The 2024-25 season is the second year since the NBA has implemented the NBA Cup. The Portland Trail Blazers finished with a 1-3 record in the inaugural year and have already tied their win record one game into the Group Play after a convincing 122-108 victory over Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves.
With the exception of a few embarrassingly bad losses (most notably a 45-point blowout against the Memphis Grizzlies), the Blazers have been playing competitive basketball so far this season. With a roster that continues to develop and get healthier, they aren't going to be as easy of a matchup for opposing teams in West Group A as many anticipated when the schedule was first released.
Note: This article will be updated to reflect the Blazers' latest schedule, results, and group standings throughout the Emirates NBA Cup 2024.
Trail Blazers NBA Cup schedule
Here is the Blazers' schedule for Group Play in West Group A:
Date | Opponent | Time (PT) |
|---|---|---|
Nov. 12 | vs Minnesota | 7:00 PM |
Nov. 22 | at Houston | 7:00 PM |
Nov. 29 | vs Sacramento | 7:00 PM |
Dec. 3 | at LA Clippers | 7:30 PM |
The first thing that stands out when looking at this group is the versatility of centers between Houston's Alperen Sengun and Sacramento's Domantas Sabonis. The Blazers have the tallest starting lineup in the NBA, but size doesn't necessarily help as much when dealing with such skilled big men.
Trail Blazers NBA Cup results
Nov. 12: Won 122-108 vs Minnesota
In their Nov. 12 matchup against Minnesota, the Blazers had a well-rounded contribution, with seven players scoring over ten points. As a team, they connected on 56.3 percent of their three-point attempts, a refreshing start to see, as shooting was such a glaring weakness throughout last season.
Deandre Ayton missed the game with a finger injury, but Robert Williams III stepped up in a major way, getting it done on both ends of the court with 19 points, nine rebounds, three assists, three steals, and three blocks on 9-10 shooting from the field.
With Donovan Clingan seemingly entrenched as the Blazers' long-term starting center, it makes sense for Portland to trade one of Williams or Ayton. RW3 made a case to stay with this performance, but it also may have been just the game the Blazers needed to boost his trade value and prove that he's healthy and able to make a meaningful impact on the game.
Nov. 22: Lost 116-88 @ Houston
Nov. 29: Won 115-106 vs Sacramento
Dec. 3: Lost 127-105 @ LA Clippers
West Group A standings
UPDATE: The Houston Rockets have clinched the division. The Blazers have been eliminated along with the Clippers, Timberwolves, and Kings. Here are the standings as of Dec. 3:
Team | Record | Games Back | Point Differential |
|---|---|---|---|
Houston Rockets (clinched) | 3-1 | +40 | |
LA Clippers | 2-2 | 1 | +16 |
Minnesota Timberwolves | 2-2 | 1 | -13 |
Portland Trail Blazers | 2-2 | 1 | -27 |
Sacramento Kings | 1-3 | 2 | -16 |
Portland is off to a great start, but it's still going to be extremely challenging for them to come out of Group Play. This is one of the most stacked groups in the league, as all four teams that they face have playoff aspirations.
The Blazers played the Kings and Clippers on the road in consecutive games earlier in the season. They fell short in Sacramento, 111-98, but managed to steal a win in the new Intuit Dome against the Clippers the following game, 106-105.