----- Julius Randle and Elfrid Payton each score 22 points as the New York Knicks down the Portland Trail Blazers 110-99 Saturday afternoon at Madison Square Garden.
Lillard's return not enough for the Blazers on Saturday.
Elfrid Payton scored 22 points and Julius Randle recorded a double-double with 22 points and 11 rebounds as the New York Knicks defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 110-99 Saturday afternoon at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
Damian Lillard returned to the lineup after missing Thursday's game in Philadelphia with an abdominal injury. He scored 29 points on 10-of-20 shooting, but was clearly laboring on the defensive end as he played through the abdominal irritation. He even received a rubdown during the game.
The Knicks took advantage of the porous Blazers defense connecting on 50.0% of their field goals including 13-of-30 from three-point range. The Knicks played with more energy on both ends and outworked the Blazers for most of the afternoon.
New York led 57-51 at the half and 84-76 after the third quarter, having outscored Portland 58-45 in the middle two quarters.
CJ Elleby did not enter the game after scoring 15 points and pulling down seven rebounds in Thursday's win at Philadelphia.
Derrick Jones Jr. returned after missing a few games (sprained foot), he scored three points in 18 minutes of action.
Up Next- The Trail Blazers return home for the first of three Tuesday night at Moda Center against the Orlando Magic. The game is scheduled to tip off at 7:00 PM.
Chad's Take- The Trail Blazers should of rested Lillard today. 3-3 still a great mark on the six-game road trip for Portland overcoming numerous injuries along the way.