All articles tagged with #blazers
Portland Mayor Keith Wilson used a pointed newsletter to defend a $600 million Moda Center renovation while labeling a data-analyst critic as an opportunist, as critics push for more transparency and a stronger funding plan; the city weighs about $120 million in public costs against ownership contributions, with terms due by mid-August and a long-term lease by year’s end.
Portland is negotiating a long-term funding package for the Moda Center as the Blazers’ new owners seek major renovations. The package includes state bonds of about $365 million, roughly $88 million from Multnomah County plus other sources, and substantial city contributions over the next 20 years, with debates over how to cover remaining costs. A term sheet is due by Aug. 12 and a final lease vote by Dec. 17, with public hearings and possible voter input on a tax-backed referendum. If a deal is reached on time, construction could begin next summer and target completion in time for the 2030 NCAA Women’s Final Four; if not, the state bond plan could be reintroduced in January.
Under new owner Tom Dundon, the Portland Trail Blazers laid off roughly 40–70 business-side staff (about 20% of the department), a move confirmed by Dewayne Hankins and affecting long-time reporters like Casey Holdahl. The cuts come as the team seeks public funding for a Moda Center overhaul and amid scrutiny of Dundon’s cost-cutting approach; Oregon WARN notices had not yet been filed as of publication.
Victor Wembanyama returned with 27 points, 11 rebounds and seven blocks as the Spurs erased a 19-point deficit to beat the Trail Blazers 114-93, seize a 3-1 series lead, and ride a 62-23 run in the second half fueled by stifling defense and De’Aaron Fox’s 18 after halftime.
Victor Wembanyama suffered a concussion in Game 2 after a fall, triggering NBA concussion protocol and ruling him out of the rest of the game; he will undergo at least 48 hours of low-exposure recovery before a return-to-play evaluation, with a quick return possible but not guaranteed. San Antonio fell 106-103 to Portland as crunch-time defense and cold shooting in the absence of their superstar exposed the Spurs’ vulnerabilities, underscoring how pivotal Wembanyama is to their postseason hopes.
Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama erupted for 35 points and elite defense to lift San Antonio to a 111-98 Game 1 win and a 1-0 series lead over Portland. Game 2 in San Antonio will hinge on Blazers adjustments, how to throttle Wembanyama during his minutes, and which bigs can crash the glass. With Damian Lillard out for Portland and Jordan McLaughlin out for San Antonio, both teams look to tighten rotations and seek more efficient offense before the series heads to Portland.
Portland hosts San Antonio in a best-of-seven first-round NBA playoff series. The Spurs enter as the favored higher seed, but fans are invited to vote on how many games the Blazers will win (0–4); the closest guess, along with the reasoning, will be highlighted after the series concludes.
Charlotte edged Miami 127-126 in overtime to move on in the SoFi Play-In Tournament, while Portland rallied to beat Phoenix 114-110, securing the West’s No. 7 seed behind Deni Avdija’s 41 points.
The article surveys three proposed anti-tanking changes to the NBA Draft Lottery—expanding participation to 18 or 22 teams and adjusting odds and number of picks drawn—explaining how each aims to curb deliberate losing while risking more randomness and potentially shifting pick values. It argues these reforms don’t address deeper league imbalances rooted in market and revenue advantages, proposes alternative ideas, and assesses how the Portland Trail Blazers could be affected depending on whether they end up on the enhanced or nerfed side of the new system.
The Atlanta Hawks sent Vit Krejci to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for Duop Reath and two second-round picks (the Hawks’ 2027 pick and New York’s 2030 pick). Reath could be waived to clear a roster spot, while Krejci — a cheap, 3-point shooter — provides immediate shooting for Portland. Reath is coming off a season-ending foot surgery, and Portland has been active in transactions as it considers roster moves, including converting two-way players to standard contracts after Feb. 5.
Western Conference trade chatter centers on the Pelicans, who have rebuffed interest in Trey Murphy III and Herbert Jones but may listen on Yves Missi and Jordan Hawkins; Missi’s role has faded and Hawkins is having a down year, with a Pacers inquiry on Missi already reported. Meanwhile, the Rockets’ slide, the Clippers' resurgence, and potential interest from the Suns and Blazers at the deadline keep the rumor mill active, with mid-tier contracts on those teams viewed as potential trade chips.
The Lakers defied expectations by winning against the Blazers despite key players being out, showcasing strong team culture and impressive performances from players like Ayton, Smith Jr., and Rui Hachimura, under coach JJ Redick's leadership.
Despite multiple injuries to key Lakers players, the team secured a memorable 123-115 victory over the Blazers, highlighted by Nick Smith Jr.'s explosive second-half performance and strong contributions from Rui Hachimura, Deandre Ayton, and Bronny James, showcasing resilience and team depth.
The Portland Trail Blazers pulled off a surprising 109-107 victory over the Denver Nuggets in a chaotic Halloween game, showcasing resilience despite a poor start and controversial officiating, with key contributions from Deni Avdija and strategic defense against Jokic.
The Portland Trail Blazers narrowly defeated the Denver Nuggets 109-107 with clutch free throws by Jerami Grant in the final seconds, highlighted by key defensive plays from Toumani Camara. The game featured strategic adjustments by the Nuggets and a small-ball lineup by the Blazers to secure the win, setting the stage for their upcoming game against the Lakers.