The Portland Trail Blazers put on a show Friday night at the Moda Center, snapping their six-game losing streak in emphatic fashion with a 135-115 win over the Memphis Grizzlies. For a team that’s struggled to find its rhythm in recent weeks, this was more than just a victory—it was a statement, and perhaps a turning point in their season.
Early on, though, it looked like Memphis might spoil the party. The Grizzlies, riding the momentum of two straight wins after their own six-game skid, came out firing. They built a 15-point lead in the first half, exploiting Portland’s defensive lapses and looking every bit the aggressor. But basketball is a game of runs, and the Blazers weren’t about to let another one slip away in front of their home crowd.
Jerami Grant, the night’s leading scorer for Portland, was instrumental in shifting the game’s momentum. His dunk tied things up at 51, and a subsequent layup put the Blazers ahead. From there, Portland would not look back. By halftime, they’d clawed their way to a 68-64 lead, and the energy inside the Moda Center was palpable.
“I just came out here and stayed connected and played fast,” said Scoot Henderson, who made his much-anticipated season debut after recovering from an offseason left hamstring injury. “It’s just fun to be back out there.” Henderson’s return was a bright spot for the Blazers, as he contributed 11 points, nine assists, and five rebounds in just over 21 minutes of action. His presence seemed to lift the entire squad, who responded with one of their best all-around performances of the year.
The third quarter proved decisive. Early on, a Toumani Camara three-pointer followed by a Donovan Clingan layup put the Blazers up 78-71, igniting a surge that Memphis simply couldn’t match. Grant, again stepping up, knocked down a three-pointer to extend the lead to 94-77. By the time the fourth quarter rolled around, Portland’s advantage had ballooned to as many as 30 points, thanks in part to back-to-back triples from Rayan Rupert.
Portland’s offensive outburst wasn’t just about one or two players. Eight Blazers finished in double figures, a testament to the team’s depth and unselfish play. Jrue Holiday was especially sharp, tallying 20 points and seven assists, while Donovan Clingan posted an impressive double-double with 13 points and 17 rebounds. The balanced attack kept Memphis guessing and ensured that the outcome was never truly in doubt after halftime.
On the other side, the Grizzlies were adjusting to some major roster changes. Just a day earlier, they’d executed a sweeping trade, sending Jaren Jackson Jr., Jock Landale, John Konchar, and Vince Williams Jr. to Utah in exchange for Georges Niang, Kyle Anderson, Walter Clayton Jr., and Taylor Hendricks. The shakeup left Memphis scrambling to find chemistry, especially with Kyle Anderson sidelined due to illness. Walter Clayton Jr. and Taylor Hendricks both saw action off the bench, but it was clear the Grizzlies were still figuring things out.
Cam Spencer tried to keep Memphis in it, delivering 18 points off the bench. GG Jackson II chipped in 15, while Scotty Pippen Jr. made his season debut after undergoing surgery on his left big toe, finishing with 13 points and six assists in 22 minutes. But the absence of Ja Morant, who missed his eighth straight game with a left elbow injury, loomed large. Morant, who remained with the team at Thursday’s trade deadline despite swirling rumors of a possible move, has been the engine for Memphis when healthy. Without him, the Grizzlies lacked their usual spark and struggled to generate consistent offense.
Portland, meanwhile, had to overcome adversity of its own. Shaedon Sharpe, a key contributor, exited at halftime with a sore left calf and did not return. But the Blazers hardly missed a beat, leaning on their depth and the inspired play of their returning and emerging stars. The team’s resilience was on full display, and the home crowd responded with raucous support as the lead grew and the minutes ticked away.
For the Blazers, the win marked their 24th of the season, improving their record to 24-28. It’s a much-needed boost for a squad that’s struggled to string together consistent performances. The hope now is that this victory, and the manner in which it was achieved, can serve as a springboard for a late-season surge. With Scoot Henderson back in the fold and the team finally healthy, there’s a renewed sense of optimism in Portland.
The Grizzlies, now 21-31, face pressing questions as they navigate their new-look roster and await Ja Morant’s return. The recent trades have altered the team’s dynamic, and head coach Taylor Jenkins will need to find the right combinations to keep Memphis in the playoff hunt. The loss stings, but with another matchup against the Blazers looming Saturday night at the Moda Center, there’s little time to dwell on what went wrong.
Looking back at the numbers, the Blazers’ dominance was clear. They shot efficiently, shared the ball, and controlled the glass—Donovan Clingan’s 17 rebounds were a game-high. Portland’s defense tightened up after the rocky start, limiting Memphis to just 51 points in the second half and forcing a string of tough, contested shots. The Grizzlies, for their part, will have to regroup quickly and hope that their new acquisitions can settle in fast.
As the final buzzer sounded, fans in Portland let out a collective sigh of relief. The losing streak was over, and the Blazers had reminded everyone—perhaps even themselves—of what they’re capable of when firing on all cylinders. With another showdown against Memphis on the horizon, the Moda Center faithful will be eager to see if their team can keep the momentum rolling.
After a night like this, one thing’s for sure: the Trail Blazers have found their spark again, and the rest of the league should take notice.