----- Jusuf Nurkic finished with 21 points and 22 rebounds as the Portland Trail Blazers topped the Orlando Magic 98-88 Monday evening at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida.
Welcome back CJ!
CJ McCollum returned to the Trail Blazers lineup Monday evening after missing 19-games with a collapsed lung and helped power Portland to a 98-88 victory over the Orlando Magic.
McCollum scored 16 points on 7-of-13 shooting in 28 minutes of action.
Blazers Coach Chauncy Billups was thrilled to have McCollum back in the mix.
"It's not just good to have him back on the floor, it's good to have him back around the locker room and around the guys because he's one of our leaders and he gives us life."
Jusuf Nurkic scored a game-high 21 points and pulled down 22 rebounds to lead Portland (18-25).
Nassir Little finished with 13 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists and Ben McLemore led the bench with 14 points.
Portland took control of the game in the second quarter pushing their advantage to 54-40 at halftime.
Orlando got within nine midway through the third quarter, but it was turned back by a 16-2 Portland burst. McLemore hit three 3-pointers and two free throws during the run.
Portland beat the Magic for a 10th straight time dating to January 13th, 2017. The Blazers have won four of five games overall and are 4-14 on the road. The Blazers won their second straight road game after ending a nine-game road skid Saturday in Washington.
Up Next- The Trail Blazers continue their six-game road trip Wednesday in Miami against the Heat. The game is scheduled to tip off at 4:30 PM.
Chad's Take- Thank God I'm not a Magic fan.