The Portland Trail Blazers’ five-game winning streak came to a grinding halt on Sunday afternoon as the New York Knicks powered through late to secure a 123-114 victory at the Moda Center. In a contest that saw both teams trade blows and momentum throughout, it was the Knicks’ sharp shooting and timely defense that ultimately decided the outcome, snapping their own three-game road losing streak and dealing the Blazers a rare home defeat.
Fans in Portland certainly got their money’s worth. The matchup, which tipped off at 3 p.m. local time on January 11, 2026, was anything but a sleepy matinee. Both teams entered with plenty on the line: the Knicks, sitting third in the Eastern Conference with a 24-14 record, were desperate to reverse a slide that had seen them lose five of their last six games. The Blazers, meanwhile, came in riding high at 19-20, having just rattled off five consecutive wins—their longest streak of the season—and boasting a 10-9 home record after dispatching the likes of the Boston Celtics, San Antonio Spurs, and Houston Rockets in recent days.
The energy in the building was palpable from the opening tip. Portland’s decision-making on both ends was crisp and aggressive, leading to a flurry of fast break opportunities. By halftime, the Blazers had racked up 20 fast break points—an eye-popping figure, considering the NBA’s league leader averages just 19.3 per game. New York, by comparison, managed only eight in the first half. The Blazers’ willingness to push the pace kept the Knicks on their heels and gave the home crowd plenty to cheer about early on.
But the Knicks, determined to end their West Coast woes, refused to let the game slip away. Their offense, averaging 119.4 points per game, found its rhythm behind a barrage of three-pointers in the second half. The contest remained a back-and-forth affair well into the fourth quarter, with neither side able to build a comfortable cushion. Portland even seized a narrow lead midway through the final period, raising hopes of a sixth straight win.
Then came the turning point. The Knicks unleashed an 11-0 run, fueled by crisp ball movement and a flurry of deep shots, that left the Blazers scrambling. The visitors’ second-chance efforts also proved decisive—New York outscored Portland 16-7 in that category, capitalizing on offensive rebounds and loose balls to keep possessions alive. Was it the only reason the Blazers lost? Maybe not—but it certainly tipped the scales in a tightly contested battle.
For the Blazers, Deni Avdija was the undisputed star of the night. The All-Star forward continued his stellar campaign, finishing with 25 points, five rebounds, four assists, and three steals. Avdija set the tone early, drilling Portland’s first shot from beyond the arc and immediately making his presence felt on defense with a steal that led to a fast break lob. He was everywhere—setting up teammates, finishing at the rim, and sparking runs with timely plays. When Portland’s offense stagnated in the third quarter, it was Avdija who ignited the team with another steal and coast-to-coast finish, bringing the Blazers back within striking distance.
But the night took a worrying turn late in the fourth quarter. With just under two minutes remaining, Avdija exited the game after what appeared to be a non-contact injury. He headed straight to the locker room, casting a shadow over an otherwise electric performance. As of press time, there was no official update on his status, but fans and teammates alike will be holding their breath. Avdija’s impact on both ends of the floor has been invaluable, and any extended absence would be a significant blow to Portland’s playoff hopes.
Caleb Love, too, continued his remarkable rise for the Blazers. The 24-year-old guard, who went undrafted before signing a two-way contract with Portland, has rapidly developed into a key rotation piece. Love poured in 21 points, grabbed four rebounds, and dished out four assists against the Knicks, further solidifying his place in the rotation. Over his last ten games, he’s averaged 16.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.5 assists while shooting a blistering 42% from deep. For a team in transition, Love’s emergence has been nothing short of a revelation. “Caleb Love turning into an NBA rotation player out of thin air is a revelation,” noted Blazers insiders. If he can maintain this level of consistency, Portland may have found a diamond in the rough.
On the injury front, both teams entered the matchup shorthanded. The Blazers were without several key contributors, including Jerami Grant (Achilles), Scoot Henderson (hamstring), Kris Murray (back), Damian Lillard (out for the season with an Achilles injury), Matisse Thybulle (thumb), and Blake Wesley (foot). Jrue Holiday, who hadn’t played since November 14 due to a strained right calf, was upgraded to probable before tipoff but did not feature prominently. Robert Williams III was also listed as questionable with knee soreness. The Knicks, for their part, were missing Landry Shamet (shoulder), with Josh Hart (ankle) and Guerschon Yabusele (quadriceps) both questionable heading into the game.
The loss drops Portland to 19-21, snapping both their five-game overall winning streak and their five-game home win streak. The Blazers had been the hottest team in the NBA over the past two weeks, and the defeat serves as a reminder of just how thin the margin for error is in a crowded Western Conference playoff race. Yet, there’s still plenty of reason for optimism in Rip City. The team’s recent surge, the emergence of young talents like Love, and Avdija’s continued excellence have energized both the locker room and the fanbase.
For the Knicks, the win couldn’t have come at a better time. Ending a three-game road skid and picking up just their second win in seven outings, New York steadies themselves as they continue their four-game West Coast swing, with stops in Sacramento and Golden State still to come. The victory keeps them within striking distance of the Eastern Conference leaders, just 4.2 games behind first-place Detroit as of January 11.
Looking ahead, the Blazers won’t have much time to dwell on the loss. They hit the road for a tough matchup against the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday, January 13, with tipoff set for 8 p.m. Pacific. The status of Avdija will be a major storyline to watch, and the Blazers will be eager to prove that their recent hot streak was no fluke.
Both teams left everything on the court in a contest that showcased the intensity and unpredictability of midseason NBA basketball. While the Knicks head out of Portland with renewed confidence, the Blazers will look to regroup, get healthy, and continue their push for a playoff spot as the season grinds on.
