----- The Blazers' reserves poured in 58 points as Portland ended a two-game slide with a 128-122 win over the Toronto Raptors Friday night at Moda Center in Portland, Oregon.
After back-to-back losses on the road, Portland came back home looking for some renewed energy and focus against the Toronto Raptors. On Friday night, Portland's strength came in numbers with multiple guys rising up to help deliver a 128-122 victory for Head Coach Terry Stotts Friday night at Moda Center.
After scoring 28 points combined in their last two games, the Blazers bench erupted for 25 points in the first half en route to a 58-point night. The Blazers were a ridiculous plus-32 in bench points on the night. Four players off the bench scored in double-figures. Zach Collins led the way with 16 points and four rebounds and Seth Curry had his best game of the season with 13 points on 5-for-8 shooting.
“They were amazing,” Blazers guard Damian Lillard said of the bench after the game. “They won the game for us.”
Portland (16-13) shot 51.1% from the floor including 13-for-27 from three-point range. Lillard and CJ McCollum combined for 38 points on just 24 shots. Portland's ball movement was as good as it has been all season leading to 29 assists and just eight turnovers.
Portland outscored Toronto in the paint (60-40) and were plus-22 in points off of turnovers. The Blazers never trailed in the game after taking a 19-17 lead in the first quarter.
Toronto (23-8) got 28 points from Kawhi Leonard and 21 points and eight assists from Fred VanVleet. The Raptors played without starting point guard, Kyle Lowry (Back Spasms).
Up Next- The Trail Blazers will travel to Los Angeles to meet the LA Clippers on Monday night at Staples Center. The game is scheduled to tip off at 7:30 PM.
Chad's Take- Player movement and ball movement = 29 assists. Superb number for the Blazers.