----- The Trail Blazers put up a season-low 11-points in the first quarter as the Boston Celtics build a 21-point lead and cruise to victory Monday night at TD Garden in Boston.
Slow start dooms the Trail Blazers again!
In Friday night's loss to the Raptors at Moda Center, the Trail Blazers put up a season-low 12 points in the first quarter. They topped that number by putting up just 11 in the first on Monday night on 19% shooting as the Celtics built a 21-point lead.
Portland (23-24) used a 12-1 third quarter run to get back in the game but could never get closer than eight-points during the entire second half until the final minute of the game.
Jrue Holiday had a chance to cut the deficit to five in the first minute of the fourth quarter but missed a three following a steal and Anfernee Simons responded with a floater on the other end to push their lead back to 10.
Jerami Grant led Portland with 19 points and Toumani Camara added 18 points and seven rebounds.
The Blazers shot just 40% in the game including just 10-of-40 from three-point range.
Free throw shooting woes returned for the Blazers. Portland made just 10-of-20 in the second half after a perfect 10-of-10 in the first half.
Tonight was the first time for both Holiday and Robert Williams III to play against the Celtics in Boston after being traded to Portland.
Up Next- The Trail Blazers will play the second of a back-to-back tomorrow afternoon against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena. The game is scheduled to tip off at 4:00 PM.
Chad's Take- Thank goodness Deni Avdija will be back in action tomorrow.