As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Portland Trail Blazers Trivia Quiz: 20 Questions to Test Your Fandom
Welcome, Rip City faithful! As a long-time chronicler of Pacific Northwest hoops, I’ve seen the Portland Trail Blazers evolve from a 1970 expansion team into one of the NBA's most storied franchises. From the "Blazermania" of 1977 to the "Dame Time" era, this team has provided some of the most iconic moments in basketball history. Today, we test your knowledge of the legends, the heartbreaks, and the triumphs that define the red, black, and white.
1. In what year did the Portland Trail Blazers join the NBA as an expansion team?
Answer: B) 1970
The Story Behind the Stat: The Trail Blazers were founded in 1970 as part of a three-team expansion that also included the Buffalo Braves (now the Clippers) and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Portland paid a $3.7 million entry fee to join the league. Since then, the franchise has become a pillar of the Portland community, boasting one of the most loyal fanbases in professional sports.
The Story Behind the Stat: The Trail Blazers were founded in 1970 as part of a three-team expansion that also included the Buffalo Braves (now the Clippers) and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Portland paid a $3.7 million entry fee to join the league. Since then, the franchise has become a pillar of the Portland community, boasting one of the most loyal fanbases in professional sports.
2. Who was the head coach of the 1977 championship team?
Answer: C) Jack Ramsay
The Story Behind the Stat: "Dr. Jack" Ramsay took over the Blazers in 1976 and immediately led them to a title in his first season. Known for his checkered sportscoats and tactical brilliance, Ramsay's emphasis on team play and conditioning revolutionized the franchise. He remains the winningest coach in Blazers history with 453 victories.
The Story Behind the Stat: "Dr. Jack" Ramsay took over the Blazers in 1976 and immediately led them to a title in his first season. Known for his checkered sportscoats and tactical brilliance, Ramsay's emphasis on team play and conditioning revolutionized the franchise. He remains the winningest coach in Blazers history with 453 victories.
3. Which legendary center won the NBA Finals MVP during the Blazers' lone championship run?
Answer: B) Bill Walton
The Story Behind the Stat: Bill Walton's 1976-77 season is the stuff of legend, as he led the league in rebounds and blocks while orchestrating the offense from the high post. In the Finals against the 76ers, Walton averaged 18.5 points, 19.0 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game. His performance in the clinching Game 6 is widely considered one of the greatest individual efforts in NBA history.
The Story Behind the Stat: Bill Walton's 1976-77 season is the stuff of legend, as he led the league in rebounds and blocks while orchestrating the offense from the high post. In the Finals against the 76ers, Walton averaged 18.5 points, 19.0 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game. His performance in the clinching Game 6 is widely considered one of the greatest individual efforts in NBA history.
4. Who is the Portland Trail Blazers' all-time leading scorer?
Answer: D) Damian Lillard
The Story Behind the Stat: On December 19, 2022, Damian Lillard surpassed Clyde Drexler to become the franchise's all-time leading scorer. Lillard spent 11 seasons in Portland, amassing 19,376 points and cementing his legacy as the greatest Blazer of the modern era. His ability to score from "logo range" changed the geometry of the court for Portland's opponents.
The Story Behind the Stat: On December 19, 2022, Damian Lillard surpassed Clyde Drexler to become the franchise's all-time leading scorer. Lillard spent 11 seasons in Portland, amassing 19,376 points and cementing his legacy as the greatest Blazer of the modern era. His ability to score from "logo range" changed the geometry of the court for Portland's opponents.
5. Which broadcaster is credited with coining the iconic phrase "Rip City"?
Answer: B) Bill Schonely
The Story Behind the Stat: During a game against the Lakers in the Blazers' inaugural 1970 season, Jim Barnett took a long shot that prompted Schonely to exclaim, "Rip City! All right!" The phrase had no prior meaning but instantly resonated with the fans. "The Schonz" served as the team's play-by-play announcer for nearly three decades and remains the "Mayor of Rip City."
