Hot Shooting lifts Trail Blazers to surprise win over Timberwolves

The Portland Trail Blazers entered their game vs Minnesota Timberwolves Tuesday night shorthanded and with zero expectations, especially after a 45-point blowout at the hands of the Memphis Grizzlies in their last outing. Surprise, surprise. Although starting center Deandre Ayton had to pull out of the game with a sprained finger and starting guard Anfernee Simons would follow soon after, huge contributions from Dalano Banton, Robert Williams III, Deni Avdija and Toumani Camara would propel Portland to a decisive (and unexpected) 122-108 win.

Banton scored 12 points with 5 assists and 2 blocks in 23 minutes at point guard for the missing Simons. Scoot Henderson attacked the rim strongly, adding 14 points and 3 steals in 20 minutes. Williams shot 9-10 from the floor for 19 points and 9 boards. Avdija added 17 points and 5 assists and Camara 14.

The Blazers shot 18-32, 56.3% from the arc in this one, clearly their strongest performance of the season from range.

Here’s how the game went.

First quarter

Both teams played fairly active defense to start the game. Blocked shots and turnovers were the order of the day early on. That favored the Blazers and their poor offense, of course. You can’t be behind by 20 in a game when the opponent only scores 20 in a period.

As the quarter progressed, the Blazers began hitting threes. That was a good sign as it’s really the only way they stay competitive in games. The shooting was accompanied by double bad news. Anfernee Simons went to the locker room with an as yet unidentified injury. (It turned out to be a chest problem and he wouldn’t return.) Scoot Henderson, his replacement, drew three fouls in a very short time. With Deandre Ayton already sidelined with a sprained finger, that made Portland’s bed mapped out.

Dalano Banton and Robert Williams III helped the Blazers close the quarter strong with points and centers, respectively. A couple of late threes for the ‘Wolves’ kept them alive, but a Banton three at the horn put Portland up 28-17. They shot 6-11 from distance. Boom.

Second Quarter

Banton continued to hit threes as the second period began. The Blazers’ cobbled lineup also continued to force turnovers. That kept the pressure on Minnesota, who started connecting on their own shots. It was a dogfight, but the 11 points the ‘Wolves outscored the Blazers in the first quarter certainly helped.

Banton and Deni Avdija continued to run the offense in the absence of Portland’s standard point guards. Williams also served up some impressive inside scoring, a pair of dunks coming courtesy of Banton lobs in the half court. The scoring slowed a bit and Minnesota kept draining threes to narrow the lead to single digits, but Portland maintained its integrity. They led by 8-9 points for most of the quarter. going into halftime with a 60-53 advantage. Hooray for the unsung bench, especially Banton and Williams.

Third Quarter

The Blazers backcourt and Robert Williams III played lob-o-rama as the second half began. Rudy Gobert played in the “in-between areas” and came out to try to stop Scoot Henderson and other runners he assumed would only shoot. Not so. Passes to King Robert III resulted in a series of dunks. That kept Portland solid, even as Minnesota continued to score from distance.

Portland’s own sick, sick three-point shooting continued as well. Scattering the puck with 65% accuracy from the arc was like putting a piece of cheese in front of a mouse for Henderson. He hustled right at the rim and converted layups with abandon. Speaking of night, Avdija hit a three at the buzzer to repeat Banton’s from the first. Portland led 93-74 after three.

Fourth Quarter

All good things must come to an end. Portland’s streak did it as the fourth quarter began. Unable to buy a bucket, the Blazers settled for forcing turnovers and making the Timberwolves work hard for rebounds. It didn’t allow them to win easily, but it kept the scoreboard big enough that the game never seemed in doubt. Minnesota got dunks, inside shots and free throws in the fourth, but they never drove long enough to close the gap. A little scoring from veteran Jerami Grant, a little defense, and the game was closed.

The victory puts the Blazers at 1-0 in the battle for the Emirates NBA Cup 2024.

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Box score

The Blazers get the same Timberwolves tomorrow night at 19.00 in the Pacific.