The Portland Trail Blazers and Chicago Bulls played a close, exciting game through three-and-a-half quarters, but a late Portland run sealed a huge 112-110 victory to open their five-game road trip. The Blazers’ defense again looked improved, shutting down the Bulls during key stretches.
The Blazers were led by CJ McCollum, Damian Lillard, and Allen Crabbe and Evan Turner off the bench.
First Half
A fun half of basketball to watch, as the refs “let the guys play” a little bit. Portland took an early lead, Chicago stormed back during some shaky play, and then Portland took control again. The Blazers spread the scoring out, with multiple players in double figures. Also, the Bulls’ PA announcer said “Miles Leonard”, much to Meyers’ visible annoyance. All in all, an entertaining event.
Portland Trail Blazers 65, Chicago Bulls 57
HIGHLIGHT: Plumlee shows no love to Rolo with this massive block. #RipCity https://t.co/yF9NyLW8zW
— CSN Northwest (@CSNNW) December 6, 2016
HIGHLIGHT: Lillard clears out to Plumlee for the jam! #RipCity https://t.co/1xMXOaYutU
— CSN Northwest (@CSNNW) December 6, 2016
HIGHLIGHT: Ed Davis with the nice putback slam. #RipCity https://t.co/8tMxIf4nUX
— CSN Northwest (@CSNNW) December 6, 2016
HIGHLIGHT: Dame drives baseline, goes right at the Bulls defense, drills the tough layup. #RipCity https://t.co/jpHkMjAMZ2
— CSN Northwest (@CSNNW) December 6, 2016
HIGHIGHT: Harkless gets hammered, but manages to drain the circus shot. #RipCity https://t.co/SJPbiETFKB
— CSN Northwest (@CSNNW) December 6, 2016
Illinois native Meyers Leonard can't get any love, has to correct PA announcer, who keeps calling him "Myles" https://t.co/y11xozx7hF
— CSN Northwest (@CSNNW) December 6, 2016
Second Half
The Bulls roared right back in the second half, and once the score became close, it stayed that way. Each team struggled to get a lead beyond one possession, until the Bulls pushed ahead by 5 points in the fourth quarter. But the Blazers took over, shutting down the Bulls while outscoring them by 15 in just a few minutes. The run, capped by a Lillard three-pointer, gave the Blazers a 10-point lead with six minutes left. The Bulls didn’t quit, as Dwyane Wade’s free throws cut the Blazers’ lead to 5 with just over two minutes left. But Lillard hit a key shot, and the Bulls couldn’t complete the comeback.
HIGHLIGHT: CJ drives, dishes to Plumlee for the two-handed slam.#RipCity https://t.co/eZr5zpuclh
— CSN Northwest (@CSNNW) December 6, 2016
HIGHLIGHT: CJ! No.3 drills the three with .3 seconds on the clock. #RipCity https://t.co/UFXkxPmNjq
— CSN Northwest (@CSNNW) December 6, 2016
What’s Next
The Blazers play game #2 on this road trip Wednesday in Milwaukee. But stay tuned for more analysis of this game from Blazer’s Edge.