Trail Blazers Overcome Slow Start, Blow Out Spurs 124-102

“It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish,” rang true on Saturday night for the Portland Trail Blazers in the Moda Center.

The second night of a back-to-back, Portland started really slow, like 0-for-7 and down 9-0 slow. However, by the end of the first quarter the home team lead, 27-26.

Damian Lillard did a little bit of everything, which included a perfect 10-10 from the free throw line. He scored 30 (again) before sitting out the fourth quarter, his third straight game with at least 30 points. Lillard also had eight assists and four rebounds.

Chalk up another well-rounded game for Jusuf Nurkic as well. The Bosnian Beast scored 17 points (13 in the third), grabbed nine rebounds, dished out five assists and blocked a shot.

CJ McCollum did play in the fourth quarter, and he racked up 27 total points including six in a 45-second spurt in the final frame. He also had five boards, two assists, a steal and a block.

Norman Powell was big for Portland once again. He put up 18 points, six rebounds and an assist in the win.

DeMar DeRozan led the way for the Spurs with 20 points, Lonnie Walker IV was right behind with 18 points.

The Trail Blazers outscored San Antonio in every quarter to win 124-102. With Dallas off on Saturday coupled with Portland’s victory, the Blazers sit just a half game behind the Mavs for the No. 5 spot out West.

Up next, the Houston Rockets visit the Moda Center on Monday, tip-off at 7 p.m. PT.

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