Portland came to Minneapolis looking to keep its momentum alive. It left with something bigger — another statement win and a growing belief that its late-season push in the Western Conference is real.
Jerami Grant drilled the biggest shot of the night with 22.2 seconds remaining, burying a pressure-packed corner three that lifted the Trail Blazers to a 108-104 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday. The veteran forward then sealed the result on the other end, securing a defensive rebound before knocking down two free throws to put the game away.
Grant finished with 26 points, four triples, and a clutch closing sequence that underscored Portland’s composure in crunch time. More importantly, his heroics helped the Blazers stretch their winning streak to three games and continue their climb in a crowded Western Conference playoff race.
While Grant supplied the late dagger, Portland’s success was built on a balanced effort. Rookie big man Donovan Clingan turned in another dominant performance with 21 points and 12 rebounds, extending his double-double streak to six straight games and continuing to make his presence felt inside. Deni Avdija also delivered a strong all-around outing with 25 points and eight rebounds, while Jrue Holiday brought his trademark stability with 12 points and 12 boards.
The win pushed the Blazers into eighth place in the West, further strengthening a late-season surge that has transformed them from a fringe hopeful into a dangerous team nobody wants to face.
Minnesota, despite missing key pieces, refused to go quietly. Rudy Gobert anchored the Timberwolves with 18 points and 15 rebounds, battling relentlessly in the paint. Julius Randle chipped in 19 points, while Ayo Dosunmu added 17 points and matched a career high with 10 rebounds in an energetic effort. Still, the Timberwolves could not complete the comeback and saw their three-game winning run come to an end.
The game appeared to be slipping away from Minnesota late in the first half when Portland built an 18-point cushion with just under two minutes left before the break. But the Timberwolves found life behind a barrage from deep, trimming the deficit with an 11-2 burst capped by a pair of threes from Bones Hyland to get back within striking distance.
That momentum carried into the third quarter. A fast-break layup by Donte DiVincenzo capped an 18-7 Minnesota run that tied the contest at 79, erasing Portland’s earlier control and setting up a tense final stretch.
From there, the game became a test of execution. The Timberwolves had their chance after Grant’s go-ahead three, but DiVincenzo missed a driving layup with 11.3 seconds left that could have tied the score. Gobert battled for follow-up opportunities but could not convert, allowing Grant to come down with the rebound that effectively ended Minnesota’s hopes.
The Timberwolves were again playing without All-Star Anthony Edwards, who remains sidelined by right knee inflammation, while Naz Reid missed his second consecutive game with a right knee sprain. Portland, meanwhile, continued to be without Vit Krejci, who sat out for a third straight contest due to a left calf contusion.
But on this night, the bigger story was Portland’s growing maturity in high-pressure moments. In a game where its big lead vanished and the Timberwolves threatened to steal it late, the Blazers stayed poised. And when the moment demanded a closer, Grant answered.
Portland now heads to Denver to wrap up its five-game road trip, while Minnesota prepares for another major test on the road against Boston.