NBA Team Guide
Portland Trail Blazers: History, Championships & Facts
The Trail Blazers joined the NBA as an expansion team in 1970. They won the 1977 championship and reached the Finals again in 1990 and 1992.
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Updated live from ESPN.
Quick facts
| Founded | 1970 (NBA expansion, with Cleveland and Buffalo) |
|---|---|
| Arena | Moda Center, Portland (opened 1995 as the Rose Garden) |
| NBA titles | 1 (1977) |
| Finals appearances | 3 (1977, 1990, 1992) |
| Playoff streak | 21 straight seasons, 1983–2003 |
| Sellout streak | 814 straight games, 1977–1995 |
Championship history
Portland won its only NBA title in 1977, coming back from 0–2 to beat Philadelphia. Through the 2025–26 season it has reached the Finals three times.
- 1977 NBA Finals: beat the Philadelphia 76ers 4–2 after losing the first two games; Bill Walton was Finals MVP
- 1990 NBA Finals: lost to the Detroit Pistons 4–1
- 1992 NBA Finals: lost to the Chicago Bulls 4–2
Franchise history
- 1970: Began play at Memorial Coliseum as an expansion team.
- 1971: Broadcaster Bill Schonely coined the phrase "Rip City" during a game against the Lakers.
- 1977: Won the NBA title under coach Jack Ramsay.
- 1977–1995: Sold out 814 straight games.
- 1983–2003: Made the playoffs 21 seasons in a row.
- 1995: Moved into the Rose Garden, renamed Moda Center in 2013.
Franchise record holders
| Points | Damian Lillard |
|---|---|
| Rebounds | LaMarcus Aldridge, 5,434 |
| Steals | Clyde Drexler, 1,795 |
Retired numbers
- 1Larry Weinberg (founding owner)
- 6Bill Russell (retired across the NBA)
- 13Dave Twardzik
- 14Lionel Hollins
- 15Larry Steele
- 20Maurice Lucas
- 22Clyde Drexler
- 30Bob Gross
- 30Terry Porter
- 32Bill Walton
- 36Lloyd Neal
- 45Geoff Petrie
- 77Jack Ramsay (coach; for the 1977 title)
- MicBill Schonely (broadcaster)
Hall of Famers
Bill Walton, Clyde Drexler, Arvydas Sabonis, Jack Ramsay.
Biggest rivalries
- Los Angeles Lakers: longtime rivals, Pacific Division foes until 2004, and frequent playoff opponents, including the 2000 Western Conference Finals.
- Seattle SuperSonics: the Interstate 5 rivalry, which ended when Seattle's team moved to Oklahoma City in 2008.
- Utah Jazz: Northwest Division rivals since 2004 and Portland's opponent in the 1992 Western Conference Finals.
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How many championships have the Trail Blazers won?
One, in 1977. They beat the Philadelphia 76ers 4–2.
Where does "Rip City" come from?
Broadcaster Bill Schonely shouted it during a 1971 game against the Lakers. It became a nickname for the team and the city.
What was the Blazers' sellout streak?
814 straight sellouts from 1977 to 1995.
Why do two players share No. 30?
Portland retired No. 30 for both Bob Gross, a starter on the 1977 title team, and Terry Porter.
What was the Moda Center's original name?
The Rose Garden. It opened in 1995 and was renamed in 2013. Before that, the team played at Memorial Coliseum.
Sources
Facts checked September 23, 2026. Live figures above come from ESPN.