The Story Behind the Stat: During a game against the Lakers in the Blazers' inaugural 1970 season, Jim Barnett took a long shot that prompted Schonely to exclaim, "Rip City! All right!" The phrase had no prior meaning but instantly resonated with the fans. "The Schonz" served as the team's play-by-play announcer for nearly three decades and remains the "Mayor of Rip City."
6. In the 1984 NBA Draft, the Blazers famously selected Sam Bowie with the #2 pick. Which future Hall of Famer was taken immediately after at #3?
Answer: C) Michael Jordan
The Story Behind the Stat: This remains the biggest "what if" in sports history. The Blazers, already having an All-Star guard in Jim Paxson and having just drafted Clyde Drexler, opted for size with Sam Bowie. While Bowie had a productive career when healthy, Michael Jordan went on to become the greatest player of all time, winning six championships with the Bulls.
The Story Behind the Stat: This remains the biggest "what if" in sports history. The Blazers, already having an All-Star guard in Jim Paxson and having just drafted Clyde Drexler, opted for size with Sam Bowie. While Bowie had a productive career when healthy, Michael Jordan went on to become the greatest player of all time, winning six championships with the Bulls.
7. Against which team did Damian Lillard hit his famous "0.9" series-winning buzzer-beater in the 2014 Playoffs?
Answer: A) Houston Rockets
The Story Behind the Stat: With 0.9 seconds left on the clock and the Blazers trailing by two in Game 6, Lillard sprinted to the ball, caught the inbound pass, and launched a fading three-pointer. The shot went through as the buzzer sounded, giving Portland its first playoff series win in 14 years. It is arguably the most famous shot in the history of the Moda Center.
The Story Behind the Stat: With 0.9 seconds left on the clock and the Blazers trailing by two in Game 6, Lillard sprinted to the ball, caught the inbound pass, and launched a fading three-pointer. The shot went through as the buzzer sounded, giving Portland its first playoff series win in 14 years. It is arguably the most famous shot in the history of the Moda Center.
8. How many consecutive seasons did the Trail Blazers make the NBA Playoffs between 1983 and 2003?
Answer: C) 21
The Story Behind the Stat: From 1983 to 2003, the Trail Blazers were a model of consistency, reaching the postseason for 21 straight years. This streak is one of the longest in NBA history, surpassed only by the 76ers and the Spurs. During this window, the Blazers reached the NBA Finals twice (1990 and 1992).
The Story Behind the Stat: From 1983 to 2003, the Trail Blazers were a model of consistency, reaching the postseason for 21 straight years. This streak is one of the longest in NBA history, surpassed only by the 76ers and the Spurs. During this window, the Blazers reached the NBA Finals twice (1990 and 1992).
9. Which player holds the franchise record for the most points scored in a single game (71)?
Answer: B) Damian Lillard
The Story Behind the Stat: In February 2023, Lillard put on a masterclass against the Houston Rockets, scoring 71 points in just 39 minutes. He joined an elite club of players to score 70+ in a game, hitting 13 three-pointers in the process. This performance broke his own previous franchise record of 61 points.
The Story Behind the Stat: In February 2023, Lillard put on a masterclass against the Houston Rockets, scoring 71 points in just 39 minutes. He joined an elite club of players to score 70+ in a game, hitting 13 three-pointers in the process. This performance broke his own previous franchise record of 61 points.
10. What was the original name of the arena where the Blazers played before moving to the Rose Garden (now Moda Center)?
Answer: B) Memorial Coliseum
The Story Behind the Stat: The Blazers played at the Memorial Coliseum from their inception in 1970 until 1995. Known for its unique glass-walled design, it was the site of the 1977 championship victory. The arena was famous for its "Blazermania" atmosphere and a then-record sellout streak of 814 consecutive games.
