----- Damian Lillard converts a three-point play with 26 seconds remaining as the Portland Trail Blazers edge the Phoenix Suns 111-110 Monday night at Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix Arizona.
It wasn't pretty, but the Trail Blazers got a much-needed win Monday night in Phoenix.
With Portland trailing 110-108, Damian Lillard made a driving layup while crashing into Aron Baynes, who was called for a blocking foul. Lillard hit the free throw to make it 111-110. Phoenix failed to score on their final possession as Ricky Rubio's 3-point attempt bounced off the rim with two seconds left.
Portland led for most of the fourth quarter but Phoenix pulled ahead 110-108 with 32 seconds left when Kelly Oubre Jr. converted a four-point play. He took an inbounds pass from Rubio and nailed a three-pointer while being fouled by Kent Bazemore, then hit the free throw.
CJ McCollum scored 30 points and kept the Blazers afloat in the first half after Lillard went to the bench early with three fouls in the first nine minutes of the game. Lillard scored just two points in the first quarter, but finished strong scoring 27 points while dishing out five assists.
Oubre led Phoenix with 24 points. Dario Saric and Frank Kaminsky III both added 17 for the Suns, who played a second straight game without star guard Devin Booker because of his right forearm injury.
The Blazers have won 11-straight games against the Suns.
Up Next- The Trail Blazers return home to meet the Golden State Warriors Wednesday night at Moda Center. The game is scheduled to tip off at 7:00 PM.
Chad's Take- Right now, I'm not going to nitpick wins.