Video Recap: Lillard and McCollum Lead Blazers To 112-105 Win Over Nuggets

Despite some first-half struggles, the Portland Trail Blazers put away the Denver Nuggets with relative ease for another victory. The Blazers were led by the usual suspects, Damian Lillard (32 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists) and CJ McCollum (21 points, 4 assists). They were supported by Moe Harkless (17 points, 6 rebounds), Mason Plumlee (11 points, 9 rebounds), and a solid performance from Evan Turner (14 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists). Ed Davis (7 rebounds) also had a quietly solid night.

Recap

The game opened with a reminder of Ghosts of the Blazers’ Past, as Kenneth Faried dominated the entire team through the first quarter. Mason Plumlee helped the Blazers to an early 13-7 lead, but it quickly evaporated. Denver took it to Portland, pushing them around and scoring easily. The Blazers’ 13-7 lead became a 13-19 deficit after 12 straight Nuggets points. Portland played catch-up for the rest of the quarter, but failed at it, leaving Denver comfortably ahead.

Denver Nuggets 28, Portland 20

Things didn’t improve in the second quarter, for the Blazers at least. They continued their listless play as Denver quickly pushed the lead into double digits. The Nuggets pounded the ball into the paint, and went after all the rebounds. At one point, Denver held a 14-0 free throw advantage as their lead reached 17. But the Blazers starters returned, and fought back late in the quarter. They shot down the Nuggets, and got out on the break. They quickly cut the deficit from 17 to 6, forcing a Denver timeout. Denver held together for the halftime lead.

Halftime: Denver Nuggets 57, Portland Trail Blazers 50

Lillard opened the second half with a three-pointer to set the tone. McCollum, Leonard and Harkless joined the parade, and Portland jumped to a one-point lead. Lillard stole a jump ball, causing a fast break layup to force a Denver timeout. The Nuggets couldn’t keep control of the ball, and the Blazers took advantage to the tune of a 9-point lead. Denver’s rebounding was the main reason the game didn’t spiral away, as the Blazers were on a 29-12 run. They eventually outscored Denver 36-15 in the quarter to pull away.

Portland Trail Blazers 86, Denver Nuggets 72

Denver tried to keep things close to open the fourth, but Portland’s offense began humming and they held them at arm’s length. Portland even found the rebounds, as three consecutive offensive boards led to McCollum’s game-clinching three-pointer. Denver attempted a late run, hoping to recreate Portland’s comeback magic from their first meeting (with Jamal Murray supplying the three’s), but it was not to be, as Portland took care of business down the stretch.

Evan Turner had a few comments for the media after the game.

Box Score

What’s Next

The Blazers get a day off at home, and host the Chicago Bulls Tuesday night on NBA TV. In the meantime, stay tuned tonight for plenty of analysis from Eric Griffith.