Mikal Bridges nails buzzer-beater to lift Knicks past Trail Blazers

In Portland, Oregon, on Wednesday night, the New York Knicks secured an overtime victory against the Portland Trail Blazers, dominating the game with a thrilling finish. Mikal Bridges emerged as the hero of the night, sinking a 25-foot three-pointer at the buzzer to clinch the win, finalizing the score at 114-113. Bridges' impressive performance included scoring 33 points, while his teammate AG Anunoby contributed with 23 points. This victory marked the Knicks' second consecutive win and improved their record to 2-2 on their five-game West Coast trip with one game still remaining. The matchup was intense and competitive, with Scoot Henderson leading the Trail Blazers with a strong 30-point effort. Deni Avdija also had a notable game, scoring 27 points and grabbing 15 rebounds. Avdija’s highlight moment came when he completed a three-point play with just three seconds left in overtime, granting the Trail Blazers a fleeting 113-111 lead. The Knicks had previously held a lead late in the fourth quarter, but Henderson's remarkable eight points within the final 1:06 of regulation play helped tie the game at 106, forcing the contest into overtime. Statistically, both teams faced challenges during the game. Portland struggled at the free-throw line, making only 16 of 25 attempts, and they also committed 23 turnovers compared to New York's 15. For the Knicks, Karl-Anthony Towns added to their scoring with 21 points, efficiently shooting 8 of 12 from the field. The defeat for Portland marked their fifth consecutive loss, putting them at a challenging 28-39 record as they began a seven-game homestand, which raises questions about their chances for making the postseason. As the victory provided a much-needed boost for the Knicks, with Jalen Brunson expected to be sidelined for at least two weeks due to a right ankle sprain, the team was eager to gain momentum in a tightly contested Atlantic Division. They will conclude their West Coast trip against the Golden State Warriors on Saturday night. Meanwhile, the Trail Blazers are scheduled to host the Toronto Raptors on Sunday night, and they will need significant improvements on their home court to stay competitive for the postseason.