The Portland Trail Blazers are starting to turn some heads - and not just because of their recent win-loss column. After going 1-1 this past week and putting together an impressive 9-3 stretch in January, they’ve climbed one more spot in the NBA power rankings, moving from No. 18 to No.
- It’s a modest jump, sure, but it’s part of a larger trend: Portland is trending upward, and it’s not by accident.
At the heart of this surge? A defense that’s quietly finding its footing.
Now, let’s be clear - this isn’t the same defensive unit we saw last season. But over the last five games, the Blazers have allowed just 107.7 points per 100 possessions.
That’s their best five-game stretch on the defensive end all season. Some of that might be due to opponents going cold from beyond the arc - teams have shot just 31% from deep during that span - but it’s not all luck.
Portland has also cleaned up one of their biggest issues: fouling. They’ve jumped from 28th in opponent free-throw rate before January to fourth this month.
That’s a massive leap and a sign of a team playing smarter, more disciplined basketball.
But defense is only half the equation. On the offensive side, Portland’s success - or struggles - have been closely tied to the presence of Deni Avdija.
Avdija’s impact has been crystal clear, especially when he’s not on the floor. Without him, the Blazers’ offense has sputtered, managing just 102.1 points per 100 possessions.
That drop-off was on full display in Friday’s 110-98 loss to the Toronto Raptors. Portland managed only 98 points on 97 field goal attempts - and got to the line just 10 times all night, their lowest free-throw rate of the season.
The offense looked stuck in first gear early, putting up just six points on their first 19 possessions. That’s the kind of start that digs a hole fast, especially against a team like Toronto that thrives on physicality and tempo.
Still, there’s a sense that this Blazers team is starting to figure things out. The defense is tightening up, the rotations are getting sharper, and when Avdija is on the court, the offense has a rhythm and purpose that’s been missing for stretches this season.
Tonight offers another measuring stick. Portland hits the road to face the Boston Celtics - a team that doesn’t give away much, especially at home.
Tip-off is set for 5 p.m. PST, and it’s the first leg of a back-to-back that continues Tuesday against the Washington Wizards.
If the Blazers want to keep climbing, these are the kinds of games where they’ll need to show they’re more than just a hot January story.