Trail Blazers Make History with Record-Breaking Blowout, Edge Jazz in Thriller

The Portland Trail Blazers delivered a historic performance at the Moda Center on February 22, dismantling the Charlotte Hornets 141-88 in what became the largest margin of victory in franchise history. The dominant 53-point win showcased Portland’s offensive firepower and defensive intensity, sending a clear message to the rest of the league.

From the opening tip, the Blazers imposed their will on the struggling Hornets, building an insurmountable lead by halftime. Portland shot a blistering percentage from the field, capitalized on transition opportunities, and suffocated Charlotte defensively, holding them to just 88 points. The victory surpassed the team’s previous largest win—an impressive mark that now sits firmly in the record books.

Leading the way for Portland was Anfernee Simons, who dropped 25 points, four assists, and shot 50% from the field and from three-point range. He also knocked down all four of his free throws. Jabari Walker dominated the glass with 20 points and 14 rebounds, shooting 60% from the field and 70% from the free-throw line (7-for-10). Shaedon Sharpe put together an efficient scoring performance with 20 points, five assists, 66.7% shooting from the field, and 57.1% from three.

The team stats were equally lopsided:

• Field goal percentage: Blazers 58%, Hornets 34%

• Three-point percentage: Blazers 46%, Hornets 15%

• Rebounds: Blazers 57, Hornets 37

• Assists: Blazers 37, Hornets 19

• Second-chance points: Blazers 21, Hornets 10

• Fast-break points: Blazers 36, Hornets 14

• Points off turnovers: Blazers 28, Hornets 20

Blazers Edge Jazz in Hard-Fought Battle

Following their historic performance at home, the Blazers hit the road for a matchup against the Utah Jazz, where they faced a much tougher test. Unlike the wire-to-wire dominance against Charlotte, Portland found themselves in a tightly contested battle in Salt Lake City. The Jazz, known for their resilience on their home court, pushed the Blazers to the brink, but Portland ultimately emerged with a hard-fought 114-112 victory.

Anfernee Simons once again led the charge, dropping 28 points and six assists, shooting 43.5% from the field, and remaining perfect at the free-throw line (5-for-5). Jerami Grant provided a veteran presence with 20 points, knocking down 50% of his three-point attempts. Deni Avdija played a strong all-around game with 18 points, 14 rebounds, and five assists. Scoot Henderson also contributed across the board with 17 points, five rebounds, and six assists, shooting 46.7% from the field and 37.5% from three.

While the game was close, the Blazers controlled key areas:

• Points in the paint: Blazers 52, Jazz 36

• Points off turnovers: Blazers 23, Jazz 14

The win against Utah was a testament to the Blazers’ ability to grind out close games, proving they can find ways to win in different circumstances. Whether blowing out an opponent by 50-plus or sealing a narrow two-point victory, Portland is showing signs of growth and consistency as they continue their season.

With back-to-back wins, including a franchise milestone, the Blazers will look to carry this momentum into their next stretch of games. Can they continue to build on their recent success? Trail Blazers fans will be watching closely as the season unfolds.