Blazers Edge Nuggets in Thrilling NBA Cup Opener: Grant's Clutch Free Throws Seal Victory
The Portland Trail Blazers secured a thrilling 109-107 victory over the Denver Nuggets in the NBA Cup opener. Jerami Grant's clutch free throws with 1.4 seconds left sealed the win for the Blazers after a late rally. Denver had a 10-point lead going into the fourth quarter, but Portland fought back to tie the game in the final seconds.
Grant's free throws came after a shot clock violation by the Nuggets, giving the Blazers a chance to take the lead. Nikola Jokic, who had a strong performance with 21 points and 14 rebounds, missed a potential game-winning shot as time expired. Jokic narrowly missed out on his fifth consecutive triple-double to start the season.
Grant contributed 16 points off the bench for the Blazers, while Deni Avdija led Portland with 23 points. Shaedon Sharpe also made a significant impact with 19 points. Jamal Murray led the Nuggets with 22 points, but it wasn't enough to extend their three-game winning streak.
Despite a strong start by Denver, Portland managed to stay competitive throughout the game. The Blazers briefly took the lead in the third quarter before the Nuggets closed out the period with a 9-0 run to regain control. The game featured a delay due to a shot clock malfunction in the first quarter.
Looking ahead, the Nuggets will face the Kings on Monday, while the Trail Blazers will host the Lakers on the same day. Portland's victory over Denver marks their third consecutive win, setting a positive tone for the rest of the season.