For the second straight night, Portland pulls off a crucial victory, beating the Lakers in a testy affair. After leading by 24 late in the third quarter, the Blazers ceded a quick 12-0 run and caused a bit of anxiety in the Rose Garden crowd. The starters returned early in the final period and were able to keep LA at arm's length, with a Nicolas Batum three-pointer at the 1:47 mark finally icing it.
The five Portland starters all scored in double figures, combining to score 86 of the team's 93 points. LaMarcus Aldridge led the way with 24 points and 11 rebounds. Gerald Wallace and Andre Miller were both excellent, with the former notching 19 points, 13 rebounds, and 7 assists, and the latter 12 points and 13 assists.
The game took a physical turn late, as Ron Artest and Wallace sparred at both ends. After Artest delivered an elbow to the back of Wallace's head, the Rose Garden crowd began to chant "Ger-ald Wall-ace" in one of the more memorable moments of the season.
Here's the box score. With the win, Portland avoided an LA sweep for a 23rd consecutive season.
Discuss the win here. It feels good to beat LA, doesn't it?