PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Deni Avdija had 31 points, 16 rebounds, and eight assists to lead the Portland Trail Blazers to a commanding 115-99 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night. Portland's win marks their third consecutive victory, closing the gap in the competitive Western Conference playoff race.
Avdija's standout performance was complemented by Anfernee Simons, who added 22 points. Meanwhile, Desmond Bane led the Grizzlies with 20 points, but the absence of their star guard Ja Morant was felt throughout the game, as Memphis struggled to keep pace with the Trail Blazers.
Portland (31-39) is now only two games shy of the 10th seed in the Western Conference standings, a critical position for securing a spot in the play-in tournament. The Dallas Mavericks and Phoenix Suns are currently tied for that position at 33-37.
Memphis, holding fourth place in the West, is just one game behind the Denver Nuggets. They faced significant challenges during the game, especially after trailing by 21 points in the third quarter. The Grizzlies managed to shave Portland's lead down to 96-89 heading into the final quarter, but the deficit proved too large to overcome.
One of the key moments of the match occurred when Jaren Jackson Jr. was called for an offensive foul followed by a technical for arguing with officials. This incident halted Memphis's push, and they never managed to reduce the gap to less than 10 points. Jackson struggled with his shooting, ending the game with 14 points on 5-18 shooting.
In contrast, Portland initiated the game strong, establishing a 25-10 lead early on. They shot 41.7 percent from the field and made 18 of 46 from behind the arc (39%), effectively spacing the floor and increasing their scoring opportunities. Furthermore, the Blazers scored a significant 22 fast break points, a testament to their ability to transition swiftly from defense to offense.
Memphis tried to respond with their inside game, scoring 48 points in the paint, but their reliance on this strategy was thwarted as Portland's defense effectively curtailed their scoring options. Ultimately, the Blazers dominated the boards, out-rebounding the Grizzlies 65-40, a stat that highlights their control over the game.
This match was also somewhat of a rematch between two former college adversaries, with Zach Edey and Donovan Clingan starting for their respective teams on Wednesday night. However, foul trouble limited Edey’s effectiveness; he played only 11 minutes and managed just 6 points and 3 rebounds. In contrast, Clingan fared reasonably well during his time on the court, recording 7 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 blocks in 26 minutes. Edey's struggle is particularly alarming as the Grizzlies prepare for their next game against the Los Angeles Clippers.
High praise is due to Avdija, who recorded 26 points in the first half alone. His performance was a significant factor in setting the tone for Portland, as he showed exceptional proficiency from beyond the arc, hitting 5 of 8 attempts from deep. The Trail Blazers capitalized on this momentum, with their largest lead of the game being established at 66-50 midway through the second quarter.
As the game progressed into the fourth, Portland continued to hold firm, allowing Memphis only three field goals until the final minute. The Grizzlies' shooting performance in the final quarter was woeful, hitting only 3 of 23 (13 percent), a poor mark that contributed heavily to their loss. Memphis's inability to convert crucial shots down the stretch proved detrimental as Portland executed a commanding 11-0 run to edge away from pressing competition.
As they look ahead, Memphis will face the Clippers on March 21, 2025. Coach Taylor Jenkins will need to strategize adjustments, especially aiming to reintegrate Ja Morant effectively, who has sat out due to a shoulder injury and hamstring soreness. Meanwhile, the Blazers will host the Denver Nuggets on the same day, looking to build upon their current winning streak and solidify their place in the playoff chase.
The Trail Blazers continue to show promise with their improving defense and offensive fluidity, factors that are encouraging as the pressure mounts in the closing weeks of the regular season.
