Quick Read
- Anthony Edwards scored 41 points, leading the Timberwolves to a 118-114 victory over the Trail Blazers in Portland.
- Jerami Grant led Portland with 29 points, while the Blazers forced 19 turnovers but fell just short in a fast-paced contest.
- Damian Lillard received a warm ovation upon his return, though he’s out for the season with an Achilles injury.
- Minnesota shot 48.8% from the field and 50% from three, outpacing Portland’s volume-based attack.
- The Timberwolves next face the Lakers; the Blazers host the Warriors in their upcoming matchup.
Edwards Ignites Timberwolves in Hard-Fought Victory Over Blazers
The Minnesota Timberwolves kicked off their 2025-26 NBA campaign with a statement win, squeezing past the Portland Trail Blazers 118-114 at the Moda Center in Portland. But this wasn’t just another notch in the win column—it was a contest that demanded every ounce of grit from both sides, a season opener that felt like a playoff game from the jump.
Edwards’ Star Power and Late-Game Heroics
Anthony Edwards, fresh off a career-best scoring average last season, showed no signs of slowing down. Despite battling back spasms, Edwards laced up and delivered a performance that set the tone for Minnesota’s ambitions: 41 points, including clutch baskets down the stretch that flipped the game in the Timberwolves’ favor. He drained a step-back jumper to close the gap in the final minutes, then nailed consecutive three-pointers to seize the lead. Rudy Gobert added a crucial dunk with just over 30 seconds left, essentially sealing the win (ESPN).
Edwards’ confidence—echoed by his coach Chris Finch—was palpable. Finch described it as the kind of self-assurance rooted in knowing, not just hoping. “Ant’s confidence comes from knowing who he is and figuring it out,” Finch told reporters before the game. Edwards himself put it even more bluntly: “Don’t worry about it, I’m going to make it happen.” That mindset, paired with his on-court execution, was the difference-maker in Portland.
Blazers’ Relentless Pace and Grit
Portland, meanwhile, wasn’t interested in playing by Minnesota’s rules. The Blazers pushed the tempo, forcing turnovers and launching an avalanche of shots—90 field goal attempts, 42 from beyond the arc, and 35 free throws. It was a display of high-octane basketball, a refusal to let the Timberwolves settle into their halfcourt rhythm (BlazersEdge).
Jerami Grant emerged as the Blazers’ superhero for the night, pouring in 29 points on 10-of-14 shooting and keeping his team within striking distance. Kris Murray and Shaedon Sharpe contributed key baskets as well, but it was Grant’s energy and accuracy, especially from deep, that kept the Moda Center crowd buzzing.
Despite the loss, Portland showed flashes of promise. Their defense harassed Minnesota into 19 turnovers, and the game featured 17 lead changes—proof that the young Blazers, under coach Chauncey Billups, are determined to fight for every possession. The final margin of four points was the largest gap of the night, underscoring just how razor-thin the difference was.
New Faces and Storylines: From Lillard’s Return to Roster Shifts
Portland entered the season with a revamped roster. Jrue Holiday, acquired from Boston, brought championship pedigree and defensive tenacity, though he focused on setting the tone for Portland’s developing core rather than chasing stats. The Blazers also locked in Shaedon Sharpe and Toumani Camara to long-term deals, signaling their commitment to building around youth and potential (NBA.com).
Veteran icon Damian Lillard returned to the team, receiving a heartfelt ovation from fans—though he’ll miss the season rehabbing an Achilles injury. Scoot Henderson, another piece of the Blazers’ future, was sidelined with a hamstring tear, further testing Portland’s depth.
On Minnesota’s side, the supporting cast remained steady: Julius Randle chipped in 19 points, Jaden McDaniels provided defensive punch, and Naz Reid anchored the bench. The Timberwolves, who have reached the Western Conference finals two years running, are eyeing that elusive breakthrough to the NBA Finals. For Edwards, the mission is clear: “I’m going to get fly as hell to where they can’t stop me.”
Statistical Snapshot: Efficiency and Turnovers Define the Night
Both teams displayed contrasting styles and strengths. Minnesota shot 48.8% from the field and an impressive 50% from three, while Portland leaned on volume and aggression. The Blazers forced 19 turnovers but couldn’t fully capitalize, shooting just 35.6% overall and 33.3% from beyond the arc. Still, their relentless attack kept them within striking distance until the final seconds.
The night’s drama was amplified by the crowd—19,335 strong—cheering every twist and turn. Tom Dundon, owner of the Carolina Hurricanes, was spotted courtside, leading a group that aims to purchase the Trail Blazers from Paul Allen’s estate. The franchise’s future, both on and off the court, seems poised for change.
Looking Ahead: Season Goals and Next Challenges
For Minnesota, the win sets the stage for a season defined by expectations and unfinished business. Edwards’ emergence as a true superstar gives the Timberwolves a fighting chance in a loaded Western Conference. They’ll visit the L.A. Lakers next, aiming to build early momentum.
Portland, despite the narrow defeat, found reasons for optimism. Billups’ squad, loaded with youthful energy and guided by veteran leadership, will host the Golden State Warriors next. The Blazers’ ability to hang with a proven contender suggests that their rebuild is gaining traction—and that even in defeat, they’re ready to challenge the conference’s elite.
In a game that married star power with relentless effort, the Timberwolves and Blazers offered a glimpse of what’s ahead in the Western Conference. Edwards’ brilliance was the headline, but Portland’s fight proved this young team won’t go quietly. As both franchises chase postseason dreams, this opener served as a vivid reminder: in the NBA, every possession—and every player—can shift the story.