----- CJ McCollum scored 35 points as the Portland Trail Blazers overcome a 12-point halftime deficit to defeat the Dallas Mavericks 121-119 Sunday Evening at American Airlines Center in Dallas, TX.
After struggling from the field in his first two games, CJ McCollum found the mark to lead the the Trail Blazers to a 121-119 win over the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday afternoon.
McCollum scored 35 points on 13-for-26 shooting adding six rebounds and four assists. McCollum scored 18 of his 35 points in the second quarter finishing with 24 in the first half.
Damian Lillard scored a driving layup with 26 seconds remaining to put the Blazers up 120-119. Dallas' Luka Doncic then missed a 3-point attempt and Portland won a challenge of a call that would have sent the Mavericks' Dorian Finney-Smith to the foul line.
Instead, there was a jump ball. The Blazers' Kent Bazemore got the ball and was fouled making one free throw. Tim Hardaway missed a desperation three-pointer at the buzzer preserving the in for Portland.
McCollum had plenty of help. Lillard scored 26 of his 28 points in the second half, Rodney Hood added 20, and Bazemore led the reserves with 11 points and five rebounds off the bench.
The Mavericks' Kristaps Porzingis scored 32 points and Doncic finished 29 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists. Maxi Kleber had 14 points, Seth Curry 12 and Hardaway 11.
Injury Update- Zach Collins suffered a dislocated shoulder in the second half. He has an MRI scheduled for tomorrow.
Up Next- The Trail Blazers travel to San Antonio to meet the Spurs in the second of a back-to-back. The game is scheduled to tip off at 5:30 PM.
Chad's Take- McCollum scored 35 points on just one made three. His mid-range game was in fine form. Love the way Portland battled back after giving up 71 in the first half digging a 12-point hole.