The Portland Trail Blazers (4-2) got redemption against the Memphis Grizzlies (3-3) on Thursday night, with a 115-96 victory. The Grizz not only swept the Blazers in the season series last year but also eliminated them from the first round of the playoffs with a swift 4-1 series win. However, even without LaMarcus Aldridge, Damian Lillard and the Blazers were able to cruise to a big win over the Grizzlies this time around.
Portland was led by none other than Lillard who scored 27 points on 9/18 shooting, including 7-11 from three. Lillard also dished five assists and had no turnovers. C.J. McCollum, who has combined with Lillard to represent the second highest scoring duo this season, added 20 points, four rebounds and five assists, to help lead the way for Portland on Thursday night. The hot back courth had help as four other players scored in double digits. Meyers Leonard shot 5-7 on his way to 14 points, five rebounds and two assists. Al-Farouq Aminu contributed 11 points and 10 rebounds, while Mason Plumlee did his part with eight points and 12 rebounds. Maurice Harkless had an all around game and came up big with 10 points on 4-5 shooting along with three rebounds and four assists.
Memphis was surprisingly out-rebounded by Portland 47-36 and did not seem to have the gas to keep up with the spry Blazers team. Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph set the pace for Memphis as usual. Randolph had 16 points and 10 rebounds, while Gasol had 15 points, five rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Courtney Lee also played a good game with 18 points on 6-10 shooting. Memphis did not have any bench player score over nine points and lacked the spark needed to out-shine the young Blazers. Off the bench Matt Barnes gave his usual gritty effort and filled the stat sheet with five points, five rebounds, three assists and one block. Beno Udrih chipped in nine points and six assists, shooting 4-5, 1-1 from three, in 16 minutes.
Next up for the Grizz is a trip to Utah, where they will face another young and talented Western team. Perhaps the Grizzlies’ window of opportunity in the West is fading, we will see Saturday night. Portland on the other hand does not play until Sunday, when they host Detroit. That will be an interesting match up to watch as Detroit has a some pep in their step so far this season.
