The Portland Trail Blazers won their third consecutive game for only the second time this season by winning 101-79 at the Orlando Magic on Thursday night.
The Blazers put forth their most dominant defensive effort of the season.
“Thought it was a masterpiece,” Blazers coach Chauncey Billups told reporters. “I really did. We locked in. They missed a lot of shots, but I thought it was because of what we did. I thought we sped them up a little bit.”
The numbers back up Billups’ assessment.
Portland held the Magic to 34.2% shooting (lowest against the Blazers this season), 24% three-point shooting (second lowest), 17 assists (tied for second fewest) and forced 22 turnovers (fourth most). Portland blocked 12 shots (tied for the most) and had 14 steals (tied for second most).
The 79 points allowed were far below the previous low of 98 scored by Houston and Minnesota in losses to the Blazers.
Granted, the Magic were missing guard Jalen Suggs and center Moritz Wagner, who combined for 29.3 points per game. Also, star forwards Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner were on minute restrictions. Wagner scored 20 points on 9-of-19 shooting in 24 minutes. But Banchero, who has played just 12 games this season, was forced into shooting just 1 of 14 for eight points. In five previous games since his return, Banchero averaged 22.2 points per game.
“We just wanted to make (Banchero) earn everything that he got tonight, along with everybody else,” Billups said.
Regardless of the Magic’s injury situation, this was a rare dominant defensive showing by the Blazers.
“So many guys were amazing on that side of the ball,” Billups said.
Offensively, Anfernee Simons led the Blazers with 21 points on 8-of-15 shooting. Toumani Camara returned from an illness to score 16 points with six rebounds. Robert Williams III started at center and had eight points, 12 rebounds and four blocked shots.
“Rob was incredible,” Billups said.
Billups also credited Orlando’s defense for disrupting the Blazers’ offense. Blazers. The Magic entered the game ranked fourth in defensive rating (107.9).
Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant (9) grabs a rebound away from Orlando Magic forward Jonathan Isaac (1) as forward Jabari Walker (34) looks on during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux) APAP
“They made it really hard for us, too,” Billups said. “Because they are an elite defensive team every night.”
That was certainly the case in the first half.
The Blazers, who committed just eight turnovers during Tuesday’s win at the Miami Heat, had six in the first quarter at the Magic. Fortunately for the Blazers, Orlando committed nine while winning an eye-sore of a quarter, 21-17.
The Blazers trailed 31-30 in the second quarter before going on a 17-8 run to lead 47-39 at halftime.
Simons scored 11 to lead the Blazers, who shot 5 of 10 from three-point range in the quarter.
The Blazers dominated the second half by shooting 59.5% from the field and holding the Magic to 31.8% shooting.
Portland produced 58 points in the paint compared to 30 for the Magic.
“We just fought the whole game,” Williams told reporters.
WHAT IT MEANS
The Blazers (16-28) have won back-to-back road games for the first time this season. They defeated the Heat 116-107 on Tuesday after winning 113-102 Sunday over the Bulls at home.
The last time the Blazers won three consecutive games came from Nov. 12 through Nov. 17 when they defeated Minnesota twice and Atlanta.
The Blazers should have a strong chance of picking up their fourth consecutive victory Friday night at the Charlotte Hornets (11-29), a team also hit hard by injuries.
The struggling Magic (23-23), eighth in the Eastern Conference, have lost five consecutive games and eight of their last 10. They were 17-9 on Dec. 8.
Portland Trail Blazers guard Shaedon Sharpe (17) shoots in front of Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) and Orlando Magic guard Jett Howard (13) during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux) APAP
SCOOT HENDERSON FOULS OUT
Henderson, who had been on one of the best stretches of his career, couldn’t get rolling against the Magic due to early and frequent foul trouble. He picked up two in the first quarter, two in the second quarter, one in the third and fouled out with 6:12 remaining in the fourth quarter. Henderson scored just four points with two assists in 16 minutes.
LINEUP
Blazers coach Chauncey Billups started Simons, Camara, Deni Avdija, Jerami Grant and Williams.
Center Deandre Ayton sat out with right knee soreness.
Coming off the bench were Henderson and Sharpe, who scored seven points with four rebounds and four turnovers.
JABARI WALKER
Blazers forward Jabari Walker played extended minutes (19) with Ayton and rookie center Donovan Clingan out.
Walker came through on defense with six steals (five in the first half) to go along with two points and four rebounds.
“Thought Jabari was incredible in that first half,” Billups said. “Just his hands. He was handsy. He was physical.”
NEXT UP
The Blazers end their trip with a 4 p.m. game Friday at the Charlotte Hornets (11-29).
— Aaron Fentress | [email protected] | @AaronJFentress (Twitter), @AaronJFentress (Instagram), @AaronFentress (Facebook)
