NEW YORK (AP) — The Portland Trail Blazers emerged victorious in an intense overtime battle against the Brooklyn Nets, clinching a 134-127 win on Sunday. Anfernee Simons led the charge with an impressive 38 points and 11 assists, while Malcolm Brogdon’s crucial 18 points, including key shots in overtime, played a pivotal role in securing the win.
Jerami Grant contributed significantly with 27 points, and Duop Reath’s double-double of 15 points and 13 rebounds, along with Shaedon Sharpe’s 21 points off the bench, bolstered the Blazers’ performance. The victory was a much-needed boost for Portland (10-25), snapping their four-game losing streak and marking their first win in eight road games.
Brogdon reflected on the team’s growth, stating, “We’re a young team, we’re inexperienced to put a full 48 minutes together. Tonight we were able to put 53 minutes together, so I’m proud of this group.”
Mikal Bridges led the Nets with a stellar 42 points and tied the game with a jumper with just 1.5 seconds left in regulation. However, Portland’s efficiency in overtime, where they shot 6 for 7, proved decisive. Brogdon’s perfect shooting in the extra period, including two 3-pointers, was a crucial factor in the Blazers’ win.
Simons praised the team’s effort, especially in crucial moments. “We got stops when we needed to. Malcolm came up big for us. I’m just proud of the guys today,” he said.
The Nets (16-21), despite Nic Claxton’s 16 points, 11 rebounds, and four blocks, continued their struggle, losing 11 of their last 14 games. Nets coach Jacque Vaughn expressed his disappointment, highlighting the game’s importance.
The Trail Blazers only took the lead in the fourth quarter and faced a 10-point deficit in the second half. They were close to ending their losing streak in regulation, but Bridges’ jumper sent the game into overtime. In the extra period, despite Bridges scoring seven points for the Nets, Portland’s 11-2 run, fueled by Simons’ six points, sealed the game.
Reflecting on the team’s cohesive play, Brogdon credited Simons for setting up scoring opportunities, saying, “Ant was making the right reads every single time down the floor, and we had to help him out.”
The Trail Blazers look forward to their next game against New York on Tuesday, while the Nets face Cleveland in Paris on Thursday.
