Milwaukee Bucks vs. Portland Trail Blazers: January 28, 2025 Match Recap and Player Stats

On January 28, 2025, the Portland Trail Blazers pulled off an upset victory against the Milwaukee Bucks, winning 125-112 at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. The game marked Damian Lillard’s second return to Portland since his trade to the Bucks, adding emotional weight to the matchup. Despite a strong performance from Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Trail Blazers’ balanced attack, led by Deni Avdija, and dominant rebounding secured the win. Below is a detailed recap of the game, including player statistics, sourced from verified outlets.

Match Summary – Key Details

• Sport: Basketball
• League: NBA (National Basketball Association)
• Date: January 28, 2025
• Location: Moda Center, Portland, Oregon
• Matchup: Milwaukee Bucks vs Portland Trail Blazers Match Player Stats
• Final Score: Portland Trail Blazers 125 – Milwaukee Bucks 112
• Winner: Portland Trail Blazers (by 13 points)
• Attendance: 17,030 fans
• Game Type: Regular Season
• Season Series: Tied 1–1 (Portland won the Jan. 28 rematch after losing on Jan. 4)
• Broadcast: TNT, truTV, HBO Max

Game Overview

The Milwaukee Bucks (26-19, 9-12 away) faced the Portland Trail Blazers (18-29, 10-13 home) in a high-scoring affair. The Trail Blazers, ranked 13th in the Western Conference, outperformed expectations against the fifth-placed Bucks in the Eastern Conference. Portland’s efficient shooting (51.1% FG, 42.9% 3P) and dominance on the boards (52 rebounds to Milwaukee’s 36) were key, while the Bucks struggled with turnovers and early defensive lapses. The game, broadcast on TNT, truTV, and HBO Max, drew 17,030 fans at the Moda Center.

Key Moments

• First Quarter Surge: The Bucks started strong, leading 36-31, with Giannis Antetokounmpo scoring 15 points. Portland kept pace, shooting 50% from the field.
• Second Quarter Shift: Portland outscored Milwaukee 33-25, taking a 64-61 halftime lead, thanks to Deni Avdija’s 12 points and Anfernee Simons’ three-point shooting.
• Third Quarter Dominance: The Trail Blazers extended their lead to 97-89, with Deandre Ayton and Toumani Camara controlling the paint and rebounding.
• Fourth Quarter Closeout: Portland maintained their lead, with Shaedon Sharpe and Scoot Henderson hitting key shots. The Bucks’ late push, led by Lillard and Antetokounmpo, fell short as Portland’s defense held firm.

Milwaukee Bucks Player Stats

The Bucks relied heavily on their stars, but their bench and three-point shooting (31.4%) underperformed:

• Giannis Antetokounmpo (PF): 39 points, 12 rebounds (4 offensive), 5 assists, shooting 17/24 FG (70.8%), 0/0 3P, 5/10 FT. Antetokounmpo was dominant inside, scoring on dunks and layups, but his turnovers (4) and free-throw struggles hurt in key moments.
• Damian Lillard (PG): 20 points, 3 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal, shooting 7/17 FG (41.2%), 2/6 3P (33.3%), 4/4 FT. Lillard faced heavy defensive pressure from his former team, limiting his impact.
• Brook Lopez (C): 11 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, shooting 4/12 FG (33.3%), 3/9 3P (33.3%). Lopez hit three long-range shots but struggled defensively against Ayton.
• Gary Trent Jr. (SG): 11 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, shooting 4/11 FG (36.4%), 3/10 3P (30%). Trent Jr. provided defensive spark but was inefficient from deep.
• Andre Jackson Jr. (G): 9 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, shooting 3/3 FG (100%), 1/1 3P (100%), 2/2 FT. Jackson Jr. was efficient but couldn’t prevent Portland’s rebounding edge.
• Ryan Rollins (G): 9 points, 1 rebound, shooting 4/5 FG (80%), 1/2 3P (50%). Rollins provided a bench spark but played limited minutes (15:09).
• Pat Connaughton (F): 4 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block, shooting 2/5 FG (40%), 0/1 3P. Connaughton’s block on Simons was a highlight, but his offense was quiet.
• Taurean Prince (F): 4 points, 2 rebounds, shooting 2/5 FG (40%), 0/2 3P. Prince struggled to make an impact.
• MarJon Beauchamp (F): 3 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, shooting 1/1 FG (100%), 1/1 3P (100%). Beauchamp played limited minutes (6:27).
• Stanley Umude (F): 2 points, 1 steal, shooting 0/2 FG, 0/2 3P, 2/2 FT. Umude saw minimal action (3:23).
• Khris Middleton (F): 0 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, shooting 0/2 FG, 0/1 3P, in 15:28. Middleton’s scoreless outing was a rare low point.
• Chris Livingston (F): 0 points in 3:23, no other stats recorded.
• Delon Wright (G): DNP – Coach’s Decision.

