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The Blazers were led by LaMarcus Aldridge with another double-double (27 points, 12 rebounds), Nicolas Batum (18 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists), and Mo Williams off the bench (18 points and 8 assists). Damian Lillard (17 points, 4 assists) and Thomas Robinson (8 points and 4 rebounds) had solid nights as well.
First Half: If you got home from work and missed the first half... you didn't miss much. Despite some poor shooting, the Blazers pulled ahead early as the Celtics also misfired. The Blazers struggled though, and looked like a mess on offense during the first quarter. When the Celtics brought in their bench, they immediately went on a monster run, pushing out to an 8 point lead against a discombobulated Blazer team. But they found stability from a veteran: Mo Williams took over the offense and settled things down. By the time Batum hit back-to-back three-pointers, the Blazers were back in control before halftime.
Portland 57, Boston 51
Boston players look like that rec league team that you don't want to play
by Carthage
Third Quarter: Batum came alive with a hot start to the quarter, but Boston kept up their hot shooting and just wouldn't go away. The Blazers pushed the lead to as much as 8, but couldn't get into double digits as the Celtics (especially Jared Sullinger) continuously made shots to stay close. The Blazers took control late behind Aldridge, finally gaining a double-digit advantage behind free throws and layups. As the quarter wound down, Williams swished a half-court shot at the buzzer... but unfortunately it was late, so a 12 point lead would have to suffice.
Portland 90, Boston 78
C's fan here. You guys always score this much? LOL
by Jeff Clark
Fourth Quarter: Portland pushed the lead to 14, only to watch Boston sink three consecutive three-pointers to pull back within 7. The Blazer bench settled down, and Robinson, Williams and Dorell Wright pushed the Blazers ahead by 14 again. The game would be over if not for the boat load of Blazer turnovers. Boston tried to make one last run with 4 minutes left, and the Blazers attempted to help with more turnovers, but the Celtics are terrible, and it showed. Shot after shot missed at the Boston end, and the Blazers headed to the locker room with another ugly win.
What's Next:
Dave will have more analysis later tonight. The Blazers get a night off to travel, and are back in action very early Sunday, a 10:00 am PST game in Toronto!
Comments of the night!
Thanks to everyone who participates in our nightly Gameday Threads! I always quote a few favorites in the recap, but for a little extra fun, these were the most popular comments of the night based on number of recs: