Grant’s Late Three Lifts Trail Blazers Past Timberwolves

MINNEAPOLIS – Jerami Grant hit a clutch three-pointer with 22.2 seconds remaining, securing a 108-104 victory for the Portland Trail Blazers over the Minnesota Timberwolves Friday night. The win marks Portland’s third consecutive victory and solidifies their position in the competitive Western Conference playoff picture.

The game, played at Target Center in Minneapolis, saw a back-and-forth battle, with both teams experiencing scoring runs. Portland built a significant lead in the first half, only to notice Minnesota claw their way back into contention. Grant’s late-game heroics proved to be the difference.

Grant Seals the Deal

After a timeout called by the Trail Blazers, Grant received an inbound pass from Jrue Holiday and calmly drained a three-pointer from the right corner. This shot gave Portland a crucial lead, 106-104, with just seconds ticking off the clock. Grant then secured a defensive rebound on the ensuing possession and converted two free throws, extending the lead and effectively sealing the win. He finished the night with 26 points, leading all scorers.

Clingan Continues Strong Play

Donovan Clingan continued his impressive run of form, contributing a dominant performance with 21 points and 12 rebounds. This marked his sixth consecutive double-double, showcasing his growing impact on the Trail Blazers’ frontcourt. Deni Avdija also played a key role, adding 25 points and eight rebounds to the Portland attack. Holiday contributed a well-rounded performance with 12 points and 12 rebounds.

Timberwolves Struggle Without Edwards and Reid

The Timberwolves, playing without All-Star guard Anthony Edwards (right knee inflammation) and center Naz Reid (right knee sprain), struggled to maintain their offensive rhythm. Rudy Gobert led Minnesota with 18 points and 15 rebounds, while Ayo Dosunmu added 17 points and a career-high-tying 10 rebounds. Julius Randle chipped in with 19 points, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Portland’s balanced attack.

First Half Surge and Second Half Fightback

The Trail Blazers raced out to an 18-point lead late in the first half, appearing to be in control of the game. However, the Timberwolves responded with a spirited run, fueled by three-pointers from Bones Hyland and others, cutting the deficit to single digits before halftime. Minnesota continued to battle in the third quarter, tying the game at 79 midway through the period. The game remained tightly contested throughout the fourth quarter, setting the stage for Grant’s dramatic finish.

Key Stats and Standings Implications

Portland shot 42.4% from the field (39 of 92) and 24.3% from three-point range (9 of 37). Minnesota shot 39.6% from the field (36 of 91) and 32.1% from beyond the arc (9 of 28). With the win, the Trail Blazers moved into eighth place in the Western Conference, improving their playoff positioning. The Timberwolves, meanwhile, saw their three-game winning streak snapped.

What’s Next

The Portland Trail Blazers will return home to face the Phoenix Suns on Monday, March 23rd. Tip-off is scheduled for 10:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM PT. The Minnesota Timberwolves will continue their homestand, hosting the Denver Nuggets on Sunday, March 22nd at 8:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM PT.

This victory for Portland underscores their resilience and ability to close out games, especially on the road. With a core of talented players playing at a high level, the Trail Blazers are poised to make a strong push for the playoffs. For Minnesota, the absence of key players undoubtedly impacted their performance and their ability to regain their form will be crucial as they navigate the remainder of the season.

Note: Portland was without Vit Krejci for the third consecutive game due to a left calf contusion.

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