Trail Blazers

The Portland Trail Blazers, founded in 1970, won their only championship in 1977 behind Bill Walton's dominant play — one of the greatest individual Finals performances in history. "Rip City" — the nickname coined by broadcaster Bill Schonely — became synonymous with Portland basketball. Clyde Drexler led the Blazers to two Finals appearances in 1990 and 1992. The late 1990s "Jail Blazers" were talented but controversial. Damian Lillard became the franchise's modern icon with his clutch performances, including the series-ending buzzer-beaters against Houston (2014) and Oklahoma City (2019). After Lillard's trade to Milwaukee in 2023, the Blazers entered a rebuild, developing young talent while honoring their passionate fan base — one of the most loyal in professional sports.