Jerami Grant Powers Blazers’ Late Push, But Defensive Woes Doom Comeback in Toronto
The Portland Trail Blazers knew they were heading into a tough environment when they walked into Scotiabank Arena to face the Toronto Raptors. Short-handed and up against one of the East’s early-season standouts, Portland was already facing an uphill climb before the opening tip. And for most of the night, that hill looked more like a mountain.
Toronto controlled the game for long stretches, building a double-digit lead that Portland just couldn’t seem to shake. But give the Blazers credit - they didn’t fold. Led by a determined Jerami Grant, Portland clawed its way back into striking distance in the fourth quarter, showing the kind of grit and urgency that’s been hard to come by during a challenging start to their season.
One moment in particular captured that energy shift. With just under seven minutes to play and Portland trailing by eight, Kris Murray launched a three that missed - but Grant wasn’t watching.
He was crashing the glass. The veteran forward, not known for his rebounding, muscled his way into position, lowered his shoulder into Scottie Barnes, and detonated a one-handed slam that ignited the Blazers’ bench and swung momentum in their favor.
That dunk wasn’t just two points - it was a message. A reminder that even without Jrue Holiday, Scoot Henderson, and Matisse Thybulle, this team still has fight. And Grant, typically more of a perimeter shot-maker these days, showed he can still bring the physicality when it’s needed most.
Portland surged in the fourth, outscoring Toronto by double digits in the final frame. Grant kept coming - hitting a tough three with 1.8 seconds left to cut the deficit to just two. But the comeback bid came up short, and the Raptors held on for a 121-118 win.
While the late-game effort was admirable, the bigger picture for Portland remains troubling - especially on the defensive end. The Blazers allowed Toronto to get comfortable early and often, and that theme has become far too familiar.
Portland now sits 21st in defensive rating, giving up 116.3 points per 100 possessions. For a team that was supposed to hang its hat on defensive identity this season, that’s a red flag.
If the Blazers are serious about making a push for a play-in spot in the loaded Western Conference, they’ll need to tighten things up - and fast. Because while moments like Grant’s dunk can spark a run, it’s consistent stops that win games.
For now, though, Portland leaves Toronto with another loss - but also a glimpse of the resilience they’ll need to tap into more often if they want to stay in the postseason hunt.