Portland Trail Blazers win OT thriller against Memphis Grizzlies: Anfernee Simons explodes for 30

Tonight’s matchup between 2 of the bottom teams in the Western Conference ended in an overtime thriller, where the Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 107-100 at FedExForum behind a huge scoring night from Anfernee Simons.

Despite both of these teams are heading toward the lottery this summer, they are on different trajectories toward their goals. The Grizzlies are looking to compete for a championship in the near future behind their big 3 of Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr. However, their lack of success this season is due to injuries to their key players.

Meanwhile, the Blazers are entering a complete rebuild after trading away their franchise player Damian Lillard this past offseason. They drafted rookie Scoot Henderson with the 3rd overall pick and added Deandre Ayton to their core of Shaedon Sharpe and Anfernee Simmons. Portland will now look to add another top talent in the 2024 NBA Draft.

Simons led the team tonight with 30 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists while hitting 4 triples. Jabari Walker finished with 18 points and 12 rebounds off the bench while Toumani Camara scored 15 points. Duop Reath ended with 12 points and 3 blocks.

For the Grizzlies, Vince Williams Jr. finished with 21 points, 8 rebounds, 2 steals, and 3 blocks on 50% shooting. Santi Aldama also recorded 21 points and 8 rebounds while hitting 5 triples. Rookie GG Jackson scored 17 points off the bench, but struggled from the field as he shot just 4/15 in this game.

The Blazers improve to 17-42 with this victory and they now would own the 5th overall pick if the season ended today. Portland will look to add another young, promising player this offseason to build with their core. Despite going 2-8 over their last 10 games, they are on a 2-game winning streak (both against Memphis) and will play the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday.

The Grizz fall to 20-41 with this loss and will look to continue developing their young players while Ja, Bane, and JJJ sit out. They have lost 5 games in a row and will face the Brooklyn Nets on Monday.