When Jerami Grant drove baseline, absorbed contact from two defenders, and finished with a floater at the rim, the Portland Trail Blazers didn’t just take the lead—they broke the Milwaukee Bucks’ spirit. It was November 24, 2025, at Fiserv Forum, and Grant’s season-high 35 points ignited a 115-103 victory that handed the Bucks their fifth straight loss and snapped Portland’s three-game skid. The win improved the Blazers to 8-10 on the season, while Milwaukee dropped to 8-10, stuck in a tailspin no one saw coming—especially not with Giannis Antetokounmpo sidelined for the third game in a row due to a left adductor strain.
A Team Without Its Heart, But Still a Force to Fear
The Bucks entered the game without their two-time MVP, and it showed. Not just in scoring—though they missed his gravity and rim protection—but in rhythm. Without Antetokounmpo, their offense became predictable, their defense porous. Bobby Portis fought hard with 22 points and six rebounds, and Cole Anthony and Kyle Kuzma combined for 31 points, but no one could consistently create against Portland’s disciplined rotations. The Blazers, meanwhile, were missing five rotation players: Jrue Holiday, Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, Matisse Thybulle, and Blake Wesley. And yet—they outworked, outsmarted, and outlasted.The Run That Broke the Game
Portland didn’t lead by much early. But with 7:35 left in the second quarter, everything changed. A steal by Deni Avdija led to a transition three. Then another. Then a Grant-and-one. Suddenly, the Bucks were chasing shadows. The Blazers went on an 18-0 run that began late in the third quarter and didn’t stop until the fourth. By the time it ended, Portland was up 102-74. The crowd at Fiserv Forum, usually deafening, fell silent. Fans exchanged glances. Some stood up and left. Others just stared, stunned.Lillard’s Return—Even Without Playing
The most emotional moment wasn’t a dunk or a block. It was a video tribute during the first timeout. The scoreboard flashed clips of Damian Lillard in a Bucks uniform—clutch threes, playoff runs, the iconic 55-point Game 5 against the Warriors in 2019. The arena erupted. A standing ovation. Tears in the stands. Lillard, watching from the bench in a suit, his Achilles still healing from last season’s tear, raised a hand to his chest. Then, before tip-off, Antetokounmpo walked over, hugged him, and whispered something. No one heard it. But the gesture spoke volumes. Lillard had been waived by Milwaukee in the summer to clear cap space for Myles Turner. Now, he was back—not as a player, but as a legend.
Free Throws and Grit Won the Night
According to ESPN’s breakdown, Portland drew 32 fouls and made 29 free throws—nearly 91% efficiency. Grant, in particular, was relentless. “He gets to the basket, puts his head down, draws contact,” said Rip City Wrap-Up analyst Mike Dunleavy Jr. “That’s not luck. That’s execution.” Avdija added 22 points on 6-of-13 shooting, including five three-pointers. Rookie center Donovan Clingan had a double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds, showing why Portland’s frontcourt depth is finally clicking. Meanwhile, Turner had 13 points and 11 boards for Milwaukee, but he was often isolated against Portland’s quicker bigs, and the Bucks lacked the ball movement to exploit mismatches.What’s Next? Cup Games and Questions
Both teams now turn to the NBA Cup. Portland hosts the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday, November 26, at Moda Center. Milwaukee travels to Miami to face the Heat. For the Bucks, the questions pile up: Can they survive without Antetokounmpo? Is their offense too reliant on one player? For Portland, the answer is clearer—they’re tougher than their record suggests. With Grant playing like an All-Star and Avdija finding his groove, this team might just be peaking at the right time.
Behind the Scenes: Ownership and Franchise Shifts
The Portland Trail Blazers, headquartered at One Center Court in Portland, Oregon, are owned by Jody Allen, who took over after Paul Allen’s passing. The Milwaukee Bucks, based at 1111 Vel R. Phillips Avenue, are co-owned by Marc Lasry and Wes Edens. Both franchises have faced major roster upheavals this summer. Milwaukee’s move to sign Turner cost them Lillard. Portland, in turn, gained a veteran leader in Lillard—even if he’s not playing yet. That trade-off may define the next five years for both teams.Frequently Asked Questions
How did Jerami Grant manage 35 points with so many Blazers injured?
Grant thrived because Portland’s offense shifted to isolate him in the mid-post and pick-and-roll situations, exploiting mismatches against Milwaukee’s depleted frontcourt. He attacked the rim 14 times, drawing 11 fouls and converting 10 free throws. With five key players out, the Blazers leaned on Grant’s physicality and basketball IQ—his 35 points were the most by a Blazer this season, and his efficiency (19 shots for 35 points) was elite.
Why did the Bucks lose five games in a row without Giannis Antetokounmpo?
Milwaukee’s offense ranked 24th in the league without Antetokounmpo, averaging just 102.4 points per game in those five losses. Their ball movement collapsed, and their defense lacked rim protection and transition speed. Without his ability to draw double teams and create for others, players like Portis and Kuzma were forced into isolation plays that rarely worked. The Bucks have no true secondary playmaker, making them one-dimensional.
What impact did Damian Lillard’s presence have on the game?
Lillard’s appearance stirred deep emotion in Milwaukee, where he spent seven seasons and became a franchise icon. His standing ovation—longer than any player’s in Fiserv Forum history this season—showed how deeply he’s still revered. Though he didn’t play, his presence reminded fans of what the Bucks gave up. It also gave Portland’s locker room a psychological boost, reinforcing their identity as a team built on resilience.
How significant is this win for the Portland Trail Blazers’ playoff chances?
With the Western Conference wide open, this win could be a turning point. Portland is now just 2.5 games out of the 8th seed. Their road record improved to 5-6, and they’ve shown they can win without their stars. If Grant and Avdija continue this level of play, and Clingan develops as expected, they could sneak into the play-in tournament. The team’s net rating improved by 12.3 points per 100 possessions in this game—its best of the season.
What does this loss mean for the Milwaukee Bucks’ season outlook?
The Bucks are now in serious danger of missing the playoffs for the first time since 2016. With Antetokounmpo’s return date uncertain and no clear plan B, their offense looks stagnant. Their three-point shooting has dropped to 33.1% over the last five games. Front office sources say they’re considering a trade before the deadline, possibly targeting a playmaker. But without cap flexibility, options are limited. This loss wasn’t just a defeat—it was a warning.
