PORTLAND, Ore. — On January 29, 2025 The Portland Trail Blazers saw their four-game winning streak come to an end Sunday night with a 118-108 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, but they rebounded with a strong 125-112 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday at the Moda Center.
Thunder Overpower Blazers
The Blazers kept pace early against the Western Conference-leading Thunder, finishing the first quarter tied at 27. But Oklahoma City surged ahead in the second quarter, building a 13-point lead that Portland never fully recovered from.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, one of the league’s top scorers, showcased his All-NBA talent with 35 points on 48% shooting, including 50% from 3-point range. He also grabbed five rebounds, tallied three steals and was perfect from the free-throw line, going 9 for 9. Jalen Williams added 24 points and hit all eight of his free throws, while Isaiah Joe contributed 16 points, shooting 42.8% from beyond the arc. Isaiah Hartenstein recorded a double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds while making 83.3% of his free throws.
Despite the loss, the Blazers had several standout performances. Deni Avdija led the way with 28 points, eight rebounds and eight assists while shooting 56.2% from the field and 44.4% from deep. Second-year guard Scoot Henderson followed with 25 points and five rebounds, hitting 41.1% from the field and 45.4% from 3-point range. Toumani Camara added 24 points, nine rebounds and four assists on an efficient 72.7% shooting, while Anfernee Simons chipped in 14 points but struggled with efficiency, shooting 30% overall and 33% from beyond the arc.
The Blazers, despite having a rough season, have shown they can go toe-to-toe with most, if not any team when their players are scoring. This game was an example of that, but the problem is their consistency. Hopefully, over the next few years, they’ll continue to build around the guys they have and add more players who can contribute—mainly through the draft, as they hold a high first-round pick, along with some key offseason signings. They need a heavy-hitting scorer or two. Simons maybe still could be that guy, but he’s either in or approaching his prime. Henderson or Sharpe could also develop into that role—they’re still young, but only time will tell.
Blazers Respond With Big Win Over Bucks
Portland quickly put the loss behind them with a dominant performance against the Bucks, who sit fourth in the Eastern Conference.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led Milwaukee with 39 points on a blistering 70.8% shooting, along with 12 rebounds and five assists. Damian Lillard, in his return to Portland, finished with 20 points and six assists but was held to 41.1% from the field and 33.3% from 3-point range.
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The Blazers’ offense fired on all cylinders, with five players scoring in double figures. Avdija had another stellar outing, leading the team with 30 points, nine rebounds and two steals while shooting 55.5% from the field and 42.8% from beyond the arc. Simons bounced back from a quiet night against the Thunder, scoring 25 points on 52.9% shooting, including 50% from deep, while dishing out seven assists.
Big man Deandre Ayton recorded a double-double with 21 points and 14 rebounds. Shaedon Sharpe contributed 17 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals, shooting 42.8% from 3-point range. Henderson had a quieter performance than against Oklahoma City but remained efficient, finishing with 10 points on 57.1% shooting while adding six assists.
Up Next
The Blazers look to build on their momentum when they host the Orlando Magic at Moda Center on Thursday, Jan. 30, at 7 p.m.
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