----- Jusuf Nurkic scores 20 points and pulls down eight rebounds to lead the Trail Blazers over the New York Knicks 111-101 Monday night at Moda Center.
The Trail Blazers are off to their best start at the midway point of the regular season since the 2014-2015 season after their victory over the New York Knicks Monday night at Moda Center.
With the win, Portland improved to 24-17 halfway through their regular season schedule, two-games ahead of last year's pace.
The Blazers got off to a slow start in the first half allowing the Knicks to keep the game close. Portland led 54-53 at the break but started to open things up in the third quarter. Jake Layman came off the bench to replace Maurice Harkless and recorded his first double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds.
“Jake is instant offense,” Damian Lillard said. “He’s been in and out of the rotation. But each time he has been in, he’s given us something.”
Portland's bench poured in 49 points on the night with Seth Curry scoring 13 points and Evan Turner adding 10 to join Layman with double-figures.
Jusuf Nurkic once again led the Blazers scoring 20 points and pulling down eight rebounds continuing the best stretch of his career. Nurkic entered the night as one of only four players to be averaging 15 points, 10 rebounds, two assists, one block, and one steal on the year joining Nikola Vucevic, Anthony Davis, and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
''I always feel confident, even before,'' Nurkic said. ''But you never know, sometimes shots are going to go in, sometimes then go out.''
Notes- Maurice Harkless was noticeably bothered by his sore left knee in the first half. The team decided to rest him at halftime and he will be reevaluated tomorrow. His status for Wednesday's game is unknown at this time.
Up Next- The Trail Blazers will host the Chicago Bulls Wednesday night at Moda Center. The game is scheduled to tip off at 7:00 PM.
Chad's Take- Everyone Loves Jake Layman!