Deandre Ayton made a triumphant return from a right-hand sprain, showcasing a season-high performance with 30 points and 19 rebounds to propel the Portland Trail Blazers to a 128-118 overtime victory against the Toronto Raptors on Saturday night.
Dalano Banton contributed 25 points, while Anfernee Simons added 23, ending a three-game losing streak for the Blazers (18-45). The team, playing the second game of a back-to-back after a loss to the Houston Rockets on Friday, displayed resilience and determination on the court.
On the Raptors’ side, Immanuel Quickley led the charge with 29 points, supported by Gary Trent Jr.’s 23. Despite their efforts, Toronto (23-41) managed just one win in their last five games, following a defeat to the Phoenix Suns on Thursday.
The game remained tightly contested, with Quickley’s layup narrowing the margin to 111-109 in regulation before Matisse Thybulle’s crucial layup for Portland. Chris Boucher’s free throws for Toronto tied the game with 23.1 seconds left, forcing the game into overtime after a series of intense exchanges.
In the extra period, Ayton’s dunk set the tone for Portland, while Simons’ three-pointer extended the lead to 120-113, sealing the victory as Toronto struggled to keep pace.
Both Ayton and rookie Scoot Henderson returned to action after extended absences. Ayton, sidelined for five games due to the hand sprain, and Henderson, out for eight games with an adductor injury, made significant contributions to Portland’s success. Despite Henderson being on a minutes restriction, he managed to score nine points within his first four minutes on the court.
However, Portland faced challenges with Jerami Grant, Jabari Walker, and Malcolm Brogdon sidelined due to injuries, along with Shaedon Sharpe recovering from core surgery.
Despite Toronto’s efforts to stage a comeback, Portland dominated early, establishing a 22-8 lead after Simons’ three-pointer in the opening quarter and extending it to 38-18 in the second quarter. The Blazers maintained control, heading into halftime with a comfortable 63-46 lead, with Ayton leading the charge with 14 points and 10 rebounds.
