Jaden McDaniels delivered a dominant performance with 30 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists as the Minnesota Timberwolves rallied past the Portland Trail Blazers 114-98 on Saturday night. Minnesota erased a 15-point deficit despite missing multiple key players, securing its third straight victory.
Naz Reid contributed 23 points, including 11 in the fourth quarter, to help the Timberwolves outscore Portland 38-14 in the final frame. Minnesota improved to 30-23 on the season, winning for the eighth time in 10 games.
The Timberwolves played without All-Star Anthony Edwards, who was sidelined due to right hip soreness. Mike Conley (sprained right index finger), Julius Randle (strained right groin), and Donte DiVincenzo (sprained left big toe) also missed the game.
Anfernee Simons led the Trail Blazers with 21 points, while Jerami Grant and Shaedon Sharpe each added 14. Portland, which entered the game on a six-game winning streak, fell to 23-30.
McDaniels set the tone early with his aggressive play on both ends, finishing 12-of-17 from the field and converting six of his seven free throws.
Minnesota shot 52.4% from the field, including 35.7% from beyond the arc, while holding Portland to just 40.2% shooting and 20.0% from deep. The Timberwolves also won the rebounding battle 43-45.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker added 21 points and six assists for Minnesota, hitting four 3-pointers. Rudy Gobert recorded 15 points and 11 rebounds, anchoring the defense with his presence in the paint.
Rookie point guard Rob Dillingham, the eighth overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, made his first career start for Minnesota. He finished with eight points, six assists, and two steals but struggled from deep, missing all four of his 3-point attempts.
Portland was outscored 67-38 in the second half after leading by 15 in the second quarter. The Trail Blazers struggled to generate offense in the final frame, shooting 5-of-20 as Minnesota clamped down defensively.
Shaedon Sharpe provided a spark off the bench with 14 points, while Scoot Henderson added 12 points, three assists, and two steals. Deandre Ayton was limited to six points and 14 rebounds on 2-of-6 shooting.
