The Portland Trail Blazers authored another clutch victory on Friday evening, slipping past the Minnesota Timberwolves 108-104 in a tightly contested affair at Target Center. With just 22.2 seconds remaining on the clock, Jerami Grant provided the decisive blow, burying a corner three-pointer from the right side after receiving an inbound pass from Jrue Holiday to secure Portland's third consecutive win and keep their Western Conference playoff hopes alive.
Grant delivered a complete performance that exemplified Portland's balanced offensive attack, finishing with a team-leading 26 points while adding crucial defensive contributions down the stretch. His four successful three-pointers proved instrumental throughout the contest, but it was his poise in the final moments that made the difference. Following his go-ahead shot, Grant demonstrated his two-way excellence by securing a defensive rebound and converting two free throws to seal the victory.
The Trail Blazers received significant contributions across their lineup. Donovan Clingan extended his impressive streak to six consecutive double-doubles, recording 21 points and 12 rebounds to anchor Portland's frontcourt. Deni Avdija provided another scoring punch with 25 points and eight boards, while Holiday chipped in 12 points alongside a dozen rebounds, showcasing the Blazers' depth and ball movement.
Portland's victory carries considerable implications for the playoff picture, as the win elevated them into eighth place in a fiercely competitive Western Conference. The road success represented a significant step forward for a team working to establish consistency during a critical stretch of the season.
Minnesota's loss stung particularly hard given their personnel limitations. Rudy Gobert anchored the Timberwolves' defensive efforts while leading the team in rebounding with a 15-board haul alongside 18 points. Julius Randle contributed 19 points in a losing effort, while Ayo Dosunmu surprised with 17 points and tied a career high with 10 rebounds.
The Timberwolves' absence of Anthony Edwards proved consequential, as the All-Star guard remained sidelined with right knee inflammation. Additionally, Naz Reid's second consecutive absence due to a right knee sprain further depleted Minnesota's bench depth, forcing the team to stretch its rotation thin.
The contest remained competitive throughout, though Portland's early dominance nearly proved decisive. The Trail Blazers established an imposing 18-point advantage midway through the second quarter before Minnesota's three-point barrage sliced into the deficit. Bones Hyland led a Timberwolves rally featuring three successful long-range attempts that brought the team within single digits by halftime.
Minnesota continued chipping away in the third quarter, with Donte DiVincenzo's fast-break conversion capping an 18-7 scoring run that knotted the game at 79 midway through the period. The momentum appeared to be shifting in the hosts' favor, setting the stage for the dramatic fourth-quarter conclusion.
The final sequence epitomized the evening's intensity. DiVincenzo's driving layup attempt with 11.3 seconds remaining would have tied the contest, but the shot fell short. Gobert's two offensive rebounding attempts on the ensuing possession also missed their mark, allowing Grant to secure the board and ice the game from the free-throw line.
Portland suited up without forward Vít Krejčí due to a left calf contusion as they prepare to continue their five-game road trip Sunday at Denver. The Timberwolves head to Boston Sunday seeking to bounce back.