30 Facts About Trail Blazers Vs. Grizzlies

The Rivalry Begins

The Trail Blazers and Grizzlies have a storied history filled with intense matchups and memorable moments. Here are some fascinating facts about their rivalry.

1. The Portland Trail Blazers and Memphis Grizzlies first faced off on November 3, 1995. The Grizzlies were still based in Vancouver at the time.

2. The Grizzlies moved to Memphis in 2001, which intensified the rivalry due to the geographical proximity.

3. The Trail Blazers have won more games overall against the Grizzlies, leading the head-to-head series.

Memorable Players

Both teams have had iconic players who left a lasting impact on the rivalry.

4. Damian Lillard, the Trail Blazers' star point guard, has had multiple 40+ point games against the Grizzlies.

5. Zach Randolph, who played for both teams, is often remembered for his gritty performances, especially during his time with the Grizzlies.

6. Brandon Roy, a former Trail Blazers star, had some of his best games against Memphis, including a memorable 52-point game in 2008.

Playoff Battles

The rivalry has seen its fair share of playoff drama.

7. The first playoff meeting between the two teams occurred in 2015, with the Grizzlies winning the series 4-1.

8. In the 2020 NBA Play-In Tournament, the Trail Blazers defeated the Grizzlies to secure the 8th seed in the Western Conference playoffs.

Iconic Moments

Some games between these teams have become legendary.

9. In a 2014 game, Damian Lillard hit a game-winning three-pointer in overtime against the Grizzlies.

10. The Grizzlies once set a franchise record for points in a game against the Trail Blazers, scoring 144 points in 2007.

11. In 2019, the Trail Blazers overcame a 19-point deficit to defeat the Grizzlies in a thrilling comeback.

Coaching Legends

Coaches have also played a significant role in shaping this rivalry.

12. Terry Stotts, who coached the Trail Blazers from 2012 to 2021, had a winning record against the Grizzlies.

13. Lionel Hollins, a former Grizzlies coach, led the team to multiple playoff appearances, including the 2013 Western Conference Finals.

Fan Engagement

Fans from both teams bring energy and passion to each game.

14. The "Rip City" fans of Portland are known for their loud and enthusiastic support during home games against the Grizzlies.

15. Memphis fans, known as the "Grizz Nation," create an electric atmosphere at the FedExForum, especially during key matchups with the Trail Blazers.

Statistical Feats

Numbers often tell the story of a rivalry.

16. The highest-scoring game between the two teams occurred on January 27, 2016, with a combined score of 252 points.

17. The Trail Blazers once held the Grizzlies to just 72 points in a game, showcasing their defensive prowess.

18. Marc Gasol, a former Grizzlies center, recorded a career-high 38 points against the Trail Blazers in 2017.

Off-Court Connections

Beyond the court, there are interesting connections between the teams.

19. Both teams have had players who were college teammates, such as C.J. McCollum and Ja Morant, who both played at Lehigh University.

20. The Grizzlies' mascot, Grizz, and the Trail Blazers' mascot, Blaze, have participated in numerous charity events together.

Future Stars

Young talent continues to shape the rivalry.

21. Ja Morant, the Grizzlies' dynamic point guard, has quickly become a fan favorite and a key player in games against the Trail Blazers.

22. Anfernee Simons, a rising star for the Trail Blazers, has had several standout performances against Memphis.

Historic Trades

Trades between the teams have also impacted their rivalry.

23. In 2009, the Trail Blazers traded for Marcus Camby, who played a crucial role in their playoff push against the Grizzlies.

24. The Grizzlies acquired Jusuf Nurkic from the Trail Blazers in a 2017 trade, adding depth to their roster.

Community Impact

Both teams are active in their communities, often collaborating on initiatives.

25. The Trail Blazers and Grizzlies have jointly hosted basketball clinics for underprivileged youth.

26. Players from both teams frequently participate in community service projects during the offseason.

Record-Breaking Performances

Some individual performances have stood out in this rivalry.

27. Damian Lillard holds the record for the most three-pointers made in a single game against the Grizzlies, with 11.

28. Mike Conley, a former Grizzlies guard, once recorded a triple-double against the Trail Blazers, showcasing his all-around skills.

International Influence

The rivalry has a global reach, with fans from around the world tuning in.

29. Both teams have played preseason games in international locations, helping to grow their fan bases globally.

30. International players, such as Pau Gasol for the Grizzlies and Arvydas Sabonis for the Trail Blazers, have left a lasting legacy in this rivalry.

Final Whistle

Trail Blazers vs. Grizzlies games always bring excitement. From Damian Lillard's clutch shots to Ja Morant's explosive dunks, fans are never disappointed. These matchups showcase intense rivalries, unforgettable moments, and pure basketball talent. Both teams have rich histories and passionate fan bases that make every game a must-watch. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, the energy and drama of these games are undeniable. Keep an eye on their future encounters; you never know when the next iconic moment will happen. So, grab your popcorn, wear your team's colors, and enjoy the show. Basketball is more than just a game; it's a thrilling experience that brings people together. Trail Blazers vs. Grizzlies is a perfect example of why we love sports.