Portland Trail Blazers stun Denver Nuggets 112-108 in Emirates NBA Cup West Group B debut at Moda Center, snapping Denver’s 3-game win streak. Deni Avdija: 26 PTS, 10 REB; Jrue Holiday: 18 PTS, 8 AST. Nikola Jokić triple-double (30 PTS, 15 REB, 12 AST) falls short. Blazers improve to 3-3; Nuggets 4-2.
Game Breakdown
First Quarter: Blazers lead 28-24 on Avdija dunks, Simons 3s. Jokić 10 early.
Second Quarter: Portland pulls ahead 58-52; Holiday mid-range jumpers.
Third Quarter: Denver ties 82-82; Murray 15 PTS.
Fourth Quarter: Simons OT-forcing 3 (1:20 left); Avdija game-winner drive. Final no OT—regulation.
Chauncey Billups: “Defense won—clamped Jokić late.” Malone: “Turnovers (18) killed.”
Attendance: 19,393. TV: Prime Video.
Key Performers
- Deni Avdija: Double-double, clutch blocks.
- Jrue Holiday: Veteran poise, 4 STL.
- Anfernee Simons: 22 PTS, 5-9 3PT.
- Nikola Jokić: Near quadruple-double (8 TO).
- Jamal Murray: 20 PTS, but 4-12 FG late.
Bench: POR +22; DEN +10.
NBA Cup Impacts
West Group B: Blazers 1-0; Nuggets 0-1. Next: POR vs. Clippers Nov 4; DEN hosts Kings.
Group play: Fridays mostly, Dec 3 deadline.
Team Notes
- Blazers: Perimeter D shines (Nuggets 10-32 3PT). Scoot Henderson: 12 AST.
- Nuggets: Road struggles (2-2). Porter Jr. (ankle) out.
Injuries: DEN—Westbrook questionable; POR full.
Stats
- FG%: POR 48.2 (41-85), DEN 45.7 (42-92).
- 3PT: POR 14-35, DEN 10-32.
- REB: DEN 48-42.
- TO: DEN 18 (POR 20 PTS off).
- Paint: POR 50-48.
Fantasy: Avdija 50+ DK; Jokić triple-dub.
Power Rankings: Blazers rise West mid; Nuggets slip.