Running Down a Dream: Western Conference Finals

The match-up everyone anticipated in the pre-season had come to fruition. Portland had taken 3 of 5 from the Lakers in the regular season, including 2 of 3 at the Forum, but the home court advantage the Blazers worked so hard to obtain was taken away after a 13-0 run to start the 4th by LA in Game 1, eventually outscoring Portland by 17 to win 111-106. It was the turning point of the series; Portland got back on track during Games 2 and 5 back at home but failed to show up in LA, getting waxed by double figures in both contests. Facing Elimination, the Blazers had to win a Game 6 in LA to force a Game 7 back in the Coliseum.