The Portland Trail Blazers finally got something close to the defensive slugfest fans had been clamoring for during their 114-112 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. The only problem: they left that No. 6-ranked offense somewhere in their hotel rooms. Damian Lillard grinded his way into an efficient 38-point performance and the Blazers had three others score in double-figures. But the inability to defend without fouling and numerous offensive scoring droughts told a sad story in Sunday’s loss.
The loss was especially dispiriting given Portland’s year-long focus against the NBA’s cellar dwellers. Portland was 14-5 against teams below .