The Portland Trail Blazers got a rare win against a good team on Tuesday night when they blew out the Minnesota Timberwolves on their home floor. On Wednesday the same two teams played the second night of a back-to-back against each other. The book said the Timberwolves would come back with a vengeance, taking out the Blazers with ease.
Portland did not read that book.
Shorthanded, without starters Anfernee Simons and Deandre Ayton, also missing reserve center Robert Williams III, the Blazers still took the Timberwolves to school. Stellar defense from Portland’s wings, backed by rookie Donovan Clingan as the only standing center, led Portland to a surprising 106-98 win.