Portland was not meant to own June. The franchise never even made the playoffs until 1977. Then a red haired center with a delicate touch and a grin made the entire city believers. Bill Walton did not merely win games. He changed the pace of a team and the atmosphere of a town. When the confetti dropped, Rip City was a family.
The ignition that ignited Rip City
Walton came into the season healthy and hungry. Coach Jack Ramsay’s Blazers played fast, unselfish basketball. They closed out the year 49 to 33 and were unstoppable at home in the playoffs. The team was together like a band. Maurice Lucas added edge. Lionel Hollins added speed. Walton was the conductor. He led the league in rebounds and blocks and distributed the ball like a guard. It seemed easy. Catch at the elbow. Get a cutter. Make the extra pass.
They blitzed the West. They beat the Bulls, then the Nuggets, then swept the Lakers. The greatest thing was the atmosphere. The crowd was close enough to touch the ball. People still refer to it as Blazermania for a reason. The city had a team that played with care and joy.
“Bill Walton is the greatest big man player ever to play the game of basketball.” – Gene Shue, following the 1977 Finals
Behind 0 to 2, then 4 in a row
The Finals featured Julius Erving and a prohibitive favorite. Philadelphia struck first. Portland was behind 0 to 2 and appeared shook up. Then it all turned around in Oregon. Walton dominated the boards. Lucas established a tone. The Blazers evened the series with speed and restraint. Game 6 in Portland was a tempest. Walton scored 20, 23 rebounds, 7 assists, and blocked 8 shots. The final rebound was a volleyball slap in the direction of midcourt as the buzzer blared. 109 to 107. Bedlam. He was awarded Finals MVP with averages of 18.5 points, 19 rebounds, and 5.2 assists. That is dominance of every inch.
They forget how young they were. Their median age was hardly more than a college squad. They played loose. They trusted one another. In a league still finding itself after the merger, a new champion emerged with a style that seemed new.
Why it still matters in Portland
This is still the only championship the Blazers have ever won. That adds heft to the tale. The ring rests within the city’s memory like a beacon. Fans share it with one another. Parents share it with children about Walton’s touch and Lucas’ glare. The team celebrated Walton’s legacy again recently, evidence that the connection never truly dissolved. And when they speak of centers who elevate teammates, they mention 1977. It was not about a single star pursuing points. It was about a giant man who simplified the game for all.
