In an impressive 122-108 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night, the Portland Trail Blazers relied on strong performances from Robert Williams and Jerami Grant, who each scored 19 points to lead the charge.
Williams, who had recently returned from a knee injury, also added nine rebounds and three assists, helping to anchor the Blazers both offensively and defensively. The win marked a much-needed bounce-back for Portland, who came into the game with a 3-8 record in NBA Cup play.
The Timberwolves were led by Naz Reid, who poured in 28 points, while Anthony Edwards contributed 26 points in the loss. However, Minnesota’s efforts were not enough to overcome Portland’s offensive explosion, particularly from beyond the arc. The Blazers, despite being one of the worst 3-point shooting teams in the league, shot a scorching 56% from 3-point range, knocking down 18 of 32 attempts. This unexpected shooting display played a pivotal role in the win, allowing Portland to stretch their lead and hold off Minnesota’s attempts at a comeback.
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Portland got off to a fast start, jumping out to a 28-17 lead after the first quarter. The Blazers capped off the quarter with a buzzer-beating 3-pointer from Dalano Banton, who entered the game after both Anfernee Simons and Scoot Henderson faced injury-related and foul troubles, respectively. Simons left the game with a chest injury, while Henderson picked up three fouls in the opening minutes, forcing head coach Chauncey Billups to adjust. Despite these setbacks, Banton’s timely shot and the team’s overall sharp shooting helped Portland take control early.
The Blazers’ depth was also a key factor in their win. With Simons and Henderson limited, other players stepped up, notably the bench, which outscored Minnesota’s reserves 64-39. Banton’s clutch shooting, alongside a strong performance from Deni Avdija, who also hit a buzzer-beating 3-pointer to close the third quarter, helped solidify Portland’s lead. Portland’s bench continued to pour it on, with significant contributions from players who stepped into larger roles throughout the game.
Minnesota, coming off a disappointing loss to the Miami Heat where they blew an 88-80 lead late in the game, struggled to find their rhythm. Head coach Chris Finch acknowledged that the Timberwolves’ inability to solve Miami’s zone defense was a factor in that defeat, and similar issues arose in this game. Although Reid and Edwards were effective offensively, Minnesota could not generate enough sustained momentum to close the gap after Portland’s early barrage of 3-pointers. The Timberwolves were also unable to recover from Portland’s strong start and bench scoring.
In a game full of key moments, the two buzzer-beating 3-pointers for Portland were particularly telling. Banton’s 3-pointer to end the first quarter and Avdija’s to close out the third quarter helped keep the momentum squarely in Portland’s favor, further deflating the Timberwolves’ attempts at a comeback. These timely shots were indicative of the Blazers’ overall efficiency in this game, as they shot 50% or better from beyond the arc in each quarter.
Donovan Clingan, starting in place of Deandre Ayton, who missed the game with a sprained finger, had a strong debut in his first NBA start. The rookie made an immediate impact, blocking Rudy Gobert’s first shot of the game and adding a steal a few possessions later. Clingan’s energy and defensive presence gave the Blazers a boost and added to the team’s overall dominance on both ends of the floor.
While the Blazers were shooting lights out from deep, they also played solid defense, with Williams and Clingan providing rim protection and disruptiveness inside. The Timberwolves, on the other hand, found success in the paint, but their inability to defend the perimeter and score efficiently in transition hindered their chances at making a significant comeback.
Portland’s win also highlighted their ability to adapt and perform in adversity. With Simons and Henderson sidelined for parts of the game, and Ayton out entirely, the Blazers showed that they could rely on other players to pick up the slack, particularly in the scoring department. The Blazers’ offensive balance, strong bench contributions, and timely defense proved to be the difference in this game.
Key Stat: Portland shot 56% from beyond the arc, making 18 of 32 three-pointers, a crucial factor in their 122-108 win.
Key Moment: Two buzzer-beating 3-pointers, one from Dalano Banton in the first quarter and another from Deni Avdija in the third quarter, helped the Blazers maintain control throughout the game.
Up Next:
- The Portland Trail Blazers will next face the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday night as they continue their NBA Cup pool play.
- The Minnesota Timberwolves will look to bounce back when they host the Chicago Bulls on Friday.
