----- Damian Lillard scores 24 points as the Portland Trail Blazers defeat the Memphis Grizzlies 99-92 Wednesday night at Moda Center in Portland, Oregon.
The first half on Wednesday night was a carbon copy of what we saw in Portland's 92-83 loss last week in Memphis with the Blazers getting off to a slow start, but Damian Lillard and the bench unit provided the energy in the second half for a 99-92 win over the Memphis Grizzlies Wednesday night at Moda Center.
The Trail Blazers shot just 45.9% in the first half including just 3-for-10 from three-point range while committing 12 turnovers as Memphis held a 52-47 lead at the break. Portland responded with great energy in the third quarter holding Memphis to 19 points while Lillard picked up the offense scoring 15 of his game-high 24 points in the third giving the Blazers a 74-71 advantage.
The Blazers put the game away with an 11-0 run to open the fourth quarter with the second unit leading the charger for Coach Stotts.
The Blazers bench scored 44 points in the win. Meyers Leonard led the way with 12 points and eight rebounds and Zach Collins added 10 points and six rebounds. Both Seth Curry and Nik Stauskas each scored eight points.
''It was good to see them play well, play with confidence,'' coach Terry Stotts said. ''They moved the ball well, played with a lot of energy. They were the difference in the game just like they were a few nights ago.''
Portland (18-13) has now won five of their last seven games including four-straight at Moda Center.
Memphs (16-15) got 23 points from Mike Conley and 16 points and five rebounds from Jaren Jackson Jr.
Up Next- The Trail Blazers will host the Utah Jazz Friday night at Moda Center. The game is scheduled to tip off at 7:00 PM.
Chad's Take- The bench won the game for Portland tonight.