Trail Blazers Torch Sixers with Explosive Third Quarter, Snap Philly’s West Coast Momentum
The Philadelphia 76ers had a chance to cap off their West Coast swing with a statement win. They entered Portland riding a 3-1 record on the trip, looking to steal one more despite being short-handed-Joel Embiid, Dominick Barlow, and Quentin Grimes were all sidelined. But after a promising start, things unraveled quickly in the second half.
The Sixers jumped out to a 10-point lead early, but the third quarter was where it all fell apart. Portland blitzed them with a 49-22 frame that flipped the game on its head, leading to a 135-118 loss. The Blazers got a breakout performance from Toumani Camara, who poured in 30 points, and All-Star Deni Avdija nearly put up a triple-double with 26 points, 10 boards, and eight assists.
Despite the loss, there were some notable performances from Philly’s patchwork lineup. Let’s break down how the Sixers’ key contributors fared in this one:
Tyrese Maxey: B+
Maxey came out firing, setting the tone with his trademark burst and fearless drives into the teeth of Portland’s defense. The Blazers threw length at him, but his quickness was the great equalizer.
He lived in the paint, finishing through contact and creating looks for others when the defense collapsed. The outside shot wasn’t falling-his three-point stroke was off-but Maxey’s ability to keep the offense afloat with his scoring and playmaking was critical.
He gave everything he had, even as the game slipped away in the second half.
VJ Edgecombe: C-
Edgecombe had a flash of brilliance in the second quarter, giving the Sixers a much-needed spark with some confident mid-range work and rim attacks. But outside of that stretch, it was a tough night.
His shot didn’t travel with him to Portland, and once Maxey sat, Philly struggled to generate consistent offense. Edgecombe’s versatility is promising, but this one was more of a learning experience than a breakout.
Kelly Oubre Jr.: B
Oubre continues to be a bright spot in this Sixers season. He hit an early three, played with energy, and caused problems defensively with his length and anticipation.
His four steals speak to how active he was on the perimeter. Offensively, he contributed 19 points and played within himself.
This version of Oubre-confident, efficient, and disruptive-is the best we’ve seen in his 11-year career. He’s become a stabilizing force on a team that’s had to navigate plenty of turbulence.
Trendon Watford: B
Thrust into a bigger role with Barlow out, Watford responded with a well-rounded effort. He ran some offense, scored in the flow of the game, and gave Philly a little bit of everything.
His versatility is his calling card, and he showed it here. He’s not the flashiest player, but he makes smart decisions and fills gaps-exactly what this undermanned Sixers squad needed.
Watford’s ability to step in and contribute without forcing the issue was a big plus.
Andre Drummond: B
Drummond did what Drummond does-he rebounded, he banged bodies in the paint, and he gave the Sixers a presence on the glass. Portland has size, and they attack the boards hard, but Drummond held his ground.
Defensively, he had his hands full with Donovan Clingan, who found his rhythm and gave Drummond some problems. Still, the veteran big man did his job and brought physicality to a game that needed it.
Adem Bona: C+
Bona brought energy off the bench, and that alone made a difference in stretches. He got up for rebounds, contested shots, and played with the kind of motor coaches love.
But the size mismatch was real. Portland’s frontcourt length gave him trouble, especially when it came to finishing through contact.
Still, for a young big in a tough matchup, Bona showed fight and flashed potential.
Justin Edwards: A-
Edwards made the most of his minutes. He came in and immediately changed the tempo-drilling a pair of threes, crashing the glass, and jumping passing lanes to ignite transition chances.
His activity helped the Sixers build their early lead, and even as the game turned, his effort never dipped. Getting to the line was another bonus.
This was one of Edwards’ most complete games of the season, and it’s clear he’s starting to find his groove.
Kyle Lowry: C
With Grimes out, Lowry saw more minutes, but didn’t leave a big imprint on the box score. He missed an open three and mostly served as a steadying presence while Maxey and Edgecombe got breathers. At this stage in his career, Lowry’s value is more about leadership and game management than stats, and that was his role here.
MarJon Beauchamp: C
Beauchamp got some unexpected run due to the Sixers’ depleted rotation, and he made the most of it with high energy and solid defense. He missed a clean look but made a couple of nice passes and got a bucket to fall in the second half. It wasn’t flashy, but it was gritty-and sometimes, that’s enough to earn more looks.
Final Takeaway
This was a game of two halves for the Sixers. They came out sharp, built a lead, and looked poised to steal another win on the road.
But the third quarter was a gut punch-Portland’s 49-point explosion flipped the script, and Philly never recovered. Still, considering the injury report and the circumstances, there were positives to take home.
Maxey continues to lead with poise, Oubre is playing inspired basketball, and young players like Edwards and Watford are stepping up. The loss stings, but this team’s resilience continues to show.