The Portland Trail Blazers came into their game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuesday night shorthanded and with zero expectations, particularly following a 45-point blowout at the hands of the Memphis Grizzlies in their last outing. Surprise, surprise. Though starting center Deandre Ayton had to withdraw from the game due to a sprained finger and starting guard Anfernee Simons would follow soon after, huge contributions from Dalano Banton, Robert Williams III, Deni Avdija, and Toumani Camara would propel Portland to a decisive (and unexpected) 122-108 victory.
Banton scored 12 points with 5 assists and 2 blocks in 23 minutes filling in at point guard for the missing Simons.