The Minnesota Timberwolves opened their 2025-26 NBA season with a hard-fought 118-114 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on October 22, 2025, as superstar Anthony Edwards delivered a sensational 41-point performance to spoil Portland’s home opener.​
Edwards, who was listed as questionable with back spasms just hours before tip-off, proved unstoppable throughout the contest, shooting 14-of-28 from the field and 5-of-10 from three-point range while converting all eight free throw attempts. The fifth-year guard added seven rebounds and one assist in 40 minutes of action, demonstrating why many consider him an early MVP candidate for the 2025-26 season.
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Grant Shines Off Blazers Bench Despite Loss
For Portland, veteran forward Jerami Grant provided a spark off the bench in his first game as a reserve since 2020, exploding for 29 points on an efficient 10-of-14 shooting, including 4-of-7 from beyond the arc. Grant, who started all 164 games for the Trail Blazers over the previous three seasons, accepted his new role and delivered his best scoring performance of the preseason period.​
Head coach Chauncey Billups made the difficult decision to bring Grant off the bench in favor of a starting lineup featuring Jrue Holiday, Shaedon Sharpe, Toumani Camara, Deni Avdija, and rookie center Donovan Clingan. The move reflects Portland’s commitment to developing younger talent while Grant adjusts to a sixth-man role.​
Deni Avdija contributed 20 points, seven rebounds, and one assist for the Trail Blazers, though he struggled with his outside shooting, going 0-of-6 from three-point range. Shaedon Sharpe, fresh off signing a four-year, $90 million extension, added 15 points but shot just 5-of-20 from the field.
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Timberwolves’ Supporting Cast Steps Up
Minnesota received significant contributions from their revamped roster. Julius Randle, acquired in the offseason trade that sent Karl-Anthony Towns to New York, recorded 19 points, seven rebounds, and six assists in his Timberwolves regular-season debut. The three-time All-Star showed excellent chemistry with Edwards and center Rudy Gobert throughout the contest.​
Jaden McDaniels added 18 points on efficient 6-of-12 shooting with three three-pointers, while Gobert anchored the defense with 10 points, six rebounds, and crucial rim protection. Terrence Shannon Jr. provided quality minutes off the bench with 10 points and five assists, showcasing the Timberwolves’ improved depth.
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Trail Blazers Battle Back But Fall Short
Portland fought valiantly throughout the game, with Holiday contributing 14 points and seven assists while Toumani Camara recorded a double-double with 10 points and nine rebounds. Rookie Donovan Clingan, making his NBA debut in the starting lineup, impressed with eight points, six rebounds, two steals, and one block, including two three-pointers that showcased his expanding skill set.​
The Trail Blazers held leads throughout various stretches of the game but couldn’t contain Edwards down the stretch. Portland’s fourth-quarter struggles proved costly, as they managed just 12 points compared to Minnesota’s closing surge.
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What This Game Means Going Forward
The victory gives Minnesota momentum as they pursue a third consecutive Western Conference Finals appearance after back-to-back deep playoff runs. With Edwards playing at an MVP level and the Randle-Gobert pairing showing early promise, the Timberwolves demonstrated they remain among the Western Conference elite despite losing Nickeil Alexander-Walker in free agency.​
For Portland, the loss highlights both promise and growing pains. The decision to start Clingan and bring Grant off the bench signals a youth movement, while the performances of Sharpe, Avdija, and Camara—all recently extended—provide optimism for the franchise’s rebuilding efforts. However, Portland’s shooting struggles (41-of-110 overall, 11-of-39 from three) must improve for the team to compete consistently.​
Injury Updates and Lineup Decisions
Edwards’ availability remained uncertain until shortly before game time due to back spasms, but he ultimately played through the discomfort with no apparent limitations. Grant addressed his benching situation diplomatically, stating he’s “open to competing” while acknowledging the difficulty of accepting a reserve role after years as a starter.​
The Timberwolves also received positive injury news as Mike Conley returned to action, though he played just 13 minutes and scored three points as he works back into game shape.​
Looking Ahead
Minnesota will look to build on this opening-night victory as they continue their season-opening road trip, while Portland returns to action seeking their first win of the 2025-26 campaign. The Timberwolves have established themselves as contenders behind Edwards’ ascension into superstardom, while the Trail Blazers begin what promises to be a developmental season focused on integrating young talent.​
The game showcased contrasting trajectories: Minnesota pursuing championship aspirations with a veteran-laden roster anchored by an MVP-caliber star, and Portland investing in youth development while managing the transition of high-salaried veterans like Grant into complementary roles.​
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What was the final score of the Timberwolves vs Trail Blazers game?
A: The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 118-114 in the season opener on October 22, 2025, at Moda Center in Portland.​
Q: How many points did Anthony Edwards score?
A: Anthony Edwards scored 41 points on 14-of-28 shooting, including 5-of-10 from three-point range and 8-of-8 from the free-throw line.​
Q: Why is Jerami Grant coming off the bench for Portland?
A: Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups moved Grant to a reserve role to start younger players like Shaedon Sharpe, Deni Avdija, Toumani Camara, and rookie Donovan Clingan, signaling the team’s commitment to youth development.​
Q: Who started for the Trail Blazers in the season opener?
A: Portland’s starting lineup consisted of Jrue Holiday, Shaedon Sharpe, Toumani Camara, Deni Avdija, and Donovan Clingan, with Jerami Grant coming off the bench for the first time since 2020.​
