and CJ McCollum. They have led the team in different eras to new heights. Jack Ramsay, the basketball hall of fame coach, coached the team in the early years and led them to their first ever playoffs and eventually the title.
"Rip City," the beloved nickname of the Portland Trail Blazers, embodies the team's vibrant spirit and the fervent basketball culture in Portland. Originating from a broadcaster's exclamation in 1971, it symbolizes the city's passion, resilience, and enduring love for its team, transcending the boundaries of sport.
How many times has the Portland Trail Blazers made the playoffs?
The Portland Trail Blazers have made the playoffs 37 times in their 53 years of franchise history which equals to a 69.8% success rate of making the playoffs. The Trail Blazers first playoff appearance came in the 1976-77 season, in which they went on to win their first title. From that time, the Trail Blazers made the playoffs in 26 seasons from 27, with 21 straight playoff appearances (which is the second best for most consecutive playoff appearances), ranking behind San Antonio Spurs’ 22 straight playoff appearances.
The Trail Blazers golden generation started in 1983 when they drafted Clyde Drexler, taking them to two NBA finals (1990,1992). In his time there, the Trail Blazers never missed the playoffs.
Portland Trail Blazers Playoff Record
The Portland Trail Blazers have a 119-155 record in the playoffs all-time. They have won 43% of their playoff matches. The Mavs have won 22 playoff series in their history and have one NBA title to their name as of March 2024.
The Portland Trail Blazers’ most impressive playoff run came in the 1977 playoffs, where they were the third seed in the west. They defeated the Chicago Bulls in three games in the first round, and then dismantled the second seed Denver Nuggets in the second round in six-games with the help of Maurice Lucas and Bill Walton who averaged a double-double with 17.5 points and 13.0 rebounds.
They faced the number one seed Los Angeles Lakers led by Kareem-Abdul-Jabbar in the western conference finals. Despite Kareem averaging 30.3 points, 16.0 rebounds with 3.8 blocks per match, the Trail Blazers swept them in four games in the conference finals with the help of Maurice Lucas and Bill Walton, both of them averaging a double-double.
They then faced the number one seed from the east, the Philadelphia 76ers led by Julius Erving. The Trail Blazers defeated them in six-games to win their maiden NBA title in their first playoff appearance. Bill Walton was named the Finals MVP for his 18.5 points, 19.0 rebounds with 3.7 blocks per match.
Number of conference championships won by Portland Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers have won three Western conference championships in their franchise history. The Trail Blazers defeated the Los Angeles Lakers in 1977 for their first conference title and made the first NBA finals in their history.
The Trail Blazers defeated the Phoenix Suns in the 1990 conference finals in six games, winning their second conference title. Jerome Kersey and Clyde Drexler’s dominance on both offense and defense helped the Trail Blazers outshine the Phoenix Suns.
The Trail Blazers defeated the Utah Jazz in the 1992 conference finals in six games, winning their third conference title. Karl Malone from Utah Jazz averaged 28.2 points and 11.7 rebounds per match but was outdone by the trio of Clyde Drexler, Jerome Kersey and Terry Porter.
They also have been on the losing side in the conference finals. Their first loss came in 1991 to the Los Angeles Lakers in six games. Then they lost two consecutive conference finals in 1999 and 2000 to Tim Duncan’s Spurs in a clean sweep and to the duo of Kobe and Shaq’s Lakers in seven games respectively. In 2019, the Trail Blazers lost to the Golden State Warriors led by Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant in a clean sweep.
| Season | Team | Series Score |
| 1976-77 | Los Angeles Lakers | 4-0 |
| 1989-90 | Phoenix Suns | 4-2 |
| 1991-92 | Utah Jazz | 4-2 |
Number of NBA championships won by Portland Trail Blazers
Portland Trail Blazers won the 1977 NBA championship which remains to be their only title. The Trail Blazers defeated the Philadelphia 76ers for their first title. Bill Walton’s dominance in the finals earned him the Finals MVP and the first title for the Trail Blazers over the Philadelphia 76ers led by Julius Erving.
| Season | Head Coach | Against | Series Score |
| 1976-77 | Jack Ramsay | Philadelphia 76ers | 4-2 |
Portland Trail Blazers Last Playoff Appearance
The Portland Trail Blazers’ last playoff appearance came in 2021, where they lost in the first round to the Denver Nuggets in six-games. The series was tied at 2-2 and then Game 5 went to double overtime where the Nuggets defeated the Trail Blazers by 140-147. They then went on to win Game 6 to close out the series in six games.
Damian Lillard averaged 34.3 points and 10.2 assists with one steal per match and shot 44.9% from the 3-point line. Despite his best efforts, the Nuggets led by Nikola Jokic, who averaged 33.0 points and 10.5 rebounds on 52.8/42.9/91.7 shooting splits, defeated the Trail Blazers in six games.
What is the biggest playoff series comeback in Portland Trail Blazers history?
2018-19
Portland Trail Blazers were down 2-3 to the Oklahoma City Thunder led by Paul George. The series went on to Game 7 where it was decided on the last shot. It was a buzzer-beater by Damian Lillard from way beyond the 3-point line while being defended by Paul George. It was one of the most iconic game-winners in NBA playoffs history. The Trail Blazers went on to win the series 4-3.
2015-16
Portland Trail Blazers saw themselves 0-2 down against the Los Angeles Clippers but then they went on to win four consecutive games in a dominating fashion to close out the series in six games.
FAQs on Portland Trail Blazers Playoff History
Q. When was the last time the Portland Trail Blazers were in the NBA Finals?
A. The Portland Trail Blazers were part of the 1991-92 NBA Finals, where they were defeated by Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls in six games.
A. The Portland Trail Blazers were part of the 1991-92 NBA Finals, where they were defeated by Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls in six games.
Q. Who is the Portland Trail Blazers’ greatest rival?
A. Portland’s rivalry with the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2000s western conference finals had some great matchups. The reasons were multiple like Jack Nicholson’s court-side leering and their loss in the seven game thriller in western conference finals.
A. Portland’s rivalry with the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2000s western conference finals had some great matchups. The reasons were multiple like Jack Nicholson’s court-side leering and their loss in the seven game thriller in western conference finals.
Q. Has the Portland Trail Blazers ever won an NBA championship?
A. Yes, the Portland Trail Blazers have won an NBA championship. Their maiden title came in 1977.
A. Yes, the Portland Trail Blazers have won an NBA championship. Their maiden title came in 1977.
Q. How many playoff Games are won by the Portland Trail Blazers?
A. Portland Trail Blazers have won 119 playoff games.
A. Portland Trail Blazers have won 119 playoff games.
