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Blazers vs. Bucks Final Score: 104-97; Portland Wins Shootout With Milwaukee

Thomas Robinson gave a burst of energy in the Blazers first game without Robin Lopez, and Portland overcame Milwaukee at home.

By RyanASterling
Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports

With Robin Lopez missing up to two months, the Portland Trail Blazers needed someone to step up.  Thomas Robinson answered the call.

Robinson had 15 points and 16 rebounds in his first career start, LaMarcus Aldridge had 23 points and 15 rebounds, and the Blazers beat the Milwaukee Bucks 104-97 Wednesday night at Moda Center.

Portland's shooting started out chilled to the bone.  Lillard and Aldridge combined to shoot 6-of-10, the rest of the team shot 2-of-15.  Nicolas Batum was 0-for-5, Chris Kaman was 0-for-4.  Brandon Knight scored 10 in the quarter for Milwaukee, and the Bucks led by seven after the first.

While the Blazers would love to have Robin Lopez back as soon as possible, Thomas Robinson showed that he can hold down the fort.  In the second quarter, he had five points, four rebounds, a ridiculous block from behind on Knight, and converted an alley-oop after sustaining what appeared to be a dislocated finger.  Behind his energy, Portland shot out to a 14-2 run to end the second quarter, seizing a two-point advantage at halftime.  Injuries continued to plague the Bucks as young star Giannis Antetokounmpo rolled an ankle near the end of the quarter.  He did not return.

The three-pointer is Portland's greatest weapon, but it was used to effect by the Bucks in the third quarter. Khris Middleton hit four threes, Knight hit two more, and Milwaukee re-took the lead.  Lillard had seven in the period, Wesley Matthews had five, but the defense on both ends of the floor was lacking as high shooting percentages ruled the quarter.  Milwaukee led by two after three.

Robinson fired up the team again in the fourth, grabbing six rebounds.  Aldridge had six in the period, and the Blazers ran out to an 11-0 run to take the lead for good.  Scary moment for Portland when Batum's head hit the floor after a dunk when Larry Sanders pushed him on the way down.  He walked off the floor under his own power, and was able to take his foul shot.  Milwaukee resorted to the hack-a-Robinson tactic with the Blazers leading by 13, fouling Robinson to force him to take the foul shots.  Robinson finished 5-of-15 from the free throw line.

Damian Lillard finished with 29 points and seven assists, and Joel Freeland had six points and six rebounds off the bench.

Here is footage of Batum's dunk and landing:

BOX SCORE

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