Honestly, if you weren't watching the West Coast feed on Sunday night, you missed one of the most chaotic stretches of basketball we've seen this season. The Portland Trail Blazers vs Knicks matches always seem to have this weird, magnetic pull toward high drama, but their latest encounter on January 11, 2026, took it to another level.
It was supposed to be Portland’s night. They were riding a massive five-game winning streak. The Moda Center was loud. Then Jalen Brunson happened.
The Knicks walked away with a 123-114 victory, but the score doesn't even begin to tell the story of the back-and-forth lunges that defined the fourth quarter. It wasn't just a win for New York; it was a "get right" game for a team that had dropped five of their last six. Talk about a momentum killer for Rip City.
The Stats That Actually Mattered
Everyone looks at the 26 points from Jalen Brunson. Sure, he was the engine. But the real story was the return of Josh Hart. Coming off an ankle injury that kept him out since Christmas, Hart played like he hadn't missed a day, chipping in 18 points and providing that "glue guy" energy that basically makes the Knicks' defense work.
On the flip side, Deni Avdija was putting the Blazers on his back. He dropped 25 points and was the main reason Portland clawed back from a 10-point deficit in the third. But then, the nightmare scenario: Avdija went up for a board late in the game, grabbed his back, and headed straight for the tunnel.
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It's those kinds of moments that make these Portland Trail Blazers vs Knicks matches so unpredictable.
Quick Box Score Breakdown
- Jalen Brunson (NYK): 26 points, 8 assists, 6 rebounds.
- OG Anunoby (NYK): 24 points, 7 rebounds.
- Deni Avdija (POR): 25 points (before the injury exit).
- Shaedon Sharpe (POR): 23 points, 6 rebounds.
The Knicks shot 51% from the floor. Portland was at 48%. It was efficient, fast, and occasionally felt like a track meet.
Why This Matchup is Getting Weird
Remember the March 2025 game? The one with 42 lead changes?
People often forget that these two teams, despite being on opposite coasts, have developed this strange, gritty rivalry. Part of it is the Josh Hart trade history. Part of it is just the way their rosters are built. New York under Mike Brown (who replaced Thibodeau earlier this season) plays this suffocating style that clashes perfectly with Portland’s young, downhill speed.
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In the 114-123 loss, Portland actually had the advantage at the free-throw line—25 attempts to New York’s 8. Usually, when you have that kind of whistle, you win. But the Knicks hit 17 three-pointers. You can't outrun math, especially when Miles McBride is coming off the bench to hit pull-up threes in your face when the game is on the line.
Key Turning Points
- The 92-92 Tie: Robert Williams III threw down a monster dunk early in the fourth. The arena went nuts. It felt like the Blazers would pull away.
- The McBride Triple: With 3:47 left, Miles McBride hit a deep shot to put the Knicks up 109-104. Portland never recovered.
- The Return of Jrue: Jrue Holiday made his return for Portland after a long calf injury stint. He only played 16 minutes, but his presence changed the defensive look.
What Most People Get Wrong
Most fans think the Knicks are just a "tough" team. They aren't just tough; they’re incredibly disciplined in late-game execution. In recent Portland Trail Blazers vs Knicks matches, the Blazers have actually looked like the more talented team for 36 minutes. Then the fourth quarter starts, and the Knicks’ continuity takes over.
Karl-Anthony Towns had 20 points and 11 boards in this last one. He’s been a polarizing figure since arriving in New York, but his ability to stretch the floor opened up those driving lanes for Brunson and Bridges. Without KAT, that 123-114 scoreline probably looks a lot different.
The Injury Shadow
We have to talk about Deni Avdija's back. Portland is already a team that struggles with consistency, and losing their primary playmaker—who was also leading them in assists and rebounding—is a massive blow. The medical staff hasn't given a full timeline yet, but seeing him limp off in the final minutes was a gut punch for a team that finally looked like it was figuring things out.
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If you’re looking for actionable insights on where these teams go next, keep an eye on the Blazers' defensive rotations without Avdija. They’ve been leaning on Shaedon Sharpe to score, but they need someone to actually initiate the offense.
The Bottom Line on Blazers vs Knicks
New York is currently sitting high in the East (2nd at 18-11), while Portland is hovering around .500 (19-21). These games aren't just random mid-season filler. For New York, it was proof they can win on the road against a hot team. For Portland, it was a reminder that they’re still a few pieces (and a lot of health) away from being true contenders.
Next time these two meet, don't look at the season records. Look at the injury report and the "hustle stats." The Knicks won this game because they grabbed 45 rebounds to Portland's 39. It's the small things—the box-outs, the deflections, the extra passes—that have swung the last few Portland Trail Blazers vs Knicks matches in favor of the Big Apple.
Your next move: If you're betting or just following closely, watch the Blazers' injury report regarding Avdija before their Tuesday night game against Golden State. For the Knicks, keep an eye on Karl-Anthony Towns' knee; he was ruled out for their upcoming Pacers game shortly after this win, suggesting they're pushing the limits of their rotation. Check the updated Eastern Conference standings to see if New York can hold off Boston for that second seed.