1985 Western Conference Finals vs Lakers
Showtime meets the Rookie: A defining clash of eras in the Pacific Northwest.
The 1985 playoff matchup between the Portland Trail Blazers and the Los Angeles Lakers remains a significant chapter in Pacific Northwest basketball history. While often remembered for the intensity of the rivalry, this series highlighted the transition from Magic Johnson's Showtime dominance to the emerging talent of Clyde Drexler. It was a clash of styles that defined the Western Conference landscape before the Lakers' championship run concluded.
- Year
- 1985
- Teams
- Portland Trail Blazers vs. Los Angeles Lakers
- Outcome
- Los Angeles Lakers Advanced
- Key Blazers Star
- Clyde Drexler (Rookie)
- Key Lakers Star
- Magic Johnson
Lore & Background
For Blazers historians, this era marks the beginning of the modern rivalry with Los Angeles. Although the Lakers swept through to claim another title against Boston, Drexler's performance signaled a bright future for the franchise. The series showcased the physicality required to compete in the mid-80s NBA and set the stage for decades of intense competition between these two market giants.
In Their Own Story
The lights hummed over Memorial Coliseum as the crowd held its breath. A rookie guard, jersey number 22, dribbled against a veteran legend known for his passing genius. The roar of the home fans was deafening, but the clock ticked on relentlessly. It wasn't just about one game; it was about proving that Portland could stand tall among the giants of the league.
Reader's Guide
The context of this 1985 playoff meeting was a battle for Western Conference supremacy. The Lakers entered as favorites with a championship-caliber roster, while the Blazers were building momentum around their new young stars. Key plays revolved around Magic Johnson's orchestration of the offense against Portland's defensive schemes led by Buck Williams and Sam Bowie. The Lakers utilized their speed to exploit the paint, overwhelming the Blazers' interior defense over multiple games. The final outcome saw the Los Angeles Lakers secure the series victory, advancing to eventually win the NBA Championship that year. This match remains etched in fan memory because it marked Clyde Drexler's first significant playoff test against a dynasty team.
Did You Know?
- Clyde Drexler was in his rookie season during this playoff run.
- The Lakers went on to defeat the Boston Celtics for the 1985 NBA Championship.
- This series intensified the long-standing rivalry between Portland and Los Angeles franchises.