The Portland Trail Blazers won in overtime against the Sacramento Kings on Thursday. However, it was one of the ugliest wins of the 2025-26 season, as it exposed one of the Blazers’ issues. Tiago Splitter’s coaching was not at its best, but Deni Avdija’s production saved them later in the game.
The Trail Blazers’ Issues In The Clutch Exposed In An Ugly Win
The 2025-26 NBA season has been rough for the Portland Trail Blazers, particularly due to their injury issues. Across the 27 games they have played, the Blazers have 17 “clutch” games. They have won eight of them, but have lost nine clutch games.
The Blazers’ issues in the clutch were on display against the Sacramento Kings. Around the 2:00 mark of the fourth quarter, the Blazers already had a 113-98 lead. That was when disaster struck, as Portland struggled to inbound the ball and make shots.
With the Blazers’ constant turnovers, the Kings mounted a comeback and forced overtime with a 17-2 run. The Blazers managed to hold on in the extra period after Avdija drew a foul to win the game.
The Blazers’ Issues In the Clutch Are Concerning
With their record in clutch games, it is fair to be concerned about the Trail Blazers. They should be winning more games with the talent on their roster. Avdija has been superb throughout the season, offering Portland a go-to option.
Even if he is not hitting shots, he can be aggressive and get to the basket. He can either finish at the rim or draw a foul with his aggression. That has been a big part of Portland’s offense this season, especially with their lack of point guards.
Jrue Holiday and Scoot Henderson are still dealing with their lower-body injuries. They could drastically improve this current squad with stable ball-handling. Avdija is decent, but he is not the table-setter that those guards are.
Jrue Holiday is a mad man. pic.twitter.com/ixV0UOvX2l
— Steve Jones (@stevejones20) November 6, 2025
The lack of stability was evident during the clutch time against the Kings. Portland did not have ball-handlers to take pressure off Avdija, so they made sure to pressure him during inbound plays. Considering Portland had a total of 27 turnovers, their clutch offense was abysmal.
Moving forward, the Blazers need more options in the clutch. Since Shaedon Sharpe still has a minutes restriction, they will still have to rely on Avdija. Jerami Grant has done well to support him with his scoring, but a returning point guard would be a blessing.
Avdija’s Production Is Covering Up Portland’s Problems
Dec 11, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija (8) dribbles against New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III (25) during the first half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Avdija has been stellar this season, embarking on an All-Star-caliber campaign. He is averaging 25.8 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game. Avdija’s production has been a primary reason behind most of Portland’s success this season.
Without him, the Blazers would be in a deeper hole, but thankfully for them, he is playing at this level. Portland has tons of potential to be a more successful team when they are healthy. However, it might not change who their best player is this season with Avdija.
Sharpe can argue he is also a star player, but his efficiency is a problem. With Avdija’s production, the Blazers have a foundational piece for this season. He continues to develop into a star player, which could make the Blazers even more stacked when they get healthy.
Moving forward, the Blazers would prefer a healthy team, but they are lucky to have Avdija. Considering he is on a descending contract, he is one of the best bargain deals in the NBA. As long as Splitter’s coaching system features him, Avdija will continue to thrive.
Splitter’s Coaching Must Improve To Lead Portland
Acting Trail Blazers head coach Tiago Splitter has been a bit of a mixed bag in his first season. Of course, he took the job on a whim after Chauncey Billups’ controversial exit. Splitter has been in charge of the Blazers since the second game of the season, and he has been fine.
Splitter’s coaching needs improvement because Portland’s players need guidance. He must set the team up well with his rotations and get the right players on the court.
Introducing… a new defensive tradition 📦
Tiago Splitter explains how the best defensive player each night will put their name in THE BOX.
Sidy starts us off tonight 😤 pic.twitter.com/mJ5ti1FvDR
— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) December 15, 2025
He stuck with Donovan Clingan during possessions when they needed reliable free-throw shooting. Getting Duop Reath into the game would have still provided Portland with a steady player with a good shooting touch.
Against the Kings, Toumani Camara fouled out in regulation, while Sharpe had a minutes restriction. That meant he stuck with Kris Murray and the energetic Sidy Cissoko in overtime.
It led to some unfortunate moments as they struggled with their offense. The fourth quarter and overtime against the Kings showed that Splitter has room for improvement. Like many of his players, he is a young coach, so he should keep learning to help the Blazers.
Featured Image: Jaime Valdez-Imagn Images