The Story Behind the Stat: The Blazers played at the Memorial Coliseum from their inception in 1970 until 1995. Known for its unique glass-walled design, it was the site of the 1977 championship victory. The arena was famous for its "Blazermania" atmosphere and a then-record sellout streak of 814 consecutive games.
GEAR UP FOR THE GAME
Represent your team! Check out the latest Portland Trail Blazers jerseys and gear on Amazon here.
Shop Blazers Gear on Amazon11. Arvydas Sabonis is a Blazers legend, but how old was he when he finally made his NBA debut in 1995?
Answer: C) 30
The Story Behind the Stat: Sabonis was drafted by Portland in 1986, but political tensions between the US and the Soviet Union delayed his arrival for nearly a decade. By the time he reached the NBA in 1995, he had suffered numerous leg injuries. Despite being 30 years old and past his physical prime, his elite passing and shooting made him one of the most effective centers in the league.
The Story Behind the Stat: Sabonis was drafted by Portland in 1986, but political tensions between the US and the Soviet Union delayed his arrival for nearly a decade. By the time he reached the NBA in 1995, he had suffered numerous leg injuries. Despite being 30 years old and past his physical prime, his elite passing and shooting made him one of the most effective centers in the league.
12. Which Blazer won the NBA Rookie of the Year award for the 2006-07 season?
Answer: B) Brandon Roy
The Story Behind the Stat: Brandon Roy took the league by storm in 2006, winning Rookie of the Year almost unanimously. Known as "The Natural," Roy was a three-time All-Star who seemed destined for the Hall of Fame before degenerative knee issues forced an early retirement. Kobe Bryant once cited Roy as the hardest player to guard in the Western Conference.
The Story Behind the Stat: Brandon Roy took the league by storm in 2006, winning Rookie of the Year almost unanimously. Known as "The Natural," Roy was a three-time All-Star who seemed destined for the Hall of Fame before degenerative knee issues forced an early retirement. Kobe Bryant once cited Roy as the hardest player to guard in the Western Conference.
13. Who did the Trail Blazers lose to in the 1992 NBA Finals?
Answer: B) Chicago Bulls
The Story Behind the Stat: The 1992 Finals featured a marquee matchup between Clyde Drexler and Michael Jordan. While the Blazers pushed the series to six games, they couldn't overcome Jordan's legendary "shrug" game and the Bulls' fourth-quarter execution. This was the second of two Finals appearances for the Drexler-led Blazers.
The Story Behind the Stat: The 1992 Finals featured a marquee matchup between Clyde Drexler and Michael Jordan. While the Blazers pushed the series to six games, they couldn't overcome Jordan's legendary "shrug" game and the Bulls' fourth-quarter execution. This was the second of two Finals appearances for the Drexler-led Blazers.
14. Maurice Lucas was known by what intimidating nickname during the 1977 championship season?
Answer: A) The Enforcer
The Story Behind the Stat: Maurice Lucas provided the physical toughness that allowed Bill Walton to flourish. His most famous moment came in the 1977 Finals when he stood up to Darryl Dawkins in Game 2, sparking a turnaround that saw Portland win four straight games. Lucas's #20 is retired by the franchise.
The Story Behind the Stat: Maurice Lucas provided the physical toughness that allowed Bill Walton to flourish. His most famous moment came in the 1977 Finals when he stood up to Darryl Dawkins in Game 2, sparking a turnaround that saw Portland win four straight games. Lucas's #20 is retired by the franchise.
15. Which player was the first-ever draft pick in Trail Blazers history?
Answer: A) Geoff Petrie
The Story Behind the Stat: Selected out of Princeton, Petrie was the first star in Portland history and shared Rookie of the Year honors in 1971. He was a two-time All-Star who averaged over 20 points per game during his career. Unfortunately, a knee injury ended his playing days just as the Blazers were beginning their championship season.
The Story Behind the Stat: Selected out of Princeton, Petrie was the first star in Portland history and shared Rookie of the Year honors in 1971. He was a two-time All-Star who averaged over 20 points per game during his career. Unfortunately, a knee injury ended his playing days just as the Blazers were beginning their championship season.
