PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — The Portland Trail Blazers made history on Saturday night, achieving the largest blowout victory in their franchise history with a commanding 141-88 win over the Charlotte Hornets.
Anfernee Simons was the standout player with five 3-pointers, racking up 25 points, leading his team to outclass their opponents by 53 points—surpassing their previous franchise record of 50 set during a 129-79 victory against Cleveland on November 21, 1982.
Toumani Camara also delivered an exceptional performance, contributing 20 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, and two blocks. Off the bench, Shaedon Sharpe matched Camara's scoring total with 20 points, committing to the Trail Blazers’ dominance throughout the game. Another notable contributor was Jabari Walker, who also scored 20 points and secured 14 rebounds.
The Hornets, on the other hand, struggled significantly, with Miles Bridges leading his team with only 17 points, followed by Nick Smith Jr. with 14 points. LaMelo Ball had a particularly tough night, scoring just five points and going 1 of 10 from the field.
Head Coach Chauncey Billups expressed satisfaction with his team's performance, remarking on their ability to capitalize on their momentum. The Trail Blazers took charge early, establishing control by scoring 13 unanswered points after trailing 4-3, leading by 17 points at the end of the first quarter.
The Hornets were unable to recover from Portland's commanding start. Despite efforts, they found themselves outmatched as the second half progressed, with Portland piling up points and keeping their opponents at bay. Notably, Jusuf Nurkic contributed off the bench with 11 points, eight rebounds, and five assists, underscoring the depth of the Trail Blazers’ roster.
Adding to the challenges for the Hornets, Robert Williams III from the Trail Blazers was ruled out earlier on the same day due to swelling in his left knee. Coach Billups was uncertain about Williams' availability for future games, indicating the potential impact of injuries on the team's performance moving forward.
Both teams are set to play again on Monday night, with the Hornets heading to Sacramento and the Trail Blazers starting their seven-game road trip against the Utah Jazz. The Trail Blazers will surely look to build on this historic victory, aiming to maintain their momentum as they face tougher opponents on the road.
This incredible win not only showcases the Trail Blazers’ potential this season but also serves as a notable highlight, reminding fans and players alike of the extraordinary capabilities within the team.