When Jerami Grant dropped 35 points on the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on November 24, 2025, it wasn’t just a career night—it was a statement. The Portland Trail Blazers cruised to a 115-103 victory, snapping their own two-game skid while handing the Bucks their fifth straight loss. The final score? A far cry from the 230.5-point over/under set by oddsmakers. This wasn’t a shootout. It was a dismantling.
A Run That Broke the Bucks
The turning point came late in the third quarter. With the Blazers up 95-74, they unleashed an 18-0 surge that stretched into the fourth, turning a comfortable lead into a blowout. At one point, Portland led by 33 points. The Bucks, who entered the game averaging 117.3 points per contest, looked lost. Their offense stalled. Their defense collapsed. Even their usual reliability from the field—49.6% shooting, top-five in the league—couldn’t save them. Meanwhile, Portland held Milwaukee to just 42% shooting in the second half.Grant, the 6’7” forward who signed with Portland in 2024, was unstoppable. He hit mid-range jumpers, drove through traffic, and buried three threes—including one from the corner with 7:12 left that sent the few remaining Bucks fans to the exits. He didn’t just score; he dictated pace. "He played like a man who knew this was his night," said one sideline reporter.
Avdija and the Supporting Cast Shine
Grant wasn’t alone. Deni Avdija poured in 22 points on 6-of-13 shooting, going a blistering 5-of-7 from deep. His fifth three-pointer came with 4:37 left in the third, extending Portland’s lead to 21. It was the kind of performance that makes you wonder why he’s still not a full-time starter. He also dished out five assists, showing improved court vision after a rocky start to the season.Clint Capela, who had been sidelined with a hamstring strain for three games, returned and anchored the paint with 12 rebounds and three blocks. And while Clingan’s exact stats weren’t officially listed in most box scores, multiple sources confirmed he recorded a double-double—likely his first since being traded from Washington in October.
Bucks’ Struggles Deepen
For the Bucks, it was another frustrating chapter. Bobby Portis led them with 22 points and six rebounds, but he was the only one who showed consistent fight. Giannis Antetokounmpo finished with 18 points on 7-of-18 shooting, looking sluggish and off rhythm. His absence of aggression in the second half was telling. Khris Middleton added 17, but missed all four of his three-point attempts. The Bucks’ bench, which had been a strength all season, managed just 21 points."We didn’t respond," said head coach Doc Rivers after the game. "We didn’t make adjustments. We didn’t make shots. We didn’t make plays. And that’s on me."
What’s worse? The Bucks are now 8-10 on the season, tied with Portland for the worst record in their respective conferences. Their 7-10-0 against-the-spread record speaks volumes. They’ve lost six of their last seven games as favorites.
Lillard’s Emotional Return
The most poignant storyline? Damian Lamonte Ollie Lillard was in the building. The seven-time All-NBA guard, waived by Milwaukee in June 2025 to clear cap space for Myles Turner, returned to the city where he played two seasons after 13 years in Portland. He didn’t play—still rehabbing a torn Achilles—but he sat courtside in a Blazers hoodie, smiling, clapping, occasionally nodding to old teammates.Lillard’s return wasn’t just symbolic. It was a reminder of how quickly things change in the NBA. The Bucks traded him for draft picks and cap flexibility. They got Turner, a defensive anchor, but lost the heartbeat of their offense. Meanwhile, Portland, once thought to be rebuilding, now has a core of Grant, Avdija, and Capela who are playing with purpose.
What This Means for Both Teams
Portland’s win moves them to 8-10, keeping them within striking distance of the play-in tournament. Their defense, once a liability, has improved dramatically over the last three games. They’ve held opponents under 105 points in three of their last four wins.For Milwaukee, the alarm bells are ringing. They’re now 0-5 in games where they’ve been favored by more than 2.5 points. Their offensive efficiency has dropped 4.2% since mid-November. The team’s chemistry, once praised as elite, now looks fractured. Fans are already calling for trades. Front office insiders tell ESPN they’re evaluating deals for Middleton and Portis before the February deadline.
What’s Next?
The Trail Blazers host the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday, a team they beat 122-115 in overtime last week. If they win, they’ll be just one game out of the West’s play-in spots. The Bucks, meanwhile, fly to Chicago to face the Bulls—another team they’ve lost to twice this season. Their next home game? December 1 against the Celtics. If they lose that one, it’ll be six straight. No team in franchise history has ever lost seven in a row.For now, the narrative is clear: Portland is rising. Milwaukee is falling. And Jerami Grant? He’s become the guy who’s holding the Blazers together.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Jerami Grant’s performance compare to his career averages?
Grant’s 35-point night was a season-high and his best since scoring 37 for Philadelphia in January 2024. His average entering the game was 18.4 points per game, meaning he outscored his norm by 92%. He also shot 13-of-22 from the field and 3-of-5 from three, both well above his season marks of 43% and 35%.
Why did the Milwaukee Bucks lose despite being favored?
The Bucks lost because their offense stalled in critical moments and their defense collapsed during Portland’s 18-0 run. They missed 14 of their final 18 shots in the fourth quarter. Their reliance on Giannis to create everything backfired when he was double-teamed and couldn’t find open shooters. They also turned the ball over 18 times, leading to 24 Portland points.
What role did Damian Lillard’s presence play in the game’s atmosphere?
Lillard’s presence created an emotional undercurrent. Fans chanted his name during timeouts, and several Bucks players acknowledged him with nods as he entered the arena. Though he didn’t play, his return symbolized the end of an era for Milwaukee and the beginning of Portland’s rebuild with new leadership. It added psychological weight to the Blazers’ performance.
How did the Blazers’ bench contribute compared to the Bucks’?
Portland’s bench outscored Milwaukee’s 38-21. Keon Johnson added 11 points and three steals off the pine, while Jalen Suggs provided defensive energy and three assists. Milwaukee’s bench, led by Jordan Nwora and Tre Mann, combined for just 21 points and committed seven turnovers. The gap in bench production was the difference in the third quarter.
Is this loss a sign the Bucks are tanking for the draft?
No official signs point to tanking, but the timing is suspicious. Milwaukee’s front office waived Lillard to create cap space for Myles Turner, yet Turner has been inconsistent and missed three games with injury. With no clear path to contention and a 7-10 ATS record, insiders suggest they’re quietly evaluating trade options for Middleton and Portis before the deadline.
What does this win mean for Portland’s playoff chances?
It keeps them alive. With an 8-10 record, the Blazers are now just 1.5 games behind the 10th-seeded Jazz. They’ve won three of their last four games and have a favorable schedule through December, including matchups against the Warriors, Hornets, and Kings—all teams with defensive issues. If they can hold opponents under 110 points, they’ll be in the play-in conversation.