Tue Nov 04 05:20:00 UTC 2025: News Article:
Trail Blazers Snatch Thrilling NBA Cup Victory Over Nuggets in Final Seconds
PORTLAND, Ore. — Jerami Grant sank two clutch free throws with just 1.4 seconds remaining, capping off a furious fourth-quarter comeback and handing the Portland Trail Blazers a 109-107 victory over the Denver Nuggets in their inaugural NBA Cup game on Friday night.
Trailing by 10 points heading into the final quarter, the Blazers chipped away at Denver’s lead. With under 30 seconds to play and the Nuggets clinging to a 107-105 advantage, Grant calmly knocked down two free throws to tie the game. A pivotal block by Shaedon Sharpe on Aaron Gordon’s jumper and a subsequent shot clock violation gifted Portland possession with just three seconds on the clock. Gordon then fouled Grant, sending him to the line for the game-winning shots. Nikola Jokic’s contested jumper at the buzzer fell short, sealing the Blazers’ victory.
Jokic finished with 21 points and 14 rebounds but was one assist shy of extending his triple-double streak to five games, which would have broken a tie with Oscar Robertson and Russell Westbrook for the most consecutive triple-doubles to start a season.
Grant led the Blazers’ bench effort with 16 points. Deni Avdija topped Portland’s scoring charts with 23 points, while Sharpe contributed 19.
Jamal Murray, despite being questionable with calf soreness, led the Nuggets with 22 points. The loss ended Denver’s three-game winning streak.
A shot clock malfunction caused a lengthy delay in the first quarter.
Looking Ahead: The Nuggets will look to rebound at home against the Kings on Monday, while the Trail Blazers will host the Los Angeles Lakers on the same night.
First Piper 