TITLE: Henderson’s 31 Points Pull Blazers Even; Updates on Watson, Gobert, Edwards
SLUG: henderson-leads-blazers-injury-update-watson-gobert-edwards
CONTENT:
Scoot Henderson delivered a career-best postseason performance Tuesday night, scoring 31 points in the Portland Trail Blazers’ three-point win that leveled their first-round series with the San Antonio Spurs at 1-1.
“That was the best game of the season for him, maybe his career,” head coach Tiago Splitter said. “He carried us, scored when we needed, got stops and really won a game for us.”
Henderson, drafted third overall in 2023, once shared top-prospect billing with Victor Wembanyama. Injuries—including a torn hamstring suffered last preseason—had stalled his progress until Tuesday’s breakthrough. “I’m so blessed to even play in a situation like this,” the third-year guard said.
Nuggets: Watson Still Sidelined
Denver wing Peyton Watson remains out with a hamstring strain and is expected to miss Game 3 against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Watson did light on-court work alongside coaches during Wednesday’s practice, according to ESPN and the Denver Gazette.
Timberwolves: Gobert’s Defense Highlighted
Minnesota coaches pointed to Rudy Gobert’s effort against Nikola Jokić as evidence he should have been a Defensive Player of the Year finalist. “It’s a joke that he wasn’t,” head coach Chris Finch said after Game 2. Jokić went 1-for-8 when guarded by Gobert, with seven of those attempts coming in the fourth quarter.
“If they want to disrespect greatness, sooner or later they’ll realize the impact,” Gobert said.
Edwards Plays Through Pain
Despite a lingering knee issue that cost him 11 of the final 13 regular-season games, Anthony Edwards produced 30 points and 10 rebounds in Game 2. “If he’s out there battling, there’s no excuse why I can’t give my best,” teammate Julius Randle said.
The Timberwolves lead the series 2-0 heading into Game 3.
Source: Hoops Rumors
