CJ McCollum scored a franchise-record 28 points in the first quarter on his way to a career-night 50 points, paving the way to a lopsided 124-108 victory against the Chicago Bulls. Damian Lillard pitched in 13 points and 7 assists. For the Bulls, Zach LaVine had 23 points.
Jusuf Nurkic may have suffered an injury and left early for the locker room.
A first quarter for the record books
The story of this game was, by far, CJ McCollum and the first quarter. And what a first quarter it was to remember. McCollum scored a franchise-record 28 points as the Blazers tallied 43 in the quarter that was full of McCollum heat-checks. It was reminiscent of past Blazers glory:
More importantly, Portland’s sizzling start zapped any early confidence the Bulls had to stay competitive in this game. The Blazers ended the first half up 67-44 with McCollum scoring 32 in 24 minutes.
A most lopsided, beautiful stat sheet.
Here were the stats at the half.
No letdown tonight
Unlike last night in L.A. against the Clippers, there were no last minute scares for the Blazers. McCollum had another dazzling moment to end the third quarter, scoring his 50th point. The fourth quarter was pretty ho-hum as McCollum sat and the reserves took to the court, including sightings of Moe Harkless and Noah Vonleh. The Blazers kept the lead above 20 most of the way to an easy victory.
ET strikes first Blazers getting started with lots of energy vs. the Bulls. #Ripcity
— NBC Sports Northwest (@NBCSNorthwest) February 1, 2018
Stream: https://t.co/Q7dncn6uxC pic.twitter.com/UvM0srDcNX
That's what we call a "Gentleman's alley-oop" in these here parts pic.twitter.com/6d7nwYo8VU
— Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) February 1, 2018
D E E P.
— NBC Sports Northwest (@NBCSNorthwest) February 1, 2018
@CJMCCOLLUM #RIPCITY pic.twitter.com/bv4EMHxkl9
It has been one of those nights for the Blazers. #CantMiss#RipCityhttps://t.co/Q7dncn6uxC pic.twitter.com/f6YoqKuKuh
— NBC Sports Northwest (@NBCSNorthwest) February 1, 2018
Most FG in a quarter in franchise history (11) ✅
— Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) February 1, 2018
Most points in a quarter in franchise history (28) ✅
Look fresh while doing it ✅@CJMcCollum's recording-setting first quarter versus Bulls. pic.twitter.com/iwu3E1VCov
CJ hits back-to-back-to-back buckets for a new career high 48pts. #RipCityhttps://t.co/Q7dncn6uxC pic.twitter.com/HRfCnnZStz
— NBC Sports Northwest (@NBCSNorthwest) February 1, 2018
The bucket that pushed @CJMcCollum past his previous career high. He's now one of seven Blazers to score at least 50 in a game. pic.twitter.com/4zt2VgRAnZ
— Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) February 1, 2018
The Blazers hit the road for three out east. Up first are the Toronto Raptors on Friday. Tip off is at 4:30PM. Stay tuned for a full analysis of this game and more.