Blazers Open NBA Cup Group Play With 122-108 Win Over Timberwolves

Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert, left, shoots over Portland Trail Blazers center Donovan Clingan during the second half of an Emirates NBA Cup basketball game in Portland, Ore., Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Craig Mitchelldyer)

750 The Game Staff

The Trail Blazers beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 122-108 in Portland on Tuesday night to open group play of the 2024 NBA Cup.

The Blazers improve their overall record to 4-8 and snap a four-game losing streak. They host the Timberwolves in regular season action on Wednesday night at 7:00 p.m. at Moda Center.

Portland was spurred by a 28-17 first quarter edge and a 33-21 advantage in the third quarter. Jerami Grant led Portland with 21 points. Robert Williams III had 19 points and 11 rebounds off the bench. Rookie big man Donovan Clingan got the start for the first time in his career and had 4 points, 6 rebounds and a block in 21 minutes of action. DeAndre Ayton did not play with a sprained finger. Seven total Trail Blazers scored double figures including Deni Avdija and Shaedon Sharpe (17), Scoot Henderson and Toumani Camara (14), and Dalano Blanton (12).

Portland’s bench outscored Minnesota’s bench 64-39.