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Blazers: 7 Reasons for the 2015-16 Season

Spencer Gordon|
Feb 19, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) reacts after hitting a three point shot over during the fourth quarter of the game against the Golden State Warriors at the Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. Lillard scored 51 points as the Blazers won 137-105. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 19, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) reacts after hitting a three point shot over during the fourth quarter of the game against the Golden State Warriors at the Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. Lillard scored 51 points as the Blazers won 137-105. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports
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Feb 19, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) reacts after hitting a three point shot over during the fourth quarter of the game against the Golden State Warriors at the Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. Lillard scored 51 points as the Blazers won 137-105. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 19, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) reacts after hitting a three point shot over during the fourth quarter of the game against the Golden State Warriors at the Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. Lillard scored 51 points as the Blazers won 137-105. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports

The biggest catalysts for the Trail Blazers’ success

With one game left in the 2015-16 regular season, the Blazers just need to win one more game against the Nuggets to lock up the fifth seed in the Western Conference. For those keeping score at home, yes that’s the exact same finish as last year with a completely different team.

Again, let that sink in. No steps backward, no early summer plans and no giving up… Portland is back in the playoffs and have a legitimate chance to best last year’s success.

There are numerous reasons why Portland wasn’t supposed to be in this position. Only one returning starter, third youngest team in the NBA (could’ve been first, I’m looking at you Chris Kaman!), and one of the lowest overall salaries in the NBA are just a few of the reasons… er, excuses made by the media before the season began.

Now, with the playoffs in sight, it’s time to countdown seven reasons why Portland was able to put together one of the most memorable seasons in team history.

Next: Number Seven