Deandre Ayton’s remarkable return from injury with a season-high 30 points and 19 rebounds led the Portland Trail Blazers (18-45) to a thrilling 128-118 overtime victory over the Toronto Raptors (23-41) on Saturday night.
Dalano Banton contributed 25 points and Anfernee Simons added 23 to bolster Ayton’s stellar performance.
Portland faced adversity with Jerami Grant and Malcolm Brogdon sidelined due to injuries.
Toronto, led by Immanuel Quickley’s 29 points and Gary Trent Jr.’s 23, fought valiantly but fell short in overtime, unable to contain Portland’s late-game surge. Chris Boucher contributed 16 points and eight rebounds off the bench.
Portland’s strong start propelled them to a commanding lead early in the game, but Toronto mounted a resilient comeback in the second half, forcing overtime with clutch plays down the stretch.
