PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Jerami Grant led the Blazers’ Wednesday night charge against the Timberwolves with 29 points, but Portland couldn’t stop a late push in the fourth quarter by Minnesota and dropped 118-114 in their season opener.

Grant came off the bench, sinking 4-7 three-pointers and shooting 10-14 from the field. Jrue Holiday also shone in his first game as a Blazer, adding 14 points, six rebounds, seven assists, and three steals.

The Blazers were in control of the first three quarters and ended with five players scoring in the double digits. But Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards took over in crunch time, finishing with 41 points, and Julius Randle added 19. The Timberwolves would outscore Portland by 11 in the fourth to seal the deal.

Blazers home opener Oct 22, 2025 (KOIN)

Portland’s head coach, Chauncy Billups, shared his thoughts postgame, saying, “I’m happy with the effort, obviously disappointed with the loss. We played good enough to win; we deserved to win that game. But over the course of the season, you’re gonna lose some games you deserve to win and win some you deserve to lose.”

Damian Lillard was announced pregame for the first time at Moda Center since signing with the Blazers in July 2025 and got a loud cheer from fans. The 9-time All-Star will not play until next season due to an Achilles injury he suffered in the 2025 NBA playoffs.

The team was also missing guard Scoot Henderson, who will likely be out for several weeks at the beginning of the season with a left hamstring tear.

The future owner of the Blazers, Tom Dundon, sat courtside with Jodi Allen and General Manager of the Blazers Joe Cronin. Dundon is the current owner of the Carolina Hurricanes and agreed to purchase the Trail Blazers from Paul Allen’s estate.

Portland will next host the Golden State Warriors on Friday, Oct. 24th at 7 p.m.