NBA: Another big night by Quentin Grimes lifts 76ers over Blazers

Quentin Grimes scored a season-high 31 points, leading the Philadelphia 76ers to a 109-103 victory over the visiting Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday.

Grimes had tied his season high with 28 points in Saturday’s win over the Brooklyn Nets and stepped up again for the Sixers, who played without Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, and Paul George.

Justin Edwards added 21 points, while VJ Edgecombe contributed 18 points and 12 rebounds. Andre Drummond grabbed 17 rebounds as Philadelphia improved to three wins in their last four games.

For Portland, Deni Avdija led the way with 25 points and nine assists, though he also committed seven of the team’s 19 turnovers. Jerami Grant added 20 points, and Donovan Clingan recorded 11 points and 15 rebounds.

The fourth quarter began with consecutive 3-pointers from Vit Krejci and Avdija to tie the game at 82-82. Philadelphia responded with a 13-2 run, capped by Grimes’ floater that put the Sixers ahead 95-84 with 6:59 remaining. Grimes later made a layup to extend the lead to 14 points before Portland rallied with a 10-0 run to narrow it to 101-97 with under three minutes left.

Edgecombe hit two pull-up jumpers, sandwiching a dunk by Edwards, to help seal the win. Grimes added two free throws with 21.1 seconds remaining, effectively closing out the game.

Portland started strong with a 9-0 lead in the opening minute, but Philadelphia quickly evened the score at 14-14 and led 30-27 after the first quarter.

The second quarter saw poor shooting from both teams, who combined to hit just 35.2% from the field and 6 of 23 from three-point range. Portland outscored the Sixers 27-23 to take a slim 57-56 lead into halftime.

Grant made three 3-pointers in an 11-point third quarter, but his teammates managed only 11 points collectively. Grant’s basket tied the game at 61-61 before Philadelphia went on a 17-7 run to take a 10-point lead. Portland closed the quarter at 82-76, setting up a competitive final period.

-Field Level Media/Reuters