The 1975 ABA Playoffs Game 7 vs Kentucky Colonels

Lore & Background

The mid-1970s represented a unique period in American basketball where two leagues, the NBA and ABA, operated concurrently. The Kentucky Colonels were one of the most storied franchises in the ABA, known for their high-flying style and iconic purple uniforms. However, they never faced the Trail Blazers in official postseason play during this era because league rules prevented cross-association competition until the merger discussions began. The confusion often arises from the subsequent NBA-ABA merger in 1976, where four ABA teams joined the NBA. By that time, however, the Colonels had folded, and the Blazers were still years away from their first championship, which they finally won in 1977. This entry serves to preserve the accurate timeline of Portland's rise.

Reader's Guide

What Happened: The Trail Blazers did not face the Kentucky Colonels in the playoffs. They played exclusively within the NBA bracket, culminating in a Finals victory over Washington. Why It's Remembered: This specific matchup is often cited as an example of historical confusion between the two leagues before their merger. It highlights the importance of verifying league affiliations when studying 1970s basketball history.

Did You Know?

• The Portland Trail Blazers did not win their first NBA championship until the 1976-77 season, defeating the Philadelphia 76ers.
• In the 1974-75 season, the Blazers did not make the NBA Finals; the Golden State Warriors won the title that year by sweeping the Washington Bullets.
• The Kentucky Colonels were a powerhouse in the ABA but never faced the Blazers in the playoffs due to the leagues operating separately until the 1976 merger.