Team Totals: 112 points, 36 rebounds (9 offensive), 26 assists, 8 steals, 2 blocks, 11 turnovers, shooting 44/87 FG (50.6%), 11/35 3P (31.4%), 13/18 FT (72.2%).

Portland Trail Blazers Player Stats

The Trail Blazers showcased a balanced attack, with five players scoring in double figures and a significant rebounding advantage:

• Deni Avdija (SF): 30 points, 9 rebounds (3 offensive), 2 assists, 2 steals, shooting 10/18 FG (55.6%), 3/7 3P (42.9%), 7/9 FT (77.8%). Avdija’s season-high performance outshined former teammate Lillard, with key three-pointers and drives.
• Anfernee Simons (SG): 25 points, 3 rebounds, 7 assists, shooting 9/17 FG (52.9%), 4/8 3P (50%), 3/3 FT (100%). Simons’ playmaking and clutch threes were pivotal.
• Deandre Ayton (C): 21 points, 14 rebounds (5 offensive), 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, shooting 9/19 FG (47.4%), 0/1 3P, 3/4 FT (75%). Ayton dominated the paint, outrebounding Milwaukee’s frontcourt.
• Shaedon Sharpe (G): 17 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, shooting 6/14 FG (42.9%), 3/7 3P (42.9%), 2/2 FT (100%). Sharpe’s three-point shooting stretched the Bucks’ defense.
• Scoot Henderson (G): 10 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal, shooting 4/7 FG (57.1%), 1/2 3P (50%), 1/2 FT (50%). Henderson’s playmaking off the bench was key in the fourth quarter.
• Toumani Camara (F): 8 points, 11 rebounds (4 offensive), 4 assists, shooting 3/6 FG (50%), 0/2 3P, 2/2 FT (100%). Camara’s rebounding and hustle plays were crucial.
• Jerami Grant (F): 8 points, 1 assist, shooting 2/4 FG (50%), 1/1 3P (100%), 3/4 FT (75%). Grant played limited minutes (15:38) but contributed efficiently.
• Donovan Clingan (C): 4 points, 6 rebounds (4 offensive), 1 assist, 1 block, shooting 2/2 FG (100%). Clingan’s presence in the paint bolstered Portland’s rebounding.
• Bryce McGowens (G): 2 points, shooting 0/0 FG, 2/2 FT, in 1:11.
• Duop Reath, Rayan Rupert, Kris Murray, Jabari Walker: 0 points, minimal or no stats recorded in 1:11 each.
• Dalano Banton, Robert Williams III: DNP – Coach’s Decision.

Team Totals: 125 points, 52 rebounds (17 offensive), 26 assists, 6 steals, 2 blocks, 13 turnovers, shooting 45/88 FG (51.1%), 12/28 3P (42.9%), 23/28 FT (82.1%).

Game Context and Impact

This game was the second of two regular-season matchups between the Bucks and Trail Blazers in 2024-25, with Portland splitting the series after a 105-102 win on January 4, 2025. The Trail Blazers’ victory was a significant upset, given their 23-32 record compared to Milwaukee’s 29-24. Portland’s rebounding edge (52-36) and efficient three-point shooting (42.9% vs. Milwaukee’s 31.4%) highlighted their ability to exploit the Bucks’ weaknesses. The loss dropped the Bucks to 9-12 on the road, while Portland improved to 10-13 at home.

Deni Avdija’s standout performance against his former teammate Lillard underscored Portland’s growth, while Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 39 points couldn’t overcome Milwaukee’s defensive struggles. The Bucks, ranked 12th in offensive rating (114.5), allowed 125 points, well above their season average of 112.9 points allowed. Portland, despite being 25th in offensive rating (110.8), capitalized on their home-court advantage.

Additional Notes

• Officials: Derek Richardson, Scott Foster, and Karl Lane officiated the game.
• Betting Odds: The Bucks were favored by 6.5 points, with the over/under set at 230.5. Portland covered the spread, and the total points (237) went over.
• Key Absences: Milwaukee’s Bobby Portis, AJ Green, Liam Robbins, Tyler Smith, and AJ Johnson were inactive. Portland’s Justin Minaya, Taze Moore, and Matisse Thybulle were also inactive.
• Season Context: The Bucks rank second in the NBA in three-point shooting percentage (38.7%), but their 31.4% performance in this game was a letdown. Portland, third-worst in three-point percentage (34.1%), shot well above their average.

Conclusion

The Portland Trail Blazers’ 125-112 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on January 28, 2025, showcased their ability to outplay a stronger opponent through rebounding, efficient shooting, and balanced scoring. Deni Avdija’s 30-point outburst and Deandre Ayton’s double-double led the way, while Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 39 points weren’t enough to overcome Portland’s dominance. This upset victory highlights the Trail Blazers’ potential to compete against top teams, while the Bucks look to regroup for their next matchup. For full box scores and play-by-play, visit NBA.com, ESPN.com, or Sportskeeda.com.