Portland Trail Blazers' two-way wing Matisse Thybulle finally returned to action after missing nearly a year of basketball, last playing on March 29, 2024, due to knee and ankle injuries. Heading into Portland's game against the Toronto Raptors, Thybulle was asked about his defensive approach as he returned to the rotation.
"I think the beginning is going to be a little frustrating, just having to feel it out again," Thybulle said. "I got to get a feel for the guys; they got to get a feel for me again. Playing defense is very much a group effort, so I think there will be a bit of a learning curve. But I know that my instincts will take over. There's a way that I'm used to playing, and my body and my mind like to do it. Once I get into that state, the fun will start."
Well, Thybulle got into that state even sooner than expected, as his missing presence on the defensive end was felt immediately. Thybulle checked in at the 2:51 minute mark in the third quarter with the Blazers down 78-64. Just one minute later, they went on a 10-0 run, heading into the fourth quarter down five.
Matisse Thybulle immediately made his presence felt
"This is Matisse's kind of game," said Blazers broadcaster Lamar Hurd. "A team is moving a lot, passing a lot, that gives him a lot more options to use his superpower, which is being a defensive playmaker. This is also a tough team to guard against with this movement. The [Blazers] have not found that consistency just yet... And Matisse, you're about as different as it gets on the defensive end with being able to create problems."
Thybulle came in for Defensive Player of the Month Toumani Camara, and honestly, it was difficult to tell the difference in terms of their impact on the defensive end. Camara may be the "The Shadow," and rightfully so, but Thybulle contained Scottie Barnes just as effectively.
He quickly snagged a defensive rebound, forced a turnover on Colin Castleton that led to a Shaedon Sharpe three on the other end, and poked the ball loose from behind to force a turnover on Barnes. Thybulle's presence became the turning point in the game, as the Blazers wound up winning 105-102.
Did we mention he also had the game-saving block?
Matisse Thybulle with the game-saving block in his season debut ‼️ pic.twitter.com/x2q0f4oDyQ
— NBA (@NBA) March 17, 2025
Blazers analytics insider Tom Haberstroh noted that Thybulle's steal percentage is the best for any active player in the NBA. His 25 blocks on three-point attempts last season are also tied with Chris Boucher for the highest ever since the 2000s. He's a unique defensive player because he combines his quick hands and ability to anticipate plays with his versatility and 6-foot-5 frame.
It's easy to see how Thybulle has two All-Defensive Team appearances on his resume. But most importantly, it's easy to see how seamlessly Thybulle will fit in and add to the Blazers' newfound identity as a defensive-minded team. His first game back was a prime example of that.