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Winless Philadelphia gave Portland a scare, but LaMarcus Aldridge would not be denied.
Aldridge had 33 points and 11 rebounds, Damian Lillard had 16, and Portland overcame 17 turnovers to hold off the Philadelphia 76ers, 114-104, Monday night at the Wells Fargo Center
The first quarter woes continued for the Blazers as they missed seven of their first ten shots, committed eight turnovers, and overall looked out of sorts against the 76ers. Aldridge scored eight in the period on 4-of-9 shooting, but Portland fell victim to poor passing, poor decision making, and poor defense against Philadelphia players piercing the lane. Yet the Sixers could not take advantage, and Portland held a 24-20 lead after one.
The mistakes continued for Portland in the second quarter as they committed six more turnovers, mostly on bad passing decisions. They also finished the half shooting just 2-of-12 from three, and the 76ers were able to drive at will against Portland's interior defense. Tony Wroten and Nerlens Noel had a combined 18 points and 6 steals. The bright spot for the Blazers came in the form of Joel Freeland, who scored nine points on 4-of-5 shooting. Despite his efforts, Philadelphia took a two point lead into the half.
Once again, the second half came to the rescue. Aldridge went off the rails in the third quarter, shooting 5-of-5 for 13 points. Lillard scored seven, Lopez scored six, and the Blazers ripped off an 11-2 run to re-take the lead. Wroten and Noel continued to be an issue on defense, but Portland's offense finally clicked, giving them a nine point lead after three.
Aldridge's hot shooting continued into the final period. At one point, Aldridge had made nine straight field goals. When it looked like Philadelphia would get back into the game, Aldridge got to the free throw line, hit one of two, then drove on Noel again for a three-point play.
Allen Crabbe and Chris Kaman had eight off the bench.
Gameday Thread Comments of the Night
We weren't their first win. Success!
by Blazing Chargers
So much bad. But whatever, we still got the W.
by pdxthomastran
Here's hoping the Charlotte game is prettier than these last two.
by BlazersConga
Post-game Reaction
LaMarcus Aldridge recorded his 30th career game of 30+ points and 10+ rebounds, the most by a Trail Blazer since Clyde Drexler (37).
— Trail Blazers PR (@TrailBlazersPR) November 25, 2014
Steve Blake probably summed it up best: "Too close for comfort." But a win is a win right #Blazers #Sixers
— Jabari Young (@JabariJYoung) November 25, 2014
Asked if he can imagine being 0-14 right now, LA responded: "I don't even want to think about it." #Blazers #Sixers
— Jabari Young (@JabariJYoung) November 25, 2014