Damian Lillard came into the game sporting a new headband look that caught some fans off guard but with the new look he helped his Trail Blazers get a big home win over the Miami Heat, 99-83.
Lillard only score 16 points on 6-17 shooting which included shooting 2-8 from three point land, but it was his resiliency after he took a big spill after colliding with Heat star Dwyane Wade late in the second quarter that might have sparked the Blazers big third quarter. LaMarcus Aldridge finished with a team high 24 points and 12 rebounds and Wesley Matthews scored 18 points on the night. Nicolas Batum continues to struggle this season, only scoring 10 points on 3-10 shooting but he grabbed 9 rebounds.
The Blazers blew the game open in the third quarter with a huge 33-16 quarter, outscoring the Heat going into the fourth and they never looked back.
Heat were led by Dwyane Wade’s 23 points and 7 rebounds on the night, shooting 9-12 from the free throw line. Chris Bosh scored 18 points, grabbed 5 rebounds and dished out 5 assists. Hassan Whiteside continues to surprise the NBA with his efficient play as the extreme journeyman came off the bench to score 10 points and grab 8 rebounds on the night. Whiteside also had a big time alley-oop throw down that even got some in the Moda Center off their feet. The Heat shot 21% from three on the night and 38% from the field.
Portland Trail Blazers are 28-8. Miami Heat are 15-21.
