Depleted Blazers shock Philadelphia 76ers 121-105

With key players missing, Damian Lillard, CJ McCollum, Jusuf Nurkic Portland Trail Blazers lacked the edge to even stay close let alone force a win on Thursday night against Philadelphia. Blazers are 12-9 so far in the season and the starting five this time around was Gary Trent Jr., Rodney Hood, Robert Covington, Carmelo Anthony, and Enes Kanter, four of whom are reserve players. Together the team delivered one of the best defensive performances of the season.

Portland coach Terry Stotts later said it was one of a memorable win, with the key being to defend and move the ball. The win places the team fifth on the Western Conference table. Philadelphia was nowhere to be seen with a lousy effort leading to a loss of 105-121 when both the team were level on points by half time. Portland later shifted the gear in the third quarter and was 71-57 in the lead with 9:19 minutes remaining.