The Portland Trail Blazers are one of the best teams in the best conference in the NBA. However, this talented group is often overshadowed by other teams out west such as the San Antonio Spurs and the Los Angeles Clippers.
Two years ago Portland won only 33 games. Last year they improved their win total to 54 games. The Blazers proved the regular season was no fluke by knocking out the favored Houston Rockets in the first-round of the Western Conference playoffs.
LaMarcus Aldridge and Damian Lillard are one of the top duo's in the NBA. The two averaged a combined 44.3 points per game in 2013-14. Both players have the potential to dominate their position on any given night. If Lillard and Aldridge are playing well simultaneously, Portland is an extremely dangerous team. Wes Matthews complements Lillard well in the backcourt. His tight defense and three-point prowess is a big part of the Blazers identity. Nick Batum and C.J McCollum are good NBA players. Portland is more than just a two headed monster.
The City of Portland has seen some great basketball over the years. Dr. Jack Ramsey and Bill Walton led the Blazers to the NBA championship in 1977. After losing the first two games of the finals to the heavily favored Philadelphia 76ers, Portland ran off four consecutive victories to win the series in six games. In those days Philadelphia was the most talented team in the league. Quite frankly, the Blazers had no business winning that series.
Portland returned to an elite level heading into the 90's. The likes of Terry Porter, Clyde Drexler, Cliff Robinson and Kevin Duckworth made two NBA Finals appearances in three years beginning in 1990. Portland came within seconds of making it back to the finals in 2000. A late game seven rally charged by Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant halted those plans.
Portland has a rich history to be proud of. Over the years the fans have supported the organization through thick and thin. They are truly one of the best fan bases in America.
Watch out for the Portland Trail Blazers. They could be the next big thing in the NBA.
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