Recap: Blazers Nip Wolves, 113-106

Another relatively easy night for the Blazers culminated in a 113-106 win over the Timberwolves. Both teams were short-handed, but Portland still had their All-Star, and that made all the difference with Damian Lillard’s 29 points.

Box Score

• No Carmelo, (Mostly) No Problem. Anthony sat tonight due to a knee contusion, but the Blazers didn’t miss a beat. Playing their fourth straight game against a defensively-challenged team, the Blazers easily took care of business down the stretch when it mattered.
• No Towns, Big Problem. On the other hand, Minny was without Karl-Anthony Towns for the third straight game. They weren’t doing well prior to his injury, but they look downright useless afterward. They found a way to keep it close late, then looked like keystone cops when the game mattered.
• Defense Optional. That could be the motto of this entire Blazers home stand.
• Bazemore Makes The Difference. Kent’s best night as a Blazer helped cover for Carmelo’s absence.

This summed up the Timberwolves tonight:

Portland’s “Cupcakes Of The NBA” home-stand ends Monday night, when the Pelicans visit town. Then enjoy the day off on Christmas this year.