In Portland, Ore., Toumani Kamara delivered a career-best performance by scoring 30 points, hitting 8 of 10 three-pointers, while Deni Avdija contributed 26 points and 10 rebounds to help the Portland Trail Blazers dominate the Philadelphia 76ers 135-118 on Monday night. Despite trailing 65-64 at halftime, the Trail Blazers took control in the third quarter with an impressive 49-22 run, effectively overcoming a Philadelphia team playing without Joel Embiid.
Embiid, who had scored 33 points just two days earlier against Phoenix, sat out to rest his right knee. Tyrese Maxey led the 76ers with 30 points, and Kelly Oubre Jr. added 19 as Philadelphia wrapped up their road trip with a 3-2 record and suffered their second loss in eight games. Although the 76ers held a 67-64 lead at halftime on an Andre Drummond layup, they never regained the lead.
Jerami Grant’s three-pointer tied the game early in the third, followed by Avdija’s three-pointer to give Portland the lead, sparking an 18-4 scoring run. Avdija’s continued effort extended the advantage to 82-69. The Trail Blazers eventually pushed the lead to 28 points, capped by Robert Williams III’s three-pointer with 29 seconds remaining in the quarter, making it 113-85.
Scoot Henderson, returning from a left hamstring injury, had 12 points and seven assists in his season debut for Portland, who finished the game connecting on 22 of 54 from beyond the arc.
Looking ahead, the 76ers will host the New York Knicks on Wednesday night, while the Trail Blazers will play on the road against Minnesota the same evening.
Fan Take: This game highlights the depth and potential of the Trail Blazers, showing they can capitalize when key opponents rest their stars. For basketball fans, it’s a reminder that unexpected breakout performances and strategic resilience can dramatically shift the balance of power in the evolving NBA landscape.
