Blazers Rally in Fourth to Crush Nuggets 128-109

PORTLAND, Ore. — The Portland Trail Blazers surged in the fourth quarter to secure a 128-109 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Friday night. Leading the charge was Deni Avdija, who scored 36 points on 75% shooting from the field, showcasing his prowess in front of the home crowd.

Despite missing key player Nikola Jokic, the Nuggets initially took control of the game, jumping to a 15-6 lead early on. The Blazers struggled to capitalize on Denver’s absence, particularly missing Donovan Clingan, and their defense allowed Denver to penetrate easily. However, the tide began to turn with the insertion of Duop Reath, who bolstered Portland’s defensive efforts.

As the game progressed, the Blazers’ hard work began to pay off. By the end of the first quarter, they had mitigated Denver’s early advantage, tying the score at 30-30, thanks in part to their offensive rebound game which contributed 10 second-chance points compared to none for the Nuggets.

With a six-point lead entering the fourth quarter, Portland ramped up its defensive intensity, outscoring the Nuggets decisively. The Blazers took command, building their lead to as many as 23 points as they closed out the game with a flourish, claiming their fourth consecutive win.

“Deni put on a show tonight,” said Blazers Coach Chauncey Billups. “His ability to hit shots and create for others was crucial. The whole team stepped up their game when it mattered most.”

In addition to Avdija’s standout performance, Shaedon Sharpe contributed 23 points, while Dalano Banton added 19, indicating a balanced scoring effort for Portland.

Defensively, the Blazers’ ability to capture offensive rebounds kept them competitive and nullified Denver’s scoring opportunities, a statistic reflected in the night’s stats: Portland outscored Denver 26-10 in second-chance points. “They just outworked us,” admitted Nuggets Coach Michael Malone. “When the Blazers got cold, they still found ways to score. They fought harder for those second chances.”

Reath emerged as a pivotal player, stepping up in the absence of both Clingan and Anfernee Simons, who also missed the game. His contributions on both ends were particularly notable, underscoring the depth and resilience of the young Blazers squad.

Looking ahead, the Blazers are set to face the defending champions in a highly anticipated matchup on Sunday afternoon at 3 p.m. Pacific Time. The players understand that maintaining their winning streak will require significant effort. “We know what’s at stake,” Avdija said. “Every game matters, especially against the champs. We’re ready for the challenge.”