Clingan’s Monster Night Sends a Message in Portland
Donovan Clingan delivered the kind of performance on Wednesday that instantly grabs attention, not just for its numbers but for the way it unfolded on the floor. As the Trail Blazers slipped to a tight 122-121 loss against the Chicago Bulls, Clingan’s presence became the story of the night, and honestly, it felt like one of those games where a young player quietly announces, “I’m here now.”
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He finished with 17 points on an efficient 7-of-13 shooting, even knocking down a three-pointer to remind everyone he isn’t afraid to stretch the floor when needed. But the headline came from the glass — where he absolutely took over. Clingan hauled in 21 rebounds , a career-high, and every single one of them seemed to carry weight. It wasn’t just stat-padding; it was control. It was composure. It was a 7-foot-plus center making it clear that the Portland paint belonged to him all night long.
And it didn’t stop at scoring and rebounding. He added four assists, showing that he’s not just a finisher but a willing facilitator. A steal and two blocks rounded out his line, each moment contributing to that growing reputation he’s building as a complete, dependable anchor in the middle. Watching him, it felt like the trust he’s been given at center is being repaid in full. The minutes have been consistently his, and performances like this show exactly why.
What made the night even more impressive was the energy he maintained. Even late in a tight contest, Clingan was active, communicating, rotating, and fighting for every loose ball. When a big man is not only tall but engaged , that’s when you start to see the makings of something special. Portland needed every ounce of his production, and although the final result didn’t swing their way, the bigger impact was felt in how confidently he carried the team’s interior.
It’s becoming clearer each game: Clingan isn’t just filling a role — he’s shaping one. He’s turning into the kind of player who can tilt matchups, dictate pace around the rim, and spark conversations about Portland’s long-term vision at the five. Dominating the boards like this isn’t accidental; it’s something that comes from instinct, timing, and a level of physicality that simply can’t be taught.
So even in a one-point loss, Wednesday felt like a win for the Blazers in a different sense. A young center stepped onto the court and left with a career high, a packed stat sheet, and a growing belief from everyone watching that he might be ready to take another leap — sooner rather than later.
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