Northwest Notes: Clingan, Sharpe, Avdija, Gobert, Kessler

With Robert Williams sit outside and Deandre Ayton is out due to a finger injury, Trailblazer Lottery tip Donovan Clingan had its best win of the season with a win over Minnesota on Wednesday. In 31 minutes, Clingan collected 17 points, 12 rebounds and eight blocks.

“I love defense” Clingan told Sean Highkin of The Rose Garden Report. “It brings energy to the team. That’s how you win ball games.”

Shaedon Sharpe also had a big night with 33 points in 36 minutes. trainer Chauncey Billups was impressed by Sharpe's assertiveness.

“Shae is such a teammate and he doesn’t want to step on anyone’s toes and just fit in.” Billups said. “And I tell him, 'No, you have to go.' I have to force him. But he'll get used to it. He loves that we depend on Him for some of these things. The more this happens, the more he’ll get used to it.”

Sharpe is eligible for a rookie extension next summer.

We have more from the Northwest Division:

• Deni Avdijawho is now substituted for them TrailblazerHe had a remarkable performance against Minnesota on Tuesday. He collected 17 points, four rebounds and five assists in 25 minutes. In Wednesday's win, Avdija added seven points and six rebounds in 18 minutes. According to Billups, Avdija is well-suited for a bench role Aaron Fentress from Oregonlive.com. “Deni is tough” Billups said. “He plays with a lot of fire. And we need that. We have a lot of easy-going, relaxed guys out there and we need his mentality.”
• The Timberwolves have a 6-6 record after consecutive losses to Portland. Rudy Gobert told Chris Hine of the Minneapolis Star Tribune that he blames himself for the recent defeats. “These two games are mainly due to me defensively” Gobert said. “I have to set the tone for the team and I haven’t been able to do that in the last two games.”
• jazz center Walker Kessler Andy Larsen of the Salt Lake Tribune hasn't played since Saturday and will miss Thursday's game against the Mavericks Tweets. The team calls the condition right hip bursitis. Kessler is averaging 9.2 points, 10.7 rebounds and 2.8 blocks.