In 2012-13, the Trail Blazers were in the conversation for a playoff spot until deep into the season despite having one of the shortest benches in the league. Injuries and fatigue took their toll late in the campaign and the Blazers fell off the pace. Changes had to be made and GM Neil Olshey knew it. With a core trio of NBA stars that includes 2013 Rookie of the Year Damian Lillard, LaMarcus Aldridge and Nicolas Batum, the Blazers already had a rock solid foundation. Adding Robin Lopez, Thomas Robinson, Mo Williams and Dorell Wright in free agency and CJ McCollum and Allen Crabbe in the draft, Olshey turned the Blazers biggest weakness, production off the bench, into the team’s biggest strength. After two consecutive seasons out of the playoffs, the Blazers are on the rise in 2013-14. Head out to the Moda Center for the best show in town with guaranteed savings from ScoreBig. A Brief History Founded in 1970, the Portland Trail Blazers were a hit from the start. Throughout their history, the Trail Blazers have provided both the highest of highs (an NBA Championship in 1977) and the lowest of lows (franchise-altering injuries to Bill Walton, Greg Oden and Brandon Roy and the ill-fated decision to draft Sam Bowie over one Michael Jeffrey Jordan) to their intensely loyal fan base. After enduring the typical expansion team woes for the first six seasons, the Portland Trail Blazers earned their first playoff bid in the 1976-77 season. With UCLA great Bill Walton dominating the league, the Blazers stormed through the post-season and earned a trip to the Finals to face Dr. J’s Philadelphia 76ers. After losing the first two games in Philly, the Blazers came back to win four straight and raise the championship banner. While the Blazers haven’t won a title since, the 1977 playoff berth was the first of 21 consecutive trips to the post-season. With Hall of Famer Clyde Drexler leading the way, the Trail Blazers made it to the NBA Finals in 1990 and 1992, losing to the Pistons and Bulls respectively. Through good times and bad, the fans of Portland have supported the Trail Blazers. One of the best drawing franchises in the league, a Blazers game at Moda Center (fka The Rose Garden) is one of the best sporting events you’ll ever attend. As is the case with Portland’s MLS franchise, the Timbers and the college programs at both Oregon and Oregon State, Oregonians LOVE their teams.  Ball Night in the Rose City With a hopping culinary and arts scene, a gorgeous, evergreen skyline and the most enthusiastic sports fans anywhere, Portland pretty much rules. Whether you’re in town for a visit or you call Portland home, DO NOT MISS a chance to see the up-and-coming Trail Blazers this season at the Moda Center. Go on, score guaranteed savings on Blazers tickets at ScoreBig and use your savings on post-game locally-sourced, artisanal snacks some regionally-produced micro brews in one of the best small cities on the planet.