The Portland Trail Blazers snapped the Boston Celtics’ four-game winning streak with a hard-fought 114-108 victory on December 28, 2025, in a game defined by a rookie’s breakout and a star’s conspicuous absence. The Celtics, despite a historic scoring run from Jaylen Brown, were undone by a series of costly late turnovers that allowed the undermanned Blazers to steal a crucial road win. Brown matched a franchise record set by Larry Bird by scoring 30 or more points for his seventh consecutive game, but his individual brilliance was ultimately overshadowed by the team’s collective stumble in the closing minutes.
Portland’s triumph was powered by a monstrous performance from rookie center Donovan Clingan, who announced his arrival on the national stage with a dominant two-way effort. Clingan controlled the paint, altering countless shots at the rim and providing a physical presence that the Celtics struggled to match. His defensive intensity set the tone, particularly in a pivotal second-half run where the Blazers seized control of the game. After the final buzzer, Clingan’s teammates were effusive in their praise, with one veteran noting, ‘He’s one of those dudes’ who changes the game with sheer force of will.
The Blazers’ backcourt managed the game effectively despite the notable absence of star guard Shaedon Sharpe, who was sidelined for the contest. In his stead, Caleb Love stepped up to provide valuable scoring punch off the bench. Love chipped in 17 points in an efficient performance, hitting key shots to keep Portland’s offense afloat during critical stretches. His contribution was a bright spot in a rotation searching for consistency, answering the ongoing question of ‘Why Doesn’t Caleb Love Play More for the Portland Trail Blazers?’ with tangible on-court production. His 14-point outing earlier in the week was a precursor to this more impactful showing against elite competition.
For Boston, the loss was a frustrating stumble in an otherwise strong stretch of their season. The narrative of the game shifted decisively in the final three minutes, as a series of unforced errors and rushed possessions by the Celtics allowed Portland to build an insurmountable lead. The defeat halts their momentum at a critical juncture in the regular season and serves as a stark reminder of the fine margins in the NBA, where a single poor stretch can undo a night of otherwise solid work. The Blazers, meanwhile, showcased their resilience and the depth of their young talent, proving they can compete with the league’s best even when missing a key piece like Shaedon Sharpe. This win provides a significant boost to their playoff positioning and confidence as they navigate a tough Western Conference schedule.