Mon Jan 06 22:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Blazers Upset Bucks, Fueling Playoff Hopes

**Portland, OR** – The Portland Trail Blazers pulled off a major upset Saturday night, defeating the Milwaukee Bucks 105-102 on the road. The victory, fueled by a strong team performance and dominant rebounding, gives the struggling Blazers a much-needed boost as they fight for a play-in tournament berth.

Anfernee Simons led the scoring charge with 28 points, while all five starters finished in double figures. Coach Chauncey Billups praised the team’s rebounding as key to the win, stating, “I thought our rebounding was elite and high-level today. We did a really, really good job on the glass.” The balanced scoring effort is particularly encouraging given the team’s upcoming trade deadline decisions, especially concerning the status of injured forward Jerami Grant, who has been the subject of trade rumors.

The win over the Bucks, which included holding Damian Lillard to just 16 points, improves the Blazers’ record to 1-1 on their current five-game road trip. A strong finish to the trip, potentially reaching a 4-1 record, would significantly bolster their chances of reaching the tenth seed in the Western Conference and securing a play-in spot. This success could also influence the front office’s decisions regarding potential trades.

Despite their 13th-place standing in the Western Conference, the Blazers remain optimistic about their playoff prospects, believing they can continue to string together wins and make a surprising playoff push.

Read More