The Portland Trail Blazers snapped a six-game losing streak with a 135-115 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night at Moda Center, using balanced scoring and a decisive second-half run to open a two-game set. Portland improved to 24-28 in the Western Conference standings, while Memphis dropped to 20-30.
Jerami Grant scored 23 points and ignited the momentum shift late in the first half, finishing efficiently from all areas of the floor. The veteran forward’s dunk tied the game at 51 before a follow-up layup pushed Portland ahead, setting the tone for the home team’s surge.
Jrue Holiday added 20 points and seven assists, controlling tempo and helping create spacing as eight Blazers reached double figures. Portland shot 54 percent from the field and finished with 31 assists, numbers that reflected consistent ball movement and shot selection.
Donovan Clingan anchored the interior with 13 points and 17 rebounds, giving the hosts a clear advantage on the glass and in second-chance opportunities. Scoot Henderson returned from an offseason left hamstring injury and posted 11 points with nine assists in just over 21 minutes, adding another playmaking layer to the rotation.
Memphis entered the game adjusting to a major roster shakeup after trading Jaren Jackson Jr., Jock Landale, John Konchar and Vince Williams Jr. to Utah for Georges Niang, Kyle Anderson, Walter Clayton Jr. and Taylor Hendricks. Anderson missed the game with illness, while Clayton and Hendricks came off the bench as the Grizzlies experimented with new combinations.
The visitors played without Ja Morant, who missed his eighth consecutive game due to a left elbow injury. Scotty Pippen Jr. made his first start of the season after recovering from toe surgery and finished with 13 points and six assists in 22 minutes.
Cam Spencer led Memphis’ bench with 18 points, and GG Jackson II added 15, but defensive lapses allowed Portland to extend its lead to 94-77 in the third quarter on Grant’s three-pointer. The Blazers eventually built a 30-point advantage as their depth overwhelmed a short-handed opponent.
Shaedon Sharpe exited at halftime with a sore left calf and did not return, yet Portland maintained offensive rhythm through its second unit. Robert Williams III, Vit Krejci and Rayan Rupert each provided scoring bursts that kept the margin comfortable.
Memphis shot 48 percent overall but struggled to contain dribble penetration and transition opportunities, allowing 135 points and 20 made free throws. Portland’s efficiency at the line, going 20-for-21, prevented any sustained comeback attempts.
The teams will meet again Saturday night in Portland, giving the Grizzlies a quick chance to adjust rotations while the Trail Blazers look to build momentum after ending their skid.
