Timberwolves Vs Trail Blazers: McDaniels’ Historic Half Powers 124-121 Win in Portland
In a 124-121 victory in Portland, Ore., the Timberwolves edged the Trail Blazers in a back-and-forth game that marked Minnesota’s fourth win in five outings. The Timberwolves Vs Trail Blazers matchup mattered because Jaden McDaniels produced a historic half and Minnesota’s 3-point accuracy — 17 of 35 — ultimately decided the outcome.
Timberwolves Vs Trail Blazers: Jaden McDaniels’ historic half
Jaden McDaniels’ performance was the defining subplot of the night. He finished with six rebounds, three assists, two steals and five blocks. His shooting ran 12-of-16, including 5 of 6 from long range; one account listed him with 27 points while another listed 29 points, so McDaniels’ exact point total is unclear in the provided context, cited as 27 in one account and 29 in another. He became the eighth player in NBA history to post a 13-3-1-2-5 statline and was noted as the first player to record at least 25 points on 75 percent shooting, five three-pointers, five blocks and three steals in a single game. What makes this notable is that the club of players with that sort of all-around half includes Giannis Antetokounmpo and Victor Wembanyama; a post on X by Tomer Azarly noted Wembanyama did it against the Los Angeles Clippers in 2024, and other names on the list include Anthony Davis, Joel Embiid, Lamar Odom and Chris Webber (the latter twice).
Anthony Edwards and Minnesota 3-point shooting
Anthony Edwards paced Minnesota with 34 points and five 3-pointers, and was credited with four assists and four rebounds in one account. The Timberwolves’ long-range accuracy was decisive: the team made 17 of 35 attempts from three-point range, while Portland was 14 of 35 from deep. Donte DiVincenzo supplied 19 points and five threes off the bench, and Julius Randle added 13 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Those perimeter shots helped Minnesota hold off a resilient Portland squad through 15 lead changes.
Rudy Gobert’s return and impact on the paint
Rudy Gobert returned from a one-game suspension and altered the interior battle. He scored 10 points, grabbed 19 rebounds and was credited with two blocks; his presence in the paint was characterized as changing the game defensively. That defensive influence combined with McDaniels’ blocks to blunt Portland’s attacks in key moments late.
Portland leaders and bench contributions
The Trail Blazers received a team-high 22 points from Jrue Holiday. Jerami Grant’s total is listed as 18 in one account and 21 in another, so his exact point total is unclear in the provided context. Donovan Clingan produced 11 points and 15 rebounds, and Scoot Henderson added 19 points, six rebounds and five assists off the bench. Portland kept the contest close in a tight, physical game that saw a dozen-plus lead changes before the final minutes.
Game flow, context and what’s next
The matchup was a physical, back-and-forth affair with 15 lead changes overall; Minnesota’s 3-point shooting and McDaniels’ two-way disruption were the proximate causes of the Wolves holding off the Blazers 124-121. Minnesota’s victory was described as a return to form after a lackluster showing against Philadelphia, and it represented the Timberwolves’ fourth win in five games. The Timberwolves head to Los Angeles to face the Clippers on Thursday night, while the Trail Blazers will travel to Chicago to play the Bulls on Thursday night.
The broader implication is that Minnesota’s perimeter accuracy and a rebounding, defensive presence inside create a complementary formula that can carry the club through successive games, especially when a player can produce an uncommon two-way half like McDaniels did.
