30 Facts About Trail Blazers Vs. Pelicans

Trail Blazers vs. Pelicans: A Rivalry in the Making

The NBA is full of exciting matchups, but few are as intriguing as the games between the Portland Trail Blazers and the New Orleans Pelicans. This rivalry has grown over the years, providing fans with countless memorable moments. Here are some fascinating facts about these two teams and their head-to-head battles.

1. The Trail Blazers were founded in 1970, while the Pelicans joined the NBA much later, in 2002 as the New Orleans Hornets.

2. The Pelicans rebranded from the Hornets to their current name in 2013, inspired by Louisiana's state bird, the brown pelican.

3. The Trail Blazers' iconic red, black, and white color scheme has remained largely unchanged since their inception.

4. The Pelicans' colors—navy, gold, and red—reflect the vibrant culture of New Orleans.

Memorable Matchups

Games between the Trail Blazers and Pelicans often feature high-scoring affairs and thrilling finishes. Here are some notable encounters.

5. In the 2018 NBA Playoffs, the Pelicans swept the Trail Blazers 4-0 in the first round, a surprising result given the Blazers' higher seeding.

6. Damian Lillard, the Blazers' star guard, scored a career-high 50 points against the Pelicans on April 9, 2017.

7. The Pelicans' Anthony Davis set a franchise record with 59 points in a game against the Detroit Pistons, but he also had several dominant performances against the Blazers.

8. The Blazers and Pelicans have faced each other over 60 times in regular-season games, with the Blazers holding a slight edge in the win-loss column.

Star Players

Both teams have had their share of superstar talent. These players have left an indelible mark on the rivalry.

9. Clyde Drexler, a Hall of Famer, led the Blazers to two NBA Finals appearances in the early 1990s.

10. Chris Paul, one of the best point guards in NBA history, played for the Pelicans (then Hornets) from 2005 to 2011.

11. Brandon Roy, despite a career cut short by injuries, was a three-time All-Star for the Blazers and had several standout games against the Pelicans.

12. Zion Williamson, the Pelicans' young phenom, has already shown flashes of brilliance in his matchups with the Blazers.

Coaching Legends

Great coaches have also been a part of this rivalry, guiding their teams through intense battles.

13. Jack Ramsay, who led the Blazers to their only NBA Championship in 1977, is considered one of the greatest coaches in NBA history.

14. Monty Williams, who coached the Pelicans from 2010 to 2015, helped develop young talent and led the team to the playoffs.

15. Terry Stotts, the Blazers' head coach from 2012 to 2021, was known for his offensive schemes and player development.

16. Alvin Gentry, who coached the Pelicans from 2015 to 2020, implemented a fast-paced style that made the team exciting to watch.

Fan Bases

The fans of both teams are passionate and loyal, creating electric atmospheres during games.

17. The Trail Blazers' fans are known as the "Blazer Maniacs," filling the Moda Center with deafening cheers.

18. Pelicans fans, though smaller in number, are fiercely dedicated and bring the energy of New Orleans to the Smoothie King Center.

19. Both fan bases have unique traditions, such as the Blazers' "Rip City" chant and the Pelicans' "Who Dat" rallying cry.

20. The Blazers have one of the longest sellout streaks in NBA history, with 814 consecutive sold-out games from 1977 to 1995.

Records and Achievements

Both teams have set impressive records and achieved significant milestones over the years.

21. The Blazers won their first and only NBA Championship in 1977, led by Finals MVP Bill Walton.

22. The Pelicans have yet to win an NBA Championship, but they reached the Western Conference Semifinals in 2018.

23. Damian Lillard holds the Blazers' franchise record for most points scored in a single game with 61.

24. Anthony Davis holds the Pelicans' franchise record for most points in a single game with 59.

Community Impact

Both teams have made significant contributions to their communities, using their platforms for positive change.

25. The Blazers' "Make It Better" Foundation focuses on education, health, and the environment in the Portland area.

26. The Pelicans' "Pelicans Care" Foundation supports youth programs, health initiatives, and community development in New Orleans.

27. Both teams regularly host community events, such as basketball clinics and charity drives, to engage with their fans.

28. The Blazers' players and coaches have been involved in numerous charitable activities, including hospital visits and food drives.

29. The Pelicans' organization has been active in disaster relief efforts, particularly in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

30. Both teams have received numerous awards for their community service, highlighting their commitment to making a difference off the court.

Final Whistle

The Trail Blazers vs. Pelicans matchups have always been thrilling. From Damian Lillard's clutch shots to Zion Williamson's powerful dunks, these games never disappoint. Both teams have a rich history and passionate fan bases, making each encounter a must-watch. Whether it's the Blazers' strategic plays or the Pelicans' fast-paced offense, there's always something exciting happening on the court.

Understanding the stats and stories behind these teams adds another layer of enjoyment. Next time they face off, you'll have a deeper appreciation for the game. Keep an eye on rising stars and seasoned veterans alike; they all contribute to the electrifying atmosphere.

Basketball is more than just a game; it's a blend of skill, strategy, and heart. Enjoy every moment and cheer for your favorite team with newfound knowledge.