Blazers Outwork Bulls for Happy Win

The Portland Trail Blazers found themselves in trouble again early, but woke up in time to overcome a 15-point deficit and outlast the Chicago Bulls 113-102 on Sunday night at the Moda Center.

Something had to give as Portland entered on a five game losing streak, Chicago losers of their last four and five of their last six. With the win, the Blazers improve to 14-28 on the season.

Deni Avdija returned and started after missing the last three games with an ankle sprain. Deandre Ayton was also back in the lineup after missing Saturday’s game with a sore back.

Anfernee Simons was delayed due to an elbow injury, with Scoot Henderson starting in his place. Shaedon Sharpe was the odd man out with Chauncey Billups announcing his benching a few hours before game time, citing defensive struggles. Sharpe excelled in the sixth man role, finishing with 23 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists.

Blazer of the night: Scoot Henderson. You might as well just write him in here at this point. After a discombobulated start, Henderson and Ayton worked the two-man game well and together carried out the attack early as the team was desperate for a spark. From then on, the team seemed to feed off his energy. Chicago is one of the worst teams in the NBA at defending the rim. Scoot took it as an open invitation. Thus, his streak of stellar play continued in 2025, finishing with 25 points, 8 assists, 7 rebounds and 2 steals in 38 minutes. He looked comfortable as the full-time initiator of the offense and shot the ball effectively (8-15 FG, 3-8 3PT).

Avdija gets an honorable mention here by posting a double-double with 20 points, 12 boards, 3 assists and 3 steals.

Stat of the night: 18-6 fast break points in favor of Portland. After a sluggish first quarter, the Blazers found their youthful energy and won the busy game the rest of the way, despite playing the second night of a back-to-back. The Bulls defenders couldn’t keep Portland out of the paint and eventually wore down.

What we’ll remember: Second quarter comeback. This one at first seemed to have all the makings of another blowout, with the Blazers falling into an early 15-point hole and looking lethargic on both ends of the floor. But an inspired second period led by Henderson saw Portland completely flip the script and deliver an entertaining win that the team so badly needed.

Box Score

What’s next: Florida, man. The Blazers will travel to the Southeast for a short three-game road trip starting Tuesday against the Miami Heat – tip-off is set for 4:30 PM Pacific.