----- Jusuf Nurkic scores 21 points and 12 rebounds as the Portland Trail Blazers defeat the Los Angeles Clippers 105-96 Friday night at Moda Center.
The Trail Blazers bounced back from their ugly loss in Memphis on Wednesday with a 105-96 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday night at Moda Center. With the win, the Trail Blazers (47-29) opened up a three-game lead over the San Antonio Spurs for third place in the Western Conference playoff standings.
The Blazers broke the game open with a fabulous second quarter featuring a number of dunks from Zach Collins and Ed Davis. Collins scored a career-high 13 points in the period. He finished the night with 15 points. Portland outscored LA 38-26 in the quarter to take a 15-point lead at halftime at 64-49.
Five Blazers' scored in double-figures. Jusuf Nurkic led the team with 21 points and 12 rebounds. The Bosnian Beast added four blocks, three assists and two steals while shooting 9 of 17 from the floor. Damian Lillard added 17 points and 11 assists. The Blazers dished out a season-high 30 assists.
''I thought Damian was terrific with his passing. He found Nurk. They kept trapping him and he found Nurk almost every time,'' Portland coach Terry Stotts said. ''Someone asked me before the game about getting Nurk more shots. I think Dame is responsible for getting Nurk some shots.''
Injury Update- Ed Davis exited the game with 2:02 left in the third quarter (right ankle). X-rays were negative and he has an MRI scheduled. No timetable has been set for his return.
NEXT UP- The Trail Blazers will host the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday evening at Moda Center. The game is scheduled to tip off at 6:00 PM.
Chad's Take- A season-high 30 assists. That is the way the game was meant to be played!