Memphis Grizzlies vs. Portland Trail Blazers: Live Score, Highlights, Reaction
After trailing by as many as 13 in the second half, the Memphis Grizzlies were able to come back and knock off the Portland Trail Blazers on the road, 98-92.
It was a back-and-forth contest nearly the entire way, with Portland temporarily pulling ahead with several runs at various points throughout the second half. Hot long-range shooting was the catalyst, but the Grizzlies were able to march back each time, finally pulling away for good in the closing minute.
Terry Stotts' Blazers faced a new dilemma, without LaMarcus Aldridge tonight because of a thumb injury but with newcomer Arron Afflalo. Meyers Leonard started at the power forward and played well, as did Dorell Wright, who split time with Leonard as a stretch-4. The two combined for 20 points and played plausible defense against Zach Randolph, but Stotts turned away from the pair down the stretch. Instead, he opted for a two-center lineup, pairing Robin Lopez and Chris Kaman together—the two had played just 26 minutes together all season, previously, according to NBA.com.
The moves ultimately failed, with Marc Gasol strolling down the lane and dropping the clinching bucket over a spectating Kaman with 30 seconds left.
Afflalo played well in his Trail Blazer debut, going for eight points, four rebounds and two assists over 24 minutes, registering a plus-16 on the plus-minus. Steve Blake contributed clutch three-point shooting, making all four of his attempts from deep. Damian Lillard led the team with 18 and Nicolas Batum went for 17 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and a block.
Zach Randolph was presumed to be the key focal point with Aldridge missing, but his shot was errant through most of the night. He finished with 15 points, shooting 7-of-18, as each of the Grizzlies starters finished in double-figure scoring topped by Marc Gasol's 21.
Portland now has just six wins since Jan. 11, dropping 11 in that span. The team will be off until Sunday when it hosts the San Antonio Spurs. Memphis, now 40-14, is just three-and-a-half games behind the Golden State Warriors for the West's top spot. The Grizzlies travel to Staples Center for a contest against the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday.
