The Portland Trail Blazers won their ninth game in ten on Tuesday night, overcoming the natural weariness that comes with playing the second game of a back-to-back after winning in overtime.
At the Moda Center, the Blazers upset Indiana, the hottest team they had faced in their run, 112-89, failing to energize their fast-paced attack.
Indiana was in fourth position in the Eastern Conference standings going into the game, having won 12 of their last 14 games. The Pacers had the ninth-ranked offense in the NBA (116.1 points per game) when they defeated Utah 112-111 on Monday night.
However, Indiana was limited to 38 points in the first half and 20.8% three-point shooting for the game (5 of 24) by the Blazers, who upset Phoenix 121-119 in overtime on Monday.
Chauncey Billups, coach of the Blazers, stated, “I knew both teams were going to be extremely exhausted.” After the overtime game, we’re coming in. Additionally, after a game like last night, you’re emotionally exhausted in addition to physically exhausted.
The most shocking was that Tyrese Haliburton, an Indiana All-Star guard who is frequently covered by Toumani Camara, went scoreless on three shots in 25 minutes.
According to Billups, (Haliburton) didn’t even have an opportunity to make enough shots.
During an NBA game at Moda Center on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons (#1) shoots over Aaron Nesmith of the Indiana Pacers. Meagher, Sean/The OregonianMeagher, Sean/The Oregonian
Deandre Ayton and Deni Avdija have regularly given the Blazers big nights during their recent run. Tuesday night, they had no games. Ayton only had nine rebounds and eight points. In the third quarter, Avdija made his first basket after going 0 of 6 from the field. He made two of nine shots and finished with six points.
However, they weren’t necessary for the Blazers this evening.
With 22 points, Anfernee Simons led the Blazers, while Jerami Grant contributed 20.Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe both scored 17 points off the bench, while Henderson also contributed eight assists.
“I thought every guard was outstanding tonight,” Billups remarked. For us, Jerami made some really big baskets. We did it together once more.
The Blazers had a strong start and finish. They won the first quarter 27–18 and restricted Indiana to 29.2% shooting. After shooting 26.1% from the field and scoring just 18 points in the second quarter, the Blazers’ offense began to falter. However, they led 45-38 at the half after holding the Pacers to 20 points.
The Blazers led 64-52 with 5:01 left in the third quarter after a Sharpe dunk, which he quickly followed up with a steal that resulted in a breakaway dunk. The Blazers led 78-66 going into the fourth quarter.
Early in the fourth quarter, the Pacers led 80-74.
Billups stated, “I called that quick time out because I thought we had a tough start to the fourth quarter.” merely attempting to reunite us and inform us that this game is far from ended.
After the motivational speech, the Blazers went on a 21-7 run, leading 101-81 with 4:04 left in the game.
The Blazers haven’t won nine straight games since the end of the 2020–21 season, which lasted from April 27 to May 12.
“There is a lot of energy,” Sharpe added. Everyone is content. We simply need to keep playing together and doing this.
IMPORTANCE OF IT
The Blazers (22-29) are now four games behind Golden State (25-24), Phoenix (25-24), Sacramento (25-24), and Dalla (26-25) for eighth place in the Western Conference.
The Pacers (28-21) visit the LA Clippers on Thursday to continue their journey.
During an NBA game at Moda Center on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III (#35) shoots over Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam. Meagher, Sean/The OregonianMeagher, Sean/The Oregonian
Robert Williams III
After participating in Monday’s victory over the Phoenix Suns, youngster Donovan Clingan took the night off, while the backup center made his first appearance since January 26.
In 24 minutes, Williams scored 4 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, and provided three assists after coming off the bench.
UPCOMING
At 7 p.m. on Thursday, the Blazers take on the Sacramento Kings (25-24).
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