Clingan Delivers Massive Double-Double in Narrow Defeat

Donovan Clingan posted a season-high 17 points on 7-of-13 shooting from the field, including 1-of-3 from three-point range, and 2-of-3 from the free-throw line. He also secured a game- and career-high 21 rebounds, adding four assists, two blocks, and one steal in 34 minutes during the Portland Trail Blazers' 122-121 loss to the Bulls. This performance marked his third double-double in 15 regular-season appearances. Clingan has also recorded multiple blocks in four of his last five outings. He signed a two-year, $14.01 million contract with the Trail Blazers in July 2024, with a team option for the 2026-27 season picked up in October 2025. Clingan's collegiate career at UConn was highly successful, contributing to two National Championships. As a freshman, he averaged 30.3 points, 18.4 rebounds, and 6.2 blocks in high school and made an immediate impact at UConn. As a sophomore, he averaged 13.0 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 2.5 blocks in 22.5 minutes per game, playing a key role in another championship run. His sophomore season saw him rank nationally in block rate, defensive rating, win shares per 40 minutes, and defensive box plus/minus. Clingan's size and defensive awareness project him as a strong rim protector, though he may face challenges switching onto quicker players. Offensively, he is a strong finisher inside but has limited post moves and is not expected to develop a reliable jump shot soon. His free-throw percentage improved from 51.7% as a freshman to 57.4% as a sophomore.