Portland's Play-In Hopes Soar After Upsetting Grizzlies Win
Okay, let's talk about last night's game. The Portland Trail Blazers absolutely crushed the Memphis Grizzlies, 115-99. Seriously, who saw that coming? After a couple of wins against less challenging teams, this victory felt huge. It wasn't just a win; it was a statement. They dominated on the boards—65 rebounds to Memphis's 40—and their three-point shooting was on fire (18 of 46). This was against the Grizzlies, mind you, a seriously tough team, even without Ja Morant.
Avdija's Breakout Performance
Deni Avdija was the absolute MVP. He exploded for a career-high 31 points, grabbed 16 rebounds, and dished out 8 assists. Sixteen rebounds! Against Memphis! That's insane. Anfernee Simons also chipped in 22 points, and Shaedon Sharpe added 17. It was a total team effort, but Avdija’s performance was simply unforgettable. It was a complete turnaround from their previous matchups, where Memphis had pretty much walked all over them.
The Play-In Picture: A Real Fight
This win puts the Blazers just two games behind the Dallas Mavericks and Phoenix Suns in that crazy-close Western Conference play-in race. Coach Billups is keeping things focused on one game at a time, but you could see the excitement from Simons and Avdija. They know what's at stake—a shot at the playoffs. Avoiding a sweep at the hands of Memphis was critical. They've got 12 games left, and each one is a must-win scenario now.
Memphis's Injury Woes
Things weren’t so rosy for Memphis. Ja Morant's already injured, and then Brandon Clarke went down with a knee injury in the first quarter. That really shifted the momentum. Desmond Bane scored 20 points, but they just couldn't keep up with Portland's improved defense and rebounding. It's a tough situation for them; the loss puts a lot of pressure on them, and they need Morant and Clarke back ASAP if they want to make a playoff run.
A Pivotal Win, a Road Ahead
Portland's win over Memphis feels like a turning point. Avdija's incredible game, and the team's overall improvement, show they're ready to fight for that play-in spot. It’s going to be a nail-biter until the end, but this win gave them the boost they desperately needed. The Blazers are showing some serious fight; let’s see if they can keep it going.