16. In 2000, the Blazers suffered a heartbreaking Game 7 loss in the Western Conference Finals after leading by 15 points in the 4th quarter. Who was their opponent?
Answer: C) Los Angeles Lakers
The Story Behind the Stat: This game remains a painful memory for Blazers fans. Portland led 75-60 with 10 minutes remaining, but the Lakers, led by Shaq and Kobe, went on a furious run to win 89-84. The comeback was capped by the iconic Kobe-to-Shaq alley-oop, sending the Lakers to the Finals and ending the Blazers' best chance at a second title.
The Story Behind the Stat: This game remains a painful memory for Blazers fans. Portland led 75-60 with 10 minutes remaining, but the Lakers, led by Shaq and Kobe, went on a furious run to win 89-84. The comeback was capped by the iconic Kobe-to-Shaq alley-oop, sending the Lakers to the Finals and ending the Blazers' best chance at a second title.
17. Rasheed Wallace set an NBA record in the 2000-01 season for the most technical fouls in a single season. How many did he receive?
Answer: C) 41
The Story Behind the Stat: Rasheed Wallace was as talented as he was volatile. His 41 technical fouls in a single season is a record that will likely never be broken due to modern rule changes that trigger automatic suspensions. Despite the whistles, "Sheed" was the centerpiece of a Blazers team that was a perennial contender in the early 2000s.
The Story Behind the Stat: Rasheed Wallace was as talented as he was volatile. His 41 technical fouls in a single season is a record that will likely never be broken due to modern rule changes that trigger automatic suspensions. Despite the whistles, "Sheed" was the centerpiece of a Blazers team that was a perennial contender in the early 2000s.
18. Which Blazer legend is the only player in franchise history to have his jersey number (#22) retired twice (once for him and once for another player)?
Answer: C) Lloyd Neal
The Story Behind the Stat: Lloyd "World" Neal was a key contributor to the 1977 championship team, and his #22 was retired in 1979. However, when Clyde Drexler arrived and became a superstar wearing #22, the team effectively retired the number for both players. It is a rare instance of a franchise honoring two different eras with the same jersey number.
The Story Behind the Stat: Lloyd "World" Neal was a key contributor to the 1977 championship team, and his #22 was retired in 1979. However, when Clyde Drexler arrived and became a superstar wearing #22, the team effectively retired the number for both players. It is a rare instance of a franchise honoring two different eras with the same jersey number.
19. Who holds the franchise record for the most rebounds in a single game with 30?
Answer: B) Enes Kanter
The Story Behind the Stat: In April 2021, Enes Kanter (now Enes Freedom) broke Sidney Wicks' 50-year-old record by grabbing 30 rebounds against the Detroit Pistons. Kanter's relentless effort on the offensive glass accounted for 12 of those boards. It was the first 30-rebound game in the NBA since Dwight Howard in 2018.
The Story Behind the Stat: In April 2021, Enes Kanter (now Enes Freedom) broke Sidney Wicks' 50-year-old record by grabbing 30 rebounds against the Detroit Pistons. Kanter's relentless effort on the offensive glass accounted for 12 of those boards. It was the first 30-rebound game in the NBA since Dwight Howard in 2018.
20. What is the name of the official mascot of the Portland Trail Blazers?
Answer: A) Blaze the Trail Cat
The Story Behind the Stat: Blaze is a two-toned silver mountain lion who has been the team's official mascot since 2002. He is known for his high-flying dunks off trampolines and his engagement with the "Rip City" crowd. Before Blaze, the team did not have an official costumed mascot for many years.
The Story Behind the Stat: Blaze is a two-toned silver mountain lion who has been the team's official mascot since 2002. He is known for his high-flying dunks off trampolines and his engagement with the "Rip City" crowd. Before Blaze, the team did not have an official costumed mascot for many years.
No comments:
Post a Comment